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Science News for February 5, 2014


University of Leeds to be a leader in data analytics and research

The University of Leeds has been awarded £5.8 million from the MRC and approximately £5 million from the ESRC to establish a leading centre in data analytics. The funding will support a range of research projects, including consumer data analysis and electronic health records.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateFeb 5, 2014

Articles from groundbreaking new Violence and Gender journal published

The Violence and Gender journal examines complex issues in threat assessment and prevention, exploring factors related to the gender of perpetrators of violence. The inaugural issue delves into topics such as school shootings, mass killers, and military sexual assault.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalViolence and Gender·DateFeb 5, 2014

Vanadium dioxide research opens door to new, multifunctional spintronic smart sensors

Research integrates vanadium dioxide onto a silicon chip to create infrared smart sensors that are faster, more energy-efficient, and lighter than conventional sensors. This breakthrough paves the way for multifunctional spintronic devices with enhanced memory capacity, data transfer speed, and computational power.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 5, 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.

Penn study reveals genetics impact risk of early menopause among some female smokers

A new study by Penn researchers found that genetic variations in white women can increase the risk of early menopause, particularly in those who smoke heavily. The study, which analyzed data from over 400 women, revealed a significant association between certain gene variants and an earlier onset of menopause in heavy smokers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMenopause·DateFeb 5, 2014

Fewer than half of women attend recommended doctors visits after childbirth

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that women with pregnancy complications were more likely to see a doctor post-delivery, but overall visit rates were low. Women with complicated pregnancies and depression or preeclampsia were also more likely to attend primary care visits.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2014

Sociable receptors: In pairs, in groups or in a crowd

Researchers found that Eph receptors must form groups of three or four to become active, with the ratio of multimers to inactive dimers determining repulsion strength. This understanding can guide cell migration and growth, shedding light on diseases related to guidance system breakdowns.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateFeb 5, 2014

Inducing climate-smart global supply networks: Nature Commentary

A community effort aims to create a comprehensive database of economic flows and resource connections to identify vulnerable bottlenecks in global supply networks. This will enable the development of more resilient economies against future climate extremes.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 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.

National poll shows public divided on genetic testing to predict cancer risk

A national poll shows that only 35% of respondents would seek aggressive preventive treatment if they had a family history of cancer and genetic testing indicated a predisposition to cancer. Despite current laws prohibiting discrimination, concerns about employment and insurability remain a major barrier to genetic testing.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·DateFeb 5, 2014

Electronically controlled drugs could minimize side effects

Researchers have developed electronically controlled drugs that can minimize side effects by releasing medication in response to specific cues. These tailored approaches could be useful in treating conditions such as epilepsy, where medication could be released at the onset of a seizure.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 5, 2014

Female mice prefer unfamiliar male songs

A study found that female mice prefer songs from males of different families, suggesting an innate preference for avoiding close relatives. This preference is influenced by the female's reproductive cycle and scent-based cues from the male.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 2014

'False memories' -- the hidden side of our good memory

Researchers found that children's brains are less prone to creating false memories due to a less efficient semantic process. Adults, however, are more likely to generate false memories as their brain automatizes the process, making it less reliable.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·DateFeb 5, 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.

NASA boards the 3-D-manufacturing train

NASA is exploring the potential of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, to create customized spacecraft and instrument components. The agency has launched several formal programs to prototype new tools using this emerging technology.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 5, 2014

A 'smoking gun' on the Ice Age megafauna extinctions

Scientists discovered that the mass extinction of large mammals after the latest Ice Age was linked to changes in vegetation, particularly the loss of protein-rich forbs. This finding provides a new understanding of the role of climate change in shaping ecosystems during the Ice Age.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2014

Mass extinction may not cause all organisms to 'shrink'

Scientists analyzed bryozoan species before and after a mass extinction event, finding no significant change in body length. Maximum colony size declined in three out of four surviving types, suggesting the Lilliput effect may not be universal across organisms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 2014

Wider-faced dates more attractive as short-term mates

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that women are drawn to men with wider faces, which is associated with increased dominance. The researchers studied speed-dating events and found that women were more likely to choose men with higher facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) for short-term relationships.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 5, 2014

Time is of the essence

A Weizmann Institute of Science study reveals that daily fluctuations in triglycerides in the liver are driven by internal 'body clocks' and timing of meals. Researchers found that restricting nighttime feeding led to a 50% decrease in liver TAG levels, suggesting that meal times can affect lipid accumulation.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 5, 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.

