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Science News for December 3, 2014


Green meets nano

Researchers at TU Darmstadt develop a green method to produce gold nanotubes, suitable for building sensors to measure hydrogen peroxide, with potential applications in medical research and diagnosis. The production process is energy-efficient and uses non-toxic chemicals.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalRSC Advances·DateDec 3, 2014

Reliable RNA analysis now easier with NIST 'dashboard' tool

The NIST 'erccdashboard' tool evaluates experimental methods used to study gene expression, ensuring reproducibility and reliability. The dashboard provides a standardized approach for analyzing gene expression data, allowing researchers to assess technical performance and prevent erroneous conclusions.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2014

UNC researchers pinpoint chemo effect on brain cells, potential link to autism

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that the chemotherapy drug topotecan suppresses a gene essential for normal brain function, leading to neurological side effects like memory loss and confusion. The effects are reversible upon removal of the drug, suggesting a potential link to autism.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 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.

Researcher works to block the blood-vessel dysfunction that occurs in diabetes

Researchers are investigating a protein that may be key to disabling endothelial dysfunction, a major risk factor for vascular disease in diabetes. By blocking PTP1B expression, the study aims to improve nitric oxide production and reduce inflammation, potentially leading to more effective treatments for diabetes-related complications.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateDec 3, 2014

Buckyballs enhance carbon capture

Researchers at Rice University have created an environmentally friendly compound that effectively captures carbon dioxide emissions from industrial flue gases and natural gas wells. The new material, combined with buckminsterfullerene molecules, achieves high selectivity and efficiency in capturing carbon dioxide while rejecting methane.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 3, 2014

New study explains the role of oceans in global 'warming hiatus'

A new study attributes the global 'warming hiatus' to increased oceanic heat drawdown, particularly in the equatorial Pacific, North Atlantic, and Southern Ocean basins. The research reveals distinct mechanisms for each region, improving climate models' projections of future temperature changes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 3, 2014

NJ brain injury researchers find retrieval practice improves memory in youth with TBI

A study by researchers from Kessler Foundation and Children's Specialized Hospital found that retrieval practice can improve memory in children and adolescents with TBI. This method was found to be the best learning strategy for each of the participants, improving learning and memory among this age group with TBI.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateDec 3, 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.

NASA tracks intensifying Typhoon Hagupit

Typhoon Hagupit continues to intensify as it moves through Micronesia, triggering warnings for strong winds and rough seas. The storm's maximum sustained winds have increased to 115.1 mph, with forecasters predicting it will peak at Category four on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 3, 2014

Mapping human disease: 'Not all pathogens are everywhere'

The study identified seven vectored and five non-vectored disease regions, highlighting the impact of colonization, climate, and geography on disease distribution. Researchers found that not all pathogens are limited to specific geographic areas, suggesting a complex relationship between humans and their associated diseases.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEcosphere·DateDec 3, 2014

Commuting linked to lower life satisfaction

A new study from the University of Waterloo reveals that longer commutes are related to lower life satisfaction and increased stress levels. Comuters with time for physical activity had higher life satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalWorld Leisure Journal·DateDec 3, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Peptide shows great promise for treating spinal cord injury

Researchers developed a new peptide that promotes functional recovery following spinal cord injury, with 21 out of 26 animals regaining bladder control, movement, or both. The peptide allows nerve fibers to overcome scarring and promotes serotonergic sprouting, enabling critical functions to be restored.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature·DateDec 3, 2014

People conceived during the Dutch famine have altered regulation of growth genes

Researchers found that individuals conceived during the Dutch Famine had altered regulation of growth genes, which may help them withstand adverse conditions but also increase risk for metabolic disease. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides new insights into epigenetics and its impact on human development.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2014

Is a brace necessary for spinal fracture healing?

A new study found that patients with spinal compression fractures who wore no brace fared as well as patients instructed to wear a brace for treatment, with comparable outcomes in terms of pain and healing. However, prolonged use of the braces may result in muscle deterioration, skin irritation, and additional costs.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateDec 3, 2014

Movements help measure child sleep problems

Researchers have developed a new measure to accurately group children into those with or without sleep-related breathing problems. The study found that movements during sleep are a key indicator of potential sleep problems, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalSLEEP·DateDec 3, 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.

