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Science News for November 20, 2014


Economic burden of prediabetes up 74 percent over five years

A new study reveals a 48% increase in direct and indirect costs associated with diabetes over five years, with prediabetes costs rising 74% and undiagnosed diabetes costs increasing 82%. The growing burden of prediabetes highlights the need for prevention and early intervention.

SourceAmerican Diabetes Association·JournalDiabetes Care·DateNov 20, 2014

When vaccines are imperfect

Researchers analyzed vaccine failures and found that leaky vaccines lead to higher infection rates in the long run. The study also showed that all-or-nothing and waning vaccines have distinct dynamics following mass vaccination, providing an alternative explanation for disease resurgence.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateNov 20, 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.

Cost of meeting basic needs rising faster than wages in Washington state

A new report from the University of Washington shows that Washington families must spend 46% more on average to make ends meet today than 13 years ago. The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Washington State 2014 found that median wages increased just 21 percent during that time, while costs jumped as much as 72 percent.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateNov 20, 2014

Longer work hours for moms mean less sleep, higher BMIs for preschoolers

A new study found that mothers working full-time are more likely to have preschoolers who get less sleep and are overweight. The researchers followed 247 mother-child pairs and found that children whose mothers worked full-time had higher BMIs at the end of the study period.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSleep Medicine·DateNov 20, 2014

Oat oil preparation makes you feel fuller

A new study from Lund University reveals a special oat oil preparation can produce greater satiety, leading to reduced energy intake. The unique composition of the oat oil, featuring polar fats, delays fat breakdown and stimulates the release of three key satiety hormones.

SourceLund University·JournalFood & Nutrition Research·DateNov 20, 2014

UH cancer study receives $1.5 million grant from NIH

A $1.5 million NIH grant will fund a five-year study assessing the effectiveness of a culturally sensitive social support group, Joy Luck Academy, among Chinese-American breast cancer survivors. The study aims to improve quality of life, reduce depressive symptoms, and stress.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateNov 20, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Permafrost soil: Possible source of abrupt rise in greenhouse gases at end of last Ice Age

Researchers found that thawing Arctic permafrost soil may have released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere around 14,600 years ago. The study suggests that this process could have amplified initial warming through positive feedback, similar to current effects of permafrost thawing in Siberia.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2014

Quantum mechanical calculations reveal the hidden states of enzyme active sites

Researchers at Princeton University have directly observed the electronic states of iron-sulfur clusters in enzymes, revealing an order of magnitude more accessible states than previously reported. This discovery presents many different chemical possibilities and could explain the ubiquity of these clusters in biological processes.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 20, 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.

Effectiveness of campaigns addressing violence against women and girls examined

Research examines programs aimed at reducing gender-based violence worldwide and finds community-based initiatives with men and women's involvement are the most effective in preventing violence. The study also highlights the importance of a two-pronged approach to address both prevention and response to reduce pandemic levels of violence.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 20, 2014

Staying ahead of the game: Pre-empting flu evolution may make for better vaccines

A team of researchers has discovered that 'back boosting' the immune system by pre-emptively vaccinating against likely future strains of the influenza virus can significantly improve vaccine effectiveness. This approach would allow for more targeted and effective vaccination campaigns, potentially saving millions of lives worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2014

It's filamentary: How galaxies evolve in the cosmic web

Researchers propose that filaments in the cosmic web played a critical role in the evolution of galaxies in the distant universe. Galaxies residing in these filaments have a higher chance of actively forming stars, with a process known as 'pre-processing' accelerating their evolution.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateNov 20, 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.

Imagination, reality flow in opposite directions in the brain

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have tracked electrical activity in brains during imagination and reality, revealing opposite directions of information flow. During imagination, signals move from the parietal lobe to the occipital lobe, while in reality, they flow in the opposite direction.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNeuroImage·DateNov 20, 2014

How fallopian tubes carry eggs unidirectionally

A recent study has clarified how proteins influence the direction of egg transportation in the fallopian tube, a crucial component of the reproductive system. Researchers found that protein Celsr1 is essential for proper transportation by controlling cell shape and ciliary movement.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalDevelopment·DateNov 20, 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.

The cellular origin of fibrosis

Researchers at Harvard University have identified a rare population of stem cells that give rise to fibrosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of scar tissue in organs. The study suggests that targeting these stem cells could lead to therapeutic breakthroughs for conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, and high blood pressure.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 20, 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.

Revealing political partisanship a bad idea on resumes

A Duke University study found that job candidates who share the minority partisan view of voters in a geographic district are less likely to receive a callback than those with neutral resumes. Employers appear not to favor majority-partisan views. The study suggests partisanship may play a role in hiring, but further research is needed.

