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Science News for July 22, 2014


New planthopper species found in southern Spain

A new planthopper species, Conosimus baenai, has been discovered in southern Spain. It differs from other Conosimus genus species due to its unique forewing coloration and vein patterns.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Insect Science·DateJul 22, 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.

The dopamine transporter

Recent research demonstrates a critical link between dopamine signaling and dopamine transporter function in neurological and psychiatric diseases. Michelle Sahai's simulations using TACC's Stampede supercomputer have contributed to the discovery of mutations in the dopamine transporter linked to Parkinsonism and ADHD.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 22, 2014

Gene variant identified as a heart disease risk factor for women

Researchers have identified a common gene variant, GPER, that makes women more prone to high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The study found that many women with the less functional form of GPER had higher blood pressure, highlighting a genetic basis for heart disease in women.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJul 22, 2014

Novel methods may help stem cells survive transplantation into damaged tissues

Preconditioning stem cells prior to transplantation is crucial for improving their survival and therapeutic function. Current methods include exposing stem cells to microenvironments, creating three-dimensional aggregates, or using hydrogels to prepare them for the environment found in damaged tissue.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBioResearch Open Access·DateJul 22, 2014

UI study finds potential genetic link between epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders

A new study at the University of Iowa has identified a potential genetic link between epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders, revealing a novel pathway involved in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. The researchers found that mutations in prickle genes cause seizures in flies, leading to epilepsy-like behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UT Dallas professor receives Engineer of the Year award

Dr. Terry Baughn, a senior lecturer in mechanical engineering at UT Dallas, has been named Engineer of the Year by the North Texas section of ASME. He was recognized for his extensive industry experience and dedication to mentoring students. Baughn's expertise in advanced strength of materials and design of machine elements makes him a...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateJul 22, 2014

Are state Medicaid policies sentencing people with mental illnesses to prison?

Researchers found that tighter Medicaid policies governing antipsychotic drugs were associated with higher shares of inmates with psychotic symptoms and a 22% increase in the likelihood of imprisonment. The study suggests that limiting access to effective therapy may have unintended consequences, including more people in prisons.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJul 22, 2014

Enhanced NIST instrument enables high-speed chemical imaging of tissues

The new NIST technique uses broadband, coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (BCARS) to create high-resolution images of biological specimens. It achieves signals that are 10,000 times stronger than spontaneous Raman scattering and 100 times stronger than comparable coherent Raman instruments.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 22, 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.

Anti-pain agent shrinks oral cancers, leaves healthy tissues alone

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have discovered that capsazepine can shrink oral cancers while leaving healthy tissues intact. The study's findings suggest that capsazepine may reduce oral cancer pain by blocking tumor-secreted factors from stimulating pain-sensing neurons.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalOral Oncology·DateJul 22, 2014

Why do challenging tasks make consumers believe drugs wear off faster?

A new study by Veronika Ilyuk and colleagues found that consumers tend to overestimate the duration of pharmacological products' effectiveness. In five studies, participants who engaged in more difficult tasks consumed medications or energy drinks more frequently than those in easier conditions. Brands can use these findings to improve...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 22, 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.

Anti-cancer drug kicks HIV out of hiding

Researchers have found that an anti-cancer drug can activate hidden HIV in the body, increasing viral load and potentially allowing killer T-cells to destroy infected cells. The discovery could be a step towards developing a treatment for HIV by combining activation of the virus with a vaccine.

SourceAarhus University·DateJul 22, 2014

Supermaterial gives rejected drugs a new chance

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that Upsalite, a highly porous magnesium carbonate, can improve the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. By using Upsalite, about 40% of newly marketed drugs with poor solubility may have their therapeutic efficacy enhanced.

SourceUppsala University·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateJul 22, 2014

How children categorize living things

A study by Northwestern University found that children's understanding of the natural world is influenced by their cultural background and experience with nature. Children from different communities were asked to name all living things they could think of, revealing convergences and differences in their responses.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Cognition and Culture·DateJul 22, 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.

