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Science News for October 1, 2014


Study shows sharks have personalities

Researchers found that individual sharks possess social personalities, determining how they interact with group mates in the wild. The study revealed that socially well-connected individuals remained connected under different habitats, while less social individuals camouflaged alone.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateOct 1, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Predicting the future course of psychotic illness

Researchers developed a predictive model based on clinical symptoms, cognitive abilities, brain structure, and biomarkers to forecast patient outcomes. The model aims to improve treatment for mental illnesses like schizophrenia and could lead to more personalized care.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2014

Immunotherapy could stop resistance to radiotherapy

Researchers found combining immunotherapy with radiotherapy helps the immune system target and destroy cancer cells resistant to initial treatment. This approach improved survival rates and protected mice against disease recurrence.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 1, 2014

Hypertension risk rises closer to major roadways

A new study by Brown University found that women who lived close to highways had a significantly higher risk of high blood pressure, with risks rising with proximity to the roadways. The study controlled for various confounding factors and found that living within 100m of a highway increased hypertension risk by 22%.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 1, 2014

Spiders: Survival of the fittest group

A study by Pruitt and Goodnight found that group-level adaptations, such as a critical ratio of two types of females, are potent evolutionary forces in nature. In spider colonies, docile and aggressive females adapt to specific locations, with the ratio shifting between survival-friendly and threat-prone conditions.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 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.

Intervention helps decrease 'mean girl' behaviors, MU researchers find

A 10-week group counseling and caregiver training intervention, GIRLSS, has been found to decrease relational aggression among middle school girls. The study, published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, showed a reduction in 'mean girl' behaviors among participants.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateOct 1, 2014

Research confirms controversial Darwin theory of 'jump dispersal'

A new computational method suggests that Darwin's 'jump dispersal' theory is supported by strong evidence, especially for island species. The study found that jump dispersal can explain the biogeography of Hawaiian Islands and other archipelagos with a greater statistical probability than vicariance methods.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalSystematic Biology·DateOct 1, 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.

Proving 'group selection'

A landmark study published in Nature finds that spiders adapt their docile-to-aggressive ratios to local environments for optimal colony survival. The research shows that colonies change their composition over time to better match the ratio required by their native site, even when moved to different locations.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2014

New study provides key to identifying spiders in international cargo

A new study has identified the most common non-mygalomorph spiders found in international cargo, highlighting that many are harmless species. The study provides a simple key for proper identification of cargo-borne spiders to prevent costly and unwarranted measures.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateOct 1, 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.

New article shows daily use of certain supplements can decrease health-care expenditures

A new article published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements explores a potential cost-benefit analysis tool that shows daily use of certain dietary supplements, specifically omega-3 fatty acid or B vitamin supplements, can result in reduced odds of experiencing costly medical events. According to the study, high-risk adults over 55 w...

SourceCouncil for Responsible Nutrition·JournalJournal of Dietary Supplements·DateOct 1, 2014

'Stealth' nanoparticles could improve cancer vaccines

Researchers developed stealthy nanoparticles that successfully deliver cancer vaccines to a subset of macrophages deep inside lymph nodes, hindering tumor growth. The nanoparticles bypass circulating immune cells and enter the lymph nodes' core, where they are engulfed by special kind of macrophage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 1, 2014

Fat chats: The good, the bad and the ugly comments

A study analyzing over 1.37 million social media posts found pervasive negative stereotypes and jokes about weight, as well as instances of support and advice. Blogs and forums offered a safe space for online discussions about healthy eating and weight management.

SourceSpringer·JournalTranslational Behavioral Medicine·DateOct 1, 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.

