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Science News for June 30, 2014


Study of animal urination could lead to better-engineered products

A Georgia Institute of Technology study discovered that larger animals urinate in the same time as smaller ones, due to the role of gravity in fluid flow. The research has potential applications in designing more efficient water systems and products, such as better-engineered tanks and fire hoses.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014

It's a girl! Gene silencing technology alters sex of prawns

Israeli scientists developed a method to generate single-sex populations of prawns using gene silencing technology. This can boost commercial farm productivity and control invasive species. Non-reproducing prawns could also be used as sustainable bio-control agents against diseases and pests.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJun 30, 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.

In human evolution, changes in skin's barrier set Northern Europeans apart

Researchers question long-held theory that Northern Europeans developed light skin for vitamin D production. Instead, genetic mutations compromising the skin's barrier function enabled survival at higher latitudes. High rates of filaggrin mutations in Northern European populations correlate with increased vitamin D levels.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalEvolutionary Biology·DateJun 30, 2014

With climate change, heat more than natural disasters will drive people away

A Princeton University study of 7,000 Indonesian families found that increasing temperatures, rather than natural disasters, lead to permanent migration. The researchers discovered that a one-degree increase in temperature can result in a significant decline in household assets and economic wellbeing.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 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.

Silver in the washing machine

A study by Empa found that silver-coated textiles release hardly any nano-particles during washing, unlike conventional coatings. The team also discovered that these textiles generally lose less silver during washing due to the smaller amount of silver incorporated into fabric with nano-coating.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 30, 2014

Lead in kids' blood linked with behavioral and emotional problems

A recent study found that even low levels of lead in children's blood are associated with increased risk of behavioral and emotional problems. As blood lead levels increase, so do the problems, highlighting the importance of reducing lead exposure in children.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 30, 2014

'Microbe sniffer' could point the way to next-generation bio-refining

A new biosensor at the University of British Columbia helps optimize bio-refining processes by sniffing out bacterial networks that break down wood polymer. The discovery could lead to more tunable industrial processes and unlock the potential of lignin, a promising feedstock.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014

Study helps unlock mystery of high-temp superconductors

Scientists have discovered a density wave structure in copper-oxide high-temperature superconductors, shedding light on their exotic properties. The breakthrough could lead to significant improvements in electricity delivery and technology.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 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.

2014 SNMMI Annual Meeting highlights research and looks to future

The 2014 SNMMI Annual Meeting showcased over 100 scientific sessions, 750 oral presentations, and 1,155 posters on molecular imaging technologies, clinical applications, and translational research. The meeting also featured notable lectures and awards, including the Henry N. Wagner Jr. Lectureship and the Benedict Cassen Prize.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 30, 2014

No link between fertility drugs and breast, ovarian and uterine cancers

A 30-year follow-up study found no link between fertility drugs and breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers, except for extended use of clomiphene citrate. The study of 12,193 women treated for infertility showed a higher risk of invasive breast cancer with clomiphene use in 12 or more treatment cycles.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 30, 2014

New insights on the factors that intensified the 2008 financial crisis

A Columbia Business School study examines fair value accounting's impact on the 2008 financial crisis, finding that investors' concerns about FVA overshadowed its benefits. The research reveals mixed reactions to FVA rule relaxations and highlights bank characteristics associated with positive stock market responses.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalJournal of Accounting and Public Policy·DateJun 30, 2014

Green planning needed to maintain city buildings

New research highlights the erosion of building materials including stone, concrete and steel due to mix of pollutants and organic chemicals in green spaces. Experts recommend investing in green spaces to reduce greenhouse gases, cut pollution exposure and improve mental health benefits.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 30, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

BMC study: Treat patients with addiction during, after hospitalization

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that providing hospitalized patients with addiction treatment during their stay and upon discharge significantly reduces the likelihood of relapse. Buprenorphine, an opioid substitute, was found to curb withdrawal symptoms and lead to fewer days of illicit drug use.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 30, 2014

