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Science News for June 25, 2014


New material improves wound healing, keeps bacteria from sticking

A new material has been developed to improve wound healing and prevent bacterial infections, leading to faster recovery times compared to existing commercial dressings. The material was tested on mice and showed complete wound healing within two weeks.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 25, 2014

Women having babies later in life more likely to live longer

A nested case-control study found an association between older maternal age at birth of the last child and exceptional longevity. Women who had their last child beyond age 33 years had twice the odds for survival, with an increased risk tempered by having multiple children.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateJun 25, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Carbon-fiber epoxy honeycombs mimic the material performance of balsa wood

Researchers developed cellular composite materials with unprecedented light weight and stiffness using epoxy-based resins and 3D printing techniques. The materials mimic balsa wood's mechanical properties and offer improved performance over commercial 3D-printed polymers and polymer composites.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 25, 2014

Reorganization of crop production and trade could save China's water supply

Reducing agricultural production in provinces like Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, and Hebei, and importing food from other regions, could conserve China's water resources. A new report suggests that restructuring these regions could reduce national water use while maintaining food security.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 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.

New math technique improves atomic property predictions to historic accuracy

Scientists at NIST and IU developed a tool that calculates fundamental properties of most atoms with historic accuracy, improving the prediction of atomic properties for fields like nuclear medicine and astrophysics. The technique enables precise determination of base energy levels, crucial for fundamental atomic research.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 25, 2014

First comprehensive pediatric concussion guidelines, available now

The guidelines provide healthcare providers with standardized recommendations for diagnosing and managing concussion in children, from initial assessment to recovery. The resources also include tools and instructions for parents, coaches, and school officials to recognize concussion and ensure safe reintegration into activities.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·DateJun 25, 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.

Fast, portable device for 'on-the-go,' laboratory-quality cocaine testing

Researchers have created a compact, backpack-sized device that can analyze cocaine and its metabolite in urine samples in under 15 minutes. The device uses microfluidic technology and small mass spectrometer to provide highly accurate and sensitive results comparable to laboratory tests.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJun 25, 2014

Finding elusive emperor penguins

A team of scientists found two emperor penguin colonies near the Mertz Glacier in East Antarctica, with a total of 7,400 breeding pairs. The study used both satellite imaging and ground surveys to monitor population trends and habitat changes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 2014

Early surgical follow-up with primary care physicians can cut hospital readmissions

A new study by University of Utah Health shows that early surgical follow-up with primary care physicians significantly reduces hospital readmissions for patients undergoing high-risk surgeries. Patients who received post-operative complications had a 20% lower readmission rate when they saw their primary care provider within 30 days.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJun 25, 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.

Curiosity travels through ancient glaciers on Mars

Researchers confirm global picture of cold and wet Martian environment, with evidence of concave basins, lobated structures, and moraines. Ancient glaciers covered vast regions of the planet's surface, including Gale crater.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPlanetary and Space Science·DateJun 25, 2014

For the next generation: Democracy ensures we don't take it all with us

In experiments by Yale and Harvard psychologists, more than two-thirds of people were willing to take a sustainable 'fair share' of resources, while selfish individuals consistently destroyed them. Democratic principles led to group consensus on resource allocation, ensuring the next generation's survival.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJun 25, 2014

Few obstetricians counsel patients on environmental toxics

A UCSF-led study found that nearly 80% of obstetricians agree that physicians have a role in helping patients reduce exposures to environmental health hazards. However, only one in five physicians routinely ask about these exposures or receive training on toxic chemicals' effects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 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.

Sequencing efforts miss DNA crucial to bacteria's disease causing power

Researchers have developed a way to identify isolated pieces of DNA floating outside the bacterial chromosome, which can play important roles in virulence and antibiotic resistance. Extrachromosomal DNA elements, such as phages and plasmids, were found widespread among medically important strains of Staphylococci.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 2014

Stanley Miller's forgotten experiments, analyzed

Researchers analyzed Stanley Miller's old samples and replicated his 1958 experiment, finding peptides formed under basic conditions. This discovery suggests a new path to the formation of proteins and enzymes necessary for life.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 25, 2014

Invasive watersnakes introduced to California may pose risk to native species

Researchers warn that invasive watersnakes in California pose a threat to native and endangered species, including the giant gartersnake, California tiger salamander, and foothill yellow-legged frog. The snakes' spread could disrupt ecosystems and lead to further declines of already imperiled native fish and amphibians.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 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.