SourceDuke University·JournalPolitical Behavior·DateNov 20, 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.

Serotonin's early role in the assembly of brain circuits

Research shows that serotonin's early regulation is vital for brain circuit formation, particularly in inhibitory interneurons. Dysregulation of this system can lead to psychiatric problems, highlighting the importance of understanding its role in brain development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2014

The American athletics track is still a man's world

Research by Emily Kaskan and Ivy Ho highlights how American female athletes are objectified and stereotyped in media coverage, influencing their self-esteem and athleticism. The study shows that these microaggressions can lead to psychological stress, impacting hormonal, immune, and cardiovascular systems.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateNov 20, 2014

Fat a culprit in fibrotic lung damage

Researchers discovered that excess lipids in the lungs trigger an inflammatory response, leading to scarring and pulmonary fibrosis. The team's findings suggest a new direction for developing novel therapies by targeting lipid handling in the lungs.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·DateNov 20, 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.

A path to brighter images and more efficient LCD displays

University of Utah engineers developed a polarizing filter that transmits more light, enabling longer battery life in mobile devices and improved low-light photography. The new technology allows for increased energy efficiency and can pass through up to 74% of light.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalOptica·DateNov 20, 2014

Weight and eating habits in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's patients experience changes in body weight due to non-motor disorders, worsening their quality of life. Research highlights the role of depression, cognitive impairment, sensory disturbances, and motivation towards food consumption in altering eating habits.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalAppetite·DateNov 20, 2014

Signaling molecule crucial to stem cell reprogramming

Researchers discovered that WNT signaling molecules are crucial for cellular reprogramming, a process similar to regenerative processes in organisms. This finding has significant implications for stem cell-based regenerative medicine, wound repair therapies and potential cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 20, 2014

Unravelling the mystery of gamma-ray bursts

Researchers at Cardiff University are exploring a new method to detect the origins of gamma-ray bursts using giant space 'microphones' that can pick up gravitational waves created by black holes. By analyzing these waves, scientists may uncover information about the mass and collision history of star and black hole systems.

SourceCardiff University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 20, 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.

Breakthrough in managing yellow fever disease

Researchers have determined that the yellow fever virus replicates primarily in the liver, causing significant damage to liver cells. This knowledge could help identify an earlier clinical outcome measure of disease severity, enabling doctors to provide more aggressive supportive care for patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 20, 2014

New approach for treating ALS

Researchers have uncovered a mechanism that explains why many ALS drugs fail as the disease progresses: the brain's pumps become more active and remove both toxins and medicine. Blocking these pumps improves drug efficacy in mouse models.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateNov 20, 2014

Antiangiogenic treatment improves survival in animal model of ovarian cancer

A novel combination therapy using low-dose chemotherapy with an antiangiogenic treatment, 3TSR, improved survival rates in an animal model of ovarian cancer. The treatment resulted in tumor regression, improved blood flow, and more efficient delivery of chemotherapy drugs with reduced side effects.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 20, 2014

A new tool for identifying onset of local influenza outbreaks

A new algorithm called Above Local Elevated Respiratory Illness Threshold (ALERT) uses routinely collected data to signal the start of elevated influenza activity. The tool allows users to customize results based on their institution's historical data, helping them determine when to declare flu season and take extra precautions.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 20, 2014

New technique allows ultrasound to penetrate bone, metal

A new technique allows ultrasound to penetrate bone and metal, enabling medical professionals to monitor blood flow in the brain or treat brain tumors more effectively. The metamaterial structure offsets distortion caused by these 'aberrating layers,' increasing wave energy transmission by up to 88%.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateNov 20, 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.

Study: Obesity fuels silent heart damage

A study found that obesity causes subclinical heart muscle injury and increases the risk for heart failure, even in people without overt heart disease. Obesity was independently associated with increased troponin levels, a marker of heart damage.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 20, 2014

Brain-dwelling worm in UK man's head sequenced

A rarely seen tapeworm, Spirometra erinaceieuropaei, has been sequenced for the first time, revealing its genetic secrets. The parasite was detected in a UK resident's brain after traveling 5cm from one side to the other.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalGenome Biology·DateNov 20, 2014

Study: Volunteering can help save wildlife

A new study shows that citizen science projects contribute to direct impacts on conservation, including shift in formal professions, initiation of new organizations, and influencing social circles towards the cause. Volunteer participation has also been found to increase knowledge and concern for wildlife rooted in science.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateNov 20, 2014

Out of India

Researchers uncover fossils of Cambaytherium thewissi, a 54.5-million-year-old animal that provides a window into the common ancestor of horses, rhinos, and tapirs. The discovery supports the idea that Perissodactyla evolved in India while it was an island.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 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.

