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Science News for January 23, 2014


The evolution of drug resistance within a HIV population

A study in PLOS Genetics found that HIV drug resistance mutations can spread rapidly within a patient, leading to a homogeneous or heterogeneous viral population. The researchers estimate the effective population size of HIV to be around 150,000, which may help inform treatment strategies and predict resistance evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 23, 2014

Can walkies tell who's the leader of the pack?

Researchers tracked six dogs and their owner on group walks to measure social behavior and determine personalities. Dogs that consistently took the lead were more responsive to training, older, and more aggressive than those that followed.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 23, 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.

Risky ripples: Frog's love song may summon kiss of death

Research reveals frog calls create ripples used by rival males to assess competition, but also detectors for predators like frog-eating bats. The study shows how complex communication can have costs and benefits through different sensory channels.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2014

Choose your love

Researchers found that females who mated with preferred males produced more offspring and were better able to cope with infection from Salmonella compared to offspring sired by non-preferred males. The fitness benefits were due to tolerance to infection rather than immune resistance.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 23, 2014

Happy 10th anniversary Opportunity!

The Opportunity rover has discovered evidence of conditions that support the chemistry of life in Mars' past, earning a spot in Science magazine. The 10-year-old rover explored Martian geology and environmental processes, searching for signs of habitability and life.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 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.

Tracing unique cells with mathematics

Scientists have created a new statistical method to analyze individual cells, allowing for more accurate detection of cell properties. By combining data from multiple cells, researchers can reduce errors and overcome statistical noise, leading to better understanding of cellular behavior and development.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2014

To stay a step ahead of breast cancer, make a map of the future

Researchers developed a tool to predict which direction a breast cancer tumor is most likely to go and how it will respond to chemotherapy. The study's findings reveal general rules, including genetic diversity within tumors and the importance of analyzing individual cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 23, 2014

A new wrinkle in the control of waves

Researchers at MIT have developed flexible materials with nanoscale wrinkles that can control the wavelengths and distribution of waves, including sound and light. This technology could lead to new diagnostic tools for diseases like cancer and enable advanced noise-cancellation systems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 23, 2014

Even without a diagnosis, psychiatric symptoms affect work outcomes

A recent study published in Medical Care found that psychiatric symptoms such as insomnia and emotional distress have a significant impact on work-related outcomes. The study suggests targeting symptoms, rather than disorders, may help lessen the work impact of mental health issues.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateJan 23, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

11,000-year-old living dog cancer reveals its secrets

The genome of the world's oldest continuously surviving cancer, a transmissible genital cancer in dogs, has been sequenced. The cancer carries about two million mutations and is believed to have arisen 11,000 years ago. Analysis reveals that the cancer still harbors genetic variants from its ancient host.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2014

Probing hydrogen catalyst assembly

The study demonstrates how cyanide and carbon monoxide are safely bound to an iron atom to construct an enzyme that can generate hydrogen gas. This discovery sheds light on the unusual chemistry involved in binding small molecules to metal atoms, a crucial step towards producing hydrogen using abundant metals.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2014

Does it pay to be a lover or a fighter? It depends on how you woo females

Researchers found that males' ability to monopolize a female drives the evolution of their sexual traits. Some species invest more in weapons, while others prioritize large testes for fertility. The study looked at over 300 species and revealed surprising variations in male investment.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 23, 2014

Better eating habits, not bad economy, stabilized obesity rates

A new study found that US consumers changed their eating habits significantly between 2003 and 2011, leading to a decline in calorie consumption. The changes persisted independent of economic conditions, suggesting that public health efforts and increased awareness about healthy eating played a crucial role.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 23, 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.

Diabetes: We are in it together

A recent study published in BMC Medicine has found that living in a household with a spouse who has type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of developing the condition. The research team analyzed data from six studies and found that spousal diabetes was associated with a 26% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJan 23, 2014

Detecting sickness by smell

Researchers find that people can detect unpleasant odors in sweat after exposure to toxins, potentially indicating an early immune response. The study suggests that there may be biomarkers for illness in the form of volatile substances from the body.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 23, 2014

Sickle cell trait in African-American dialysis patients affects dosing of anemia drugs

Studies found that African-American hemodialysis patients with sickle cell trait received about 13% more anemia medications than those without the trait to achieve the same level of hemoglobin. The presence of sickle cell trait was also more common among dialysis patients, affecting approximately 10% of study participants.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 23, 2014

Watching molecules morph into memories

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine developed a mouse model with fluorescently tagged beta-actin mRNA, allowing them to observe the molecular processes that culminate in memories. The study revealed a novel mechanism by which brain neurons control the synthesis of beta-actin protein.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 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.