Animal welfare could be improved by new understanding of their emotions

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London studied goats' physiological, behavioral and vocal indicators to understand their emotional states. They found that goats exhibit subtle positive emotions through ear position and call stability, paving the way for improved animal care.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateDec 3, 2014

How soil microorganisms get out of step through climate change

Climate change alters soil microorganisms' metabolic activity and composition, positively stimulating denitrification and increasing N2O emission rates. This shift impacts plant-microbe competition for nitrogen, with implications for ecosystem function and global climate.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 3, 2014

Protect the world's deltas

Extensive world deltas will be lost due to rising sea levels, with major cities like Shanghai, Dhaka, and Bangkok facing inundation. The retention of sand, mud, and vegetation is not fully understood, hindering development of maintenance strategies.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature·DateDec 3, 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.

Jeffrey Lagarias and Chuanming Zong to receive 2015 Conant Prize

Mathematicians Jeffrey Lagarias and Chuanming Zong have made significant contributions to understanding the most-efficient packing arrangements for regular tetrahedra. Their research builds upon centuries-old problems, including Aristotle's conjecture about space-filling figures.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateDec 3, 2014

Arabian Sea humpback whales isolated for 70,000 years

A recent study reveals the Arabian Sea humpback whale population has remained separate from other humpback whales for approximately 70,000 years. This genetic isolation may be linked to glacial episodes and asynchronous breeding cycles, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 3, 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.

Ever tried a 'laser delicious' apple?

A team of researchers from Lebanon and France has developed a laser biospeckle technique capable of detecting the climacteric peak in fruits like apples, bananas, and pears. This non-invasive method uses coherent light to analyze speckle patterns, which change with time depending on the medium's scattering properties.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateDec 3, 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.

People in unhappy places are depressed more than a week a month

People living in communities with poorer mental health spend a quarter of the month in negative mood, while suburbs report fewest poor mental health days. Tighter knit communities and strong social connections lead to better wellbeing and happier residents.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Indicators Research·DateDec 3, 2014

Satellite time-lapse movie shows California soaker

A new time-lapse animation of data from NOAA's GOES-West satellite reveals the movement of a record-setting storm system that brought heavy rainfall to Southern California. The storm, fueled by warm moisture from the Pacific Ocean, merged with a low-pressure system, resulting in torrential rains and setting new records for some areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 3, 2014

Higher blood clot risk in longer surgeries

A large-scale national study found that longer surgical procedures significantly increase the risk of life-threatening blood clots. The study analyzed over 1.4 million patients and found a 18-26% increase in clot risk with each additional hour of surgery.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateDec 3, 2014

Geckos are sticky without effort

Researchers from UC Riverside have discovered that dead geckos can adhere to surfaces with the same force as living geckos, eliminating the need for active control. This finding has significant implications for robotics and other fields where adhesion is crucial.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 3, 2014

Colorful nano-guides to the liver

Researchers create dye-functionalized nanoparticles that selectively deliver siRNA to liver cells, reducing cholesterol production and offering new hope for personalized therapy approaches. The method uses near-infrared fluorescent dyes as address labels and tracking numbers, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of the transport process.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 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.

Gut bacteria from a worm can degrade plastic

Researchers have identified two strains of waxworm gut microbes that can break down polyethylene without pretreatment, pointing towards a direct way to biodegrade plastic. The finding has significant implications for the global plastics industry, which produces over 140 million tons of polyethylene annually.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 3, 2014

World's fastest 2-D camera may enable new scientific discoveries

A team of biomedical engineers developed a 2-D camera that can capture events up to 100 billion frames per second. This technology, called compressed ultrafast photography (CUP), enables the creation of high-speed movies of various phenomena, including laser pulse reflection and photon racing in two media.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature·DateDec 3, 2014

Not all induced pluripotent stem cells are made equal: McMaster researchers

Scientists at McMaster University have discovered that human induced pluripotent stem cells retain a memory of their original tissue type, allowing for more targeted regeneration and therapy development. This breakthrough challenges the conventional thought that any pluripotent human stem cell can be used to generate mature tissue cells.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 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.

Carrot or stick?

