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Science News for November 13, 2014


Total recall: The science behind it

A new international study led by the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre has identified a molecule that puts a brake on brain processing and when removed, brain function and memory recall are improved. The study found that suppressing the production of molecules required for building new memories leads to stronger con...

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 13, 2014

Cold-induced pain linked to the garlic and mustard receptor

Researchers at Lund University have identified a mechanism that creates cold-induced pain, linking it to the same receptor that reacts to pungent substances in mustard and garlic. This discovery could help those with cold allodynia, a common problem among patients with chronic pain or nervous system diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2014

Combatting illegal fishing in offshore marine reserves

Researchers have developed a new method to predict illegal fishing patterns in offshore marine reserves, enabling authorities to better protect these areas. The study, which analyzed data from the Cocos Island National Park, identified hotspots and lunar phases associated with illegal fishing, allowing for more targeted patrols.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalOryx·DateNov 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.

Research reveals the real cause of death for some starburst galaxies

Astronomers find compact, young galaxies shut down their prodigious star production due to a lack of cool dense gas, rather than supermassive black holes. The energy from the star formation itself creates a shortage of gas within the galaxy.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 13, 2014

Self-doping may be the key to superconductivity in room temperature

Scientists have found that self-doping in the copper-based material YBCO enables it to conduct electricity without loss at room temperature. This groundbreaking discovery challenges traditional understanding of high-temperature superconductivity and could pave the way for more efficient electrical applications.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 13, 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.

Switching on a dime: How plants function in shade and light

Researchers discovered a plant protein, KEA3, crucial for adjusting photosynthetic efficiency in fluctuating light conditions. This mechanism enables plants to quickly respond to changes in light intensity and maintain high energy capture.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 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.

Ocean carbon uptake more variable than thought

Researchers created a global model of CO2 uptake using fine-scale observations, finding strong interannual variations and the Pacific Ocean dominating flux variability. The study's lead author notes that shipboard measurements provide key data for estimating ocean CO2 sink variability.

SourceWiley·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateNov 13, 2014

Bio-inspired bleeding control

Bio-inspired bleeding control is achieved through the synthesis of platelet-like nanoparticles that mimic the human body's own coagulation processes. These tiny particles can be added to blood flow to supply or augment the patient's natural platelet supply, stemming bleeding and initiating healing.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 13, 2014

Software to automatically outline bones in X-rays

Researchers are developing AI-powered software to automatically outline bones in X-ray images, a system that can already identify hips and will now be adapted to map out knees and hands. The goal is to reduce the workload of human researchers and enable faster diagnosis for patients with conditions like arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateNov 13, 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.

Marching to our own sequence

A new study from Harvard Medical School reveals that genetic variants control DNA replication timing, varying among people. This variation affects mutation rates and individual disease risk, including blood cancers.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateNov 13, 2014

Seismic hazard in the Puget Lowland, Washington state, USA

Research finds that the Darrington-Devils Mountain fault zone is prone to strong earthquakes, with evidence of a M 6.7 to 7.0 quake 2,000 years ago and another at 8,000 years old. This suggests a right-lateral slip sense during past earthquakes, which may be related to ongoing clockwise rotation in the region.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateNov 13, 2014

What leads to weight loss success in adults with asthma?

A new study suggests that individuals with more severe asthma may be more motivated to lose weight, making them a key target for intervention. Gender tailoring of weight loss programs could also enhance success rates among adults with asthma.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateNov 13, 2014

UH chemists develop porous molecules that bind greenhouse gases

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a molecule that can capture potent greenhouse gases, including Freons and fluorocarbons. The molecule's lightweight structure with microscopic pores makes it an attractive solution for capturing large quantities of greenhouse gases.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 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.

Ocean primed for more El Niño

A new study using coral samples from a remote Pacific island in Kiribati reveals the ocean has warmed over the last sixty years, priming it for stronger El Niáo events. This warming trend could have a major impact on Australia's weather, particularly during El Niáo events when warm waters move eastward and bring droughts.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPaleoceanography·DateNov 13, 2014

Morgridge scientists find way to 'keep the lights on' for cell self-renewal

Researchers at Morgridge Institute for Research discovered a method to impose an immortal-like state on mouse progenitor cells responsible for producing blood and vascular tissue. The breakthrough enables the creation of functional endothelial, blood, and smooth muscle cells, paving the way for cell-based therapies and drug screening.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 13, 2014

TMT launches the Hawaii Island New Knowledge (THINK) fund

The Thirty Meter Telescope has launched the THINK Fund, a $1 million annual initiative to support Hawaii Island students in STEM disciplines. The fund will provide scholarships and grants for STEM education initiatives, with a focus on improving opportunities for Native Hawaiian students.