Somatosensory stimulation inhibits excitability of pyramidal cells in rat hippocampal CA1

Researchers found that somatosensory stimulation decreases the firing of pyramidal cells and increases interneuron activity, suggesting a suppressive effect on neuronal hyperexcitability. This study provides insights into signal processing in the hippocampus and explores potential therapeutic applications for brain disorders.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 22, 2014

A new multi-bit 'spin' for MRAM storage

A France-US research team reports a new multi-bit MRAM storage paradigm that can store up to 4 bits per cell, rivaling flash memory in terms of storage density. The technology uses Crocus Technology's proprietary Magnetic Logic Unit (MLU) technology to remotely control a sensor to probe magnetic configurations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 22, 2014

HIV clinic-based audio project emphasizes the power of patient voices

The VOICES project at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital allows HIV-infected youth to anonymously share their stories, providing a powerful tool for clinicians and students to improve patient care. The project has empowered participants and given health care providers another layer of understanding into the emotional impact of HIV.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateJul 22, 2014

Radio frequency ID tags on honey bees reveal hive dynamics

Researchers tracked hundreds of honey bees using RFID tags, discovering that some foraging bees are much busier than others. When these busy bees disappear, others take their place, forming a 'reserve force'. The study, published in Animal Behaviour, sheds light on hive dynamics and the role of individual variation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJul 22, 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.

Carlton Fire Complex, Washington -- July 22, 2014

The Carlton Complex fires burned over 243,000 acres in timber and grass, with 35 primary residences lost. The high fire danger led to rapid changes in the fire situation, prompting evacuations of 300-500 homes, including the Pateros Red Cross shelter.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 22, 2014

Quantum leap in lasers at Dartmouth brightens future for quantum computing

Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a breakthrough laser that uses an artificial atom to produce light, enabling the potential development of more powerful quantum computers. The new laser relies on superconducting electron pairs and has the ability to transmit information between quantum devices.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJul 22, 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.

Essays in English yield information about other languages

Computer scientists at MIT and Israel's Technion have discovered an unexpected source of information about the world's languages: native speakers' writing habits in English. The system analyzed over 1,000 essays to predict typological features of 14 languages, achieving 72% accuracy on average.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 22, 2014

The 92 percent clean plate club

A new study by Cornell University reveals that the average adult eats 92% of whatever they put on their plate, with similar results in eight developed countries. In contrast, children under 18 years old only eat 59% of what they serve themselves, likely due to uncertainty about food preferences.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJul 22, 2014

Boosting the force of empty space

A team of researchers from Weizmann Institute and Vienna University of Technology proposed a method to amplify vacuum fluctuations by several orders of magnitude using a transmission line. This could lead to enhanced understanding of Casimir- and Van der Waals forces, with potential applications in quantum information processing.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2014

Creating optical cables out of thin air

Scientists at the University of Maryland have successfully created air waveguides that can guide light beams over long distances without loss of power. This breakthrough has significant implications for various applications, including long-range laser communications, pollution detection, and topographic mapping.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalOptica·DateJul 22, 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.

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.

P90X? Why consumers choose high-effort products

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that when consumers feel a loss of control, they tend to prefer high-effort products. In contrast, low-control situations drive preferences for low-effort products like get-rich-quick schemes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 22, 2014

Whole-genome sequencing of bulls in key beef and dairy breeds

Researchers have sequenced the whole genomes of 234 individual bulls, enabling trait-mapping for improved cattle breeding. The study identified mutations associated with negative impacts on animal health, welfare, and productivity, offering a leverage tool for breeders to extrapolate sequence information to numerous descendants.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 22, 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's TRMM satellite measures up Super Typhoon Rammasun

The TRMM satellite measured Super Typhoon Rammasun's rainfall rates of up to 100 mm/h along the China/Vietnam border. The storm's heavy rain bands wrapped around its cyclonic circulation, indicating a powerful storm that made landfall on the southern coast of China.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 22, 2014

Trying to get kids to eat healthier? Don't tell them veggies are good for them

A new study found that when children are presented with healthy food as making them strong or helping them learn, they consume less of it. Brands can use this result to de-emphasize benefits and focus on the positive experience of eating. This helps combat childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 22, 2014

Has Antarctic sea ice expansion been overestimated?

New research suggests that Antarctic sea ice expansion may have been incorrectly measured due to a processing error in satellite data. This finding could affect climate change reports, particularly those from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateJul 22, 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.