To improve oral health of adults with developmental disabilities, support caregivers

A large-scale survey found that caregivers providing at-home oral care to adults with developmental disabilities face significant challenges, including behavioral problems and lack of training. The study emphasizes the need for policy initiatives to provide additional support for caregivers to promote good oral health outcomes.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateOct 1, 2014

Solving the mystery of the 'man in the moon'

Researchers from MIT and other institutions found the Procellarum region on the moon's near side was formed by a large plume of magma deep within the moon's interior. The angular outline of the basin could not have been created by an asteroid impact, according to the team.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2014

Nanoparticles accumulate quickly in wetland sediment

A Duke University team found that nanoparticles called single-walled carbon nanotubes accumulate rapidly in wetland sediments, potentially harming aquatic food chains. The accumulation of these nanoparticles in sediment poses concerns for both sediment-dwelling organisms and animals that eat them.

SourceDuke University·DateOct 1, 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.

New approach can predict impact of climate change on species that can't get out of the way

Researchers have developed a new tool to predict how organisms may respond to climate change, focusing on plant and tree species. By combining genetic analyses with computer modeling techniques, scientists identified how well balsam poplar trees are adapted to handle climate change, providing valuable insights into biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalEcology Letters·DateOct 1, 2014

Hide and seek: Sterile neutrinos remain elusive

The Daya Bay Collaboration's new result shows no evidence for a sterile neutrino in a previously unexplored mass range. The absence of detection supports the standard three-flavor neutrino picture, but leaves room for future experiments to explore this possibility.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 1, 2014

New drug-delivery capsule may replace injections

Researchers have developed a novel drug capsule coated with tiny needles that can deliver drugs directly into the lining of the stomach, bypassing the need for injections. The capsules successfully delivered insulin to pigs, causing a faster and larger reduction in blood glucose levels than traditional injections.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Sciences·DateOct 1, 2014

AAO-HNSF clinical practice guideline: Tinnitus

The AAO-HNSF clinical practice guideline provides a framework for clinicians to differentiate between bothersome and nonbothersome tinnitus. The guideline's recommendations aim to mitigate the personal and social impact of tinnitus on patients, with approximately 20% requiring clinical intervention.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateOct 1, 2014

Ethical filament: Can fair trade plastic save people and the planet?

A new set of standards inspired by fair trade products is being implemented for 3D printing filament, which could help the poorest of the poor up the economic ladder. The recycled filament industry will need to adhere to certain fair labor and environmental practices.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalJournal of Sustainable Development·DateOct 1, 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.

UT Dallas Cybersecurity program earns $3.9 million award

The UT Dallas Cybersecurity program has received a $3.9 million award from the National Science Foundation to provide scholarships and support education in computer science related to cybersecurity. The program aims to fulfill the US government's needs for cybersecurity employees, with nearly 30 students expected to be supported.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateOct 1, 2014

Coral reef winners and losers

A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that coral reefs will have winners and losers among species facing increasing stressors. Fast-growing, small, and stress-resistant corals are likely to thrive in a warmer future.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 1, 2014

The science and practice of people-centerd health systems

A new supplement published in Health Policy and Planning presents the latest research on people-centred health systems, emphasizing the importance of patient and community involvement. The studies reveal four key themes: ensuring people have a voice, putting people first in healthcare design, recognizing social relationships within hea...

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalHealth Policy and Planning·DateOct 1, 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.

Robot researcher combines nature to nurture 'superhuman' navigation

A QUT researcher has developed a new navigation system for robots using computer algorithms that mimic the human eye and rat brain. This technology could improve robotic navigation in complex environments and even help researchers understand spatial memory loss in diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 1, 2014

Worry, jealousy, moodiness linked to higher risk of Alzheimer's in women

A nearly 40-year-long study found that middle-aged women experiencing anxiety, jealousy, and moodiness are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Women who scored highest on neuroticism tests had double the risk of dementia, with those who were both easily distressed and withdrawn having the highest risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 1, 2014

Omega-3 fatty acids may prevent some forms of depression

A randomized study found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation decreased the incidence of interferon-alpha-induced depression in patients with hepatitis C. The treatment also delayed the onset of depression and was well-tolerated without serious side effects.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2014

Evolving plumbing system beneath Greenland slows ice sheet as summer progresses

Researchers directly observed multiple parts of Greenland's subglacial plumbing system and found that it adapts to increased meltwater over the course of the summer season. The findings suggest that a component of the system is changing in response to climate change, potentially slowing down the ice sheet's movement towards the sea.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 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.