New technology to treat sepsis, a global killer

Researchers have created a device using microchannel technology that can remove endotoxins from blood, preventing sepsis. The technology may offer an alternative to antibiotics and could be used as a prophylactic treatment.

SourceOregon State University·DateJun 25, 2014

The Jackson Laboratory Cancer Center earns NCI renewal

The Jackson Laboratory Cancer Center has renewed its NCI grant for another year, solidifying its position as a world-class institution in multidisciplinary cancer research. The center supports innovative projects and collaborates with major academic medical centers to develop precise interventions for preventing cancer progression.

SourceJackson Laboratory·DateJun 25, 2014

A win-win-win solution for biofuel, climate, and biodiversity

A new study by Brazilian researchers demonstrates that converting degraded pastureland to sugar cane biofuel crops can provide a nearly immediate carbon payback. The Cerrado region in Brazil has seen over half of its land cleared for agriculture, but using this land for sugar cane production could help slow climate change.

SourceWoodwell Climate Research Center·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 25, 2014

Animal testing methods for endocrine disruptors should change, team argues

A new literature review challenges decades-old risk assessment methods used for toxicologists, arguing that oral gavage does not accurately model human dietary exposures. The authors propose exploring alternatives to mimic human exposures when there are multiple routes of exposure and chronic exposure.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateJun 25, 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.

Are fish near extinction?

A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers has identified the biological flaw that causes most fish larvae to die within days of hatching. The 'hydrodynamic starvation' mechanism is triggered by the physical interaction between the larva and its environment, leading to poor feeding ability and high mortality rates.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2014

Deploying midwives in poorest nations could avert millions of maternal and newborn deaths

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that deploying a small number of skilled midwives in the world's poorest nations could prevent over a quarter of maternal, fetal, and infant deaths worldwide. Increasing midwife coverage to 60% by 2015 could save nearly 2.3 million mothers and babies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 25, 2014

Nanoscale velcro used for molecule transport

Scientists at the University of Basel have discovered that proteins within nuclear pores function like a 'velcro', enabling controlled and selective transport of particles. This discovery has potential applications in lab-on-a-chip technology, where it could be used to miniaturize complex pump and valve systems.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 25, 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.

Double standard? The use of performance-enhancing products

A new study found that people are more accepting of using performance-enhancing products for personal gain than for athletic performance. The research suggests that brands can make their products more appealing by reframing their effects as enabling true abilities rather than embellishing beyond them.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 25, 2014

First positive results toward a therapeutic vaccine against brain cancer

Researchers have developed a therapeutic vaccine targeting mutant IDH1, a common genetic mutation in brain tumors. The vaccine was tested on mice and showed promising results, with immune cells recognizing and attacking cancer cells. A clinical trial is planned to test the safety of the vaccine in human patients.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature·DateJun 25, 2014

Street football boosts fitness and health in socially deprived men

Research by the University of Copenhagen found that street football boosts postural balance, muscle mass, and bone mineralization in homeless men. The study also showed improvements in aerobic fitness, exercise capacity, and cardiovascular health.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateJun 25, 2014

Home sweet messy home: How do consumers cope with disorder at home?

Researchers found that people create classification systems to deal with clutter, modifying rules or tolerating transgressions. Understanding everyday tidiness practices helps consumers negotiate social norms regarding tidiness, enabling them to cope with daily constraints and opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 25, 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.

Aging with HIV and AIDS: A growing social issue

As people with HIV age, they face stigma, social isolation, and increased health risks due to the virus and its treatment. A growing number of individuals are living into their 60s and 70s, highlighting the need for adapted policies and support systems.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCurrent Opinion in HIV and AIDS·DateJun 25, 2014

A vote for cooperation

A study by Harvard University researchers found that allowing people to vote on resource harvesting led to the preservation of these resources for future generations. The voting system used was based on the median of all votes cast, which encouraged altruistic decisions and cooperation across generations.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJun 25, 2014

LSTM Researchers demonstrate adaptive potential of hybridization in mosquito species

A study by LSTM researchers reveals that closely related Anopheles gambiae and A. coluzzii mosquito species can exchange genetic variation to adapt to environmental changes. The transfer of a major insecticide resistance mutation resulted in no detectable impact on reproductive isolation, contrary to expected outcomes.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 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.

