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Science News for December 18, 2014


RUB researchers discover protein protecting against chlorine

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered a protein called RidA that protects intestinal bacteria E. coli from immune activity caused by chlorine. In the presence of chlorine, RidA binds to other proteins, preventing them from coagulating and losing their function.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2014

Specific oxidation regulates cellular functions

Scientists have discovered that hydrogen peroxide is a key regulator of cellular functions, transmitting signals by oxidizing specific proteins. This discovery challenges previous assumptions and opens new avenues for understanding cancer development and progression.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 18, 2014

Hot flashes linked to increased risk of hip fracture

A large cohort study found that women experiencing moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats have lower bone mineral density and higher rates of hip fracture. Women with these symptoms are more likely to have issues with bone health than their peers, highlighting the need for healthy lifestyle habits to prevent osteoporosis.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 18, 2014

The Lancet: Doctor who survived Ebola received experimental drug treatment

A Ugandan doctor contracted Ebola in Sierra Leone and was flown to Germany for aggressive treatment involving the experimental drug FX06. The doctor developed severe multi-organ failure but made a marked improvement under intensive care and drug treatment, with no Ebola virus genetic material detected after 30 days.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 18, 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.

Oil palm -- a modeled crop

Researchers created an oil palm system model using APSIM framework to help growers maximize yields while reducing environmental harm. The model accounts for soil, climate, and management factors to evaluate water balance, nutrient balance, and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalEnvironmental Modelling & Software·DateDec 18, 2014

Tooth loss linked to slowing mind and body

Adults who lose all their teeth show significant declines in memory and walking speeds compared to those with some teeth. The association between tooth loss and decline remains after adjusting for various factors.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 18, 2014

Expectant fathers experience prenatal hormone changes

A new University of Michigan study found that expectant fathers experience significant hormonal changes, including declines in testosterone and estradiol, even before their babies are born. These changes may be linked to psychological and physical transformations as men prepare to become fathers.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateDec 18, 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.

Researchers ferret out a flu clue

Researchers have discovered a mutation in ferrets that shares similarities with humans, potentially leading to improved therapies for influenza and other diseases. This finding opens up a novel approach to tackling human diseases.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2014

Study finds Illinois is most critical hub in food distribution network

A new study by University of Illinois researchers reveals that Illinois plays a vital role in distributing over 400 million tons of food annually, with the state transporting more than 70 million tons. The study highlights the importance of investing in infrastructure to ensure national and global food security.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 18, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Could ibuprofen be an anti-aging medicine?

A study published in PLoS Genetics found that ibuprofen extended the lifespan of yeast, worms, and fruit flies, with treated organisms living up to 15% longer. The research suggests that ibuprofen impacts a process not yet implicated in aging, offering a new approach to studying and understanding the aging process.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 18, 2014

Cell-associated HIV mucosal transmission: The neglected pathway

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine propose that cell-associated HIV transmission is an important element contributing to the HIV epidemic, challenging traditional views on virus transmission. Genetic evidence suggests that HIV-infected cells populate genital secretions and breast milk, providing a new target for HIV ...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateDec 18, 2014

Sensing distant tornadoes, birds flew the coop

Researchers tracked golden-winged warblers' migration and found they fled breeding grounds one to two days before powerful supercell storms. The birds sensed infrasound, a low-frequency sound wave that can travel thousands of kilometers, allowing them to alter their route and avoid severe weather.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 18, 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.

Urban stressors may contribute to rising rate of diabetes in developing nations

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that urban stressors contribute to a rising rate of diabetes in developing nations. High cortisol levels were found to be a key factor, with urban residents having significantly higher levels than rural counterparts.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 18, 2014

Subtle but important memory function affected by preterm birth

A study found that premature birth impairs a subtle but important aspect of memory: recalling context, such as what, when, and where. The hippocampus region is smaller in preterm children, affecting contextual recollection-based retrieval.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateDec 18, 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.

Core hospital care team members may surprise you

A study at Loyola University Health System found that social workers, dietitians, and physicians were the most central communicators in a hospital's clinical team. Effective clinical care teams show high degrees of shared cognition, whereas teams working in silos present barriers to optimal patient care.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Burn Care & Research·DateDec 18, 2014

How does prostate cancer form?

