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Science News for December 4, 2014


How strong do you think you are?

A study combining data from 12 British studies found that men are stronger than women after adolescence, but both reach peak strength in their thirties before weakening with age. The research provides reference charts for grip strength at different ages, aiding the identification of weak grip strength and potential health risks.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 2014

How cell size matters

Liron Bar-Peled's research explores how environmental cues regulate eukaryotic cell growth through the mTORC1 signaling pathway. His work has implications for understanding human diseases such as cancer and primary immune disorders.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateDec 4, 2014
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Greenhouse gases linked to past African rainfall

Researchers found that rising greenhouse gas concentrations played a key role in causing more rainfall in two major regions of Africa, transforming desert into grasslands and savannas. The study validated the Community Climate System Model's predictions for future climate changes in Africa.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Maintaining a reliable value of the cost of climate change

A group of economists and lawyers recommend updating the Social Cost of Carbon estimate every five years to incorporate the latest research, ensuring its reliability. The authors argue that a single estimate should be maintained and shared by all government agencies to provide consistent climate policies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014

Modern monitoring systems contribute to alarm fatigue in hospitals

A recent study found that modern monitoring systems in hospitals generate an alarming number of false positives, leading to alarm fatigue. The researchers collected data on 461 adults and discovered 88.8% of arrhythmia alarms were false positives, mostly due to algorithmic errors or non-actionable events.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 2014

Friendly bacteria are protective against malaria

Research team led by Miguel Soares discovered that specific bacterial components in the human gut microbiota can trigger a natural defense mechanism against malaria. High levels of circulating anti-alpha-gal antibodies induced by vaccination are highly protective against malaria transmission.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2014
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

The finer details of rust

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have redefined the atomic structure of magnetite, a crucial component in electronic devices and medical applications. The study reveals that the surface of magnetite is governed by missing iron atoms, leading to an efficient catalyst for chemical reactions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014

Research: NFL athletes are seeking unproven stem cell treatments

A new study from Rice University's Baker Institute finds that NFL players are seeking out unproven stem cell therapies to accelerate recoveries, despite potential risks. The authors suggest the NFL should establish guidelines and regulate these treatments to protect player health.

SourceRice University·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateDec 4, 2014

Congratulations to the 2015 SAGE Young Scholars Award recipients

The SAGE Young Scholars Awards recognize exceptional contributions by young scholars in social-personality psychology. This year's winners, Clayton Critcher, Emily Impett, Nicholas Rule, Jenessa Shapiro, and Jay Van Bavel, will receive $5,000 awards to support their research or travel-related endeavors.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 4, 2014

ER docs can treat pediatric pain without a needle

A randomized controlled trial found that intranasal ketamine is effective in treating moderate to severe pain in children with limb injuries. The study showed improved pain relief and satisfaction rates compared to fentanyl, with fewer adverse events reported for ketamine.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateDec 4, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Breastfeeding for longer could save the NHS £40 million a year

Research at Brunel University London found that increasing breastfeeding duration can save the NHS £31m annually by reducing infant illnesses. The study suggests that doubling breastfeeding duration could lead to significant cost savings, with a potential total of £40m per year.

SourceBrunel University·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateDec 4, 2014

Obesity may shorten life expectancy up to eight years

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology found that obesity can decrease life expectancy by up to 8 years. Researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to develop a model estimating annual risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults with different body weights.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateDec 4, 2014

UT Dallas engineer applies robot control theory to improve prosthetic legs

A UT Dallas professor applied robot control theory to create powered prosthetics that can dynamically respond to the wearer's environment, enabling amputees to walk at speeds of over 1 meter per second. The new approach simplifies the human gait cycle into a single variable, allowing for more stable and natural movement.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateDec 4, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UCLA study: To stop spread of HIV, African governments should target hot zones

A UCLA study suggests targeting 'hot zones' in sub-Saharan Africa could significantly reduce the spread of HIV. The research found that focusing on areas with higher risk of infection would prevent 40% more new infections than traditional strategies, making it a cost-effective approach.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2014

When noise gets electrons moving

Researchers discovered a counter-intuitive current induced by sound waves in a disordered environment. Noise fluctuations lead to directed electron transport behavior and current reversal, paving the way for innovative semi-conductor devices.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateDec 4, 2014
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

The walls can talk: New optical technique extracts audio from video

Researchers have developed a method to extract audio information from high-speed video recordings by detecting vibrations caused by sound waves. The technique, reported in the SPIE journal Optical Engineering, uses an image-matching process based on vibration from sound waves and can recover spoken words from videos.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalOptical Engineering·DateDec 4, 2014

The innate immune system condemns weak cells to their death

Researchers demonstrate that the innate immune system recognizes weaker cells and activates programmed cell death, eliminating them in a process called cell competition. This phenomenon has implications for cancer research and early disease detection.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014

Genome sequencing for newborns: What do new parents think?

