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Science News for February 11, 2014


How our brain networks: Research reveals white matter 'scaffold' of human brain

Researchers have identified the 'scaffold' of human brain networks, detailing connections that have the greatest influence over all other connections. The study found not all brain connections are equally important and some may be more vulnerable to damage, with implications for understanding brain injury and disease.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateFeb 11, 2014

Change in guidelines for Type 2 diabetes screening may lead to under-diagnosis in children

A new study by the University of Michigan finds that pediatric providers are using less effective screening tests for type 2 diabetes in children, leading to potential missed diagnoses. The new American Diabetes Association guidelines have been criticized due to lower test performance and increased costs for non-fasting tests.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateFeb 11, 2014

Helical electron and nuclear spin order in quantum wires

Researchers from the University of Basel have observed spontaneous magnetic order of electron and nuclear spins in a quantum wire at temperatures of 0.1 kelvin, exceeding previous limits of microkelvin range. This new state of matter is stabilized by nuclear spin coupling and mutual interactions between electrons.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 11, 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.

What makes memories last?

Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified a protein that is essential for creating and maintaining long-term memories. The protein, Orb2A, must be tightly regulated to form only in specific neural circuits, and its conversion into a prion-like state can be triggered by nerve cell stimulation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 11, 2014

Study: Resilience in parents of children undergoing stem cell transplant

A recent study published in Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation found that parents of children undergoing stem cell transplant experience increased distress during the procedure but recover to normal levels of adjustment. Parents demonstrate remarkable recovery despite facing significant life challenges.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalBiology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation·DateFeb 11, 2014

How to make the wonder material graphene superconducting

Scientists at the University of Vienna have unveiled the superconducting pairing mechanism in calcium-doped graphene using the Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) method. The findings reveal that calcium is the most promising candidate to induce superconductivity in graphene, with a critical temperature of about 1.5K.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 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.

Photo + fragrance of chocolate cake = more chocolate cakes sold

Researchers found that imagining the smell of a food product without actual scent triggers a stronger desire to consume. The study, published in Journal of Consumer Research, suggests that visual cues can enhance consumer experience and increase sales.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 11, 2014

Males and females differ in specific brain structures

A recent meta-analysis of 20 years of neuroscience research reveals significant sex differences in brain structure, with males on average having larger total brain volumes and higher tissue densities in certain regions. Females, on the other hand, have higher density in the left frontal pole and larger volumes in other areas.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateFeb 11, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

After committing a crime, guilt and shame predict re-offense

Research found that inmates who express guilt about specific behaviors are less likely to re-offend, while those feeling shame are more likely to commit crimes again. The study suggests that understanding the role of guilt and shame can inform restorative justice interventions and improve outcomes for incarcerated individuals.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 11, 2014

YOLO: Aging and the pursuit of happiness

Researchers found that older adults derive more happiness from ordinary experiences than younger people, who prioritize extraordinary life milestones. The study suggests brands can tailor experiential marketing campaigns to specific age groups to maximize impact.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 11, 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.

I smoke, but I'm not a smoker

A study by UC San Diego School of Medicine found nearly 396,000 Californians smoke on a measurable basis but reject the label. This 'non-identifying smoker' phenomenon poses health risks and may hinder efforts to reduce tobacco consumption.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTobacco Control·DateFeb 11, 2014

Child abuse rises with income inequality, study shows

A nationwide study by Cornell researchers found that child abuse and neglect are associated with income inequality, affecting 3.4 million children under 18 years old each year. The study also highlighted the long-term effects of childhood maltreatment, including increased rates of unemployment and substance use.

SourceCornell University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 11, 2014

Revolutionary new view on heritability in plants

Scientists discovered that epigenetic marks in plants can affect complex traits such as flowering time and plant architecture. These marks are stably passed on to later generations, opening up new possibilities for plant breeding and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 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.

Source of 'moon curse' revealed by eclipse

A team of scientists, led by Tom Murphy, found that the performance of laser-based reflectors on the Moon's surface is negatively affected during full moon nights due to accumulated moon dust and heating. The effect was later confirmed during a lunar eclipse in December 2010.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalIcarus·DateFeb 11, 2014

Targeting tumors: Ion beam accelerators take aim at cancer

Researchers explore the physics and biology of ion beam acceleration in cancer treatment, offering greater precision and reduced damage to healthy tissue. The symposium and press briefing discuss the benefits and challenges of hadron therapy, including its potential for cost-saving accelerator designs.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateFeb 11, 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.