SourceThirty Meter Telescope·DateNov 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.

Is there such a thing as 'Facebook Murder'?

A recent investigation explored whether Facebook murders were unique and worthy of a new label. The study found that these crimes followed typical patterns, with victims knowing their killers, and social media played no more significant role than other tools in the commission of violence.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Howard Journal of Criminal Justice·DateNov 13, 2014

Genetic testing could improve breast cancer prevention

A study using mathematical models shows that genetic testing can substantially improve breast cancer prevention by analyzing multiple gene variants. The research suggests that combining genetic data with other risk factors can identify the most at-risk women, who account for 32.2% of all breast cancer cases.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 13, 2014

Enterotoxigenic E. coli worldwide are closely related

Research reveals that Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) strains infecting adults and children globally have similar toxins and virulence factors, indicating potential for a single, effective vaccine.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateNov 13, 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.

Solving the puzzle of cooperation in group environments

The study reveals that cooperation emerges when individuals assemble into groups that interact through repeated Public Goods Games. The authors propose an evolutionary game theory model, which suggests a large set of possible responses depending on previous levels of group cooperation. Ultimately, the most successful strategy is 'All-o...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 13, 2014

Self-repairing software tackles malware

Researchers have developed a self-repairing software called A3 that detects and eradicates malware, repairing damage and preventing re-infection. The software can repair complex security vulnerabilities in minutes without taking servers down.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateNov 13, 2014

Parental age at childbirth may affect metabolism of adult offspring

A study found that middle-aged men whose parents were older at birth had lower blood pressure, more favorable cholesterol levels, and improved glucose metabolism. Further research is needed to determine the causes of this effect, with epigenetics and post-natal factors being potential explanations.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateNov 13, 2014

Bigger is not always better

A new study of over 12,000 Danish patients with hip fractures found that those treated in smaller hospital departments had a lower mortality rate and shorter length of stay. The quality of care was also higher in these departments compared to larger ones.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMedical Care·DateNov 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.

People show 'blind insight' into decision making performance

Researchers found that people who made chance-level decisions still reported greater confidence in correct outcomes and less confidence in incorrect outcomes. This suggests that participants had unconscious insight into their decision-making performance, a phenomenon called 'blind insight'.

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

Cookie Monster teaches self-control

A study by University of Iowa professor Deborah Linebarger found that preschoolers who watched videos starring Cookie Monster were better able to control impulses and remember number sequences. These executive functioning skills are crucial for school readiness and predict academic skills like reading, math, and science.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateNov 13, 2014

New Alzheimer's-related memory disorder identified

A new neurological disease closely resembling Alzheimer's disease, called primary age-related tauopathy (PART), has been defined and established criteria for diagnosis. PART is characterized by cognitive impairment without amyloid plaques, but with neurofibrillary tangles composed of a protein called tau.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateNov 13, 2014

Bird battles promote unity on the front line

Research from the University of Bristol found that bird groups unite at nightfall after territorial conflicts, strengthening their defense of valuable roost sites. This cooperation between group members is favored by conflict with outsiders, highlighting a link to human societal evolution.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 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.

Study finds Alzheimer's drug may reduce the urge to binge eat

Researchers found that memantine, an Alzheimer's drug, reduces binge eating by blocking addictive behaviors in the brain. The study identified the nucleus accumbens as a key area responsible for these behaviors, and applying memantine directly into this area suppressed binge-eating behavior.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateNov 13, 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.