A study published in Genetics in Medicine found that most new parents are interested in genomic sequencing for their newborns. The study surveyed 514 parents within 48 hours of birth and found that 82.7% were somewhat, very, or extremely interested in the testing.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateDec 4, 2014
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Low levels of circulating protein linked with heart problems in mice with kidney disease

A study found that decreased blood levels of Klotho increase the risk of heart disease in mice with chronic kidney disease, suggesting potential treatment strategy to protect kidney disease patients' heart health. If confirmed in humans, increasing Klotho levels may help protect the hearts of patients with chronic kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 4, 2014

Predicting the storm: Can computer models improve stem cell transplantation?

Scientists at VCU Massey Cancer Center use computer modeling to predict which patients are at greatest risk for developing GVHD after stem cell transplantation. The researchers found that minor histocompatibility antigens play a crucial role in shaping the development of T-cell clonal families.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateDec 4, 2014
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Dirt provides new insight into Roman burials

A team of archaeologists has discovered evidence of frankincense being used in Roman burial rites in Britain, shedding new light on the country's funerary practices. The analysis of debris and skeletal remains from across Britain revealed that these precious substances were transported to the empire's northern outpost despite its decline.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateDec 4, 2014

Electron pairs on demand

Researchers from Leibniz University Hannover and PTB have successfully demonstrated the on-demand emission of electron pairs from a semiconductor quantum dot. The resulting electron pairs were found to be spatially separated with over 90% efficiency, a crucial step towards future applications such as quantum computing and cryptography.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 4, 2014

Why tool-wielding crows are left- or right-beaked

New Caledonian crows exhibit preferences for holding tools on the left or right sides of their beaks due to their unique binocular vision. This adaptation enables each bird to maintain visual control over its tool, with one eye seeing further than the other towards the opposite side of the head.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 4, 2014

Typhoid Mary, not typhoid mouse

Researchers found that humans are susceptible to typhoid fever due to the absence of enzyme CMAH, which reconfigures sugar molecules on cell surfaces. This discovery has implications for developing new therapies for typhoid fever.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Images of brain after mild stroke predict future risk

A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke found that CT scans taken within 24 hours of a mild, non-disabling stroke can identify patterns of damage associated with different levels of risk for a subsequent stroke. The analysis revealed that patients with certain types of brain damage were at a higher risk o...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateDec 4, 2014

BIDMC's Ramy Arnaout receives American Heart Association grant

Ramy Arnaout has been awarded a two-year grant to analyze antibody repertoires of over 1,000 Americans to clarify the link between antibodies, cardiovascular disease, and aging. The goal is to determine individual treatment needs for patients with cardiovascular disease.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateDec 4, 2014

Distrust of police is top reason Latinos don't call 911 for cardiac arrest

A study found that fear of police, language barriers, and lack of knowledge about cardiac arrest symptoms hinder Latinos from seeking emergency medical help. The participants also expressed strong reticence about performing CPR due to cultural fears and misconceptions.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateDec 4, 2014
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Higher birth weight indicates better performance in school

A new study from the University of Florida and Northwestern University found that children with higher birth weights perform better in school, regardless of family background. The research, which analyzed data from over 1.6 million children, suggests that early health struggles may play a significant role in educational outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateDec 4, 2014

Rice could make cholera treatment more effective

EPFL scientists have found that replacing glucose with starch from rice can reduce the toxicity of the cholera bacterium, Vibrio cholerae, and may lead to a 30% reduction in cholera cases. Oral rehydration therapy using rice starch could significantly improve treatment outcomes.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 4, 2014

Preliminary study suggests Parkinson's drugs safe for the heart

Researchers found no evidence of asymptomatic myocardial dysfunction or deterioration of systolic function in patients taking pramipexole and ropinirole. This suggests that non-ergot derived dopamine agonists may be safe for the heart, contradicting previous concerns about an increased risk of heart failure.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateDec 4, 2014
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Obesity may shorten life expectancy by up to 8 years and cut healthy life by up to 19 years

A study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that obesity is associated with a dramatic increase in risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As a result, adults who are overweight or obese may lose up to 19 years of healthy life, while those who are very obese may lose up to 8 years.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateDec 4, 2014
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Sun emits a mid-level flare on Dec. 4, 2014

A mid-level solar flare, peaking at M6.1-class, was emitted by the sun on Dec. 4, 2014, potentially disturbing Earth's atmosphere. The Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the event, which is classified as a less intense flare compared to X-class flares.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 4, 2014

A little rest from grazing improves native grasslands

A recent study by Point Blue Conservation Science found that changing grazing practices to give land more time to rest improved the health of native grasslands in California. This approach increased the growth of native perennial grasses, allowing water to better infiltrate soil and reducing erosion.

