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Science News for February 19, 2014


Two new butterfly species discovered in eastern USA

Scientists have discovered two new butterfly species in the eastern United States, one of which is a close relative of the well-known Carolina Satyr. The study reveals distinct differences in genitalia and DNA sequences between the two species, highlighting the complex genetic diversity of these butterflies.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateFeb 19, 2014

Infants with leukemia inherit susceptibility

A new study reveals that babies who develop leukemia during the first year of life inherit a strong genetic predisposition to the disease. The research found that infants with leukemia have an excess of damaging changes in genes linked to leukemia, which can be passed from both parents.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalLeukemia·DateFeb 19, 2014

New study reveals communications potential of graphene

A new study reveals graphene's ability to absorb 90% more electromagnetic radiation, opening doors for secure wireless networks and improved communication devices. Researchers are now developing prototypes to translate this potential into practical applications.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 19, 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.

Genetics linked to children viewing high amounts of violent media

A study found that children with a specific variation of the serotonin-transporter gene were more likely to consume high amounts of violent media and exhibit ADHD-related behaviors. The researchers suggest that genetic factors may play a role in shaping children's media use habits.

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalJournal of Communication·DateFeb 19, 2014

Study finds nothing so sweet as a voice like your own

The study found that voices similar to one's own convey a sense of community and social belongingness. Key gender differences were identified, with females preferring breathier voices and males preferring shorter average word length. Regional dialects also played a significant role in voice preferences.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 2014

Graduate student makes major discovery about seal evolution

Thomas Cullen's research found evidence of sexual dimorphism in seals between 20-27 million years ago, suggesting that early pinnipeds formed harems. This discovery sheds light on the history of pinnipeds and has major implications for the future of the species due to climate change.

SourceCanadian Museum of Nature·JournalEvolution·DateFeb 19, 2014

LGBT youth face greater cancer risks, CCNY-led study

A CCNY-led study found that LGBT youth are more likely to engage in cancer-risk behaviors, including tobacco use, drinking, and early sex. The research emphasizes the need for early interventions to address these disparities.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 19, 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.

Stratification determines the fate of fish stocks in the Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea's unique stratification affects the fate of fish stocks, with different species occupying distinct salinity layers. This research highlights the importance of considering regional conditions in fisheries management, as individual stocks do not necessarily benefit from each other.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalProgress In Oceanography·DateFeb 19, 2014

When faced with a hard decision, people tend to blame fate

New research suggests that people deal with difficult decisions by blaming fate to alleviate stress and fears. The study found that participants who faced more difficult decisions were more likely to believe in fate.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 19, 2014

Aging men: More uplifts, fewer hassles until the age of 65-70

Researchers found that 80% of men experience stable happiness until mid-60s, while hassles increase after 65-70 due to health issues or social changes. Meanwhile, some individuals find happiness in late life despite dealing with negative events.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateFeb 19, 2014

ORNL microscopy system delivers real-time view of battery electrochemistry

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new microscopy method to image and measure electrochemical processes in batteries in real time. This technique allows them to capture an unprecedented view of the solid electrolyte interphase, a nanometer-scale film that forms on a battery's negative electrode.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 19, 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.

A challenge to the genetic interpretation of biology

Researchers propose a new approach to understanding biology, shifting focus from genes to energy consumption and complex dissipative systems. The theory suggests that genes cannot determine biological activity, but rather, it is the energy flows within cells that drive emergence of properties.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 19, 2014

Iron deficiency may increase stroke risk through sticky blood

Scientists at Imperial College London have discovered a link between iron deficiency and an increased risk of stroke due to stickier blood cells. Iron deficiency affects around two billion people worldwide and can increase the stickiness of platelets, which initiate blood clotting.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 2014

Space eye with 34 telescopes will investigate 1 million stars

The PLATO mission aims to discover and characterize Earth-like planets in the Sun's neighborhood. With an array of telescopes, it will measure planetary sizes, masses, and ages to determine their habitability. By observing one million stars, PLATO is expected to find thousands of new exoplanets.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateFeb 19, 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.