Advanced light source provides new look at skyrmions

Skyrmions, subatomic quasiparticles that could play a key role in future spintronic technologies, have been observed for the first time using x-rays. Researchers found two distinct skyrmion sub-lattices that rotate with respect to each other, creating a moiré-like pattern.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 25, 2014

Did Neanderthals eat their vegetables?

A new MIT study provides direct evidence of plants in the Neanderthal diet, suggesting a more varied diet than previously thought. The researchers analyzed fecal remains from El Salt, Spain, finding metabolized versions of animal-derived cholesterol and phytosterol, a compound found in plants.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 2014

Scientists devloping novel technique that could facilitate nuclear disarmament

Researchers at Princeton University and the DOE's PPPL are developing a prototype system that can verify the presence of warheads without collecting classified information. The system uses high-energy neutrons to compare warheads with known true warheads, providing a key step towards reducing nuclear arms.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 25, 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.

Georgia State receives $2 million grant to prevent child maltreatment

The university will support six new implementation sites with the SafeCareTM model, a child maltreatment prevention program, and provide training and implementation support. Georgia State aims to establish six new sites, deliver SafeCareTM to over 2,400 families, and expand its use through training.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateJun 25, 2014

Money in the bank: Why does feeling powerful help people save more?

A new study reveals that individuals save more when made to feel powerful, especially when saving for financial resources. The authors conclude that feeling powerful motivates people to use saving as a means to maintain their current state of power.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 25, 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.

Marriage and healthy hearts

A new study reveals a correlation between unhappy marital interactions and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as thicker carotid arteries. The research found that individuals with positive marital interactions had an 8.5% greater risk of heart attack or stroke.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJun 25, 2014

Peer problem solving leads to operational efficiency

A new study reveals that peer-to-peer problem solving can lessen the need for firms to contact their supplier for traditional customer support services. By leveraging collective knowledge and wisdom of customer communities, firms can conserve time and resources associated with traditional support services.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateJun 25, 2014

Study highlights carbon monoxide hazards on houseboats

A NIOSH study reveals extremely hazardous carbon monoxide concentrations can accumulate near rear decks of uncontrolled gasoline-powered generators on houseboats. Innovative engineering controls have reduced exposure by up to 99 percent, enhancing safer working environments for boat users.

SourceAmerican Industrial Hygiene Association·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·DateJun 25, 2014

Reproduction later in life is a marker for longevity in women

A Boston University School of Medicine study found that women who had their last child after age 33 had twice the odds of living to 95 years or older compared to those who had their last child before age 29. This suggests that women may be driving the evolution of genetic variants that slow aging and increase longevity.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJun 25, 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.

Kaiser Permanente paper: E-surveillance program targets care gaps in outpatient settings

The Kaiser Permanente Southern California Outpatient Safety Net Program uses electronic health records to identify and address potential gaps in patient care, targeting issues such as medication interactions and follow-up tests. The program has shown promise in improving patient safety across various clinical conditions.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournaleGEMs (Generating Evidence & Methods to improve patient outcomes)·DateJun 25, 2014

Distorting the past: Why do impulsive consumers forget their past indulgences?

A recent study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that people tend to distort their memories of past indulgences when faced with an opportunity to indulge. This distortion leads to greater levels of indulgence. By understanding this phenomenon, businesses and individuals can develop strategies to avoid impulsive decisions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 25, 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.

Achieving Your Goals: Does removing yourself from the big picture help?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research suggests that focusing on oneself can help individuals overcome distractions and stay committed to their goals. When participants were seated in a cubicle facing a mirror, they were more likely to eat M&Ms when thinking about abstract goals, such as improving their health.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 25, 2014

Black hole trio holds promise for gravity wave hunt

Astronomers have discovered three closely orbiting supermassive black holes in a galaxy over four billion light years away. The system's tight configuration suggests that these closely-packed black holes are far more common than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·DateJun 25, 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.

Potent neurotoxin found in flatworm

Researchers have discovered tetrodotoxin, a potent paralysis-inducing neurotoxin, in two species of terrestrial flatworms. The toxin was found to be used during predation to subdue large prey and may also play a role in defense through egg capsules.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 2014

People with tinnitus process emotions differently from their peers, researchers report

People with tinnitus process emotions differently in the brain from those with normal hearing, according to a study led by University of Illinois professor Fatima Husain. The study found that patients with tinnitus showed more activity in two brain regions associated with emotion, while having lower activity in the amygdala.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBrain Research·DateJun 25, 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.