Heterosexuals have egalitarian views on legal benefits for same-sex couples, not on PDA

A study by Indiana University PhD candidates found that heterosexuals are equally supportive of legal benefits for same-sex couples as they are for heterosexual couples, but are less supportive of PDA. Gay and lesbian individuals were also found to be less supportive of certain public displays of affection due to safety concerns.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateNov 20, 2014

Out of danger: A neural basis for avoiding threats

A neural pathway in the habenula enables animals to predict dangers and update their expectations based on actions and new outcomes. The study's findings have implications for understanding anxiety and panic disorders, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for improving behavioral learning.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNeuron·DateNov 20, 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.

In full view

Scientists have determined the complete structure of the influenza virus polymerase, a key machine that makes copies of the virus' genetic material and reads out instructions. The high-resolution structure reveals how the polymerase works as a whole, providing new insights into its function and potential targets for drug design.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2014

Himalaya tectonic dam with a discharge

A team of geoscientists discovered a buried canyon beneath the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which helped reconstruct the gorge's geological history. The findings show that rapid tectonic uplift, not river capture, formed the Tsangpo Gorge and its steep form.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2014

Hee Oh to receive 2015 AMS Satter Prize

Hee Oh, a Yale University mathematician, has been awarded the 2015 AMS Ruth Lyttle Satter Prize for her groundbreaking work on dynamics on homogeneous spaces and its connections to number theory. Her research brings together seemingly disparate fields in a beautiful way.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateNov 20, 2014

Unstable child care can affect children by age 4

A new study from UNC's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute reveals that disruptions in child care negatively affect children's social development as early as age 4. However, the effects of child care instability are not unduly large, and some types of instability appear to have no negative impact on children.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateNov 20, 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.

How do teenage boys perceive their weight?

A study of 600 teenage boys found that up to 28% were inaccurate in estimating their weight status. The majority had a normal weight, but some underestimating or overestimating, leading to unhealthy behaviors like dieting and skipping meals.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNutrición Hospitalaria·DateNov 20, 2014

Research finds tooth enamel fast-track in humans

Research reveals that human incisors grow quickly in the second trimester of fetal development, allowing them to erupt at six months. This rapid growth is thought to be an adaptation for early weaning, as it enables babies to transition from breast milk to solid foods sooner.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateNov 20, 2014

Researchers report way to target hard-to-hit site in disease pathway

Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a class of lead compounds that successfully recognize a key target in the Ras signaling pathway, opening the door to future development of therapies. The lead compound NSC-658497 was found to be effective at blocking SOS1-mediated molecular signaling in the Ras...

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateNov 20, 2014

$50,000 childhood cancer research grant awarded to University of Louisville

The University of Louisville Department of Pediatrics has received a one-year, $50,000 grant from the St. Baldrick's Foundation to hire a nurse coordinator for neuroblastoma and sarcoma patients on clinical trials. The grant aims to provide additional access to clinical trials for local patients without having to travel elsewhere.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateNov 20, 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.

Every step you take: STING pathway key to tumor immunity

The STING pathway plays a crucial role in detecting tumor cells and promoting an aggressive anti-tumor response. Activating the pathway triggers production of chemical signals that help the immune system identify tumor cells and generate killer T cells.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalImmunity·DateNov 20, 2014

Halting the hijacker: Cellular targets to thwart influenza virus infection

Researchers at UW-Madison identified 1,300 host cell proteins the virus may use to infect cells, testing each protein to see whether eliminating it interferes with viral infectivity. The study aims to develop new drugs targeting cellular machinery rather than attacking the virus itself.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateNov 20, 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.

For women, job authority adds to depression symptoms

A study found that women in positions of power exhibit more symptoms of depression, while men with similar authority levels have fewer symptoms. The researchers suggest that women face chronic stress due to negative stereotypes and resistance from colleagues and superiors.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 20, 2014

Extreme weather in the Arctic problematic for people, wildlife

Heavy January rains in Svalbard caused record-breaking snow avalanches, making roads impassable. The extreme event also affected reindeer populations and permafrost temperatures, highlighting the increasing impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 20, 2014

China's new 'Great Wall' not so great

China's vast seawall, covering over half its coastline, faces criticism for ecological costs and lack of protection. The wetland ecosystems support millions of migratory birds and produce 28 million tons of fishery products, underappreciated services that threaten with unsustainable development

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 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.