Researchers found that a sequential use of reward and punishment can promote cooperation in collaborative endeavors. The study suggests that initially rewarding minor cooperators and then punishing free riders can lead to better outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateDec 3, 2014

PET scans help identify effective TB drugs, says Pitt School of Medicine study

A new study using PET scans reveals that these tests can accurately predict which TB treatment drugs are likely to be effective in human trials. The findings could lead to the development of more effective treatments for patients with multi-drug resistant TB.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 3, 2014

Brain research reveals new hope for patients with anorexia nervosa

A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that brain shrinkage associated with anorexia nervosa can be reversed through successful weight restoration therapy. The research analyzed cortical thickness in over 100,000 brain locations and showed significant improvements in patients who achieved normal weight and eating behavior.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 3, 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.

Taming neural excitations

Researchers aimed to control harmful signals in strokes by understanding neural excitation pulses. The study found that non-local couplings can produce various spatio-temporal patterns, including acceleration, deceleration, and suppression of pulses.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateDec 3, 2014

Novel approach to treating asthma: Neutralize the trigger

Scientists have developed a novel approach to treating asthma by targeting the trigger - dust mite allergens. The newly created compound significantly dampened immune responses in rats exposed to various allergens, suggesting a potential breakthrough in asthma treatment.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 3, 2014

Bioplastic -- greener than ever

A new method to produce lactic acid from glycerol, a waste feedstock, has been introduced, reducing CO2 emission by 30% compared to conventional fermentation. The process also lowers production costs, increasing the potential profit by 17-fold.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateDec 3, 2014

Does your boss find you proactive ... or pushy?

Employees who take personal initiative but lack social acumen may be seen as troublemakers. A study found that proactive behavior is only beneficial if combined with social skills and sensitivity to favorable opportunities. Employers are looking for employees with both personal initiative and political skill.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Management·DateDec 3, 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.

Koalas selective about eucalyptus leaves at mealtime

A study found that koalas selectively eat eucalyptus leaves with higher available nitrogen, indicating a preference for nutritious food. The researchers suggest that access to quality food plays a crucial role in shaping the distribution of koala populations in habitats with low nutritional value.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 3, 2014

Study discovers RX approach that reduces herpes virus infection

A new study found an effective treatment approach to inhibit latent herpes simplex viruses from reactivating and causing disease. The research used existing drugs, such as tranylcypromine, to block proteins involved in viral replication, reducing symptoms and shedding of the virus.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 3, 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.

Study set to shape medical genetics in Africa

The study characterizes genetic diversity across Sub-Saharan Africa, providing valuable resources for medical researchers. It identifies 30 million genetic variants, including those associated with high blood pressure and infectious diseases like malaria and Lassa fever.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 3, 2014

How to create and sustain clinical-research partnerships

Pragmatic clinical trials require collaboration between researchers and health care providers. A new guide emphasizes building strong partnerships, defining clinically important questions, and involving stakeholders in study design. Successful trials produce long-term scientific relationships and evidence for improving care.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 3, 2014

Barrier-breaking drug may lead to spinal cord injury treatments

A new drug called ISP was designed to mimic a critical part of an enzyme found in damaged axons, promoting recovery from spinal cord injuries. Injections of the drug partially restored axon growth and improved movements and bladder functions in paralyzed rats.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateDec 3, 2014

Lethal control of wolves backfires on livestock

Researchers found that killing wolves increases livestock depredations, with a 4% increase in sheep deaths and 5-6% in cattle deaths after one wolf is killed. The trend continues until 25% of the wolves are killed, leading to unsustainable livestock losses.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 3, 2014

Tinkering with the Tao of pandas

A new study reveals that giant pandas are not as picky about their habitat as previously believed. The research, led by Michigan State University, found that pandas are willing to live in secondary forests, climb different slopes, and choose areas with varying amounts of sunshine.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalUrsus·DateDec 3, 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.

3-D compass in the brain

Researchers have identified neurons in the hippocampal formation that sense the direction of an animal's head and enable 3D navigation. This discovery supports the idea that these cells serve as a 3D neural compass.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateDec 3, 2014

Space travel is a bit safer than expected

The MATROSHKA experiment found that doses of cosmic radiation inside the International Space Station were lower than those recorded by astronauts' personal dosimeters. In open space, the overestimation was even higher, exceeding 200%.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalRadiation and Environmental Biophysics·DateDec 3, 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.

