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Science News for March 9, 2014


Farm salmon pose clear reproductive threat to wild gene pools

New research reveals farmed salmon are as fertile as wild salmon and can invade wild gene pools, posing threats to native populations. The study suggests that sterilization of farmed salmon could be a viable solution to mitigate this threat.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateMar 9, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In grasslands remade by humans, animals may protect biodiversity

A worldwide study found that grazing animals can improve biodiversity in over-fertilized grasslands by allowing native plants to compete for sunlight. The study, which analyzed data from 40 sites across six continents, suggests that the removal of fertilizer and introduction of grazing animals can lead to increased plant diversity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2014

These aren't the voids you're looking for

Researchers found delicate strings of galaxies in previously thought-empty voids, revealing a new type of structure called 'tendrils'. This discovery suggests that voids might be smaller than initially believed, challenging our understanding of the universe's organization.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 9, 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.

Atomically thin solar cells

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have created the world's thinnest solar cells using tungsten diselenide, a material that can absorb light and convert it into electrical power. The ultrathin layers exhibit high transparency and efficiency, making them suitable for flexible displays and glass facades.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 9, 2014

UEA research reveals 4 new man-made gases in the atmosphere

Scientists have identified four new man-made gases in the atmosphere, all contributing to ozone layer destruction. The new chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbon emissions surpass pre-1990s levels, posing significant concerns for the environment.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 9, 2014

New bioinformatics tool to visualize transcriptomes

ZENBU integrates genome browsers with data analysis and linked expression views to facilitate interactive visualization of next-generation sequencing results. The tool allows for dynamic combination of thousands of experimental datasets, enabling scientists to discover new biological mechanisms.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 9, 2014

UNC researchers create new tool to unravel the mysteries of metastasis

A new biochemical technique allows researchers to study how specific proteins called kinases interact to trigger cellular behavior, such as cell movement. The method, developed by Klaus Hahn's team, enables the activation of just one kinase and its interaction with another molecule in real time.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 9, 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.

First animals oxygenated the ocean, study suggests

New research suggests that the first animals oxygenated the deep oceans, creating conditions for more complex life to evolve. This finding challenges the long-held belief that a rise in atmospheric oxygen triggered the development of complex life forms.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 9, 2014

Eye health experts come together to boost fight against avoidable blindness

A new £7.1 million grant will support the Commonwealth Eye Health Consortium, which aims to tackle avoidable blindness and improve quality of eye care across the Commonwealth. The programme will deliver fellowships, research, and technology to strengthen health systems and provide accessible care.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·DateMar 9, 2014

Scents and sustainability

Researchers at the University of California - Davis have engineered bacteria to produce esters, a key component in scents, flavors, and chemical processes. This breakthrough could lead to a $20 billion industry shift towards renewable sources.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 9, 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.

Stem cell study opens door to undiscovered world of biology

Scientists have successfully studied protein synthesis in adult stem cells, finding that precise protein production is essential to their function. The discovery opens up new avenues of cellular biology and may lead to a better understanding of diseases associated with protein synthesis mutations.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2014

Mutations in leukemia gene linked to new childhood growth disorder

A study by The Institute of Cancer Research identified mutations in the DNA methyltransferase gene, DNMT3A, in 13 children with a newly described condition called 'DNMT3A overgrowth syndrome'. The condition causes intellectual disability and unusual growth in children, but has no link to cancer risk.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 9, 2014