The $125 billion question: How will the ACA affect cancer survivors?

Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center are studying how the ACA affects cancer screening in low-income women and employed married women with breast cancer. The study found that Medicaid expansions increased breast and cervical cancer screening, particularly among low-income women, suggesting a positive effect of near-universal coverag...

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateJan 23, 2014

New genes spring and spread from non-coding DNA

A study by researchers at UC Davis found 248 new genes that exist only in Drosophila melanogaster, emerging from ancestrally non-coding DNA. These genes showed evidence of being under selection and were more likely to be larger and more complex.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2014

Sports medicine physical of the future could help athletes 'ESCAPE' sudden cardiac death

A new focused ultrasound exam has been shown to accurately identify athletes with undetected cardiovascular conditions, reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death. The Early Screening for Cardiovascular Abnormalities With Preparticipation Echocardiography (ESCAPE) protocol could become the sports medicine physical of the future.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Ultrasound in Medicine·DateJan 23, 2014

Sniffed out -- The 'gas detectors' of the plant world

A team of researchers led by Professor Michael Holdsworth has identified the central mechanism for detecting nitric oxide (NO) in plants, which regulates growth and response to environmental stress. The 'master regulators' control NO detection and have been found to regulate important aspects of plant development.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 23, 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.

Lab-grown, virus-free stem cells repair retinal tissue in mice

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed human induced-pluripotent stem cells that can repair damaged retinal vascular tissue in mice without using viruses. These non-viral, human retinal iPSCs were grown using a safer method and showed comparable ability to human embryonic-derived iPSCs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateJan 23, 2014

Scientists reveal why life got big in the Earth's early oceans

A team of researchers discovered that large multicellular organisms grew tall to access nutrient-rich ocean flow, gaining an advantage over bacteria. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of early life forms and may have implications for understanding modern ocean processes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 23, 2014

Physical activity significantly extends lives of cancer survivors

A recent study of 1,021 men found that physical activity significantly extends the lives of male cancer survivors. The study revealed that those who expended more than 12,600 kilojoules per week in physical activity were 48% less likely to die than those who burned fewer kilojoules.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateJan 23, 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.

When nanotechnology meets quantum physics in 1 dimension

Scientists from McGill University and Sandia National Laboratories have successfully tested the 'Luttinger liquid' model, a mathematical prediction for one-dimensional quantum physics. The experiment measures the effect of electrical current on nearby wires, showing increased friction at low temperatures.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2014

The rocky road to a better flu vaccine

Researchers found that a new adjuvant improved flu vaccine effectiveness in mice and showed promise for the elderly. The study also highlighted the importance of characterizing immune responses following intra-nasal vaccinations, particularly with novel adjuvants.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 23, 2014

Patients receiving ADT should be counseled to improve mental and emotional well-being

A new study published in the Journal of Urology reports that prostate cancer patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) experienced changes in mental and emotional well-being during treatment, with no significant decline in emotional quality of life two years after treatment. Investigators recommend counseling men about p...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateJan 23, 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.

New computer model may aid personalized cancer care

Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict how tumors will behave and which treatments are most effective, focusing on genetic diversity within tumors. The study found that tumors with less genetic diversity are more likely to respond to treatment, providing new insights into personalized cancer care.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 23, 2014

New microscopy technique improves imaging at the atomic scale

Researchers developed a new technique that accounts for sample drift and eliminates distortion in scanning transmission electron microscope images. This allows for accurate representation of material structures and enables the discovery of crystalline structures in unknown samples.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalUltramicroscopy·DateJan 23, 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.