Without security, there can be no health care

A recent review reports on the devastating effects of the Syrian conflict on the healthcare system, including outbreaks of poliomyelitis, measles, and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Vaccination coverage has dropped dramatically, hampering efforts to combat these epidemics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 13, 2014

Genotype found in 30 percent of ALS patients speeds up disease progression

A recent study has discovered a genotype variant that speeds up the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in mice, leading to faster disease progression and shorter life spans. The research aims to better understand the molecular pathway of this accelerated model to develop more successful drug trials for all ALS patients.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 13, 2014

$100,000 Kresge Foundation grant to support CitizenDetroit

The Kresge Foundation has awarded Wayne State University a $100,000 grant to support CitizenDetroit, a community outreach program that educates and mobilizes residents on political discourse. The program aims to create informed civic activists by challenging myths and educating voters about current issues.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateNov 13, 2014

Pulling together the early solar system

A team of researchers has provided evidence that the early solar system's protoplanetary disk was shaped by an intense magnetic field, driving gas toward the sun at a rapid rate. The study analyzed a meteorite sample, extracting individual grains and measuring their magnetic orientations to determine the original magnetic field.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 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.

Forecasting diseases using Wikipedia

A team from Los Alamos National Laboratory successfully monitored and forecasted influenza, dengue fever, and tuberculosis outbreaks worldwide. The study demonstrates the potential of using public health data to build an operational disease monitoring system.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 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.

Legally prescribed opioid use may increase mortality in chronic pain patients

A new study published in PAIN found that chronic pain patients without opioid treatment have an increased risk of death compared to those with pain but without opioid use. Long-term opioid users had a higher risk of death due to causes other than cardiovascular and cancer mortality, as well as a four times higher risk of toxicity poiso...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalPain·DateNov 13, 2014

It's not always the DNA

Research reveals that damaged messenger RNA can cause ribosomes to jam, leading to the production of short proteins and contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidized mRNA was found to accumulate in cells with advanced Alzheimer's, highlighting a potential mechanism for the disease.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 13, 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.

How Campylobacter exploits chicken 'juice' highlights need for hygiene

A study found Campylobacter bacteria attach to surfaces and form biofilms when exposed to chicken 'juice'. Cleaning surfaces effectively can help reduce the incidence of Campylobacter, a leading cause of food poisoning in the UK. The research also aims to minimize infected chicken on supermarket shelves.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 13, 2014

Bacteria become 'genomic tape recorders'

Researchers at MIT have engineered E. coli bacteria to store long-term analog memory through a 'genomic tape recorder' system. This stable, erasable memory can be used in various applications such as environmental monitoring and biological computing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 13, 2014

Telephone coaches improve children's asthma treatment

A new program has been shown to reduce asthma symptoms and hospitalizations in low-income children by training their parents over the phone. The peer coaching model, which was tested in a two-year trial, resulted in significant reductions in ER visits and hospitalizations among families with Medicaid insurance.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateNov 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.

Symbiotic plants are more diverse, finds new study

A recent study by Cornell University research found that symbiotic plants develop nectar glands to attract and feed protective animals like ants, leading to increased diversity in plant species over time. This mutualistic relationship allows plants to allocate energy resources to new traits and adapt to new environments.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2014

NABT recognizes chemistry teacher with Genetics Education Award

Robert R. Gotwals, Jr., M.S., receives the Genetics Education Award for his innovative and student-centered approach to teaching genetics. He has developed resources, including a high school genetics research program and computational chemistry server, to promote genetic understanding.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateNov 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.

Plants have little wiggle room to survive drought, UCLA life scientists report

A new study by UCLA scientists found that plants have limited wiggle room to survive drought due to their plasticity. Most plant species accumulate salts in their cell sap to fine-tune their tolerance, but this adjustment only provides a relatively narrow degree of additional drought tolerance.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 13, 2014

EPA's Clean Power Plan: Economic strengths and weaknesses

The plan aims to reduce carbon emissions from power plants by 30% by 2030 through various actions such as improving efficiency, using natural gas, expanding renewables, and creating energy efficiency programs. However, economists argue that the current design of the plan may not achieve its intended emissions reductions due to a lack o...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateNov 13, 2014

UNC researchers silence leading cancer-causing gene

A novel siRNA-based approach successfully targets and silences the KRAS oncogene, a well-studied but hard-to-halt protein important for cancer development and metastasis. The treatment significantly slows cancer growth and stops metastasis in cultured cells and mice.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateNov 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.