Gecko-inspired adhesion: Self-cleaning and reliable

Researchers have developed a gecko-inspired adhesive tape that not only adheres reliably to surfaces like geckos but also features self-cleaning properties. This breakthrough enables the opening and closing of food packagings or bandages multiple times without significant adhesion loss.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 19, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

IU mathematician receives $2.7 million to establish center in Russia

Vladimir Touraev, a renowned expert in low-dimensional topology, has been awarded $2.7 million by the Russian government to establish a scientific center in Chelyabinsk, Russia. The center will facilitate collaboration between IU scientists and their counterparts in Russia, promoting international research opportunities.

SourceIndiana University·DateFeb 19, 2014

Antidepressant holds promise in treating Alzheimer's agitation

A multi-site US-Canada study found that antidepressant citalopram significantly relieved symptoms of agitation in Alzheimer's patients and reduced caregivers' stress levels. The study involved 186 patients with Alzheimer's disease who showed no relief from non-medication therapies or antipsychotic drugs.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 19, 2014

Dreams, deja vu and delusions caused by faulty 'reality testing'

Researchers discovered a common link between dreams and delusions - faulty reality testing in the brain's higher order cognitive systems. This faulty 'reality testing' leads to persistent thoughts and actions that are not based on reality, causing immense mental health difficulties.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 19, 2014

Which asthma drugs, dosages work best for African Americans?

The trial will examine effectiveness of different doses of inhaled corticosteroids with or without long-acting beta agonists in 500 African American patients aged 5 and older. Researchers aim to identify the most effective combination of medications and dosing regimens to manage asthma symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateFeb 19, 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.

'Beautiful but sad' music can help people feel better

A study by University of Kent psychologists found that listening to 'sad' music with high aesthetic value directly predicts mood enhancement. Music selection strategies were linked to individual expectations and emotions.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPsychology of Music·DateFeb 19, 2014

Could metabolism play a role in epilepsy?

Researchers have identified metformin as a potential treatment for epilepsy by reducing the intensity of seizures. The study used fruit fly movement to analyze the effects of dietary modifications on seizure susceptibility. Dr. Kuebler's lab developed a low-cost, video-based method to investigate metabolic causes of seizures.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateFeb 19, 2014

Does more stress equal more headaches?

A new study reveals that higher stress levels are associated with an increase in the number of headaches per month. The study found that for those with tension-type headache, a 10-point increase in stress was linked to a 6.3% rise in headache days per month.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 19, 2014

Reasons for becoming self-employed in later life vary by gender, culture

Researchers found that older male workers are more likely to become self-employed due to a willingness to take risks and access to financial resources. In contrast, female workers may be forced into self-employment due to financial necessity, having fewer economic resources and less access to pensions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalGreener Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare·DateFeb 19, 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.

NuSTAR helps untangle how stars explode

A team of astrophysicists has created the first-ever map of radioactive material in a supernova remnant using NuSTAR. The findings suggest that massive dying stars likely rip apart with distorted shock waves, ending their lives.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateFeb 19, 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.

A forgotten model of the universe

A 1931 paper by Albert Einstein featuring a dynamic model of the universe has been re-examined, highlighting numerical errors and questionable calculations. The model, which includes a contraction phase, contrasts with the widely known expanding Einstein-de Sitter model.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateFeb 19, 2014

An innovative approach to promote water use efficiency

A UC Riverside study suggests that increasing block-rate water budgets can effectively promote water use efficiency by sending a price signal to customers regarding water scarcity. The study found that average household water use decreased by 15% under the new pricing structure, while overall prices only rose 4%.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalLand Economics·DateFeb 19, 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.

Whole genome analysis, stat

A University of Chicago-based team used Beagle, a powerful supercomputer, to analyze genomic data, significantly accelerating speed and accuracy. The findings have immediate medical applications, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalBioinformatics·DateFeb 19, 2014

Food packaging chemicals may be harmful to human health over long term

Environmental scientists warn that synthetic food packaging chemicals can leach into foods and harm human health over the long term. The authors argue that little is known about their impact on chronic conditions like cancer, obesity, and neurological disorders.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateFeb 19, 2014

Managed honeybees linked to new diseases in wild bees

Research finds that common honeybee diseases can infect and spread to wild bumblebees, potentially causing decline. The study suggests that managing honeybees is crucial for supporting wild bee populations and reducing the impact of emerging diseases.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalNature·DateFeb 19, 2014

Statistics research could build consensus around climate predictions

A new statistical hierarchical Bayesian model consolidates climate change information from various sources, including observation-based data sets and climate models. The approach provides an ensemble estimate of current and future climate along with a measure of uncertainty.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM/ASA Journal on Uncertainty Quantification·DateFeb 19, 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.

