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Science News for May 13, 2014


Preschool teacher depression linked to behavioral problems in children

Research suggests that preschool teacher depression is associated with behavioral problems in children, including aggression, anxiety, and sadness. The study found a direct relationship between teacher depression and internalizing problems in children, as well as a lower-quality child care atmosphere.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateMay 13, 2014

Medications can help adults with alcohol use disorders reduce drinking

Two medications, acamprosate and oral naltrexone, have shown promise in reducing return to drinking and improving other drinking outcomes. The study provides additional options for clinicians to address alcohol use disorders, a global concern associated with many health problems.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJAMA·DateMay 13, 2014

Scientists reveal structural secrets of enzyme used to make popular anti-cholesterol drug

Researchers identified a mutated enzyme called LovD9 that produces simvastatin 1,000 times more efficiently than the natural enzyme. The team used computer simulations and X-ray crystallography to determine the molecular structures of both enzymes, revealing subtle variations in their behavior when immersed in water.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 13, 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.

Distance influences accuracy of eyewitness IDs

Research found that eyewitness accuracy decreases by 0.55% per yard in correct identifications, while false alarms increase by 0.44% per yard. The study's findings have implications for the trustworthiness of eyewitness accounts used in criminal cases.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMay 13, 2014

Understanding the 1918 flu pandemic can aid in better infectious disease response

Researchers analyzed the 1918 pandemic in Labrador, Canada and Alaska, finding environmental, nutritional and economic factors influenced morbidity. Lessons learned from this study can aid in improving infectious disease response by evaluating healthcare access, housing conditions and contingency plans.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAnnals of Anthropological Practice·DateMay 13, 2014

Quantum trimer -- from a distance

Researchers confirm existence of Efimov state, a bound state of three particles, at vast distances between particles. The state was previously elusive to prove experimentally.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 13, 2014

Concerns raised over EU ban on ditching unwanted fish

A University of Strathclyde report suggests that EU's ban on ditching unwanted fish could have unintended consequences on wildlife and fail to improve fish stocks. Changing fishing practices to eliminate unwanted catches has dramatic effects on the entire food web, with major benefits for birds, mammals, and fish stocks.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers identify genetic marker linked to OCD

A genome-wide association study has identified a genetic marker associated with OCD, which could lead to new drugs and treatments for the debilitating disorder. The findings suggest a link between OCD and learning and memory, as well as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 13, 2014

Signal Fire in New Mexico

The Signal Fire in New Mexico is a rapidly spreading wildfire with 507 firefighters and resources from NASA. The fire's cause is believed to be human, with evacuations ordered for residents near the affected area.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 13, 2014

Study: state VAMS don't reflect content, quality of teachers' instruction

A new study published in Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis found no association between multiple-measure teaching effectiveness ratings and the content of teachers' instruction. The researchers suggest that value-added models are not useful for evaluating teacher performance or shaping classroom instruction.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateMay 13, 2014

Women's empowerment and Olympic success

Research by Grand Valley State University researchers found a strong correlation between women's empowerment and international athletic success, including more medals won and increased participation. The study controlled for other factors like population and wealth to show that gender equality was key to Olympic success.

SourceGrand Valley State University·JournalJournal of Sports Economics·DateMay 13, 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.

Novel ORNL technique enables air-stable water droplet networks

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a method to create air-stable water droplet networks that can simulate cell membranes. The technique, which uses a superhydrophobic surface infused with oil, enables the formation of interconnected water droplets without coalescing.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2014

Simplifying an ultrafast laser offers better control

Researchers have developed a new concept for simplifying ultrafast lasers, enabling control over multiple parameters and excellent performance potential. The 'frequency domain optical parametric amplification' (FOPA) approach supersedes traditional time domain amplification schemes.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2014

First year student publishes monsoon study

A first-year Environmental Science student at the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus published a literature review on the Southeast Asian monsoon in Geoscience Frontiers. The study found that future climate warming could lead to a 15-day delay in the monsoon onset by the start of the next century.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalGeoscience Frontiers·DateMay 13, 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.