Breast cancer drug fights fungal disease

Researchers discovered tamoxifen, a breast cancer treatment, also kills Cryptococcus, a fungus causing deadly brain infections. The combination of tamoxifen and fluconazole was synergistic, showing improved activity against the fungus. This finding offers a new approach to treating cryptococcal meningitis.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateFeb 11, 2014

New evidence shows how chronic stress predisposes brain to mental disorders

Researchers found that chronic stress generates more myelin-producing cells and fewer neurons in the brain, disrupting communication and potentially leading to mental problems like anxiety and depression. This long-term change in brain structure may also contribute to conditions such as PTSD, schizophrenia, and ADHD.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 11, 2014

New target isolated for leukemia drug development

Researchers at UT Health Science Center identified a key role of the WTAP protein in AML development and found that suppressing it with Hsp90 inhibition greatly suppressed proliferation and induced differentiation. This discovery opens up new avenues for effective therapies for children and adults with newly diagnosed AML.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalLeukemia·DateFeb 11, 2014

NREL report finds similar value in 2 CSP technologies

A new NREL report finds that the value of delivered energy from dry-cooled tower and parabolic trough CSP plants, integrated with thermal energy storage, are quite similar. This technology allows for dispatching solar thermal energy like conventional thermal generation, enabling CSP to respond to changes in supply or demand.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateFeb 11, 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.

Even moderate weight loss can prevent and cure obstructive sleep apnoea

Researchers found that even modest weight reduction (5%) can significantly improve OSA and metabolism in overweight patients, preventing disease progression over four years. The study provides first-time long-term evidence of the effectiveness of weight loss in managing OSA.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalSleep Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2014

Kidney failure risk for organ donors 'extremely low'

A new Johns Hopkins research reveals that kidney failure is much less prevalent in living kidney donors than in the general population. The study found a lifetime rate of kidney failure in donors to be 90 per 10,000, compared to 326 per 10,000 in non-donors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 11, 2014

A breast cancer drug to fight fungal disease?

Researchers discovered tamoxifen can kill Cryptococcus germ by interfering with a protein, offering potential new treatment for deadly brain infection. Additional animal experiments are needed to develop new anti-cryptococcal drugs based on the findings.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalmBio·DateFeb 11, 2014

Scientists identify gene linking brain structure to intelligence

Researchers found a genetic variation in the NPTN gene associated with thinner grey matter in the left cerebral hemisphere and lower verbal and non-verbal intelligence. The study may help understand biological mechanisms behind psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and autism.

SourceKing's College London·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 11, 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.

Researchers find source of new lineage of immune cells

Innate lymphoid cells play key roles in protecting against infection or parasites, but their origin and function were unknown until now. Researchers identify ILCPs in fetal liver and adult bone marrow, paving the way for a better understanding of the immune system's first line of defense.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2014

Game changer: Biomarker identified for noncancerous pancreatic cysts

A highly accurate, noninvasive test has been identified to differentiate between benign and potentially cancerous pancreatic cysts. The test analyzes fluid from pancreatic cysts for a specific biomarker, VEGF-A, with 99% accuracy indicating the cyst is benign.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 11, 2014

Exhausted? It's the perfect time to make health decisions

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people are more motivated to engage in healthy behavior when they're feeling depleted. Consumers tend to prefer products with safety features more when they're low on energy.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 11, 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.

Tech products can turn uncool when they become too popular

Research finds that tech products can turn uncool as they gain popularity, and companies need to continually innovate to maintain their appeal. Products with subculture appeal, originality, and attractiveness are considered cool, while utility is not a determining factor.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateFeb 11, 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.

Acidic tumor pH inhibits drug effect

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that acidic tumor pH counteracts chloroquine's ability to inhibit autophagy in cancer cells. The results may explain the lack of efficacy of chloroquine in clinical studies, particularly in tumors with low oxygen and acidic pH.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAutophagy·DateFeb 11, 2014

OU next-generation radar deployed in DFW area

The University of Oklahoma's new radar system, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Urban Demonstration Network, aims to improve severe weather warning operations. The network will use data from local, state, and federal agencies, as well as private sector sources, to provide real-time analysis and forecasts.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateFeb 11, 2014

Skin reactions during radiation therapy preventable

A thin transparent silicone dressing applied from day one can prevent severe skin reactions during radiation therapy, according to New Zealand research. The dressings create a protective environment for skin stem cells to heal from radiation damage.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalRadiotherapy and Oncology·DateFeb 11, 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.

Three doses of HPV vaccine recommended against genital warts

A Swedish register study found that receiving three doses of HPV vaccine significantly reduces the incidence of genital warts compared to two doses. The study, published in JAMA, suggests that a three-dose regimen may be more effective in preventing genital warts than previously thought.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 11, 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.