Researchers found that SIRT1 enzyme loss drives early prostate cancer formation in mouse models. The study suggests SIRT1 may be a target for prostate cancer prevention.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 18, 2014

Electron spin could be the key to high-temperature superconductivity

Cuprate superconductors exhibit unique properties, including high-temperature superconductivity and magnetic behavior. Researchers at EPFL used Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering to study the electronic structure of cuprates, finding that spin interactions play a crucial role in their superconducting state.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 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.

Wayne State University study reveals mature motorists worse at texting and driving

An interdisciplinary research team at Wayne State University found that older, more mature motorists are worse at texting and driving than their younger counterparts. The study suggests that age may be a factor in the negative impact of texting on driving performance.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateDec 18, 2014

Time management skills keep animals primed for survival

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that animals can make efficient decisions by controlling the amount of effort invested within each unit of time, rather than just speed and accuracy. This ability allows them to adapt to changing environments and gain a fitness advantage over those with limited flexibility.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 18, 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.

How llamas' unusual antibodies might help in the fight against HIV/AIDS

Researchers have found a combination of llama antibodies that can neutralize a wide range of circulating HIV viruses, offering a promising approach to developing an effective HIV vaccine. The study identified four broadly neutralizing antibodies induced by vaccination in llamas, which showed features similar to human antibodies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 18, 2014

A clear, molecular view of how human color vision evolved

Researchers have completed a detailed picture of human color vision evolution, tracing 7 genetic mutations and 5,040 pathways from UV to blue-light vision. The study clarifies molecular pathways at the chemical, genetic, and functional levels.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 18, 2014

23andMe study sketches genetic portrait of the United States

A recent study using 23andMe data reveals fine-scale differences in US genetic ancestry, reflecting African, European, and Native American influences. The research provides new insights into the complex history of the US population, shedding light on the impact of slavery, immigration, and colonization.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 18, 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.

Rice study fuels hope for natural gas cars

Researchers at Rice University have identified 48 metal organic frameworks that outperform current materials in storing compressed natural gas. The discovery could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly natural gas cars with lighter, more compact tanks.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateDec 18, 2014

Tailor-made cancer treatments? New cell culture technique paves the way

University of Michigan researchers devise a reliable way to grow cancer cells from patients outside the body for study, increasing success rate to over 73% and opening doors to tailored therapies. The new technique could enable doctors to track cancer progression in real-time, making treatment decisions more informed.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateDec 18, 2014

550-million-year-old fossils provide new clues about fossil formation

Researchers have discovered that bacteria play an active role in the decay and preservation of soft-bodied organisms, leading to their fossilization. The study, published in Nature Communications, sheds new light on the process of fossil formation and how it can inform our understanding of early animal evolution.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 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.

High socioeconomic status increases discrimination, depression risk in black young adults

A study found that high socioeconomic status, particularly in highly educated families, increases the risk of depression and discrimination among black young adults. Despite parental education's protective effect on white youth, high SES can lead to increased perceptions of being discriminated against, cancelling out its benefits.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateDec 18, 2014

Origin of long-standing space mystery revealed

Researchers have solved the mystery of the theta aurora by studying data from the European Space Agency's Cluster and NASA's IMAGE satellites. The study found that the plasma trapping mechanism is responsible for the phenomenon, which occurs when the interplanetary magnetic field points northwards.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience·DateDec 18, 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.

Islet cell transplantation restores type 1 diabetics' blood sugar defense mechanisms

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have successfully restored type 1 diabetics' ability to recognize low blood sugar levels after receiving islet cell transplantation. The treatment has nearly abolished time spent in a hypoglycemic state and improved response to experimental insulin-induced hypoglycemia.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalDiabetes·DateDec 18, 2014

UCL discovery in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers at UCL discovered how a protein, RcsF, triggers an alarm system in bacteria to defend against antibiotics. This discovery provides a new target for developing new antibiotics and could help combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalCell·DateDec 18, 2014

New technique moves researchers closer to new range of biosensors

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new technique to bind peptides to gallium nitride surfaces, making them stable even in water and radiation. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of injectable biosensors for detecting specific molecules in biological environments.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLangmuir·DateDec 18, 2014

Ibuprofen use leads to extended lifespan in several species, study shows

Research published in the journal PLOS Genetics reveals that regular doses of ibuprofen extended the lifespan of multiple species by 15%, potentially adding a decade or more to healthy living. The study's findings suggest that common drugs like ibuprofen may hold key to understanding and extending human health span.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 18, 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.