Exercise regimens offer little benefit for 1 in 5 people with type 2 diabetes

A new review finds that genetic variation may prevent some individuals with type 2 diabetes from benefiting from supervised exercise regimens. The study suggests that targeted interventions and treatments could help those who do not respond to exercise, offering a potential new approach for managing the condition.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 20, 2014

Testosterone plays modest role in menopausal women's sexual function

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that testosterone has a limited impact on menopausal women's interest in sex and sexual function. Psychosocial factors such as emotional well-being and intimate relationships are found to be stronger contributors to sexual health.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 20, 2014

Deep-earth carbon offers clues on origin of life on Earth

A Johns Hopkins University-led team has discovered a rich variety of organic carbon species in deep fluids, suggesting they could spark the formation of diamonds and potentially become food for microbial life. These findings, published in Nature Geoscience, provide new insights into the Earth's mantle and its role in the origin of life.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 20, 2014

New study: Aggressive conifer removal benefits Sierra aspen

A new study published by Point Blue Conservation Science found that aggressive removal of conifers can restore aspen stands in the Sierra Nevada, increasing groundwater, enriching soils, and supporting biodiversity. The study's authors used bird species to measure the effectiveness of the restoration approach.

SourcePoint Blue Conservation Science·JournalRestoration Ecology·DateNov 20, 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.

Breakthrough in managing yellow fever disease

Researchers have discovered that the yellow fever virus replicates primarily in the liver, causing significant damage to liver cells. A new clinical parameter has been identified, which could help manage cases of yellow fever, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 20, 2014

UT grad student Veronica Garcia awarded microbiology fellowship

Veronica Garcia, a UT graduate student, has been awarded a Robert D. Watkins Graduate Research Fellowship to study the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and other disorders. The fellowship aims to increase diversity in microbiological sciences research.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateNov 20, 2014

Tapeworms on the brain expand our knowledge of their genome

A rare species of tapeworm, Spirometra erinaceieuropaei, found in the brain has its genome sequenced for the first time. The study identifies genes providing resistance to certain treatments and potential targets for known cancer drugs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateNov 20, 2014

How to estimate the magnetic field of an exoplanet?

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University developed a new method to estimate the magnetic field of an exoplanet. They successfully estimated the magnetic moment of the hot Jupiter HD 209458b, which is relatively small compared to Earth's magnetic field.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 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.

Penn researchers unwind the mysteries of the cellular clock

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have uncovered a molecular clock that regulates multiple phases of circadian cycles, allowing genes with related functions to oscillate in synchrony. This discovery has implications for developing more efficient pharmaceutical regimens and minimizing side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 20, 2014

Epidemic spreading and neurodegenerative progression

A model inspired by epidemic disease spreading is used to analyze over 700 Amyloid-beta protein imaging datasets, concluding that misfolded protein propagation can be mathematically described. The study identifies genetic and demographic factors influencing this phenomenon in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease progression.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 20, 2014

Caffeine counters cocaine's effects on women's estrus cycles

Researchers found that caffeine can block cocaine's direct effects on the estrus cycle, potentially treating cocaine addiction. The study suggests a new approach to addressing sex differences in cocaine addiction.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Caffeine Research·DateNov 20, 2014

Biomarker could provide early warning of kidney disease in cats

Researchers developed a new biomarker called SDMA that can identify chronic kidney disease in cats earlier than existing tests. Special diets have been shown to slow the progression of this disease once identified, and may help extend the lives of affected cats.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Veterinary Journal·DateNov 20, 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.

Tropical rickettsial illnesses associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes

A recent study found that tropical rickettsial illnesses, such as scrub typhus and murine typhus, can cause poor pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and premature birth. The study highlights the need for more research on the impact of these illnesses on pregnancy outcomes in South-East Asia.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 20, 2014

US policy that gives priority to prior organ donors who need a transplant is working

A US policy giving priority to prior organ donors has been shown to significantly reduce waiting times and improve the quality of organs received. Living donors who later need a transplant experience much shorter waits and receive higher-quality kidneys compared to those on the waiting list without donation history.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 20, 2014

The STING of radiation

A team of researchers reveals that dendritic cells activate killer T cells through a protein named STING, which links DNA damage to interferon-β production. This suggests novel strategies for boosting radiotherapy effectiveness and combining it with immune system therapies.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalImmunity·DateNov 20, 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.