Viral therapy could boost limb-saving cancer treatment

Researchers tested genetically engineered virus alongside isolated limb perfusion chemotherapy, finding it more effective in rats than either treatment alone. The combination slowed tumour growth and prolonged survival by 50%, offering hope for avoiding amputation and improving quality of life.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJul 22, 2014

Law of physics governs airplane evolution

A study by Adrian Bejan explains how the constructal law governs the evolution of passenger jets, from small propeller-driven planes to modern behemoths. The analysis provides insights into successful design features and constraints that dictate airplane performance.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 22, 2014

Overdoing it: Multiple perspectives confuse consumers

A new study from Tel Aviv University researcher Dr. Yael Steinhart found that shifting images in advertisements can create a negative feeling about a product among consumers. This effect is particularly true for consumers who imagine using the products themselves, leading to difficulty in forming positive associations.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 22, 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.

Bats use polarized light to navigate

Scientists have discovered that greater mouse-eared bats use polarization patterns in the sky to navigate, calibrating their internal magnetic compass. The bats' ability to detect polarised light remains a mystery, but researchers hope this breakthrough will aid in protecting declining bat populations.

SourceNatural Environment Research Council·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2014

Activity level may predict orthopedic outcomes

A literature review published in JAAOS found that patients' activity levels are a strong predictor for orthopedic outcomes. The study highlights the importance of considering activity level when deciding treatment options, as more active patients may be at higher risk of re-injury after surgery.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJul 22, 2014

New model helps explain how provisions promote or reduce wildlife disease

A new mathematical model helps understand how resource provisioning affects wildlife disease, with findings that more food doesn't always lead to better health outcomes. The research highlights the importance of considering the complex interactions between food availability, immune defense, and disease transmission.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 22, 2014

Self-cooling solar cells boost power, last longer

Researchers have developed a self-cooling method for solar cells using silica glass to reduce overheating, improving efficiency and lifespan. The design enhances infrared 'window' through Earth's atmosphere to redirect excess heat away from the solar cell.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJul 22, 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.

Cleveland Clinic researchers discover neuroprotective role of immune cell

A new study reveals that microglia can increase neuronal firing and enhance brain cell survival after traumatic brain injury, potentially slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The research found that activated microglia dislodge inhibitory synapses, leading to increased firing and enhanced survival.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2014

Extra exercise helps depressed smokers kick the habit faster

Researchers at Concordia University found that extra exercise can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings for cigarettes in people with depression. A 18-month study showed that quitting was easier during basic workouts, shedding light on the role of exercise in treating both smoking cessation and depression.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJul 22, 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.

Fires are a major cause of wind farm failure, according to new research

A study published in Fire Safety Science found that wind turbines experience a significant number of fires annually, with estimates suggesting ten times more fires than reported. The research highlights the need for improved fire protection engineering solutions to address this issue.

SourceImperial College London·JournalFire Safety Science·DateJul 22, 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.

Distinctive developmental origin for a drainage tube in the eye

A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals that Schlemm's canal forms from blood vessels through a novel process called canalogenesis. This discovery sheds light on the complex functions of Schlemm's canal, which plays a critical role in maintaining ocular health and preventing diseases like glaucoma.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 22, 2014

Preschoolers can reflect on what they don't know

Researchers found that preschoolers aged 3-5 can assess the strength of their memories and make decisions based on self-assessments. The study suggests that even young children display some ability to reflect on their own knowledge, which has important implications for educational practices.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 22, 2014

Search for more accurate system reliability and failure prediction in auto industry

The research aims to improve the accuracy of failure and reliability prediction in ultra-high strength steel autobody manufacturing systems. By incorporating material microstructure and micro-damage information, the study may lead to solutions for manufacturers in reducing tool failures and improving product quality.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateJul 22, 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.