AGU talk: Scaling climate change communication for behavior change

A new massive open online course (MOOC) will be launched to disseminate the curricula to Girl Scout troop leaders, providing videos, discussion forums, and feedback mechanisms. The MOOC aims to simulate in-person train-the-trainers technologies and advance behavior change among 10-13 year olds.

SourceStanford University·DateDec 18, 2014

How does enzymatic pretreatment affect the nanostructure and reaction space of lignocellulosic biomass?

A study reveals enzymatic hydrolysis and drying significantly alter lignocellulosic biomass nanostructure, reducing pore volume by up to 80%. The accessible reaction space is also reduced, hindering hydrolysis. This work sheds light on the importance of physical features in defining hydrolysis rates.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalIndustrial Biotechnology·DateDec 18, 2014

Could trophoblasts be the immune cells of pregnancy?

Researchers found that trophoblasts respond to inflammatory danger signals and produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a potential role in pregnancy disorders such as preeclampsia. The study aims to understand the underlying inflammation associated with pre-eclamptic pregnancies.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Reproductive Immunology·DateDec 18, 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.

NASA's IMAGE and Cluster missions reveal origin of theta auroras

Scientists have explained the origin of theta auroras, a type of high-latitude aurora that was unclear until now. The mysterious phenomenon is linked to hot plasma in the magnetosphere, caused by magnetic reconnection and funneled into near-Earth space from the sun.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateDec 18, 2014

Of bugs and brains

Researchers found highly conserved brain centers in insect species that share similarities with vertebrate learning centers, such as the hippocampus. The study suggests a common ancestral origin for these structures, possibly dating back 600 million years.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 18, 2014

Fast-changing genes help malaria to hide in the human body

A study revealed that malaria parasites change surface proteins every 48 hours to hide from the immune system, creating millions of new variants. This rapid evolution makes it difficult to develop an effective vaccine against the disease.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 18, 2014

The Lancet: Most commonly prescribed glaucoma drug reduces risk of vision loss by more than 50 percent over 2 years

A study published in The Lancet found that prostaglandin analogue eye drops can reduce the risk of vision loss in people with open angle glaucoma by over 50% over 2 years. The treatment showed significant benefits even after just 12 months, and more frequent testing can lead to faster data collection and improved drug development.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 18, 2014

Penn and UGA awarded $23.4 million contract for pathogen genomics database

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease has awarded a new contract to develop the Eukaryotic Pathogen Genomics Database, providing free access to genomic data related to pathogens important to human health. The database encompasses disease-causing eukaryotes and includes over 3,000 genomes from more than 300 species.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·DateDec 18, 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.

Computer network rivals primate brain in object recognition

A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that an artificial deep neural network performs as well as the primate brain at object recognition. This achievement could pave the way for significant advancements in artificial intelligence and our understanding of primate visual processing.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 18, 2014

Research shows E.B. White was right in 'Charlotte's Web'

A new study reveals that Charlotte the spider embodies more intellectual traits of humility than Wilbur the pig, showcasing the importance of love for learning in humble individuals. The study found two clusters of traits: social humility and intellectual humility.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·DateDec 18, 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.

The Greenland Ice Sheet: Now in HD

Researchers at Ohio State University have created publicly available elevation maps of the Greenland Ice Sheet using high-resolution satellite images. The software, SETSM, allows for detailed tracking of the ice sheet's changes, including cracks that indicate accelerated melting.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 18, 2014

Machine learning reveals unexpected genetic roots of cancers, autism and other disorders

Researchers at the University of Toronto developed a machine learning method to rank genetic mutations based on their likelihood of causing disease. The technique successfully predicted 94% of known genetic culprits behind diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy and colorectal cancer, and identified novel genes in autism susceptibility.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience·DateDec 18, 2014

Stunning zinc fireworks when egg meets sperm

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a method to capture images of the molecular fireworks that occur when an egg and sperm meet. The study, published in Nature Chemistry, provides unprecedented quantitative information on the role of zinc in regulating biochemical processes during fertilization.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 18, 2014

'Hairclip' protein mechanism explained

A team of scientists identified a key mechanism by which proteins change shape in response to different conditions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding how to manipulate proteins, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 18, 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.