For female chimpanzees, no consent agreement

A new study published in Current Biology by Feldblum et al. has found that male chimpanzee aggression towards females is an adaptive strategy, increasing mating frequency and paternal likelihood for high-ranking males. Genetic analysis of fecal material reveals long-term sexual coercion as a key factor in paternity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 13, 2014

Cancer-killing virus plus chemotherapy drug might treat recurrent ovarian cancer

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a promising therapy combining an oncolytic virus with doxorubicin to treat advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer. The treatment showed significant antitumor activity in animal models, increasing survival and inducing programmed cell death in cancer cells.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 13, 2014

New way to move atomically thin semiconductors for use in flexible devices

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new transfer technique for atomic-layer semiconducting thin films, allowing for faster and damage-free transfer onto flexible substrates. The technique uses room-temperature water, a tissue, and tweezers to transfer MoS2 films up to 5 centimeters in diameter.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 13, 2014

'Tis the season to indulge in walnuts

Researchers at UC Davis found that diets rich in whole walnuts or walnut oil slowed prostate cancer growth in mice. The walnut diet also reduced levels of the hormone IGF-1, which had been previously implicated in both prostate and breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Medicinal Food·DateNov 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.

Molecule fights cancer on 2 fronts

Researchers have developed a synthetic anti-cancer molecule JK-31 that blocks the signalling of a 'growth factor' chemical promoting blood vessel networks to feed tumours. The molecule also inhibits a protein controlling cancer cell division and proliferation.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 13, 2014

Oxytocin helps to better overcome fear

Researchers found that oxytocin facilitates extinction of conditioned fear in humans by reducing activity in the amygdala and increasing stimulation in fear-inhibiting regions. This basic research could lead to new treatments for anxiety disorders.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 13, 2014

Carnegie Institution receives Phase II Grand Challenges Explorations funding

The Carnegie Institution has received Phase II Grand Challenges Explorations funding to develop a transformative strategy for controlling rice blight, a major challenge to food security. The project aims to achieve broad, durable resistance to the disease and apply its findings to existing rice breeding initiatives.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateNov 13, 2014

New theory may help demystify pregnancy-related condition

A new theory proposes that preeclampsia is caused by the body's response to insufficient oxygen and nutrient supply to the growing fetus, leading to high blood pressure and organ damage. The condition can have fatal complications for pregnant women and their babies if left untreated.

SourceWiley·JournalAnaesthesia·DateNov 13, 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.

Moms with rheumatoid arthritis more likely to give birth prematurely

Research found that babies born to mothers with rheumatoid arthritis have lower fetal growth and are more likely to be born prematurely. Studies show a 1.5 times higher risk of preterm birth in children exposed to maternal or preclinical RA compared to those without exposure.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateNov 13, 2014

Use of private social media affects work performance

A new study by the University of Bergen found that using private social media during working hours can impair performance and harm organizational well-being. However, moderate use for communication with co-workers may not have significant negative effects.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalComprehensive Psychology·DateNov 13, 2014

Researchers develop novel method to prevent, cure rotavirus infection

A Georgia State University research team has developed a novel method to prevent and cure rotavirus infection by activating the innate immune system with the bacterial protein flagellin. This approach triggered an immune response that prevented the virus from entering cells and removed existing infections.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalScience·DateNov 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.

Mars, too, has macroweather

A new study by McGill University and UCL finds that Mars experiences a transitional 'macroweather' regime between weather and climate. The sun plays a major role in determining macroweather on Mars, with temperature and wind fluctuations occurring over 1.8 Martian days.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 13, 2014

Cats and athletes teach robots to fall

Researchers at Georgia Tech studied mid-air orientation and impact behavior in cats and humans to develop a 'soft roll' landing for robots. The goal is to reduce impact and damage from falls, particularly for search-and-rescue robots in hazardous conditions.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateNov 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.

How adult fly testes keep from changing into ovaries

Researchers discovered a mutation in adult fruit flies that prevents testicular cells from transforming into ovaries, maintaining sex identity. The study's findings have implications for understanding cell fate conversions and may lead to new therapeutic approaches.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 13, 2014

Study offers new clue into how anesthesia works

A study published in The Journal of General Physiology has found that commonly used anesthetics affect ion channel proteins, impairing cell-to-cell communication. This discovery could lead to the development of improved anesthetics with fewer side effects.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateNov 13, 2014

Sleep disorders found to be highly prevalent in firefighters

A national sample of firefighters found that sleep disorders are highly prevalent among the group. Firefighters with a sleep disorder were more likely to report a motor vehicle crash, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and poorer health status compared to those without the condition.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateNov 13, 2014

How the breast cancer cells transform normal cells into tumoral ones?