'Comb on a chip' powers new NIST/Caltech atomic clock design

Researchers from NIST and Caltech have created an atomic clock using a microcomb, enabling precise frequency control and conversion to microwave frequencies. The new design has the potential to be integrated into portable tools for calibrating telecommunications systems and improving radar navigation and scientific instruments.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptica·DateJul 22, 2014

Room for improvement in elementary school children's lunches and snacks from home

A study conducted by researchers at Tufts University found that only 27% of elementary school children's lunches met federal guidelines for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low- or non-fat dairy. The researchers also found that snacks from home were often high in sugar and calories, with few students drinking water instead of suga...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJul 22, 2014

CEOs who motivate with 'fightin' words' shoot themselves in the foot

A BYU business study found that using violent language by CEOs can lead to unethical behavior among rival employees, but not when the CEO uses such language with their own team. The research highlights the impact of leadership rhetoric on employee ethics and encourages CEOs to reconsider their communication strategies.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateJul 22, 2014

The evolution of airplanes

Researchers used the Constructal Law to analyze airplane designs and found they follow evolutionary trends towards larger size, greater range and efficiency. The study predicts future aerospace design with surprising accuracy.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 22, 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.

Largest genetic survey to date shows major success of giant panda breeding programs

A comprehensive genetic survey of captive giant pandas reveals high levels of diversity and low inbreeding rates, indicating a healthy population. The study's findings suggest that captive breeding centers can successfully release pandas into the wild with proper selection criteria.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 22, 2014

Meerkats' sinister side is secret to their success, study shows

A study reveals that dominant meerkat alpha females thrive when they maintain sole breeding rights, while subordinates are suppressed through violence and infanticide. This effective but sinister strategy allows the group to survive and flourish in the harsh desert environment.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2014

Alaska frogs reach record lows in extreme temperature survival

Researchers discovered that Alaska wood frogs can survive colder temperatures for longer periods than previously thought due to higher glucose levels in their tissues. The frogs accumulate glucose through repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which helps protect them against cell damage.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 22, 2014

New York squirrels are nuts about city life

Research shows eastern grey squirrels modify their behaviour when approached by humans, reducing unnecessary responses and improving urban survival. The study highlights the importance of understanding animal adaptations to urbanization, enabling conservation efforts and habitat management.

SourceCurtin University·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateJul 22, 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 water balance calculation for the Dead Sea

Researchers calculate that the eastern, Jordanian side of the Dead Sea will experience a dramatic reduction in natural replenishment rate of groundwater if precipitation lowers as predicted. This could lead to shortages in water resources, affecting not only agriculture but also the growing population, with serious social and economic ...

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 22, 2014

Technique simplifies the creation of high-tech crystals

Researchers propose a new method to create defect-free crystals using inexpensive ingredients, dispelling current methods' reliance on difficult-to-synthesize particles. By adding polymers to colloidal suspensions, scientists can impose order on crystal formation and tailor crystal structures.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2014

NASA's Fermi finds a 'Transformer' pulsar

Astronomers have observed a unique transformation of a binary system containing a rapidly spinning neutron star. The system, known as AY Sextantis, underwent a dramatic change in behavior, with the pulsar's radio beacon vanishing and its gamma-ray emission increasing fivefold.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 22, 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.

Mount Sinai scientists and international team shed new light on schizophrenia

Researchers have identified over 100 locations in the human genome associated with the risk of developing schizophrenia, pointing to genetic variations that make people vulnerable to psychiatric disease. The study's findings could lead to new approaches to treating the disorder and inform drug development for acute need.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2014

Children's impulsive behaviour is related to their brain connectivity

Researchers found that increased impulsive behavior in children is associated with altered brain connections, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex and right angular gyrus. These changes can serve as biological indicators for predicting behavioral problems and social adaptation difficulties.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateJul 22, 2014

Study compares cost-effectiveness of weight-loss programs and drugs

A cost-effectiveness analysis of commercial diet programs and pills found that Weight Watchers and the drug Qsymia provided the best value for money, with a lower annual cost than other options. The study suggests that employers and third-party payers should consider coverage for these interventions to maximize health gains.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalObesity·DateJul 22, 2014

Low strength brain stimulation may be effective for depression

Researchers found low field magnetic stimulation (LFMS) to have rapid mood-elevating effects in depressed patients. A portable device delivered a low strength, high frequency electromagnetic field waveform to the brain, resulting in an immediate and substantial improvement in mood.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 22, 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.

Voice for radio? New research reveals it's in the cords

Researchers discovered that male radio performers have faster and more forceful vocal fold closures than non-broadcasters. This may be due to better control of vocal tension while speaking. The study used high-speed videoendoscopy to examine the vocal folds of healthy performers.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 22, 2014

Empathy or justice: What makes consumers donate more to charity?