SourcePoint Blue Conservation Science·JournalEcological Restoration·DateDec 4, 2014

AU professor constructs model of receptor protein linked to human growth

A researcher at American University has constructed a three-dimensional computer model of a receptor protein linked to human growth, which may lead to the development of drugs to treat conditions such as gigantism and dwarfism. The study was led by researchers from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human D...

SourceAmerican University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 4, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Mini chromosomes that strengthen tumors

Geneticists identified double minutes in glioblastoma cells with specific oncogenes, which amplify malignancy and give cancer cells an adaptive edge. The presence of these mini-chromosomes is detected in most aggressive cancers.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2014

Ultrafast complex molecular simulations by 'cutting up molecules'

A novel ultrafast quantum chemical method called FMO-DFTB enables rapid simulations of complex molecular systems, achieving a huge improvement over traditional methods. The method has successfully evaluated large molecules including polypeptides, DNA segments, small proteins, and fullerite surfaces.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·DateDec 4, 2014
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Finding infant earths and potential life just got easier

Researchers found that on young worlds, the Habitable Zone is located farther away from the star than previously thought. This means that infant planets can be spotted earlier by next-generation telescopes when their star is still young.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 4, 2014

The Lancet: Basic medical care of Ebola patients is neglected and must improve

Ebola virus disease is a febrile illness with severe gastrointestinal symptoms that can cause profound water and electrolyte depletion leading to circulatory collapse and death. Implementing practical protocols for managing fluids and electrolytes has not been given sufficient priority, which could substantially reduce the death rate.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 4, 2014

A poisonous cure

A team of Michigan State University scientists has discovered an enzyme, called POPB, which converts toxins into cyclic peptides with missile-like precision in the human liver. This breakthrough could lead to single-minded medicines with zero side effects by harnessing the distinct properties of POPB.

SourceMichigan State University·DateDec 4, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Obesity and hypertension

A groundbreaking study by Australian researchers has discovered that leptin hormone secreted by fat cells elevates blood pressure in obesity. The hormone acts in the brain to increase blood pressure, making it a promising target for treating obesity-induced hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceTania Ewing and Associates·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2014

Endocrine disruptors alter thyroid levels in pregnancy, may affect fetal brain development

A new study found that endocrine disrupting chemicals can interfere with thyroid hormone action in pregnant women and may travel across the placenta to affect fetal brain development. The study used a prospective birth cohort of 164 pregnant women and found associations between high levels of CYP1A1 enzyme and thyroid disruption.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 4, 2014

Response to viral infections depends on the entry route of the virus

Researchers found that immune mechanisms triggered by viruses differ depending on entry route, with Toll pathway activated for feeding-related infections. The study suggests that understanding these differences can help find targets to block human diseases transmitted by insects.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 4, 2014

Electric eels deliver Taser-like shocks

Researchers have discovered that electric eels use a Taser-like system to locate and incapacitate their prey. The eel emits high-frequency pulses that cause muscle contractions, temporarily paralyzing the prey within three to four milliseconds.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

NASA observes Super Typhoon Hagupit; Philippines under warnings

NASA's Terra satellite and GPM/TRMM satellites provide valuable data on Super Typhoon Hagupit's rainfall patterns and cloud height. Forecasters expect the storm to reach peak intensity and weaken, while warnings are issued for the Philippines due to typhoon-force winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 4, 2014

Kent State researchers find more smartphone play equals less fun during leisure

Researchers at Kent State University found that college students who spent more time on their smartphones during leisure activities experienced decreased enjoyment and increased stress. The study suggests that excessive phone use can diminish the experience of daily leisure, leading to feelings of uptightness and anxiety.