Heavy metal in the early cosmos

Numerical simulations charting the universe's forces in its first hundreds of millions of years reveal subtle effects governing galaxy evolution, including incomplete mixing and chaotic supernova ejections. The findings shed light on metal formation and distribution in the earliest galaxies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 5, 2014

Social media analysis shows the Garment District still rules New York fashion

A new study using social media and Foursquare tracked the movements of fashion workers in the New York metropolitan area, showing the Garment District's importance in the industry. The study found that 77% of fashion designers' trips were within the district, highlighting its role in product production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 2014

Some receive unnecessary prioritization for liver transplantation, says Penn Medicine study

A recent Penn Medicine study reveals that patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome may be receiving unnecessary priority on the liver transplant wait list. The study found that these patients often have poor post-transplant survival rates and that a significant proportion of them do not meet clear clinical indications for transplantation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 5, 2014

Simulated blindness can help revive hearing, researchers find

Neuroscientists discovered that minimizing vision for a week can enhance the brain's processing of sound. This finding may help those experiencing hearing loss regain more use of their sense. The study suggests that certain neural connections in the brain can be reactivated to support lagging senses.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 5, 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.

Paradox of cigarette sales in pharmacies focus of new movement

Pharmacies sell cigarettes despite being a leading cause of preventable death; CVS Caremark's decision aims to reduce smoking prevalence through eliminating tobacco product sales. The move aligns with efforts to strengthen the role of pharmacies in promoting health and could spark other retailers to follow suit.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 5, 2014

Durable end to AIDS will require HIV vaccine development

A safe and effective HIV vaccine is necessary to control and potentially end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Recent scientific advances offer promising areas for further exploration, including the discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies and improved understanding of T-cell responses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2014

£4 million to tackle spread of bacterial infections

The University of Liverpool has launched an Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces to design and develop new anti-infective materials. The hub aims to combat the spread of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections in various sectors, including healthcare and food processing.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateFeb 5, 2014

Policymakers and scientists agree on top research questions

Concord found between professional groups on which questions are most important for natural resource management. The most critical questions relate to the quantity and quality of surface and groundwater necessary for human populations and ecosystem resilience.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 5, 2014

Towards tailor-made adhesives

French scientists studied soft adhesive materials' inner structure and response to traction during the debonding process. Their findings aim to improve models of adhesive performance by understanding energy dissipation and material deformation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateFeb 5, 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.

World temperature records available via Google Earth

Climate researchers at the University of East Anglia have made world temperature records available via Google Earth, allowing users to zoom in on 6,000 weather stations and view monthly, seasonal, and annual temperature data. The dataset combines records from 150 years ago, providing valuable insights into climate change.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEarth System Science Data·DateFeb 5, 2014

Pinpointing the brain's arbitrator

Researchers have pinpointed areas of the brain that act as an 'arbitrator' between habitual and goal-directed systems. This mechanism ensures optimal control over behavior by weighing the reliability of predictions from each system.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 5, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nerve block eases troublesome hot flashes

A randomized, controlled trial shows that injecting anesthetic near a nerve bundle in the neck significantly reduces moderate to severe hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The treatment cut the number of hot flashes in half and reduced their intensity by 38% compared to a sham injection.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateFeb 5, 2014