Decreased ability to identify odors can predict death

A study published in PLOS ONE found that older adults who failed a simple smelling test were more likely to die within five years. The researchers found that olfactory dysfunction was a stronger predictor of mortality than chronic diseases like heart failure and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 1, 2014

Study offers insight into challenges facing college athletes

A new study from North Carolina State University explores how collegiate student-athletes cope with dual challenges of meeting team expectations and university responsibilities. Researchers found that student-athletes struggled with uncertainty in balancing schoolwork, social relationships, and future career prospects.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCommunication & Sport·DateOct 1, 2014

Nanoparticles give up forensic secrets

A Swiss research team has revealed that nanoparticles are attracted to fingermarks through chemical bonding, rather than electrostatically. This discovery could lead to more accurate and sensitive techniques for detecting previously undetectable fingermarks, improving forensic science.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateOct 1, 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.

Origin of moon's 'ocean of storms' revealed

New research suggests the Moon's 'ocean of storms,' Oceanus Procellarum, was formed by ancient rifts in the crust that provided a magma plumbing system. This theory argues against the long-held impact basin hypothesis and provides a new alternative for understanding the region's unique shape and composition.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2014

Predictor of tissue injury in kidney transplant recipients found

A new blood test has been identified as a potential predictor for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a devastating form of kidney disease. The test, called FAST, uses high-density protein tests to detect antibodies against specific antigens that are significantly increased in patients at risk for FSGS.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 1, 2014

Genetic secrets of the monarch butterfly revealed

Researchers identified a single gene central to monarch migration and another controlling pigmentation. Migratory butterflies have reduced levels of collagen IV α-1, increasing flight efficiency, while a new gene functions as a pigmentation switch.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2014

Researchers find promise in new treatments for GBM

Researchers have identified the interleukin-13 receptor ¬ chain variant 2 (IL13R¢) as a potential target for therapy in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Early successes of clinical trials with targeted therapies against IL13R¢ suggest increased survival time for GBM patients.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateOct 1, 2014

Laying siege to beta-amyloid, the key protein in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers distinguish different types of beta-amyloid aggregates and find that those with 20 to 100 units are most toxic, leading to neuronal death. The study provides evidence for the hypothesis that intermediate aggregates cause neuronal death.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateOct 1, 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.

Quantum environmentalism

Scientists at the Cavendish Laboratory and Joint Quantum Institute create a new type of qubit control that leverages its surroundings to maintain quantum integrity. By harnessing the environment's magnetic field, they enable efficient manipulation and readout of quantum states, paving the way for quantum computing advancements.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 1, 2014

New frontier in error-correcting codes

Researchers have developed an interactive-coding scheme that can approach the optimum on all three measures: noise tolerance, transmission rate, and decoding complexity. The scheme uses list decoding to create a list of likely candidates, allowing devices to zero in on optimal decoding with perfect knowledge of their own messages.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 1, 2014

Keeping your eyes on the prize can help with exercise, NYU study finds

A new NYU study suggests that focusing attention on a specific target during exercise can reduce perceived distance and increase walking speed. Participants who focused their attention on a finish line walked 23% faster and reported less physical exertion than those who looked around their surroundings.

SourceNew York University·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateOct 1, 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.

All directions are not created equal for nanoscale heat sources

Researchers from the University of Illinois found that standard thermal models fail for nanoscale heat-transfer problems when dimensions are on the order of one micron or smaller. Heat is transported ballistically, not diffusively, and interfaces add significant thermal resistance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 2014

Lift weights, improve your memory

A new study found that a short bout of resistance exercise, such as lifting weights for 20 minutes, can improve episodic memory by 10% in healthy young adults. The researchers tested participants before and after the exercise, using a series of photos to assess their memory recall.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalActa Psychologica·DateOct 1, 2014

Changing Antarctic waters could trigger steep rise in sea levels

Researchers found that Antarctic ocean temperature layering, similar to conditions 14,000 years ago, may lead to rapid collapse of glaciers and ice shelves, causing a steep rise in global sea levels. This stratification is caused by global warming adding freshwater to the ocean surface.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 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.