Toward a low-cost 'artificial leaf' that produces clean hydrogen fuel

Researchers have made significant strides toward a stand-alone system for large-scale, low-cost production of hydrogen fuel. The team's nanowire mesh design harnesses sunlight to split water and harvest hydrogen, offering a promising solution for environmentally friendly energy production.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 3, 2014

OUP to launch new open-access journal Neuroscience of Consciousness in 2015

Oxford University Press is launching a new open-access journal, Neuroscience of Consciousness, to focus on consciousness science research. The journal will provide a platform for researchers to share their findings on the nature, function, and underlying mechanisms of consciousness.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalNeuroscience of Consciousness·DateDec 3, 2014

Many chest X-rays in children are unnecessary

A study found that approximately 88% of pediatric chest X-ray exams did not alter clinical treatment, highlighting potential waste in the healthcare system. In cases where patients were ordered for symptoms like syncope or dizziness, no findings were made that affected treatment over a five-year period.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateDec 3, 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.

SHSU eyewitness ID study earns gold for Houston police

A study conducted by Sam Houston State University and the Houston Police Department found that no single method of eyewitness identification is more reliable than others. The experiment tested four different methods, including sequential and simultaneous presentations, and revealed surprising consistency in results.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateDec 3, 2014

Low-grade waste heat regenerates ammonia battery

Researchers at Penn State have developed a thermally regenerative ammonia-based battery that converts low-grade waste heat into electricity with high efficiency. The battery can produce up to 60 watts per square meter of power, making it six to 10 times more efficient than other liquid-based thermal-electric energy conversion systems.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateDec 3, 2014

Computer model enables design of complex DNA shapes

Researchers at MIT have developed a new computer model that allows them to design the most complex three-dimensional DNA shapes ever produced. The model enables nanometer-scale precision and can be used to create DNA scaffolds for anchoring proteins, chromophores, and nanoparticles.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 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.

Parasites and the evolution of primate culture

A new study examines how parasites impact primate culture, finding that socially transmitted pathogens increase with learning from others and environmentally transmitted pathogens with exploratory behavior. This research sheds light on the evolutionary pressures driving primate cultural development.

SourceMcGill University·DateDec 3, 2014

Reducing drug allergies without compromising efficacy

A new approach uses a comb-shaped polymer to protect enzymes from the immune system, reducing allergic reactions and maintaining efficacy. The method has potential applications in treating allergies and protecting rapidly degraded therapeutic molecules.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2014

Wireless nanorod-nanotube film enables light stimulation of blind retina

Researchers at Hebrew University developed a new light-sensitive film that can stimulate neurons in response to light without using wires or external power sources. This innovative technology has the potential to form the basis of a prosthetic retina for people with retinal damage or degeneration.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 3, 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.

Toxin from tobacco smoke could increase pain in spinal cord injury

A new study reveals that tobacco smoke's toxin acrolein can accumulate in the spinal cord and exacerbate pain in people with spinal cord injuries. Researchers found that acrolein levels were 50% higher than normal, sparking hope for potential treatment with hydralazine.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNeuroscience Bulletin·DateDec 3, 2014

Brain study from UT Dallas uncovers new clues on how cues may affect memory

A new study from UT Dallas reveals that pre-stimulus brain activity predicts later memory performance, contradicting previous findings on the role of the hippocampus in memory. Greater frontal and parietal cortex activity was linked to false recall, while increased hippocampal activity predicted forgetting.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNeuroImage·DateDec 3, 2014

Virginia Tech researchers connect sleep cycle, cancer incidence

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a link between the body's sleep cycle and cancer incidence. The human period 2 protein, which regulates the sleep cycle, was found to protect against sporadic forms of cancers. This breakthrough may lead to new prevention strategies for populations at risk due to circadian disruption.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateDec 3, 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.