Study untangles divergent US job-tenure patterns

A study reveals that average US job tenure has been surprisingly stable over time, but there are divergent trends among men and women. Married mothers experienced a significant increase in job tenure due to changes in labor market expectations and workplace accommodations.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateFeb 5, 2014

Whales and human-related activities overlap in African waters

A WCS-led satellite tracking study found humpback whales share breeding waters with offshore oil rigs, major shipping routes, and toxicants off the coast of western Africa. The researchers identified new parts of the whales' breeding range and migratory routes to sub-Antarctic feeding grounds.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Biology·DateFeb 5, 2014

Innovative technique creates large skin flaps for full-face resurfacing

Chinese surgeons develop 'monoblock' flaps to reconstruct severe facial defects using a prefabrication/overexpansion technique. This approach enables the creation of large skin flaps suitable for full-face resurfacing, improving facial contour and emotional expression.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Craniofacial Surgery·DateFeb 5, 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.

Health Affairs examines successes and missing links in connected health

Researchers examined the successes of connected health initiatives, such as Kaiser Permanente's integration of technology into patient care and the use of mobile phones to manage diabetes. They also found that facilities adopting telemedicine could reduce hospitalizations and costs by $120,000 annually.

SourceHealth Affairs·JournalHealth Affairs·DateFeb 5, 2014

Uncovering the drivers of honey bee colony declines and losses

A study reveals that long-term declines in honey bee colonies are attributed to economic and political pressures, as well as pests, pathogens, and poor management practices. The research also highlights the importance of standardized data collection and further research into the impact of agricultural intensification on this species.

SourceEcoHealth Alliance·JournalEcoHealth·DateFeb 5, 2014

New, high-tech prosthetics and orthotics offer active life-style for users

Researchers have developed advanced prosthetic and orthotic devices that allow users to participate in a wider range of daily activities, exercise, and sports. The new technologies include adjustable ankle units for sub-freezing temperatures and multifunction prostheses for adventure-type activities.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateFeb 5, 2014

Tree roots in the mountains 'acted like a thermostat' for millions of years

Researchers found that tree roots in mountainous ecosystems can regulate carbon dioxide levels by breaking down rock into component parts. This process, called weathering, draws carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and cools the planet, potentially preventing catastrophic overheating or cooling over millions of years.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 5, 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.

New analysis of endometriosis could help diagnoses, treatments

Researchers have identified a distinctive profile of cytokine activity associated with certain symptoms of endometriosis, including ovarian and rectovaginal lesions. This signature is negatively correlated with patient fertility and has previously been implicated in the disease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2014

Study shows yogurt consumption reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes

A large study published in Diabetologia found that higher yogurt consumption was associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that consuming low-fat fermented dairy products, such as yoghurt, reduced the relative risk of diabetes by 24% overall.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateFeb 5, 2014

Amputee feels in real-time with bionic hand

Dennis Aabo Sorensen, a Danish amputee, regained his sense of touch with a revolutionary bionic hand. The prosthetic hand was surgically wired to nerves in his upper arm, allowing him to feel objects intuitively and identify textures.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2014

Longevity mutation found in flies far and wide

Researchers discovered a widespread longevity mutation in fruit flies, found in 17 of 22 lines gathered from around the globe. The mutation, called Hoppel, was linked to increased life span and reproductive fitness in heterozygous flies.

SourceBrown University·DateFeb 5, 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.

New stem cell research removes reliance on human and animal cells

A new study has developed a scaffold of carbon nanotubes that allows for the safe growth of human stem cells in the laboratory. This breakthrough technology could pave the way for revolutionary treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's, diabetes, and heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 5, 2014

One NASA image, 2 Australian tropical lows: Fletcher and 95S

Two low-pressure areas, System 94P (Fletcher) and 95S, were detected by NASA's Aqua satellite over Australia. Fletcher remains in the Gulf of Carpentaria with disorganized convection, while System 95S develops near Darwin with heavy rainfall potential.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 5, 2014

Is the male or female brain more vulnerable to triggers of violent behavior?