Newly developed chemical restores light perception to blind mice

A new compound called DENAQ has been found to restore light perception in blind mice by conferring sensitivity on ganglion cells. The treatment, which requires only a single injection, shows promise as a potential vision-restoring drug, but further testing is needed for safety and efficacy

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 19, 2014

An essential step toward printing living tissues

Researchers at Harvard University's Wyss Institute have developed a bioprinting method to create intricately patterned 3D tissue constructs with multiple cell types and tiny blood vessels. The breakthrough enables the creation of thicker, functional tissues that can be used for drug testing and potentially replaced damaged human tissue.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 19, 2014

Ants build raft to escape flood, protect queen

Researchers observed that worker ants and broods were extremely resistant to submersion during floods. The ants protected the queen by placing her in the center of the raft, with workers using the brood's buoyancy and their own recovery ability to minimize injury or death.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 2014

Chemical leak in W.Va. shows gaps in research, policy

A chemical leak in Charleston, W.Va., highlights the shortcomings of policies and research on thousands of chemicals. The incident led to 300,000 residents relying on bottled water due to the lack of complete toxicology studies on the leaked chemical, MCHM.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 19, 2014

Addicted to tanning?

A study by Bowling Green State University researchers suggests a correlation between excessive tanning and mental health symptoms such as OCD and BDD. The findings indicate that prevention messages may not be effective for those with these conditions, highlighting the need for further assessment and treatment.

SourceBowling Green State University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateFeb 19, 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.

Better cache management could improve chip performance, cut energy use

Researchers at MIT and UConn developed new caching strategies that significantly improved chip performance while reducing energy consumption. The new approaches address the challenges of managing data access and communication between cores, resulting in faster execution times and reduced power usage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 19, 2014

New sitting risk: Disability after 60

A new Northwestern University study finds that excessive sitting time is a major risk factor for disability in people over 60. Sedentary behavior is almost as strong a risk factor as lack of moderate exercise.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateFeb 19, 2014

Clutter cutter

Researchers created computer models using PySB framework to explore biochemical processes driving cancer growth. The models aim to identify what goes wrong in cancer cells' self-destruction signals, potentially leading to novel therapies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateFeb 19, 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.

RXTE reveals the cloudy cores of active galaxies

Astronomers using data from NASA's RXTE satellite discovered a dozen cloud events where gas clouds moved across the line of sight, dimming X-ray light produced by supermassive black holes in active galaxies. The study triples previous cloud event counts and provides new insights into the environments around supermassive black holes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 19, 2014

Research prevents zoonotic feline tularemia by finding influential geospatial factors

A Kansas State University epidemiologist has found that climate, physical environment, and socio-ecologic conditions contribute to tularemia infections among domestic cats. The study identified newly urbanized areas, residential locations surrounded by grassland, and high-humidity environments as key factors in the disease's prevalence.

SourceKansas State University·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·DateFeb 19, 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.

SDSC team develops multi-scale simulation software for chemistry research

Researchers at SDSC developed software for multi-scale QM/MM simulations, expanding types of simulations that scientists can use to design new drugs and chemicals. The software integrates with AMBER molecular simulation package, reaching a large user base.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Computational Chemistry·DateFeb 19, 2014

Chronic pain relief more likely when psychological science involved

A comprehensive review by the American Psychological Association highlights psychologists' expertise in addressing chronic pain. Successful treatment approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, and hypnosis, which offer more relief than prescription drugs or surgery.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateFeb 19, 2014

Springer to publish Journal of Nephrology

The Italian Society of Nephrology and Springer are joining forces to promote renal diseases research. The new partnership aims to increase the quality and visibility of the Journal of Nephrology.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Nephrology·DateFeb 19, 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.