Study reveals that many people are oblivious to how they come across to counterparts and colleagues

Research from Columbia Business School finds most people misjudge their assertiveness, often thinking they're seen as appropriate when others see them as too hot or too cold. The study also reveals that those who get assertiveness right often mistakenly think they've gotten it wrong, leading to costly repairs and missed deals.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 30, 2014

St. John's wort can cause dangerous interactions with many common medications

A large-scale search of a national medical database found that St. John's wort is often prescribed with medications that may result in adverse reactions, such as serotonin syndrome or heart disease. The study highlights the importance of caution when combining St. John's wort with other medications.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateJun 30, 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.

The carbon footprint of flowering trees

A study by Charles R. Hall and Dewayne Ingram found that flowering trees have a total cost from seedling to end-of-life of $98.60, with labor costs accounting for $43.68. The research emphasizes the importance of life cycle assessment in understanding the inputs and impacts of systems producing field-grown trees.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJun 30, 2014

Earth-Kind roses analyzed for salt tolerance

Researchers evaluated 18 Earth-Kind rose varieties for salt tolerance in two locations, finding that 'Belinda's Dream', 'Climbing Pinkie', and 'Mrs. Dudley Cross' were the most tolerant. The study recommends these cultivars for landscapes with high soil salinity.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJun 30, 2014

Tropical countries' growing wealth may aid conservation

A new study finds that tropical countries with rising middle-class incomes are willing to pay more for conservation, but government actions lag behind. Public surveys in Malaysia showed people willing to pay $437 a year per hectare to protect forests from logging and poaching.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014

19th century math tactic gets a makeover -- and yields answers up to 200 times faster

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have made a rarely used math strategy called the Jacobi method work significantly faster, potentially speeding up computer simulations in aerospace design, shipbuilding, and other engineering tasks. The updated method could solve problems that previously took 200 days to solve in just one day.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJournal of Computational Physics·DateJun 30, 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.

Up in flames: Evidence confirms combustion theory

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and University of Hawaii confirm hydrogen abstraction-acetylene addition mechanism in combustion theory. The study has implications for designing cleaner-burning fuels and fine-tuning carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNanotechnology·DateJun 30, 2014

Body odor reveals malarial infection

Researchers found that malaria parasites manipulate host body odor to make infected individuals more attractive to hungry mosquitoes. Even after symptoms have subsided, the scent of infected mice remained elevated for life, suggesting a lifelong impact on the disease.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 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.

Cellular team players

Researchers at Technical University of Munich used FRET methodology to observe interaction between Hsp90, P23 and ATP. They found that P23 strengthens ATP bonding, increasing energy production. This breakthrough reveals the importance of cooperation in cellular energy generation.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2014

Researchers unzip nanotubes by shooting them at 15,000 mph

Researchers at Rice University have found a way to unzip carbon nanotubes into graphene nanoribbons without using chemicals, by firing them at high speeds. The process works by hitting the nanotubes broadside or lengthwise, resulting in ribbons with ragged edges that can be used for strength and electrical properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 30, 2014

Clot-building nanoparticles raise survival rate following blast trauma

Researchers have developed nanoparticles that increase survival rates and show no signs of interference in healing after blast trauma. The artificial platelets, called hemostatic nanoparticles, were found to be effective in stopping bleeding and increasing survival rates.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014

Research team pursues techniques to improve elusive stem cell therapy

A Harvard research team found that transplanting mesenchymal stem cells with blood vessel-forming cells improves results in mice. The co-transplantation method keeps the mesenchymal stem cells alive longer, enabling them to display their full regenerative potential and generate new bone or fat tissue.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 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.