New absorber will lead to better biosensors

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new nanostructure that absorbs a very narrow spectrum of light, enhancing the sensitivity of biosensors. This ultranarrow band absorber can detect smaller changes in the environment and has been shown to exceed 90% absorption at visible frequencies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 1, 2014

Diabetes in a dish

Researchers at UC San Diego aim to bioengineer the irregularly shaped patches of the pancreas called Islets of Langerhans in a dish. This could lead to studying the events that trigger beta cell destruction and developing new drug therapies, as well as understanding the genetic component of the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 1, 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.

Effect of topical antibiotics on antibiotic resistance, patient outcomes in ICUs

A study found that selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) and selective oropharyngeal decontamination (SOD) significantly reduced antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria and ICU-acquired bacteremia. Patient survival rates were similar, but SDD showed a lower incidence of ICU-acquired respiratory tract infections.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 1, 2014

Winter is coming ... to Titan's south pole

Researchers observe massive polar cloud at Titan's south pole, composed of hydrogen cyanide ice, and conclude that the upper atmosphere must have cooled by over 50 degrees in less than a year.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2014

Fibromyalgia and the role of brain connectivity in pain inhibition

A new study suggests decreased brain connectivity between pain-related and sensorimotor areas may contribute to deficient pain regulation in fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia patients exhibit impaired normal pain perception due to functional decoupling of pain-processing brain regions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBrain Connectivity·DateOct 1, 2014

Stressed out: Research sheds new light on why rechargeable batteries fail

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have discovered that lithium ions cause local stress and phase transitions in anodes during charging and discharging, leading to their eventual failure. This 'atomic shuffling' phenomenon helps explain why layered materials are prone to degradation.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 1, 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.

Power can corrupt even the honest

A recent study published in The Leadership Quarterly found that power can lead to corruption in leaders, regardless of their initial honesty. The researchers used experimental methods to investigate the effects of power on behavior, and found that individuals who scored lower on honesty were more likely to exhibit corrupt behavior.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Leadership Quarterly·DateOct 1, 2014

Treatment of substance abuse can lessen risk of future violence in mentally ill

A new study from the University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions suggests that reducing substance abuse has a greater influence on reducing violent acts by patients with severe mental illness. The study found that treating substance abuse was more effective in decreasing aggression than improving psychiatric symptoms.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·DateOct 1, 2014

Scientists aim to give botox a safer facelift

Researchers have made breakthroughs in understanding the interactions between botulinum neurotoxins and cells, paving the way for safer forms of Botox. By designing inhibitors or specific antibodies, scientists hope to prevent toxic interactions and engineer safer toxins for medical and cosmetic use.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biochemical Sciences·DateOct 1, 2014

Child mortality falls worldwide, but not fast enough, study finds

A study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that child mortality rates have decreased globally, but complications from preterm birth and pneumonia remain major causes of death. The largest burden of child mortality is in sub-Saharan Africa, where nearly half of deaths occur.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 1, 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.

Public feels more negative toward drug addicts than mentally ill

A recent study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that people are more likely to have negative attitudes toward those suffering from drug addiction than those with mental illness. The researchers suggest that society often perceives substance abuse as a moral failing rather than a treatable medical condition.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateOct 1, 2014

FDG-PET/CT shows promise for breast cancer patients younger than 40

Researchers found that PET/CT imaging can help diagnose more aggressive tumors in young breast cancer patients, upstaging 21% of initial diagnoses. The study suggests considering patient age as a factor in staging decisions.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 1, 2014

'Smart' bandage emits phosphorescent glow for healing below

A new paint-on, see-through 'smart' bandage glows to indicate tissue oxygenation concentration, enabling direct measurement for improved wound care. The bandage's phosphorescence emits light based on oxygen levels, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of wounds and burns.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateOct 1, 2014

Australia's high survival rates shed doubt on global sepsis guidelines

A six-year study in Australia and New Zealand found mortality rates for sepsis were nearly 15% despite aggressive treatment. The results suggest the high standard of care, rather than Early Goal Directed Therapy (EGDT), is responsible for the low survival rates.