Mitochondrial ribosome revealed

Researchers at ETH Zurich deciphered the structure of the large subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome, a complex enzyme that deciphers genetic code and assembles amino acids into proteins. The study's success relies on a combination of high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy and chemical cross-linking combined with mass spectrometry.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 2014

Cohabitation plays 'major role' in number of long-term relationships

A new national study reveals that cohabitation significantly contributes to the number of long-term relationships lasting eight years or longer. The research found that couples who start out cohabiting are more likely to form and maintain long-term unions, especially among women as they get older.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPopulation Research and Policy Review·DateJan 23, 2014

10 years on Mars leads to livable mud

The CSIRO Australia-led research reveals the oldest minerals ever analyzed by NASA's Mars Opportunity Rover show evidence of liquid water on Mars around 4 billion years ago. The discovery suggests that past water activity may have created livable mud, increasing the chances of life on Mars.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 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.

Are developing heart valves sensitive to environmental chemicals?

Developing heart valves in zebrafish embryos may be vulnerable to environmental endocrine disruptors, which can mimic estrogen and lead to abnormalities. The study uses genetically modified zebrafish to detect and identify the mechanisms of action of these chemicals.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJan 23, 2014

Death row confessions and the last meal test of innocence

A study by Cornell researchers found that those who admitted guilt were more likely to request brand-name, comfort-food items, whereas those who denied guilt declined meals altogether. Guilty individuals also requested 34% more calories of food.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalLaws·DateJan 23, 2014

UGA researchers discover origin of unusual glands in the body

Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered that small satellite thymuses, or cervical thymi, have two distinct origins and may play a role in the development of T-cells. These cells can produce either helpful or harmful T-cells, highlighting the need for further research into their potential impact on human health.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 23, 2014

Carbon dioxide paves the way to unique nanomaterials

Researchers from Warsaw Institute of Physical Chemistry create unique nanomaterials with unprecedented properties through reaction with carbon dioxide. The novel materials show high porosity and luminescence quantum yield, making them suitable for applications in OLEDs, energy storage, and sensing devices.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 23, 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.

Study reveals how the brain links memories of sequential events

Researchers have identified a previously unknown circuit that suppresses the monosynaptic circuit, allowing for longer time-linked memories to be formed. This discovery sheds light on how the brain balances fear and caution in response to sequential events.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2014

Palau's coral reefs surprisingly resistant to ocean acidification

Marine scientists in Palau found corals living in acidic waters to be diverse and healthy, contradicting previous observations. The unique environment in Palau's Rock Islands is believed to provide a 'perfect storm' of conditions that allow corals to thrive.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 23, 2014

Obesity in mothers alters babies' weight through brain rewiring

A study published in Cell reveals that obesity in mothers can predispose their children to lifelong obesity and metabolic disorders due to abnormal neuronal circuits in the hypothalamus. Mothers who consume a large amount of fat during the third trimester may be putting their children at risk for these conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJan 23, 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.

Fur and feathers keep animals warm by scattering light

Researchers found that fur coats and down feathers derive their insulating power from an optical mechanism involving the scattering of infrared light. This discovery could lead to improved building insulation and the development of new types of ultrathin insulation.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateJan 23, 2014

Ancient forests stabilized Earth's CO2 and climate

Researchers found that low atmospheric CO2 concentrations acted as a 'carbon starvation' brake, slowing down weathering rates and reducing forests' ability to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. This mechanism helped maintain stable CO2 levels and climate over millions of years.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalBiogeosciences·DateJan 23, 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.

PCORI award to boost new national clinical research network

The University of South Florida and FORCE have received a PCORI award to expand a health data network for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer research. The ABOUT Network will collect comprehensive clinical data, engage patients, and advance patient-centered studies.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·DateJan 23, 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.

Bats use water ripples to hunt frogs

Researchers found that bats detect water ripples created by male túngara frogs' calls, which aids in hunting. The discovery sheds light on an evolutionary arms race between frogs and bats.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2014

CWRU study finds depression symptoms and emotional support impact PTSD treatment progress

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that rapid improvements in depression symptoms during PTSD treatments are associated with better outcomes. Negative social support from family or friends was also linked to worsening depression symptoms, while transient spikes did not negatively impact treatment progress.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJan 23, 2014

Large and in charge

A new study suggests that early multicellular organisms grew larger to access nutrient-rich currents in the deep seas. The research, published in Current Biology, reveals that these enigmatic life-forms, known as Ediacara biota, reached heights of up to a meter to compete for resources.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 23, 2014

Salmonella infection mitigates asthma

A study published in Infection and Immunity reveals that Salmonella infection can reduce asthma inflammation by regulating immune cells. Researchers hope to develop treatments based on probiotics or therapeutic applications of myeloid cells.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateJan 23, 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.