SourceKent State University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateDec 4, 2014
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Quiet as a mouse, but so much to hear

A University at Buffalo researcher has found that mice can distinguish between partial sound waves, similar to how humans recognize word onsets. This discovery could help better understand human hearing loss and strengthen the use of mice as models for human communication.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 4, 2014

New research paves the way for nano-movies of biomolecules

Scientists have developed a new technique to capture the fast dynamics of biomolecules using high-speed X-ray lasers, revealing subtle processes with unprecedented clarity. The study used the photoactive yellow protein as a model system and achieved snapshots of molecular movements at atomic resolution.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Pulsars with black holes could hold the 'holy grail' of gravity

Researchers from Spain and India found that pulsars with black holes are ideal for testing general relativity, but two cases reduce their value. The 'holy grail' pair is a normal black hole, which has yet to be discovered.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·DateDec 4, 2014

Antarctic seawater temperatures rising

New research finds Antarctic seawater temperatures are rising, causing accelerated glacial melting and potential sea-level rise. The study also reveals that warmer waters could impact ocean biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014

Smoking and higher mortality in men

Researchers found an association between smoking and loss of the Y chromosome in blood cells, which may explain why men have a shorter life expectancy. Heavy smokers showed more frequent loss of the Y chromosome than moderate smokers.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014

Chinese scientists create new global wetland suitability map

A team of Chinese scientists has developed a new global wetland suitability map to help protect these vital ecosystems. The map, which matches individual wetland sites with local water table depth, shows that the total area of global wetlands is approximately 3.316×107km2.

SourceScience China Press·DateDec 4, 2014
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

NTU leads global research to uncover one of mankind's most ancient lineages

Scientists at NTU and Penn State University have discovered one of modern human's ancient lineages by sequencing the genome of five living individuals from a hunter/gatherer tribe in Southern Africa. The study found that these individuals are genetically distinct from Europeans, Asians, and all other Africans.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2014
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Don't worry, be happy: Just go to bed earlier

A study published in Cognitive Therapy and Research found that individuals who sleep for shorter periods and go to bed later experience more repetitive negative thoughts. This association suggests that prioritizing regular sleep schedules may help mitigate anxiety symptoms.

SourceSpringer·JournalCognitive Therapy and Research·DateDec 4, 2014
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

UH team fights antibiotic-resistant bacteria with NIH grant

Researchers at the University of Houston are using a patented equation to assess the effects of antibiotics on bacteria and develop more effective treatments. They plan to use image analysis technology to automatically record data, reducing the need for physicians to run excessive tests.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateDec 4, 2014

Imaging techniques reliably predict treatment outcomes for TB patients

Researchers used positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) imaging to monitor antibiotic treatment effects in TB-infected monkeys and humans. Changes in PET/CT scans over time accurately predicted treatment outcomes, potentially shortening clinical trials and saving resources.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 4, 2014

Are the benefits of breast milk stimulant worth the risk?

A new review article suggests that domperidone can increase breast milk production, but also poses a risk of irregular heartbeat and sudden cardiac death in women. The study found that moderate improvements in milk production were observed with lower doses, but higher doses increased the odds of cardiac complications.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Human Lactation·DateDec 4, 2014

Ebola rapid response

The National Science Foundation has awarded rapid response grants to support researchers in understanding the fundamental nature of Ebola and its impact on public safety. The grants will fund projects that explore new methods for virus detection, disinfection, and medical response, as well as research into risk assessment and behavior.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateDec 4, 2014
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

High-sugar diet in fathers can lead to obese offspring

A study found that high sugar diets in male fruit flies can cause obesity in their offspring through epigenetic changes affecting gene expression. Researchers also discovered a similar system regulating obesity susceptibility in mice and humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2014

Greenhouse gases linked to African rainfall

A recent study has linked African rainfall increases to greenhouse gas concentrations thousands of years ago. The research team used computer simulations and geologic records to recreate past moisture conditions, finding that changes in carbon dioxide and methane led to the African Humid Period.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014

Approved breast cancer drug offers hope for the treatment of blood disorders

Researchers discovered that tamoxifen, a breast cancer drug, can target and control the survival and proliferation of stem cells responsible for blood cancers. The study found that activation of estrogen receptors with tamoxifen could block the excessive production of abnormal white blood cells in mice with blood neoplasms.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 4, 2014

Antarctica: Heat comes from the deep

Scientists observe rising water temperatures on the West Antarctic shelf, accelerating glacial melting and potentially increasing global sea levels. The warming trend is linked to changes in wind systems over the southern hemisphere and may have significant environmental implications for the region.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Localized climate change contributed to ancient southwest depopulation

Researchers used tree-ring data and computer programs to create a finely scaled map of ideal Southwest growing regions for the past 2,000 years. The study suggests that localized climate change contributed to the depopulation of ancestral Pueblo people in southwest Colorado, with some areas becoming highly suitable for maize agriculture.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2014