Slim pickings for 2 weight-loss drugs?

Two approved weight-loss drugs have been linked to serious harms, including memory and depression problems, and cardiovascular risks. Researchers question the FDA's decision to approve these medications without more definitive evidence.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2014

Dressing down: Can this actually boost your social status?

Researchers found that people attribute more status and competence to individuals who display nonconformity in prestigious contexts. This phenomenon, dubbed the 'Red Sneakers Effect,' suggests that intentionally deviating from norms can be a powerful signal of success.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 11, 2014

New way to measure electron pair interactions

Researchers at Max Planck Institute in Germany develop new way to measure electron pair emission directly on a standard lab bench using time-of-flight spectrometers. This breakthrough allows for the quantification of electron correlation strength, crucial for designing novel materials with desirable properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 11, 2014

Impulse spending? Save money by getting organized

Researchers at the University of Chicago Press Journals found that controlling a chaotic environment may be key to helping people stop excessive behaviors like hoarding and stockpiling. Participants in cluttered rooms showed increased likelihood of impulse spending compared to those in organized spaces.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 11, 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.

UNC study reveals potential route to bladder cancer diagnostics, treatments

Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that bladder cancer subtypes are genetically similar to breast cancer subtypes. The study revealed two distinct genetic subtypes of invasive bladder cancer, basal-like and luminal, which share genetic similarities with breast cancer subtypes.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2014

Nanoparticles treat muscular dystrophy in mice

Scientists at WashU Medicine have developed a new approach to treating muscular dystrophy, using nanoparticles loaded with rapamycin to improve recycling of cellular waste. The treatment showed significant improvements in skeletal muscle strength and cardiac function in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 11, 2014

Exercise may slow retinal degeneration

Researchers found that moderate aerobic exercise helps preserve retina structure and function after damage. Exercise was shown to have a direct effect on retinal health and vision, potentially leading to tailored exercise regimens or combination therapies for retinal degenerative diseases.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateFeb 11, 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.

Study examines legislative challenges to school immunization mandates

Between 2009-2012, 18 states introduced 36 bills modifying school immunization mandates, with the majority expanding exemptions. Most bills with administrative requirements restricted exemptions, but none were passed. The study highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining high immunization coverage.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 11, 2014

First 3-D movies of living sperm

Researchers have developed a new tracking system that takes 3-D movies of living sperm, providing detailed imaging and analyzing motility data. The method helps detect potential infertility-causing anomalies, such as bent tails, and may soon aid in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics in selecting the most viable sperm cells.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateFeb 11, 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.

Researchers discover 'epic' new Burgess Shale site in Canada's Kootenay National Park

Researchers have discovered a new Burgess Shale fossil site in Kootenay National Park, which may be the world's most important animal fossil discovery in decades. The site has yielded over 50 animal species in just 15 days of field collecting, contributing to our understanding of early animal evolution during the Cambrian Period.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2014

Recent decades likely wettest in 4 millennia in Tibet

Recent decades have been the wettest in 3,500 years in North East Tibet, according to a new study. The region's tree ring records show wider growth rings, indicating moister growing conditions, with the last 50 years seeing increasing rainfall.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2014

From surgery to laboratory and back again

Researchers developed chemical agents that bind and potentially remove the anti-coagulant heparin, improving patient care. The system is biodegradable, reducing the risk of side effects.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalChemical Science·DateFeb 11, 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.

First observation of a human HAT, key proteins in numerous pathologies

Researchers have identified the first structure of one of eight human amino acid transporters, known as HATs. This breakthrough provides new insights into their functions and opens up possibilities for developing drugs to tackle various diseases associated with HATs.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2014

Is an earthquake behind the Shroud of Turin image?

Researchers propose that a 33 A.D. Old Jerusalem earthquake triggered neutron radiation, causing the Shroud's distinctive image and potentially leading to incorrect radiocarbon dating results. The theory is based on piezonuclear fission reactions and suggests that neutron emissions from earthquakes could have imprinted the image onto t...

SourceSpringer·JournalMeccanica·DateFeb 11, 2014

Could pizza herb prevent winter vomiting disease?

Researchers found that carvacrol can break down the outer coat of norovirus, making it more susceptible to other antimicrobials. This discovery could lead to the development of a new food sanitizer and surface sanitizer for settings where traditional bleach or alcohol-based cleaners are not effective.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·DateFeb 11, 2014

Study challenges a close link between recent weight gain and diabetes

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that type 2 diabetes may not be directly linked to substantial weight gain over time. Instead, researchers identified distinct patterns of obesity development, including stable overweight individuals and those who experience continuous weight gain before diagnosis. The findings highlig...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 11, 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.