SourceMonash University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 1, 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.

Platinum meets its match in quantum dots from coal

Researchers developed a hybrid catalyst combining graphene quantum dots and graphene oxide, nitrogen, and boron, outperforming commercial platinum-based catalysts in fuel cells. The new material cuts the cost of generating energy with fuel cells, offering a promising solution to the expensive metal hurdle.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 1, 2014

Is Australia prepared for Ebola?

Australia's lack of preparedness for Ebola is highlighted by experts who call for a national disease control centre to coordinate risk assessments and response plans. The current outbreak in multiple regions of five countries underscores the need for such a centre.

SourceWiley·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateOct 1, 2014

Scientists wield plant viruses against deadly human disease

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are working on two projects to deliver protection from aggressive breast cancer and deadly heart attacks using plant viruses. The first project aims to create a vaccine that tricks the immune system into attacking HER2 proteins, while the second project targets blood clots by delivering cl...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateOct 1, 2014

Deconstruction of avant-garde cuisine could lead to even more fanciful dishes

Researchers investigate formation and stability of calcium alginate spheres in molecular gastronomy, finding key role for calcium ions and spontaneous wrapping of alginate chains around liquid droplets. The study's findings could help chefs design innovative cooking techniques, leading to even more fanciful dishes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateOct 1, 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.

Journal supplement examines innovative strategies for healthy aging

The Journal supplement highlights innovative approaches to healthy aging, including community-based efforts, technology uses, and civic service. Strategies like Experience Corps and volunteering are shown to enhance social engagement, independence, and well-being in older adults.

SourceSAGE·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateOct 1, 2014

Fall in monsoon rains driven by rise in air pollution, study shows

A recent study suggests that emissions from human activity have caused a decline in monsoon rainfall over the past 50 years. The research, published in Geophysical Research Letters, found that rising levels of anthropogenic aerosols are responsible for the decrease, which affects billions of people primarily in India and parts of Africa.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 1, 2014

UMN research pinpoints microRNA tied to colon cancer tumor growth

University of Minnesota researchers have identified microRNAs miR-182 and miR-503 that contribute to the development of colon polyps into cancerous tumors. By targeting these microRNAs, physicians may be able to provide earlier and more specialized treatment for patients with a higher risk of colon cancer.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Academic Health Center·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·DateOct 1, 2014

Dog waste contaminates our waterways: A new test could reveal how big the problem is

A new genetic test developed by scientists can detect canine fecal contamination in water, providing insights into the scale of the problem. The test identified 11 genetic markers common to most dog samples but absent from human ones, revealing the significant role dogs play in contaminating US waterways.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 1, 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.

Gut bacteria are protected by host during illness

Sick mice produce specialized sugars to feed their gut microbiota and resist infection. Healthy recovery requires both L-fucose production and intact gut microbiota. The study suggests a potential role for L-fucose in preventing or tolerating Crohn's disease.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2014

How to protect health workers in conflicts and crisis

Researchers conducted life history interviews with 26 health workers who lived through conflict in Northern Uganda, revealing their resilience and coping mechanisms. The study proposes solutions to protect and motivate health workers during and after crises, including community support, formal promotion, and regular pay.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalHealth Policy and Planning·DateOct 1, 2014

Gene interacts with stress and leads to heart disease in some people

A genetic study suggests that individuals with a specific genotype may be prone to weight gain and increased risk of diabetes and heart disease when exposed to chronic stress. Simple interventions like healthy diet, exercise, and stress management could help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in these individuals.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 1, 2014

Drug treats inherited form of intellectual disability in mice

Researchers have successfully treated a genetic form of intellectual disability in mice using an anticancer drug, suggesting a potential new approach for the human condition. The study's findings indicate that altering the balance between chromatin's open and closed states could be key to treating Mendelian disorders of the epigenetic ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 1, 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.