Don't get hacked! Research shows how much we ignore online warnings

A study by Brigham Young University researchers found that people say they care about online security but behave otherwise, ignoring malware warnings. Brain data is a better predictor of security behavior than self-response, suggesting a need to fortify the 'weakest link' in security.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Systems·DateNov 20, 2014

Nail stem cells prove more versatile than press ons

Researchers at USC Health Sciences identified a new population of nail stem cells that can self-renew or differentiate into multiple tissues, including nail and skin. These stem cells play a crucial role in nail repair, but their potential to generate additional types of tissue is still unknown.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2014

Caltech geologists discover ancient buried canyon in South Tibet

A team of researchers has discovered an ancient, deep canyon in South Tibet, which rules out a popular model explaining the formation of Himalayan gorges. The canyon is thousands of feet deep and was carved by a river that once flowed into the Tibetan Plateau.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 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.

Moffitt researchers use evolutionary principles to model cancer mutations

Researchers used computational modeling to examine the role of genetic mutations in cancer growth, finding that genes never observed in cancers may be the best targets for therapy. Targeting these 'never mutations' in combination with therapies targeting driver genes was found to be highly effective.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2014

Job authority increases depression symptoms in women, decreases them in men

A study by the American Sociological Association finds that job authority increases symptoms of depression among women due to interpersonal tension and negative stereotypes. In contrast, having job authority decreases symptoms of depression among men, as they are viewed as strong leaders with consistent status beliefs.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 20, 2014

TSRI researchers find how mutant gene can cause deafness

Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have discovered how a mutant gene called Tmie can cause deafness from birth. They found that reintroducing the gene in mice restored the process underpinning hearing, suggesting new treatment options for hearing loss.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNeuron·DateNov 20, 2014

Contact lens discomfort linked to changes in lipid layer of tear film

A new study found that contact lens discomfort is associated with degradation of the lipid layer in the tear film. Applying a liposomal eyelid spray increased stability of the tear film and improved dry eye symptoms, suggesting potential benefits for patients with contact lens discomfort.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateNov 20, 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.

Livermore scientists show salinity counts when it comes to sea level

Researchers found a long-term pattern in salinity-driven sea level changes globally, with increases in the Pacific Ocean and decreases in the Atlantic. This salinity effect accounts for approximately 25% of total sea level change, emphasizing its importance in assessments.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 20, 2014

New survey of employers about the health insurance market

A new survey by NORC at the University of Chicago reveals that nine in ten employers offering insurance are unfamiliar with objective quality metrics, despite valuing plan quality ratings. Employers cite cost to employees as a key consideration when selecting health plans.

SourceNORC at the University of Chicago·DateNov 20, 2014

Creating a vaccine against canine gum disease

A new vaccine is being developed to prevent canine gum disease, a common condition that affects most dogs by three years of age. The vaccine targets the most common types of bacteria causing periodontal disease in dogs.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateNov 20, 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.

New study reveals why some people may be immune to HIV-1

A University of Minnesota study found that natural genetic variation in a protective antiviral enzyme, APOBEC3H, can limit HIV-1 replication if the virus has weak Vif. This discovery opens doors to potential treatments by targeting Vif's ability to disable APOBEC3.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 20, 2014

Laser from a plane discovers Roman goldmines in Spain

A recent study using LiDAR technology has uncovered the ancient Roman goldmines in Spain, including channels, reservoirs, and a double river diversion. The findings provide new insights into the labour-intensive extraction process and highlight the importance of geo-archaeology in understanding Roman mining techniques.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateNov 20, 2014

GPM measured Tropical Storm Adjali's rainfall before dissipation

Tropical Storm Adjali formed on November 16, 2014, and started dissipating two days later. GPM data showed moderate rainfall rates near the storm center, with rain falling at over 69 mm/hour per hour. The storm dissipated in the Southern Indian Ocean by November 20.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 20, 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.

UO-industry collaboration points to improved nanomaterials

Researchers used a scanning tunneling microscope to create atomic-scale maps of quantum dot surface structures, pinpointing defect locations that limit device performance. This breakthrough should help manufacturers tweak synthesis processes to produce higher-quality nanomaterials for photovoltaics and other applications.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 20, 2014

Evolution: The genetic connivances of digits and genitals

A study by Denis Duboule's team found that the formation of digits and external genitals involves a similar group of genes, with small modifications controlling their development. The researchers used chromosome conformation capture to demonstrate that a single regulatory DNA sequence controls both processes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2014

Darwin 2.0

A recent study published in Nature sheds new light on how species diverge, finding that prolonged periods of landscape stability are more important than dramatic geographical changes. The research shows that longer the length of time a species can inhabit an area, the more likely it will disperse and diverge.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2014