€3.5m to improve diagnosis of balance disorders

A €3.5m European Union-funded project aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of balance disorders through an online information system. The EMBalance tool will help clinicians accurately diagnose and manage balance-related conditions, reducing the risk of falls and improving patient independence.

SourceUniversity College London·DateFeb 11, 2014

Minority political candidates just need a chance

A Michigan State University scholar found that Latino and black candidates won as often as their white counterparts when running for office. The study suggests that parties should recruit more minority candidates to address the lack of representation in elected offices

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateFeb 11, 2014

New UK study shows potential for targeting aggressive breast cancers

A new UK study found that targeting Twist, a nuclear protein accelerating epithelial-mesenchymal transition, may provide an effective approach for treating triple-negative breast cancer. The study showed that disrupting the interaction of Twist with BRD4 inhibited invasion and tumorigenicity in triple-negative breast cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalCancer Cell·DateFeb 11, 2014

NREL director Arvizu elected to National Academy of Engineering

Dan Arvizu, NREL director, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his leadership in the renewable and clean energy sectors. He was cited for promoting national balanced energy policies and making significant advancements in engineering education.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateFeb 11, 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.

MIT robot may accelerate trials for stroke medications

A new MIT robot developed by Hermano Igo Krebs can help pharmaceutical companies speed up drug development for stroke medications. By using the robot's measurements, companies may only need to test 240 patients to determine whether a drug works, reducing time and cost by 70%.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalStroke·DateFeb 11, 2014

A new postal code for cancer

Scientists at the University of Freiburg have discovered a new paradigm for targeting specific cell types using nanoparticles. They developed particles that can recognize endothelial cells through biophysical principles, allowing for precise delivery to cancer cells without changing biological addresses. This breakthrough has significa...

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2014

Study finds small increased risk of kidney disease following kidney donation

A study of nearly 100,000 kidney donors found a small increased lifetime risk of developing end-stage renal disease following donation compared to healthy nondonors. The estimated cumulative incidence of ESRD at 15 years after donation was higher in donors than healthy nondonors, with blacks having the highest absolute risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 11, 2014

Urban bees using plastic to build hives

Two solitary bee species use plastic materials to construct nests, replacing traditional plant-based building materials. The discovery suggests innovative use of common urban waste and potential benefits for parasite resistance.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalEcosphere·DateFeb 11, 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.

Walking in their shoes: How fundraisers can boost donations

Researchers found that individuals who feel connected to a group are more likely to donate, even if it's for a different group. The study suggests that nonprofits can improve fundraising efforts by targeting specific demographics and avoiding comparisons between donors and recipients.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 11, 2014

Data on today's youth reveal childhood clues for later risk of STDs

A new study found that children who grow up in well-managed households and have school engagement report fewer sexually transmitted diseases in young adulthood. The findings suggest that prevention programs should focus on family dynamics and youth development rather than just abstinence education.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateFeb 11, 2014

New imaging technique can diagnose common heart condition

A new imaging technique can diagnose aortic disease and predict potential complications in patients with bicuspid aortic valve. Blood flow changes were found to be driven by specific types of abnormal aortic valves, and the study demonstrated a direct association between blood flow patterns and aortic diseases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 11, 2014

Could statins be used to fight a deadly viral infection?

A study by Penn microbiologists found that statins can lower cholesterol levels and make cells less susceptible to hantavirus infection. This could lead to potential treatments for the deadly virus, which causes flu-like symptoms and respiratory distress syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 11, 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.

Smoking cessation may improve mental health

Researchers found that quitting smoking is associated with lower rates of mood/anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorder. The study analyzed data from over 4,800 daily smokers and found significant improvements in mental health outcomes after quitting or reducing cigarette smoking.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2014

Man's best friend equally adapted to high altitudes of Tibet

A study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution found that Tibetan Mastiffs have undergone genetic adaptations to survive at high altitudes. The research identified 16 genes involved in energy production critical for high-altitude survival, suggesting convergent evolution between dogs and humans.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 11, 2014

No clowning around: Juggling sheds light on how we run

A study by Johns Hopkins engineers used juggling to investigate how vision and the sense of touch help control limb movement, shedding light on potential treatments for neurological diseases. Adding haptic feedback improved performance, but didn't correct errors, highlighting the brain's reliance on timing information.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateFeb 11, 2014