Teen pregnancies, abortions plunge with free birth control

A new study found that providing free contraception and education on various methods significantly reduced teen pregnancies, births, and abortions. Among participants, 72% opted for long-acting forms like IUDs or implants, leading to a 34-per-1,000 pregnancy rate among teens compared to 158.5 in 2008.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 1, 2014

Researchers develop novel gene/cell therapy approach for lung disease

Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center developed a new cell transplantation therapy to treat mice with a rare lung disease. The therapy, using macrophages, corrected the disease in mice and showed promise for treating other human lung diseases caused by dysfunctional immune cells.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2014

Stem cell discovery could lead to better treatments for blindness

Researchers have identified a novel source of stem cells in the corneal limbus that can be directed to behave like photoreceptor cells, potentially treating conditions like age-related macular degeneration. These cells can also be cultured from older eyes and may offer a promising approach for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 1, 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.

Eighty percent of bowel cancers halted with existing medicines

A study published in Science Signaling found that JAK inhibitors can effectively treat over 80% of bowel cancers with a genetic mutation present in more than 80% of cases. The researchers discovered that these inhibitors block tumour growth by targeting the Wnt signaling pathway, with minimal impact on normal cells.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalScience Signaling·DateOct 1, 2014

Study finds potential new target to treat asthma attacks brought on by colds

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism that could explain why the common cold can bring on life-threatening asthma attacks. A small molecule called IL-25 may play a central role in triggering these attacks, and blocking it could potentially produce a much greater therapeutic effect.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 1, 2014

Laying the groundwork for data-driven science

The National Science Foundation is investing $31 million in 17 innovative projects to develop tools, cyberinfrastructure, and best practices for data science. These projects aim to create a robust national data infrastructure that supports research priorities and emerging data policies.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateOct 1, 2014

Study finds acupuncture does not improve chronic knee pain

A new study from the University of Melbourne found that acupuncture did not improve chronic knee pain in patients older than 50. The research, published in JAMA, involved 282 participants who received either real or sham acupuncture for 12 weeks.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJAMA·DateOct 1, 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.

Montmorency tart cherry juice lowered blood uric acid levels and a marker for inflammation

Researchers found that Montmorency tart cherry juice lowered blood uric acid levels and increased specific anthocyanin compounds, which may help alleviate joint pain and inflammation associated with conditions like gout. The study also detected increased C-reactive protein in the bloodstream after consuming tart cherries.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateOct 1, 2014

New study first to document the voices of fish larvae

Fish larvae produce distinct 'knock' and 'growl' sounds within the hearing range of adult fish to maintain group cohesion during their pelagic journey. The sounds were observed in 70% of nighttime trials, suggesting a mechanism for larval communication.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 1, 2014

BRAIN Initiative to fund first decoding of a key brain circuit in mammals

A team of researchers will study the complex connections between brain cells that allow us to make and retrieve lasting memories. The project aims to build a complete computational model of a neural network in vertebrates using experimental data, with potential transformative insights into mammalian brain abilities.

SourceThe Kavli Foundation·DateOct 1, 2014

Medical discovery first step on path to new painkillers

Scientists at The University of Nottingham have made a major medical discovery that could lead to the development of an entirely new type of painkiller for chronic pain conditions like traumatic nerve injury. They found that a signal protein called VEGF promotes pain while its inhibiting form prevents it.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateOct 1, 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.

Novel approach to magnetic measurements atom-by-atom

Researchers propose a new method for measuring magnetic properties of materials at atomic resolution, utilizing the phase symmetry of an electron beam. This technique enhances the magnetic signal, enabling the detection of magnetism with unprecedented precision.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 1, 2014