Study shows in vivo endomicroscopy improves detection of Barrett's esophagus-related neoplasia

A new study shows that in vivo endomicroscopy improves the detection of Barrett's esophagus-related neoplasia when used with high-definition white-light endoscopy, reducing unnecessary mucosal biopsies and potentially changing patient care. The approach involves real-time endoscopic diagnosis and imaging-guided therapy.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateFeb 19, 2014

Kinetic battery chargers get a boost

Researchers have developed a kinetic energy harvester that captures the energy generated by human movements and converts it into electrical energy. The system uses a flexible cantilever to bend with body movements, producing a small but significant voltage that can be stored in a capacitor.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomechatronics and Biomedical Robotics·DateFeb 19, 2014

Kessler Foundation researchers study impact of head movement on fMRI data

Researchers found that discarding data from subjects with multiple sclerosis who exhibit significant head movement during fMRI may bias sampling away from those with lower cognitive ability. This could lead to skewed results if not addressed by correcting for motion or recruiting a diverse range of participants.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateFeb 19, 2014

Cell therapy shows remarkable ability to eradicate cancer in clinical study

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center reported remarkable results from a clinical study using genetically modified T cells to treat advanced leukemia. The treatment achieved a 88% complete remission rate, exceeding the response rate of salvage chemotherapy alone.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 19, 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.

A step closer to a photonic future

Researchers demonstrate low-power photonic devices fabricated using standard chip-making processes, achieving energy efficiencies competitive with electronics. The advancements enable the commercialization of photonic technology, accelerating its adoption in computing and communication applications.

SourceOptica·DateFeb 19, 2014

Gene sequencing project discovers common driver of a childhood brain tumor

Researchers have identified a genetic alteration in the NF-κB pathway that drives tumor development and provides clues for treating ependymoma, a devastating childhood brain cancer. The study offers new insights into how abnormal proteins can lead to cancer and may aid efforts to understand and intervene against other cancers.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·DateFeb 19, 2014

Study reveals workings of working memory

Researchers at Brown University discovered that working memory uses similar brain circuits to those involved in planning motion. They found that the caudate and dorsal anterior premotor cortex contribute to output gating, a crucial process for selecting from working memory. The study's findings provide insight into how the brain effici...

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 19, 2014

Clouds seen circling supermassive black holes

Astronomers have observed huge clouds of gas circling supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies, revealing a previously unknown phenomenon. These clouds can intermittently dim X-ray sources, providing evidence for their existence and confirming predictions made by recent models.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 19, 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.

U of I study: Couples, pay attention to your relationship work ethic

A University of Illinois study recommends that couples adopt a relationship work ethic that equals or surpasses their professional one, focusing on active listening and quality time. The research found that couples who attended an Intentional Harmony workshop improved significantly in managing work-partner role conflict and reported re...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalMarriage & Family Review·DateFeb 19, 2014

Joseph Glorioso, Ph.D., receives Pioneer Award

Joseph C. Glorioso, III, PhD received a Pioneer Award from Human Gene Therapy for his leadership and accomplishments in developing herpes viruses as efficient vectors for delivering therapeutic genes into cells. His research has shown promise for treating complex genetic and acquired diseases, including brain degeneration and cancer.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateFeb 19, 2014

UK failing to harness its bioenergy potential

New research suggests the UK can produce up to 44% of its energy needs from biomass sources like household waste and agricultural residues. The study highlights the potential for biomass resources to contribute significantly to the country's renewable energy targets.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalEnergy Policy·DateFeb 19, 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.

Targeted treatment for ovarian cancer discovered

Researchers have developed a biologic drug that prevents the production of HE4 protein, allowing ovarian cancer cells to grow aggressively and resist chemotherapy. The novel biologic has shown promising results in cell and animal models, increasing the potential for improved treatment and survival rates for women with ovarian cancer.

SourceCare New England·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 19, 2014

The nose knows in asthma

Researchers have discovered that genes expressed in the nasal passages can serve as accurate proxies for those expressed deeper in the lungs. This breakthrough allows for less invasive and more affordable genetic profiling of asthmatic patients, potentially leading to improved treatment options and better understanding of the disease.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 19, 2014

How stick insects honed friction to grip without sticking

Research reveals stick insects have developed a way to generate massive friction when walking upright through a hierarchy of grip with the slightest pressure, allowing them to grip but not stick. The insect's hairy friction pads employ three main tricks to increase contact area under pressure, creating a scale or hierarchy of grip.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 19, 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.