Mutations prevent programmed cell death

Researchers found a mutated region in human mantle cell lymphoma DNA that disables programmed cell death. Cells with this mutation grow uncontrollably, but a new therapy approach targets the ubiquitin ligase responsible for the defect.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 18, 2014

Tackling neurotransmission precision

Scientists at OIST Graduate University have determined that distance from calcium channels to vesicles impacts neuron's signaling precision. As rat subjects mature, the distance between gated channels and vesicles shrinks, increasing signal efficiency by 30%.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNeuron·DateDec 18, 2014

What makes kids generous? Neuroscience has some answers

Research suggests that generosity in children requires a deliberate thought process, unlike automatic moral evaluation. Brain activity studies found that only later reappraisal of moral scenes predicts actual generosity in young children. This insight may help parents foster generosity in kids this holiday season.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 18, 2014

Trigger mechanism for recovery after spinal cord injury revealed

Muscle spindle sensory feedback promotes repair of damaged neuronal networks after spinal cord injury. Basic locomotor functionality can be restored spontaneously, but fine motor task performance remains permanently lost. Activation of muscle spindles is essential for recovery, suggesting a key role in designing novel treatment strateg...

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell·DateDec 18, 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.

Older kidney donors with hypertension may have good kidney health following donation

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that older kidney donors with hypertension had good kidney health after donation. After 6 months, hypertensive and non-hypertensive donors both maintained excellent blood pressure control and robust compensatory kidney responses.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 18, 2014

Oregon researchers glimpse pathway of sunlight to electricity

Four pulses of laser light on nanoparticle photocells reveal how captured sunlight can be converted into electricity. The study, published in Nature Communications, uses a novel approach to understand multiple exciton generation in nanomaterials.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2014

NOAA establishes 'tipping points' for sea level rise related flooding

A new NOAA study projects that most US coastal areas will face 30 or more days of flooding each year, up to 2 feet above high tides, by 2050. The study identifies 'tipping points' where local sea levels rise more than global projections, causing regions like Louisiana and the Gulf Coast to experience near-daily nuisance flooding.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·DateDec 18, 2014

Team develops 'cool' new method for probing how molecules fold

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute and UC San Diego create microfluidic device to rapidly heat and cool biomolecules, allowing for the observation of rapid folding events. This breakthrough enables the study of normal and abnormal biomolecules, including those implicated in human diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 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 research solves old mystery of silent cell death

New research solves decades-old mystery of silent cell death, revealing how dying cells hide from the immune system. The study identified the role of caspases in suppressing interferon release, providing insights into links between cell death, the immune system and disease.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCell·DateDec 18, 2014

CNIO researchers treat heart attacks with new gene therapy based on telomerase enzyme

Researchers at CNIO have developed a gene therapy that reactivates the telomerase gene only in the heart of adult mice, resulting in increased survival rates and regeneration of cardiomyocytes. This study provides proof-of-concept for treating chronic and acute heart failure and opens new avenues for age-related diseases.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 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.

Self-reported daily exercise associated with lower blood pressure, glucose readings

A Kaiser Permanente study found that regular and irregular physical activity was associated with improved cardiometabolic health, including lower blood pressure and fasting glucose levels. The study examined data from over 622,000 adult members and suggested that exercise can play a key role in moderating blood sugar and blood pressure.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateDec 18, 2014

Local enforcement of federal immigration laws affects immigrant Hispanics' healthcare

A North Carolina-based study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center researchers found that local enforcement of federal immigration laws can have an adverse impact on the use of health care services among immigrant Hispanics. Rates of late and inadequate prenatal care increased significantly among Hispanic mothers compared to non-Hispan...

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 18, 2014

New technique provides novel approach to diagnosing ciliopathies

Researchers captured highest-resolution images of human cilia using advanced imaging technique that preserves native structure and detects defects. This innovation provides a new window into the biology of ciliopathies, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and potential treatments.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 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.

Protection of the mouse gut by mucus depends on microbes

Researchers found that gut microbiota affects mucus barrier properties in mice, with different microbial compositions leading to varying levels of protection against bacterial invasion. The study suggests that a well-developed inner mucus layer is crucial for overall health and highlights the importance of the gut microbiota composition.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateDec 18, 2014

In one aspect of vision, computers catch up to primate brain

Researchers found that newer generation of deep neural networks can identify visual objects as accurately as the primate brain. The success suggests neuroscientists have a fairly accurate grasp of how object recognition works, which could lead to better artificial intelligence and new ways to repair visual dysfunction.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 18, 2014

The fine-tuning of human color perception

Researchers analyzed 5,040 evolutionary paths of human color vision, finding that 4,008 trajectories are terminated prematurely due to nonfunctional pigments. The study's findings emphasize the importance of understanding molecular evolution and genetic engineering in decoding protein mutations' effects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 18, 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.