Glycomics Institute to assist Australian sugar industry

Griffith University's Institute for Glycomics has partnered with Sugar Research Australia to develop technologies for the Australian sugar industry, focusing on improving raw sugar quality. The collaboration aims to apply glycoscience expertise in disease prevention and cure to help manage aspects of raw sugar quality.

SourceGriffith University·DateMay 13, 2014

Surprising global species shake-up discovered

Despite declining global biodiversity, a recent study found that many ecosystems have remained stable, with no significant decrease in species richness. Instead, researchers discovered substantial changes in species composition, averaging 10% change per decade.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScience·DateMay 13, 2014

A tiny, toothy catfish with bulldog snout defies classification

A newly discovered fish, Kryptoglanis shajii, has a unique combination of characteristics that set it apart from other catfishes. The fish's bone structure shows modified shapes and changes in certain bones, giving it a bulldog-like snout and conical teeth.

SourceDrexel University·JournalProceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia·DateMay 13, 2014

New agent may enhance effectiveness of radiotherapy

Scientists have discovered a new drug that significantly improves the effectiveness of radiotherapy in stopping tumor growth and increasing long-term survival. The combination treatment reduces secondary lung tumors and demonstrates potential for improved cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateMay 13, 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.

Women's empowerment and Olympic success

A study by Grand Valley State University researchers found that nations with greater women's empowerment tend to win more Olympic medals and participate in the games more, regardless of gender. The effect is strongest for female athletes, but also applies to men, with greater equality associated with better success.

SourceGrand Valley State University·JournalJournal of Sports Economics·DateMay 13, 2014

Released prisoners are more likely to suffer early death

Men released from prison are more than twice as likely to die prematurely compared to those who have not been incarcerated. The 'mortality penalty' of incarceration includes increased exposure to diseases like TB and HIV, prolonged stress, and disruptions in social bonds.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateMay 13, 2014

Tiny, tenacious and tentatively toxic

Dr. Kevin Conway and his team have made two groundbreaking discoveries in the study of Western Atlantic Clingfishes. The researchers identified a new species of clingfish less than an inch long and discovered a unique venom gland in a well-studied group of fish, highlighting the vast diversity and complexity of marine ecosystems.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 13, 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.

Protein Data Bank: 100,000 structures

The Protein Data Bank has surpassed 100,000 entries, providing a wealth of structural data for researchers to understand biological mechanisms and discover new medicines. The archive's growth is driven by the efforts of structural biologists worldwide, who continue to deposit new structures and improve the resource.

SourceRutgers University·DateMay 13, 2014

Odd planet, so far from its star...

Researchers have discovered a gas giant exoplanet, GU Psc b, located 2,000 times closer to its star than Earth is to the Sun. The planet's massive size and distance from its star make it an ideal object for studying giant exoplanets.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateMay 13, 2014

Scientists reveal new picture in the evolution of flightless birds

A recent study assembled a large dataset using ancient moa DNA and found convincing evidence that tinamous are closely related to extinct moas, leading to independent loss of flight. Morphological characters of ratites were mostly convergent, evolving independently as adaptations to a cursorial lifestyle.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 13, 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.

Humans and companion animals harbor the same types of MRSA infections

A study published in mBio reveals that humans and companion animals share the same types of MRSA infections, indicating a common population of bacteria. The research suggests that antibiotic usage in animal medicine is shaping the human pathogen, and healthy pets are not likely to pick up MRSA from their human companions.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMay 13, 2014

Fossil palm beetles 'hind-cast' 50-million-year-old winters

Researchers used fossil beetles to determine winter temperatures in 50-million-year-old uplands of British Columbia and Washington, revealing mild, frost-free winters. This discovery may help scientists understand how natural communities are impacted by climate change.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2014

Human learning altered by electrical stimulation of dopamine neurons

A study by neuroscientists at the University of Pennsylvania found that stimulation of dopamine-containing neurons can modify human learning. When participants received a reward, they tended to repeat the button press that resulted in the reward, even when it was no longer associated with the action.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMay 13, 2014

Bird invaders 'moving in' to UK's nature reserves

Researchers found that European birds are expanding their ranges into UK nature reserves, but non-native wetland birds such as the Black Swan and Egyptian Goose are also invading protected areas. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts to tackle these invasions and protect native species.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateMay 13, 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.