Research reveals a gender gap in the nation's biology labs

A new study found that women are greatly underrepresented in the labs of high-achieving male biology professors, despite being overrepresented overall. This discrepancy may be due to self-selection or unconscious bias, and institutions can take steps to address these issues by making their labs more welcoming to female scientists.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014

Bacterial colonies evolve amazing diversity

Researchers tracked bacterial colonies using experimental tools to observe massive phenotypic diversification in aging Escherichia coli colonies. They found diverse metabolic capacities, stress resistance, and improved biofilm production among survivors of senescent colonies.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateJun 30, 2014

More carbohydrates make trees more resistant to drought

A study found that trees with higher carbohydrate storage are more resistant to drought, providing insights for reforestation efforts. Researchers in Malaysia manipulated carbohydrate levels and observed improved drought survival rates in seedlings.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 30, 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.

First pediatric autism study conducted entirely online

The study found that the Internet-based trial was a valuable platform for conducting the randomized clinical trial and proved to be both cost and time effective. The researchers successfully enrolled 57 children from 28 states into the trial, which was completed in three months with a high completion rate.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 30, 2014

Common herbal supplement can cause dangerous interactions

A study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that St. John's wort use was associated with 28% of potentially harmful combinations in analyzed data. The herbal supplement can reduce the effectiveness of various medications, leading to impaired treatment outcomes and increased risk of conditions like serotonin syndrome.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateJun 30, 2014

Research proves shock wave from explosives causes significant eye damage

A recent study by UTSA researchers reveals that the shock wave from explosive blasts can cause significant eye damage, leading to partial or total blindness. The optic nerve is particularly vulnerable to injury, even at low pressures, and may be a contributing factor to visual deficits associated with traumatic brain injuries.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJun 30, 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.

Efficacy doubts over pre-IVF hysteroscopy

A large multicentre trial found no significant improvement in IVF success rates for women who underwent outpatient hysteroscopy before further IVF treatment. The study suggests that endometrial scratching, not routine hysteroscopy, may be responsible for the previously reported improvements.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 30, 2014

Forelimb bone data predicts predator style

A new classification system can predict hunting behaviors of mammals from forelimb bone measurements. The system distinguishes between ambush predators, pursuit predators, and pouncing predators with high accuracy. It was developed based on analysis of 62 specimens of 37 species, including the Thylacine.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Morphology·DateJun 30, 2014

Adults can undo heart disease risk

A Northwestern Medicine study found that adults who adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors in their 30s and 40s can control and potentially reverse coronary artery disease. The study also showed that losing healthy habits as they age leads to a measurable negative impact on heart health.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCirculation·DateJun 30, 2014

One-third of knee replacements classified as inappropriate

A recent study reveals that over one third of knee replacement surgeries in the US were deemed inappropriate, citing variation in knee pain and functional loss. The findings emphasize the need for standardized patient selection criteria among medical professionals to ensure effective use of this procedure.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateJun 30, 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.

Cocaine addiction: Phase-specific biology and treatment?

Researchers found that impulsivity plays a crucial role in cocaine addiction, with highly impulsive rats taking longer to develop habits. The study identified specific phases of addiction where dopamine receptor blockers may be effective in treating compulsive cocaine use.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 30, 2014

It may take guts to cure diabetes

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have successfully retrained human gastrointestinal cells to produce insulin in response to glucose. This breakthrough could potentially replace damaged cells lost in type 1 diabetes, offering a new avenue for treating the condition.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2014

WSU researchers chart an ancient baby boom

Researchers charted an ancient baby boom in the southwestern US among Native Americans between 500 to 1300 A.D. Birth rates likely exceeded the highest in the world today, driven by early features of civilization such as farming and food storage. However, a crash followed, offering a warning sign about the dangers of overpopulation.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 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.

Bosses use private social media more than staff

Researchers found that managers are more likely to privately browse social media during work hours, contradicting their negative views on the practice. The study revealed that top executives' longer working hours and blurred lines between work and leisure contribute to this behavior.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateJun 30, 2014

The Lancet: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act catalyses unprecedented collaboration between health care and public health

The Affordable Care Act can improve the US population's health by focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and early detection. The Act promotes collaboration between healthcare and public health systems, leading to better quality services and greater integration of public health entities into healthcare.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 30, 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.