Oldest human poop provides dietary insights

Researchers analyzed ancient Neanderthal fecal matter, revealing significant plant intake alongside meat consumption. The study provides new insights into the role of vegetables in the Neanderthal diet.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 2014

Researchers 1 step closer to countering deadly Nipah virus

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a human monoclonal antibody, m102.4, that protects nonhuman primates from Nipah virus disease even five days after infection. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a therapeutic treatment for people infected with the deadly virus.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 25, 2014

Researchers treat incarceration as a disease epidemic, discover small changes help

A team of researchers at Virginia Tech used infection-modeling techniques to analyze the mass incarceration problem, discovering that small but significant differences in prison sentences can lead to large disparities in incarceration rates. The model reproduces many facets of incarceration in the US, including racial disparities.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJun 25, 2014

Study links Greenland ice sheet collapse, sea level rise 400,000 years ago

A new study reveals that a warming period over 400,000 years ago caused the Greenland ice sheet to deglace and raise global sea levels by 4-6 meters. The research uses sediment core analysis to track the chemistry of glacial stream sediments, providing insights into the history of ice sheets in Greenland.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature·DateJun 25, 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.

Lowering toxicity of new HIV drugs predicted to improve life expectancy

A computer simulation analysis found that lowering the toxicity of new HIV drugs can increase patient quality-adjusted life expectancy by up to 11%, or more than 3 years. This reduction in side effects can lead to increased patient survival and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 2014

Evidence of the big fix?

Researchers at Kyoto University found that the universe's radiation S reaches its maximum around the observed Higgs expectation value of 246 GeV. The study suggests that this could be evidence of the Big Fix, where Standard Model parameters are naturally fixed to achieve optimal results.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalInternational Journal of Modern Physics A·DateJun 25, 2014

Earlier snowmelt prompting earlier breeding of Arctic birds

Researchers found Arctic birds are initiating nests earlier in spring, with snowmelt being the primary driver of this change. The study suggests that climate change is causing long-distance migrants to adapt their breeding cycles, potentially impacting population viability.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPolar Biology·DateJun 25, 2014

'Cosmic own goal' another clue in hunt for dark matter

New supercomputer simulations show that most dark matter halos failed to form galaxies, with gas sterilized by the heat from first stars. The research improves understanding of dark matter, a mysterious substance believed to make up 85% of the universe's mass.

SourceDurham University·DateJun 25, 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.

Researcher shines light on the search for new drugs

A researcher is using a $900,000 grant to resolve the debate on whether G protein-coupled receptors form dimers. He suspects that light transfer between constantly moving receptors may be random and not actual relationships. The study aims to find out how many drug targets are there and if they can help in treating various ailments.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJun 25, 2014

Watching too much TV may increase risk of early death in adults

Adults who watch TV for three hours or more each day may double their risk of premature death compared to those who watch less, according to new research. Sedentary behaviors like watching TV are linked to increased mortality rates, with a twofold higher risk for those watching three or more hours daily.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 25, 2014

World's first magnetic hose created

The magnetic hose, made of a ferromagnetic cylinder covered by a superconductor material, efficiently transports magnetic fields. The device has potential applications in quantum computing, enabling individual control over quantum systems.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 25, 2014

What's in a name?

A new study explains how Avibase, an online global database of birds, successfully addresses issues related to standardized scientific names and their meanings. The database pairs scientific names with citation definitions using taxonomic concepts.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateJun 25, 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.

Natural resources worth more than US$40 trillion must be accounted for

Researchers at the University of East Anglia argue that natural resources worth more than US$40 trillion must be accounted for. The value of these 'natural capital' elements is largely excluded from GDP and corporate accounting, but using them has an impact on the natural world and future living standards.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 25, 2014

Invisibility cloak for immune cells

Scientists at ETH Zurich have identified a mechanism that protects immune cells from natural killer cells. Type I interferon receptors play a crucial role in this process, and its absence can lead to the elimination of healthy immune cells. This discovery may have implications for understanding autoimmune diseases.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalImmunity·DateJun 25, 2014

Study: Traumatic brain injury in veterans may increase risk of dementia

A recent study published in Neurology suggests that veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are 60% more likely to develop dementia than those without TBI. The study found that veterans with TBI developed dementia about two years earlier, highlighting the potential long-term consequences of TBI on cognitive health.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 25, 2014

Study: Motivational interviewing helps reduce home secondhand smoke exposure

A Johns Hopkins-led research team found that motivational interviewing significantly reduced secondhand smoke exposure among children living in households with smokers. The study showed a 17% increase in prevalence of home smoking bans and a 13% decrease in smokers in the intervention group.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 25, 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.