Wisconsin researchers identify key pathway for plant cell growth

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a hormone and receptor that control cell expansion in plants. This finding reveals the molecular mechanisms behind plant growth, which is crucial for developing new technologies to manipulate crops for food, fuel, fiber, and medicines.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2014

Almost 200 years later, are we living in the final days of the stethoscope?

Experts argue that stethoscopes may become obsolete due to the rapid advancement of point-of-care ultrasound technology, which has improved image quality, reduced cost, and increased portability. The shift towards ultrasound is driven by its ability to diagnose heart and lung problems with greater accuracy than traditional stethoscopes.

SourceWorld Heart Federation·JournalGlobal Heart·DateJan 23, 2014

Putting a brake on tumor spread

A team of scientists found that a protein called focal adhesion kinase (FAK) enables tumor cells to spread into the bloodstream by weakening the blood vessel barrier. Selective inhibition of FAK within endothelial cells prevents spontaneous tumor metastasis without altering tumor size.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 23, 2014

New analysis suggests that further trials of vitamin D have little chance of showing health benefits

A new analysis of 40 randomized controlled trials suggests that vitamin D supplementation does not prevent heart attacks, strokes, or bone fractures. The study concludes that vitamin D supplements probably provide little to no health benefit, contradicting previous observational studies that linked deficiency to poor health.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJan 23, 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.

What makes cell division accurate?

A team led by Yixian Zheng identified a protein that regulates interactions between kinetochores and microtubules, improving our understanding of chromosome alignment. The study suggests expanding the scope of research to include other cellular components for a deeper understanding of mitosis.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 23, 2014

Insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have made a breakthrough in creating insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells. By understanding the molecular regulation of stem cell differentiation, they can generate functional specialized cells for regenerative therapy approaches to chronic diseases like diabetes. This discovery has significant i...

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalDevelopment·DateJan 23, 2014

Islands in the brain: New circuit shapes memory formation

Researchers discovered a new brain circuit that shapes memory formation by endowing neurons with the ability to connect two events separated in time into a single experience. Island cells, found in the entorhinal cortex, project to the hippocampus and suppress the formation of temporal associations.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2014

Generation blame: How age affects our views of anti-social behavior

A study found significant gaps in perceptions of anti-social behavior between age groups. Adults were more likely than young people to interpret behaviors like swearing and cycling on the street as ASB. Young people, particularly teenagers, were seen as perpetrators of ASB, but also as victims when an elderly man shouted insults at them.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCrime Prevention and Community Safety·DateJan 23, 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.

Interventions work to stem freshman drinking

A systematic review of data from over 40 studies found that colleges can reduce freshman drinking by implementing personalized feedback reports, which significantly helped students to reduce their drinking frequency, quantity, and alcohol-related problems. Interventions combining multiple techniques proved most effective in reducing fi...

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJan 23, 2014

Morbidity higher in obese liver transplant recipients with diabetes

A recent study published in Liver Transplantation found that obese liver transplant recipients with diabetes experienced higher morbidity rates due to post-transplant complications, particularly diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Despite this, obesity did not negatively affect survival rates.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJan 23, 2014

Johns Hopkins scientists identify a key to body's use of free calcium

Scientists have discovered a crucial step in how the body regulates 'free' calcium ions, which play a vital role in maintaining cellular functions. This finding has significant implications for developing new treatments for various neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 23, 2014

Researchers discover potential drug targets for early onset glaucoma

Scientists have discovered molecules that may block the accumulation of a toxic eye protein leading to early onset glaucoma. The researchers identified two compounds with potential for future drug development to treat this condition, which affects several million people from childhood to age 35.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateJan 23, 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.