A new study found that moral identity decreases donations when recipients are deemed responsible for their plight, but empathetic responses increase donations. The researchers suggest that non-profits should focus on eliciting empathy to increase donations rather than appealing to broader moral values.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 22, 2014

Clients of BMC's violence interventional advocacy program find experience supportive

Participants in the BMC Violence Intervention Advocacy Program experienced reduced retaliation and improved life-changing behaviors after connecting with supportive adults. The program addressed physical, mental, emotional, and social needs, providing essential services like counseling, education, and job skills.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJul 22, 2014

The Optical Society launches Optica

The Optical Society's new open-access journal Optica publishes highest-impact research in optics and photonics. Key findings include the development of self-cooling solar cells, observation of rotational Doppler shift in white light, and precision time measurement on a silicon chip.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJul 22, 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.

Dangers of desert dust: New diagnostic tool for valley fever

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new diagnostic tool called immunosignaturing to identify valley fever, which can be misdiagnosed due to low sensitivity of current methods. This technique uses a microarray platform to produce a detailed profile of immune activity from a small droplet of blood, allowing for accur...

SourceArizona State University·JournalClinical and Vaccine Immunology·DateJul 22, 2014

Fly-inspired sound detector

A team of researchers developed a tiny prototype device that mimics the parasitic fly's freakishly acute hearing mechanism, which may be useful for new generation of hypersensitive hearing aids. The device uses piezoelectric materials to turn mechanical strain into electric signals, minimizing power consumption.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 22, 2014

Vanderbilt study shows therapeutic bacteria prevent obesity in mice

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have found a probiotic that prevents obesity by inhibiting weight gain, insulin resistance, and fatty liver in mice. The study suggests manipulating the gut microbiota could treat obesity and other chronic diseases.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 22, 2014

Researchers create vaccine for dust-mite allergies

A new vaccine developed by researchers at the University of Iowa reduces lung inflammation caused by dust-mite allergens in both lab and animal tests. The vaccine uses a booster called CpG to alter the body's immune response, producing antibodies that dampen the damaging effects of dust-mites.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalThe AAPS Journal·DateJul 22, 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.

Mixed genes mix up the migrations of hybrid birds

Research finds hybrid birds take longer, more difficult routes than their parent species, with strong genetic control of migratory behavior. The study suggests that mixed genetic background helps maintain the diversity of songbirds.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEcology Letters·DateJul 22, 2014

NIST shows ultrasonically propelled nanorods spin dizzyingly fast

Researchers at NIST have clocked nanorods spinning up to 150,000 revolutions per minute, 10 times faster than any other nanoscale object in liquid. This discovery has opened up potential uses for nanomotors in medical treatments and industrial processes.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 22, 2014

NASA provides double vision on Typhoon Matmo

NASA's Aqua satellite provided dual views of Typhoon Matmo, capturing its visible clouds and infrared temperatures. The storm made landfall on Taiwan's east coast, generating rough seas and typhoon-force winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 22, 2014

Vitamin D deficiency raises risk of schizophrenia diagnosis

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that individuals with schizophrenia have lower levels of vitamin D than healthy people. People with vitamin D deficiency are 2.16 times more likely to have schizophrenia, highlighting a potential connection between vitamin D and psychi...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 22, 2014

African elephant genome suggests they are superior smellers

Researchers found that African elephants have the largest number of olfactory receptor genes, with almost 2,000 OR genes. This unique repertoire is likely important for their living environment and allows them to detect subtle scents.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 22, 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.

The nostalgia effect: Do consumers spend more when thinking about the past?

A recent study found that consumers are willing to pay more for products when thinking about the past, rather than new or future memories. The researchers also discovered that nostalgia can weaken a person's desire for money, making them more likely to donate or give more to others.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 22, 2014

New research finds pathogenic connection between autoimmune disorders and cancer

A new study by George Washington University researchers found that autoimmune disorders and cancer share common pathogenic mechanisms. The study identified survivin as a key mediator of autoreactive cell survival in myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that can lead to severe muscle weakness. The findings suggest a potential therap...

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 22, 2014