New research study shows huge savings for health care

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that current standard medical guidelines for childhood cancer survivors can be reduced, saving large cost-savings and little reduction in overall quality of patient care. The study suggests that screenings can be safely done cost-effectively and improve the quantity of patie...

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 30, 2014

Scientists develop force sensor from carbon nanotubes

Researchers from Russia, Belarus and Spain create a microscopic force sensor based on carbon nanotubes, allowing accurate control over coaxial cylinders in two-layer nanotubes. The device can measure forces as small as tenths of a nN, opening up potential applications beyond micro scales.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalComputational Materials Science·DateJun 30, 2014

Evolution of life's operating system revealed in detail

Researchers model primordial ribosomes using modern structures, showing how new structures were added to the surface without altering the core. The study reveals the universal biology of translation, with distinct fingerprints in ribosomes across species.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014

New method to grow zebrafish embryonic stem cells can regenerate whole fish

Researchers have developed a new method to grow zebrafish embryonic stem cells for over 2 years without a feeder cell layer, simplifying their use and expanding their utility. The ability to establish and grow these stem cells enables exciting cellular and molecular genetic manipulations.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalZebrafish·DateJun 30, 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.

The outcome of fertility treatments using donor sperm is dependent on the quality of sperm

The study analyzed over 230,000 sperm donation cycles in the UK and found no significant impact on live birth rates from sperm donor age. Instead, it highlighted the significance of female partner's age and sperm quality. The results suggest that advancing paternal age may not be as crucial for fertility outcomes as previously thought.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 30, 2014

New Tel Aviv University research links Alzheimer's to brain hyperactivity

Researchers discovered that amyloid-beta binds to pairs of APP molecules, triggering a signalling cascade that causes elevated neuronal activity in the hippocampus. This hyperactivity damages memory and learning functions and is observed in patients with mild cognitive impairment and early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 30, 2014

Fat damages the lungs of heavy drinkers

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that alcohol consumption leads to a buildup of fat in the lungs, weakening the immune system and increasing the risk of pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. This discovery offers a potential new explanation for why heavy drinkers are more susceptible to lung disease.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·DateJun 30, 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.

Engineered red blood cells could carry precious therapeutic cargo

Whitehead Institute scientists have genetically modified red blood cells to carry valuable payloads, including drugs, vaccines, and imaging agents. The approach uses sortagging, a protein-labeling technique that establishes strong chemical bonds between surface proteins and therapeutic substances.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014

Hibernating frogs give clues to halting muscle wastage

Researchers have identified two genes that may help prevent muscle wastage in humans: survivin and checkpoint kinase 1. These genes are highly active in burrowing frogs that survive dormancy without suffering significant muscle damage.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJun 30, 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.

Is the next 'new' cancer drug already in your medicine cabinet?

Researchers found that antihistamines can reverse the effects of myeloid derived suppressor cells in mice with tumors and those with allergy symptoms. This suggests a potential link between allergies and cancer prevention.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJun 30, 2014

A key component of cell division comes to light

Scientists have discovered where microtubules form inside the mitotic spindle and how their starting points are transported to opposite poles. This breakthrough provides a better understanding of cell division and paves the way for more effective cancer treatments.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 30, 2014

Insulin, other drugs may do more harm than good for some type 2 diabetes patients

A new study finds that for many patients with type 2 diabetes, the benefits of treatment are outweighed by the negative impact of side effects like weight gain and frequent insulin shots. The study suggests that individualized treatment recommendations based on patient risk factors and preferences may be a better approach than focusing...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 30, 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.