Managing specialized microbes to clean stubborn chemicals from the environment

Unique groups of microbes, known as Dehalococcoides, can convert hazardous chlorinated chemicals like TCE into ethene, a benign end product. However, they may stall at this stage, producing toxic intermediates. New research proposes that microbes are out-competed for hydrogen, a necessary electron donor, causing the breakdown to fail.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 2014

Northwestern Medicine researchers discover new way to prevent some strokes

A four-year trial found that 30% of patients with cryptogenic stroke had atrial fibrillation detected within three years with the device, compared to 3% in those who received standard follow-up care. Patients with atrial fibrillation were switched to blood thinners, which proved more effective in preventing future strokes.

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 25, 2014

When does rude service at luxury stores make consumers go back for more?

A study found that rejection from luxury salespeople increases consumers' willingness to buy and display the product. Affirming a person's self-concept before rejection can mitigate its impact. Luxury brands can use this insight to improve customer experiences.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 25, 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.

Neural sweet talk: Taste metaphors emotionally engage the brain

Researchers found that taste-related words activate emotional centers and gustatory cortices, whereas literal words only stimulate emotion when part of a sentence. Metaphorical sentences may spark increased brain activity in emotion-related regions due to physical associations.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateJun 25, 2014

Another concern arises over groundwater contamination from fracking accidents

Scientists found that fracking fluids can dislodge tiny particles in soil, attracting heavy metals and other chemicals that could harm people and animals. The study's findings suggest that flowback fluids from fracking operations could contaminate groundwater with a third of the colloids present.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 25, 2014

New study quantifies the effects of climate change in Europe

A new report by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre analyzes the impacts of climate change in 9 sectors, predicting significant economic losses, heat-related deaths, and coastal damage. The study finds that the northern Europe region would experience the lowest welfare losses, while southern Europe would bear the most burden.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·DateJun 25, 2014

Patient safety violations and poor record keeping common in clinical trial concerns

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found that failure to monitor progress according to the stated schedule was the most common concern among clinical trial sponsors, followed by failure to obtain the agreement of the principal investigator. Poor record keeping was also a significant issue, with 40% of warnings related to it.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Medical Ethics·DateJun 25, 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.

Collaborative learning -- for robots

Researchers from MIT developed an algorithm that allows distributed agents, such as robots, to collect data and analyze it independently. The algorithm outperformed a standard algorithm that works on aggregated data in experiments involving several different data sets.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 25, 2014

New method increases targeted bone volume by 30 percent

Researchers at the University of Liverpool developed a new method to target bone growth, increasing density by 30 percent in weaker regions. The method uses miniature muscle pacemakers to produce contractions in targeted areas, showing promise for effective treatment of bone disease and fragility.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateJun 25, 2014

Using math to analyze movement of cells, organisms, and disease

Mathematicians develop models to describe cell migration and tumor invasion, as well as dispersal patterns in species. The studies reveal the existence and uniqueness of traveling waves in malignant tumor invasion and show how fitness-dependent dispersal conveys advantages towards ideal free distribution in populations.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Mathematical Analysis·DateJun 25, 2014

The lowdown on triclosan's effects on health and the environment

The article investigates the effects of triclosan, a common antimicrobial ingredient, on human health and the environment. Studies have found that triclosan can disrupt hormones and cause problems for vulnerable populations, such as fetuses and breastfeeding babies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 25, 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.

Food ingredient fears

A Cornell University study investigated food fears about ingredients such as HFCS, and found that people who avoid these ingredients are more likely to receive information from the internet. Providing consumers with historical context about an ingredient can help reduce ingredient fears.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJun 25, 2014

Mathematical models explain how a wrinkle becomes a crease

Researchers from Brown University developed a mathematical model that helps engineers control wrinkle, crease, and fold structures in various materials. The model shows that at low compression, wrinkles form across the surface, but as compression increases, critical points lead to the localization of ripples into sharp creases.

SourceBrown University·DateJun 25, 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.

2014 World Stem Cell Summit presented by GPI, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc, and GEN

The 2014 World Stem Cell Summit will bring together leading scientists, business leaders, and regulators to discuss the future of regenerative medicine. The summit will feature over 200 prominent speakers from more than 40 nations, exploring the latest scientific discoveries and innovative business models.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJun 25, 2014