Mapping the interactome

Researchers at the National University of Singapore have comprehensively described the network of proteins involved in cell-cell adhesions. The study reveals 561 proteins associated with E-cadherin, including adaptor proteins and those involved in cellular transport and protein synthesis.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalScience Signaling·DateDec 3, 2014

Common prostate cancer treatment associated with decreased survival in older men

A new study published in European Urology has found that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is associated with decreased survival in men with localized prostate cancer, particularly those with longer life expectancies. The research highlights the need to reconsider the use of ADT as a primary treatment for low-risk or localized cancers.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalEuropean Urology·DateDec 3, 2014

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine: Current guidelines not clear on which children most at risk of severe flu complications

A systematic review found that premature birth, neurological disorders, and multiple medical conditions significantly increase the risk of hospitalization in children with influenza. The study highlights the need for clearer guidelines on which children should be prioritized for seasonal flu vaccination.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateDec 3, 2014

Brain activity after smokers quit predicts chances of relapsing, Penn study suggests

A Penn Medicine study suggests that disruptions in brain memory-related activity after quitting can identify smokers at risk of relapsing. Smokers who failed to quit had decreased activity in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and reduced suppression of activation in the posterior cingulate cortex, indicating a higher chance of re...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 3, 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.

NIH researchers link chromosome region to duplication of gene on X chromosome appears to cause excessive growth

Researchers at the NIH have found a duplication of a short stretch of the X chromosome in people with a rare disorder that causes excessive childhood growth. They believe that a single gene within the region likely has a large influence on how much children grow.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 3, 2014

Researchers get a rabbit's-eye view

The study uses LiDAR and remote sensing to create detailed maps of vegetation cover that provide concealment for prey, helping researchers understand the impact of human activities on wildlife habitats. The findings have implications for land management decisions and restoration of landscapes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBioScience·DateDec 3, 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.

Check less to reduce email stress

A University of British Columbia study found that limiting email checks to three times a day can significantly reduce psychological stress. Participants who checked their email less often reported feeling less stressed compared to those who checked it more frequently.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateDec 3, 2014

NIH-led scientists describe new herpes treatment strategy

Researchers have developed a novel treatment approach for persistent viral infections like herpes by blocking the activity of host cell protein LSD1, reducing HSV infection, shedding, and recurrence. This epigenetic therapy shows promise as an antiviral strategy to control shedding and reactivation of latent virus.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 3, 2014

Separate and unequal in suburbia

A new study reveals that suburban blacks and Hispanics live in poverty-stricken neighborhoods with lower test scores compared to their white and Asian counterparts. The research, part of the US2010 Project, highlights the persistent disparities in suburban segregation and unequal access to resources.

SourceBrown University·DateDec 3, 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.

Laser sniffs out toxic gases from afar

Scientists have developed a system that can identify chemicals in the atmosphere from up to one kilometer away. The technique uses terahertz radiation and an infrared laser to detect toxic gases, including nerve gas, chemical spills, and industrial pollutants.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateDec 3, 2014

Creating a better health care experience for lesbian, bisexual women

A new model called empathic partnership aims to create safe and effective partnerships between primary care practitioners and their patients. The framework encourages caregivers to adopt six key elements: reflection, environment, language, knowledge, partnership, and empathy.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe Journal for Nurse Practitioners·DateDec 3, 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.

Glass houses: Your personality helps predict your real estate choices

A new study by Dr. Danny Ben-Shahar and Roni Golan found a correlation between personality traits and individual real estate choices, with neurotic individuals opting for homeownership over renting. The research also showed that local 'personality types' in America are associated with statewide real estate trends.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateDec 3, 2014

Small drains mean big problems at 'baby beaches'

Researchers at UC Irvine found that small drainpipes at enclosed ocean bays produce high fecal counts during summer months, impacting calmer waters. The team suggests green remedies like bioswales and drought-inspired reductions in irrigation runoff to capture urban slobber before it reaches drains.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateDec 3, 2014

Study to investigate the role of proteins in dementia

A study at Plymouth University is exploring how proteins interact to build up in nerve cells, potentially leading to dementia diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The research aims to understand the mechanism behind protein deposits and may one day lead to new therapies for patients with dementia with Lewy bodies.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateDec 3, 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.

Birds conform to local 'traditions'

Researchers found that great tits learn new foraging techniques by observing others in their social network, adopting the dominant behavior and creating a stable tradition. Even when birds discover multiple methods, they tend to conform to the majority behavior, passing it down to the next generation.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·DateDec 3, 2014