Using geometry, researchers coax human embryonic stem cells to organize themselves

Scientists have successfully replicated the process of human embryonic stem cells differentiating into separate populations with a reproducible spatial order. By confining cells in tiny circular patterns on glass plates, researchers were able to induce endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm formation, mirroring natural conditions.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 30, 2014

Progress in the fight against tuberculosis

Scientists expect progress in developing an effective TB vaccine, with Phase IIa clinical trials underway. The new vaccine aims to activate both killer and helper cells for improved immune response.

SourceLindau Nobel Laureate Meetings·DateJun 30, 2014

Malaria parasite manipulates host's scent

Researchers found that malaria-infected mice are more attractive to mosquitos than uninfected mice, especially during recovery from symptoms. This altered scent profile may help identify asymptomatic carriers who can transmit the disease.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014

Moffitt researchers develop new way to combat drug resistance for melanoma patients

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute developed a liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry assay to analyze biomarkers in blood and tissue, helping identify therapeutic targets for melanoma treatment. The study identified alterations in cell signaling pathways in drug-resistant cells.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateJun 30, 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.

All the world's oceans have plastic debris on their surface

The study, led by the University of Cadiz and Spanish National Research Council, reveals five large accumulations of plastic waste in surface waters, matching the five major twists of surface water circulation. Microplastics were detected in 88% of ocean surface samples, posing risks to marine food chains and ecosystems.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014

Artificial enzyme mimics the natural detoxification mechanism in liver cells

Researchers discovered that molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles can mimic the function of sulfite oxidase, an enzyme responsible for cellular detoxification processes. The nanoparticles can cross cell membranes and accumulate at mitochondria, recovering sulfite oxidase activity and potentially treating sulfite oxidase deficiency.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 30, 2014

Potential drug target for PTSD prevention

Scientists at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have identified a new drug target for preventing PTSD. Osanetant, which targets the Tac2 gene, has been shown to reduce fear memory consolidation in mice.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNeuron·DateJun 30, 2014

The influence of westernization spells danger for public health in Nigeria

A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that urbanisation and westernization are linked to rising obesity rates among Nigerian women, particularly those with higher socio-economic status. The findings highlight the need to address both malnutrition and obesity as major public health concerns in Nigeria.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 30, 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.

Insights from nature for more efficient water splitting

Researchers from RIKEN have discovered a mineral-based catalyst that efficiently splits water into oxygen and hydrogen ions at neutral pH. The key to this success lies in synchronizing electron- and proton-transfer timing, which greatly improves the catalytic activity of manganese oxides.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for July 1, 2014

The American College of Physicians recommends against routine pelvic examinations for asymptomatic, average-risk non-pregnant women due to the lack of demonstrated benefit and potential harms. In contrast, the guideline suggests Pap smear screening without a bimanual examination, recommending visual inspection of the cervix, cervical s...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 30, 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.

Washington University's Joseph Jez is one of 15 'million dollar professors'

Joseph Jez, co-director of the plant and microbial biosciences graduate program at Washington University in St. Louis, has received a $1 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to establish the Biotech Explorers Pathway. The pathway aims to introduce entering students to both science and business of biotechnology,...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateJun 30, 2014

New study: Ancient Arctic sharks tolerated brackish water 50 million years ago

A new study reveals that ancient Arctic sand tiger sharks were able to tolerate brackish water conditions 50 million years ago, unlike modern sand tiger sharks which require much higher salinity levels. This finding has significant implications for how today's sharks might fare in a warming Arctic region.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeology·DateJun 30, 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.

'Master switch' for myelination in human brain stem cells is identified

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have identified SOX10 as a key transcription factor that initiates myelination in human brain cells. This discovery brings researchers closer to developing a viral or pharmaceutical approach to inducing SOX10 in MS patients, which could lead to a more effective treatment for multiple sclerosis.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014

'Molecular movies' will enable extraordinary gains in bioimaging, health research

Researchers have created an imaging technology that measures chemical and biological actions in real-time, allowing for improved biosensors to study life processes. This new approach uses short pulse lasers and bioluminescent proteins to create customized sensors for better imaging of living systems.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014