The article 'Not Hardwired: The Complex Neurobiology of Sex Differences in Violence' describes the complex biological mechanisms in the brain that lead to the development of behaviors. Brain structure, function, and connectivity can differ between men and women, affecting how they respond to stressful or abusive triggers.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalViolence and Gender·DateFeb 5, 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.

Monkeys that eat omega-3 rich diet show more developed brain networks

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that monkeys fed a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids had brains with highly connected and well-organized neural networks. This similarity is remarkable, especially when compared to human brains using the same imaging techniques.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateFeb 5, 2014

New evidence shows increase in obesity may be slowing, but not by much

A new study by University of Illinois professor Ruopeng An found that the prevalence of adult obesity has been slowing, but only slightly, with increases seen in those classified as morbidly obese. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to analyze BMI trends between 2000 and 2012.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalISRN Obesity·DateFeb 5, 2014

Will your child be a slim adult?

A novel study found that adults who reported lower childhood experiences related to healthy eating, physical activity, and social connections were more likely to have a slim adult life. Conversely, those with common unhealthy childhood experiences such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and bullying had higher adult BMIs.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 2014

Food insecurity leads to increased incidence of tuberculosis in Zimbabwe

A study by Canadian researchers found a significant association between food shortages and rising TB cases in Zimbabwe, particularly among HIV-positive individuals. The study suggests that adequate food availability is crucial in controlling TB incidence, especially in areas with high HIV prevalence.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 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.

Decriminalizing pot may land more kids in the ER

A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that states decriminalizing marijuana saw a dramatic increase in children requiring medical intervention at emergency rooms. High-dose edible products containing tetrahydrocannabinol were identified as a significant contributor to these incidents.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2014

New study finds early universe 'warmed up' later than previously believed

A Tel Aviv University study suggests that cosmic heating occurred later than previously believed, allowing astronomers to detect the earliest black holes by searching for radio waves in space. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the universe's origins and the history of cosmic expansion.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2014

Falcon feathers pop-up during dive

Researchers studied peregrine falcons' diving flight using high-speed cameras and wind tunnel models. They found that feathers may pop-up to prevent local flow separation, enabling the birds to reach high speeds while maintaining maneuverability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 2014

How to tell when bubbly goes bad before popping the cork

Researchers developed a mathematical model that predicts the shelf life of sparkling wines based on storage temperature, which can help wineries and consumers determine when bubbly has gone bad. The study also found that refrigerating sparkling wines almost completely prevents browning.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 5, 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.

Valentine's Day advice: Don't let rocky past relations with parents spoil your romance

A study by University of Alberta researcher Matt Johnson found a small but important link between parent-adolescent relationship quality and intimate relationships 15 years later. Good parent-teen relationships can lead to higher quality romantic relationships, while negative experiences may repeat themselves in current partnerships.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateFeb 5, 2014

Crossover sound

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have provided the first 'unambiguous demonstration' of phonon-based lasers by observing coherent phonon transport in superlattices. This breakthrough could lead to new advances in heat transfer applications and the development of phonon lasers.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 5, 2014

Graphene 'sandwich' improves images of biomolecules

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a graphene 'sandwich' that enables atomic-level imaging of biomolecules in their natural state. This breakthrough improves resolution and minimizes damage to samples, opening up analysis of difficult-to-image biological samples.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 5, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Quarks in the looking glass

Physicists at Jefferson Lab have made a new determination of an intrinsic quark property, setting new limits for energies needed to access physics beyond the Standard Model. The experiment probed mirror symmetry in quarks, revealing a previously isolated component of the weak force.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2014

A short stay in darkness may heal hearing woes

Researchers at the University of Maryland found that adult mice experienced improved hearing after simulated blindness, which could lead to new treatments for hearing loss and tinnitus. The study showed that temporary vision loss can rewire the brain's auditory system in adults, allowing for sharper sound discrimination and sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 5, 2014