ASU engineers have role in new national manufacturing research consortium

The Next Generation Power Electronics Innovation Institute aims to create new jobs and boost the nation's manufacturing industry. ASU researchers will focus on developing gallium nitride-based power electronic devices for energy-efficient power conversion and Silicon Carbide-based materials for medium voltage high power converters.

SourceArizona State University·DateJan 23, 2014

A time for memories

Researchers at the University of Leicester used intracranial electrodes to record single neurons in epilepsy patients and found a specific brain response marking the timing of these neuron firings. This response, present for consciously recognized pictures, is thought to be a gateway for processing stimuli to form memories.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 23, 2014

Using engineering plus evolutionary analyses to answer natural selection questions

A new approach combines evolutionary and engineering analyses to identify biom Mechanical functions favored by natural selection in diverse species, including New World leaf-nosed bats. The study reveals three optimal snout shapes favored by natural selection, with mechanical advantage being more important than structural strength.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEvolution·DateJan 23, 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.

Can walkies tell who's the leader of the pack?

Researchers tracked six dogs and their owner during group walks to determine social rankings and personality traits. Consistently leading the pack was linked to trainability, controllability, aggression, and dominance.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 23, 2014

New substance abuse treatment resources focus on teens

The National Institute on Drug Abuse has released new resources to help parents, healthcare providers, and treatment specialists address teen substance abuse. The guides cover treatment approaches, screening tools, and evidence-based practices, highlighting the unique challenges faced by adolescents in addressing drug use.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateJan 23, 2014

Brain uses serotonin to perpetuate chronic pain signals in local nerves

Chronic pain affects an estimated 20-25% of the population worldwide and is caused by various factors such as nerve injuries and osteoarthritis. Researchers found that serotonin release from the brain stem into the spinal cord activates TRPV1, making it hyperactive in injured V2 and uninjured V3 branches.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateJan 23, 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.

Molecules as circuits

Researchers exploited the Kondo effect in molecules to change conductance between electrodes. The phenomenon allows for an increase in electrical resistance at low temperatures but can be reversed at small size scales.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2014

Telling the whole truth may ease feelings of guilt

Research by Eyal Pe'er and colleagues found that people who partially confessed their wrongdoing experienced more negative emotions like fear, shame, and guilt compared to those who fully confessed or made no confession. Partially confessing also led to increased feelings of regret.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 23, 2014

Experiments show hypothesis of microtubule steering accurate

Researchers used laboratory experiments to test a model of microtubule steering, finding that kinesin motors can redirect microtubule ends into branches using crowd-sourced guidance from protein EB1. The study suggests this mechanism is a general strategy for organizing and maintaining proper microtubule polarity in cells.

SourcePenn State·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 23, 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.

Near error-free wireless detection made possible

Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed a new system that greatly improves the accuracy and range of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. The system achieves near 100% accurate passive RFID tag detection and increases reliable detection range from two to three meters to approximately 20 meters.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalIEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation·DateJan 23, 2014

The lung microbiome: A new frontier in pulmonary medicine

The lung microbiome is a new frontier in pulmonary medicine, with research exploring the role of microorganisms in health and disease. The emerging field is leading to new ways of thinking about the lung and its diseases.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateJan 23, 2014

Changing climate: How dust changed the face of the earth

Researchers have discovered that dust infiltration into the South Pacific Ocean was 2-3 times higher during ice ages than in warm phases. This increased dust supply stimulated biological production and increased the ocean's capacity to bind carbon, leading to a cooling effect on Earth.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 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.

A scientific first: Physicists, physicians, engineers photograph radiation beams in the human body through the Cherenkov effect

Researchers have successfully used the Cherenkov effect to capture and visualize radiation beams entering or exiting the human body. This breakthrough technology enables doctors to see the dose of radiation to the skin and detect errors in dosage, potentially reducing side effects like skin reactions during breast cancer treatment.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJan 23, 2014

Central Europeans already digested milk as well as us 1,000 years ago

Researchers discovered a 72-percent lactase persistence rate among medieval Dalheim population, exceeding modern Central European levels around 1000 years ago. This contradicts previous research on Hungarian human remains, suggesting genetic lactase persistence was common in Central Europe earlier than Eastern Europe.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 23, 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.