Researchers have discovered that tumor cells secrete exosomes containing proteins capable of transforming neighboring cells into tumor cells, promoting tumor growth. Dicer protein is identified as a key factor in this process and may serve as a biomarker or therapeutic target.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 13, 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.

GOES-S satellite EXIS instrument passes final review

The Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors (EXIS) Flight Model 2 instrument for NOAA's GOES-S satellite has successfully completed its Pre-Shipment Review. The instrument is now complete and will be placed into storage until spacecraft integration begins.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 13, 2014

Researchers calculate 'hidden' emissions in traded meat

A study estimated embodied methane and nitrous oxide emissions in beef, chicken, and pork from livestock to countries where they are consumed. The researchers found a 19% increase in 'hidden' emissions over the past 20 years, with Russia receiving most of its emissions from Brazil and Argentina.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 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.

A beetle and its longtime fungal associate go rogue

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) is a native disease that has gone rogue, threatening the health of black walnut trees. The fungus, Geosmithia morbida, and its long-time host beetle have co-evolved, creating a complex that can spread rapidly across landscapes.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 13, 2014

Guidelines say nearly all patients with chronic kidney disease should take statins

Two cholesterol management guidelines agree that nearly all patients with chronic kidney disease should receive statins, but 50% of those recommended are not taking them. The study found the Pooled Cohort risk equations to be accurate among people with CKD, indicating a valid tool for estimating heart disease risk.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 13, 2014

New process isolates promising material

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method to isolate atomically thin sheets of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a promising material for optoelectronics and electronics. The process uses copolymer-assisted gradient ultracentrifugation, allowing for scalable isolation of single-layer, bilayer, or trilayer MoS2 sheets.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2014

Clues to one of Earth's oldest craters revealed

Researchers analyzed samples from the Sudbury Basin and found chondritic platinum group elements, which suggest a comet impact. The distribution of these elements indicates that the impactor was indeed a comet.

SourceWiley·JournalTerra Nova·DateNov 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.

Research reveals promising technology to expand hard cider industry

Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a promising technology to expand the hard cider industry by mechanical harvesting of cider apples. The study found that machine harvesting can provide up to four times less labor than hand harvesting, resulting in significant cost savings and improved efficiency for orchards.

SourceWashington State University·JournalHortTechnology·DateNov 13, 2014

Intimidating chimpanzee males are more likely to become fathers

A study published in Current Biology found that aggressive chimpanzee males sire more offspring, suggesting sexual coercion is an adaptive strategy for males. Genetic evidence showed that high-ranking males who intimidate females when they are not swollen had more reproductive success.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 13, 2014

Hedgehog signaling pathway for breast cancer identified

Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center identified a long non-coding RNA called BCAR4 as playing a key role in the hedgehog signaling pathway's contribution to breast cancer metastasis. The study suggests that targeting this pathway with locked nucleic acids may provide a new approach for treating aggressive breast cancers.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell·DateNov 13, 2014

Architecture of a lipid transport protein revealed

The structure determination of a lipid scramblase reveals a novel protein architecture that enables the transport of lipids across cell membranes. The discovery provides insight into the activation of the protein by calcium and has implications for understanding previously unknown mechanisms of lipid transport.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateNov 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.

Male bullies father more chimpanzees

Researchers found that males who consistently bully females tend to father more babies with their victims. Long-term aggression, particularly by high-ranking males, increased paternity success.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 13, 2014

UCI team develops test to rapidly diagnose bloodstream infection

The UCI team has created a new technology called Integrated Comprehensive Droplet Digital Detection (IC 3D) that can detect bacterial invaders in blood samples with unprecedented speed and accuracy. In as little as 90 minutes, IC 3D can identify bacteria at single-cell sensitivity without the need for cell culture.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2014

Lightning expected to increase by 50 percent with global warming

Climate models predict a 50% increase in lightning strikes across the US due to global warming, which will lead to more human injuries and wildfires. The study used precipitation and cloud buoyancy data from climate models and found that these two parameters can predict lightning strikes with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateNov 13, 2014

Britain's obese in denial about their weight

A majority of obese people in Britain deny being obese, describing themselves as 'just right' or 'very overweight' instead. The study suggests that media coverage and public health campaigns may be contributing to this phenomenon, as people become less likely to recognize the health risks associated with their weight.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBMJ Open·DateNov 13, 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.