Durable end to AIDS will require HIV vaccine development

A safe and effective HIV vaccine is necessary to control and end the AIDS pandemic, according to a new commentary by NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci. Recent advances in understanding broadly neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responses offer promising areas for further exploration.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2014

Paper offers insights into network that plays crucial role in cell function and disease

A new research paper from the University of Notre Dame researchers Holly Goodson and Mark Alber resolves an ongoing debate about the assembly of a subcellular network that plays a critical role in cell function and disease. The study explains how stathmin, a key regulator, works by binding and destabilizing segments of microtubules.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 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.

State-of-the art Centre for Innovation in Rail underway

The University of Huddersfield is launching a £4 million Centre for Innovation in Rail, funded by the Government's Regional Growth Fund. The centre will provide world-class training and services to develop critical engineering interfaces in the rail industry, increasing innovation and reducing costs.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateFeb 5, 2014

Fruit fly microRNA research at Rutgers-Camden offers clues to aging process

Researchers at Rutgers University–Camden studied microRNAs in common fruit flies to understand the connection between aging and diseases like Alzheimer's. They found that as fruit flies age, more microRNAs accumulate on a protein complex, impacting age-associated events and leading to shorter lifespans.

SourceRutgers University·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 5, 2014

Researchers discover rare new species of deep-diving whale

Researchers have identified a new species of beaked whale, Mesoplodon hotaula, based on DNA analysis and physical characteristics of seven stranded specimens. The discovery sheds light on the elusive habits and low abundance of deep-diving whales in the world's oceans.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalMarine Mammal Science·DateFeb 5, 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.

Forest emissions, wildfires explain why ancient Earth was so hot

A new Yale study reveals that ancient forest emissions and wildfires had a significant impact on global warming, even before human-generated CO2 emissions. The research found that concentrations of tropospheric ozone, aerosol particles, and methane during the Pliocene epoch were twice those observed in the pre-industrial era.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 5, 2014

Grasshoppers are what they eat

A new protocol allows researchers to investigate feeding patterns and detect plant DNA in grasshoppers, providing insights into insect-plant interactions. The method enables tracking of plant food movement during consumption and can be completed in under three hours.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateFeb 5, 2014

Inner workings of a cellular nanomotor revealed

The discovery sheds light on how SecA pushes proteins out of the cell through a series of mechanical steps. This understanding is crucial for developing specific antibiotics and optimizing biotechnological production of human biopharmaceuticals.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 5, 2014

Water supply availability 'to dominate US natural resource management'

A survey of policy makers and scientists found that US water supply availability is the top priority for natural resource management. The study, published in BioScience, ranked questions on water supply necessary for human populations and ecosystem resilience as the most important.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 5, 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.

Research results show new way for cholesterol treatment

Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered a new way to treat high cholesterol by targeting the sortilin receptor system, which regulates PCSK9 protein levels. This breakthrough may lead to an alternative to statins for patients who cannot tolerate or benefit from them.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 5, 2014

Bacterial fibers critical to human and avian infection

A new study examines Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and finds that bacterial fibers, such as common pilus, play a crucial role in its ability to cause infection and form biofilms. The research also highlights the importance of understanding the virulence traits shared between APEC and human ExPEC strains.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 2014

Attractive professional cyclists are faster

A recent study has demonstrated that women's preferences for facial attractiveness in professional cyclists coincide with improved endurance performance. The research, conducted by Erik Postma at the University of Zurich, analyzed over 800 portraits and found that attractive riders fared better during the Tour de France.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 5, 2014

ASGE issues guidelines for safety in the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has issued guidelines for safety in the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit, focusing on infection control and procedure protocols. The guidelines aim to standardize safety efforts within GI endoscopy units, following changes in Ambulatory Surgical Center Conditions for Coverage.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateFeb 5, 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.