Novel target found for chemotherapy-resistant leukemia cells

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have discovered a novel target, B-cell activating receptor (BAFF-R), for chemotherapy-resistant leukemia cells. By targeting this receptor, the team was able to selectively kill cancer cells in mouse models and increase killing of leukemia cells by natural killer cells and macrophages.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateMay 13, 2014

E-cigarettes and mental health

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine report that people living with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions are twice as likely to have tried e-cigarettes and three times as likely to be current users. They also face a higher risk of trying e-cigarettes in the future.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTobacco Control·DateMay 13, 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.

Evolutionary biologists glimpse early stages of Y-chromosome degeneration

Scientists studied plant species Rumex hastatulus to understand the earliest stages of Y-chromosome degeneration. They found genes had already started to undergo genetic degeneration despite their recent origin, with degeneration depending on how long ago genes stopped recombining with each other.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2014

MEMS nanoinjector for genetic modification of cells

Researchers developed a new, high-tech device for transferring DNA into cells with minimal stress, reducing cell death rates. The MEMS nanoinjector uses electrical forces to inject DNA into cells without using extra fluid.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMay 13, 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.

The physics of ocean undertow

A new paper in Physics of Fluids provides a more consistent way to describe the forces acting on waves and undertows. The researchers found that different approaches were due to incorrect handling of weak forces, not methodology. This advance enables better models for predicting beach erosion and can help preserve shorelines.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 13, 2014

Older, sicker men with early-stage prostate cancer do not benefit from aggressive treatment

A study by UCLA researchers found that treating older men with early-stage prostate cancer who also have other serious underlying health problems with aggressive therapies does not help them live longer. In fact, it can be detrimental and result in additional health issues such as impotence, urinary incontinence, and bowel problems.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer·DateMay 13, 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.

Letting it go: Take responsibility, make amends and forgive yourself

A Baylor University study reveals that making amends gives permission to let go of feelings of guilt and shame, allowing individuals to forgive themselves for past wrongs. The research also found that women are less self-forgiving than men and that the more serious the offense, the less likely one is to self-forgive.

SourceBaylor University·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·DateMay 13, 2014

Smart drugs pose special risks to the developing brain of young people

A recent review warns of the dangers of smart drugs on young people's developing brains, highlighting the potential for long-term impairments and decreased brain plasticity. Methylphenidate and modafinil, two popular smart drugs, have been found to cause these effects in young brains.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·DateMay 13, 2014

UTMB study discovers cause of many preterm births

A new study by UTMB researchers discovered that exposure to oxidative stress, triggered by cigarette smoke, leads to premature aging of the placenta. This can result in preterm birth, a condition affecting millions worldwide. The findings suggest alternative strategies may be needed to prevent preterm births beyond current interventions.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMay 13, 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.

Autophagic activation with Nimotuzumab enhances chemo-radiosensitivity

Researchers discovered that nimotuzumab promotes autophagic cell death, enhancing the antitumor effects of chemotherapy and radiation in ESCC cells with high EGFR expression. This finding suggests a potential strategy for improving therapeutic efficacy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateMay 13, 2014

Comet theory false; doesn't explain Ice Age cold snap, Clovis changes, animal extinction

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that most supposed impact indicators at 29 sites are too old or too young to be remnants of an ancient comet. The researchers tested existing stratigraphic and chronological data sets to determine if these markers dated to the onset of the Younger Dr...