Using holograms to improve electronic devices

A team of researchers from the University of California, Riverside has demonstrated a new type of holographic memory device that uses spin waves to store data. The device has unprecedented data storage capacity and processing capabilities, making it potentially revolutionary for electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 19, 2014

The ups and downs of early atmospheric oxygen

Oxygen production by cyanobacteria may have initiated 3 billion years ago, with dynamic concentrations rising and falling over billions of years. This new understanding sheds light on the balance between photosynthesis and consumption, impacting life on Earth.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·DateFeb 19, 2014

Remote Antarctic telescope reveals gas cloud where stars are born

A team of researchers has identified a giant gas cloud in the Milky Way galaxy, shaped like a long filament and about 50,000 times the mass of our sun. The discovery was made using the High Elevation Antarctic Terahertz telescope, which detects atomic carbon and is located at Ridge A in Antarctica.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateFeb 19, 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.

Peru's Manu National Park sets new biodiversity record

Peru's Manu National Park has been recorded with 287 species of reptiles and amphibians, surpassing the previous record in Yasuní National Park. The park's high species diversity is attributed to its large area and steep topographic variation, despite being only 0.01 percent of the planet's land area.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalBiota Neotropica·DateFeb 19, 2014

What is El Nino Taimasa?

During strong El Niño events, tropical western Pacific sees a sudden drop in sea level, causing prolonged droughts in Samoa and triggering tropical cyclones near Tahiti. Computer climate models predict that these drops could become seasons ahead, helping island communities prepare for the next event.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·DateFeb 19, 2014

Managing chronic bone and joint pain

Chronic musculoskeletal pain affects an estimated 100 million Americans, with low back pain and degenerative joint processes being common causes. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not effective in many chronic pain scenarios, but antidepressants and anticonvulsants can provide remarkable relief.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 19, 2014

UNH research: Most of us have made best memories by age 25

Researchers at UNH found that by age 25, most people have made the most important memories of their lives, with a 'reminiscence bump' between ages 17 and 24. This period is characterized by an over-representation of positive and negative memories.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalMemory·DateFeb 19, 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.

Molecular aberration signals cancer

Researchers at Simon Fraser University have discovered that non-coding RNAs are perturbed in cancerous human cells, allowing for early detection of breast and lung cancers. The study's findings suggest that these molecules can be used to classify patients into subgroups with different survival outcomes.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalEMBO Reports·DateFeb 19, 2014

Rocks around the clock: Asteroids pound tiny star

Researchers found a massive asteroid around PSR J0738-4042, which is being pounded by asteroids and could form planets. The asteroid's mass is about a billion tonnes, and its formation is linked to the star's intense radiation.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 19, 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.

NuSTAR telescope takes first peek into core of supernova

The NuSTAR mission has produced the first map of high-energy X-ray emissions from a supernova remnant, revealing details about the core explosion and its effects on the surrounding gas and dust. The observations provide new insights into the fundamental physics of nuclear explosions and their role in creating life's essential elements.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateFeb 19, 2014

Self-employment growth does not bank on access to capital

Researchers found that counties with a history of favoring entrepreneurship and fostering economic self-dependence tend to predict higher self-employment growth rates in the future. The availability of capital matters minimally to self-employment growth, except in small rural counties near metro areas.

SourcePenn State·JournalEconomic Development Quarterly·DateFeb 19, 2014

Pond-dwelling powerhouse's genome points to its biofuel potential

The duckweed genome reveals its potential as a biofuel source, with the smallest known plant genome containing fewer than 20,000 protein-encoding genes. This reduced gene count leads to unique characteristics such as neoteny and arrested development.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 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.

A new laser for a faster Internet

Researchers at Caltech have created a new laser that can carry vast amounts of information, increasing data transmission rates in optical-fiber networks. The high-coherence laser has a 20 times narrower range of frequencies than previous lasers, enabling faster and more efficient communication.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2014