Research aims to improve rechargeable batteries by focusing on graphene oxide paper

The researchers found that sodium storage capacity of paper electrodes depends on the distance between individual layers, which can be tuned by heating it in argon or ammonia gas. They successfully demonstrated a flexible paper composed entirely of graphene oxide sheets that can charge and discharge with sodium-ions for more than 1,000...

SourceKansas State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateDec 18, 2014

How will climate change transform agriculture?

A new study by IIASA researchers finds that climate change impacts on crop yields could lead to a 18% decline in global caloric production or a 3% increase by 2050. The researchers identified likely needed adaptations and transformations for global agricultural systems, highlighting the importance of irrigation and regional connections.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 18, 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.

Instant-start computers possible with new breakthrough

A team at Cornell University has developed a room-temperature magnetoelectric memory device that can switch between magnetic states using an electric field. This breakthrough could enable low-power computing and make instant-on devices a reality.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 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.

Birds sensed severe storms and fled before tornado outbreak

Researchers observed golden-winged warblers leaving their breeding grounds before a historic tornado-producing storm, traveling 1,500 kilometers to avoid it. The birds likely sensed infrasound associated with the severe weather, a phenomenon known as tornadic storm avoidance behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 18, 2014

Science's top 10 breakthroughs of 2014

The Rosetta spacecraft's successful landing on the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko marked a major breakthrough in comet analysis. The mission has provided valuable insights into the formation and evolution of comets, potentially shedding light on the delivery of water and organic molecules to early Earth.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 18, 2014

Choreography of an electron pair

Physicists have imaged and controlled the motion of two electrons in a helium atom using attosecond-timed laser pulses. By varying the interval between the ultraviolet and visible pulses, they created a movie of the electronic dance and even influenced its rhythm.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 2014

Resistance to anti-viral drug may be more likely in cystic fibrosis patients

A recent study found that cystic fibrosis patients are at a higher risk of developing ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus strains due to insufficient levels of the drug in their system. This can lead to delayed or inadequate response to treatment, highlighting the need for closer monitoring and therapeutic level adjustments.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalTransplant Infectious Disease·DateDec 18, 2014

Crows are smarter than you think

Researchers found that crows can spontaneously solve higher-order relational matching tasks, a feat previously only achieved by humans, apes, and monkeys. The study suggests that crows possess advanced cognitive abilities, challenging the notion of human exceptionalism in cognition.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 18, 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.

Fine particulate air pollution linked with increased autism risk

A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that exposure to fine particulate matter during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, may increase the risk of autism in children. The study analyzed data from over 116,000 female nurses and found a significant association between PM2.5 exposure and autism risk.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 18, 2014

Stem cells born out of indecision

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a way to promote stem cell growth by inhibiting their ability to make decisions. By blocking key choices, embryonic stem cells can be transformed into more efficient cell types, potentially leading to breakthroughs in cancer treatment and gut-related disorder therapies.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 18, 2014

Pilot plant for the removal of extreme gas charges from deep waters installed

Scientists have installed a degasing pipe in the Guadiana pit lake to remove extremely high concentrations of dissolved carbon dioxide. The system uses buoyancy to drive the flow and release gas to the atmosphere, reducing the risk of human exposure to deadly CO2 levels.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 18, 2014

A change of diet to unmask cancer vulnerabilities and reduce cancer risk

Researchers found that a high-calorie diet before tumor onset can trigger ER stress, hindering tumor growth. The study identified a specific protein, FKBP10, as a potential therapeutic target, which could selectively inhibit cancer cell proliferation without damaging healthy tissues.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 18, 2014

Scientists map out how childhood brain tumors relapse

Researchers discovered specific genetic paths that medulloblastoma follows when it relapses, identifying potential subsets of patients treatable with existing drugs. The study suggests taking additional tumor samples at recurrence could lead to more effective treatments.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 18, 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.

RNA measurements may yield less insight about gene expression than assumed

A recent study of over 4,000 genes found that most RNA expression differences do not affect protein abundance, suggesting a previously unknown buffering mechanism regulates gene expression. This discovery highlights the importance of further analysis in studies relying on RNA measurements to characterize gene function.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience·DateDec 18, 2014