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2014

New stem cell research points to early indicators of schizophrenia

Researchers at the Salk Institute used stem cells to study neural function in people with schizophrenia, finding unusual activity in early developmental stages that may lead to diagnostic tests. The study suggests that events during pregnancy could contribute to the disease.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 13, 2014

Study examines effectiveness of medications to treat alcohol use disorders

A comprehensive analysis of over 120 studies reveals that medications like acamprosate and oral naltrexone show promise in decreasing alcohol consumption, with an average number needed to treat (NNT) of 12 for both. These findings highlight the potential benefits of medication-assisted treatment for adults with alcohol use disorders.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 13, 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.

Chemists design molecules for controlling bacterial behavior

Researchers have developed a class of chemical agents that targets new biological receptors in bacteria, changing their multicellular behaviors. These disaccharide derivatives mimic natural rhamnolipids and have potential applications in treating bacterial infections and inhibiting horizontal gene transfer.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalChemBioChem·DateMay 13, 2014

A tale of survival

Shortfin molly fish populations have evolved genetic changes that enable them to thrive in hydrogen sulphide-rich springs. The adaptations involve changes in the cox1 and cox3 genes, allowing the fish to maintain COX activity under high H2S concentrations.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2014

Coral reefs are critical for risk reduction & adaptation

A new study reveals that coral reefs provide substantial protection against natural hazards, reducing wave energy by an average of 97%. The restoration and conservation of coral reefs is a cost-effective solution to reduce risks from coastal hazards and climate change, benefiting hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 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.

Forgiving a wrong may actually make it easier to forget

Researchers found that forgiving a transgression can facilitate forgetting of its details, especially when the participant is instructed to forget. The study's findings suggest that forgiveness may be linked to suppression of negative memories and emotions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 13, 2014

UT Dallas team creates flexible electronics that change shape inside body

Researchers from UT Dallas have created electronic devices that become soft when implanted inside the body and can deploy to grip 3-D objects. The biologically adaptive, flexible transistors might help doctors learn more about what's happening inside the body and stimulate the body for treatments.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 13, 2014

Dangerous nitrogen pollution could be halved

A study suggests that nitrogen pollution can be reduced by 50 percent through targeted fertilizer application, recycling animal dung, and changing consumer habits such as reducing food waste and meat consumption. The findings highlight the importance of addressing nitrogen pollution to mitigate both health and climate impacts.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2014

3-D 'map' of enzyme completed by MU scientists could lead to more effective drugs

University of Missouri researchers have completed a 3D map of the Proline utilization A (PutA) enzyme, which facilitates metabolism by adding oxygen to molecules. This understanding will help drug manufacturers create more effective treatments for diseases like h. pylori infection.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 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.

Ultrafast laser technique developed to observe electron action

University of Central Florida physicists have developed a new ultrafast light source to observe electron motion in molecules, allowing scientists to understand how electrons interact with each other. This breakthrough may lead to improved efficiency in solar cells and unlock new rules for quantum mechanics.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 13, 2014

Follow that fish!

Researchers found that zebrafish exposed to alcohol exhibited increased swimming speeds in the presence of peers, while unexposed fish modulated their behavior accordingly. This social influence may constitute a form of leadership, challenging traditional views on individual responses to alcohol.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateMay 13, 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.

Why athletes are more likely to need pacemakers in old age

A new study reveals that athletes who have a lifelong history of endurance events may experience abnormal heart rhythms due to molecular changes in their heart's pacemaker. Elderly athletes are more likely to need artificial pacemakers fitted compared to normal adults.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2014

Male infertility: It's all about the package

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a protein called Chd5 that plays a crucial role in chromatin remodeling during sperm development. The team found that Chd5 is essential for maintaining the genetic information of male fertility, and its absence can lead to infertility and increased risk of disease.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 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.

Clean air in Iowa

A new study from the University of Iowa reveals that Iowa's air quality is generally clean, but with notable variations between urban and rural areas. The research found higher concentrations of fine particulate pollutants in urban locations, particularly associated with vehicle exhaust and industrial activity.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateMay 13, 2014