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Science News for October 16, 2014


Study shows inpatient palliative care reduces hospital costs and readmissions

A new study published in Journal of Palliative Medicine shows that inpatient palliative care can significantly lower hospitalization costs and the rate of readmissions. By providing expert care to seriously ill patients, hospitals can improve patient outcomes while reducing healthcare expenses.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateOct 16, 2014

The Lancet: Surgical Trauma Series media alert

The Surgical Trauma Series examines the biological mechanisms and clinical implications of large-scale trauma. Researchers discuss the systemic immune response to trauma, its association with reduced resistance to infection, and the role of ageing in influencing survival rates.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 16, 2014

Adenosine can melt 'love handles'

Scientists at the University of Bonn have discovered a new signaling pathway that utilizes adenosine to stimulate brown fat cells. This 'browning' process may help convert white fat cells into energy-burning brown cells, potentially aiding in weight loss and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2014

How, when, and why industrial ecology is good for business

A new special feature of Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology explores how industrial ecology can lead to cost savings and higher profits for businesses. The research highlights the economic and environmental benefits of using life cycle assessment, design for environment, and material flow analysis in supply chains.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateOct 16, 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.

Amphibians being wiped out by emerging viruses

Researchers have found that emerging viruses are causing severe disease and mass deaths in many amphibian species, including frogs and salamanders. The viruses, part of the Ranavirus group, are being spread through human activities and are having a devastating impact on entire host communities.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 16, 2014

Myelin vital for learning new practical skills

Researchers at UCL discovered that new myelin must be made each time a skill is learned later in life, and its structure changes during practice. The team found that once a new skill has been learnt, it is retained even after myelin production stops.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2014

Brain's compass relies on geometric relationships, say Penn Researchers

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that the brain uses geometric relationships to create a mental compass, enabling people to navigate and orient themselves in their environment. The study, led by Russell Epstein and Steven Marchette, used fMRI scans to analyze the retrosplenial complex region of the brain.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 16, 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.

Youth suicide: More early detection and better coordination are needed

A new study found that most youth suicide victims had underlying mental health problems, highlighting the need for increased public awareness and coordination of services. The research identified significant deficits in training, service coordination, and continuity of care among professionals.

SourceDouglas Mental Health University Institute·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 16, 2014

I have to walk how many miles to burn off this soda?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that installing calorie-counting signs in stores led to a significant decrease in sugary drink purchases among black adolescents. The study, which lasted six weeks, showed that teens who saw the signs were more likely to choose lower-calorie beverages or smaller sizes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 16, 2014

Protons hog the momentum in neutron-rich nuclei

Researchers have found that protons and neutrons in heavy nuclei have higher-average momentum when paired, contrary to previous theories. This phenomenon has implications for ultra-cold atomic gas systems and neutron stars.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why are some people with autism hypersensitive to sound?

UC Riverside researchers are investigating the mechanisms of auditory hypersensitivity in Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a genetic disorder that affects social impairments, repetitive behaviors, and cognitive deficits. The study aims to identify underlying neural mechanisms and develop new therapeutic targets for FXS and autism.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateOct 16, 2014

Shrinking resource margins in Sahel region of Africa

The Sahel region is experiencing a shrinking margin between supply and demand for primary production, driven by population growth and increasing consumption. The study found that the rate of increase in food needs was 2.2% per year, while crop production remained largely unchanged over the past decade.

SourceLund University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 16, 2014

Loss of big predators could leave herbivores in a thorny situation

A recent study published in Science suggests that global declines in carnivore populations could embolden herbivores to increasingly dine on preferred vegetation, leading to losses in plant and tree biodiversity. The research used GPS tracking and feeding experiments to measure how fear of predators influences herbivore behavior.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2014

First detailed map of aboveground forest carbon stocks in Mexico unveiled

The new map is based on a collaboration between the Woods Hole Research Center and Mexican institutions, integrating field measurements with satellite data to provide continuous estimates of carbon stocks. This biomass map represents an important step forward in accounting for carbon emissions from the land sector in Mexico.

SourceWoodwell Climate Research Center·JournalRemote Sensing·DateOct 16, 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.

Cosmic jets of young stars formed by magnetic fields

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf successfully tested a new model explaining how magnetic fields create astrophysical jets in young stars. The findings suggest that magnetic fields can focus plasma to form jets, potentially leading to breakthroughs in cancer therapy and medical engineering.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2014

How a molecular Superman protects the genome from damage

Scientists have discovered a new role for Dicer in preventing genome damage caused by collisions during DNA replication. The protein helps free transcription machinery from DNA, preserving the integrity of the genome. This discovery may help explain why mutations in Dicer are associated with increased risk of cancer and aging.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell·DateOct 16, 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.

Have you heard of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy?

A new study published in Epilepsia reports that 76% of caregivers are more likely to have heard of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) compared to 65% of patients with epilepsy. SUDEP is a rare but devastating condition that occurs in about 1 in 1,000 individuals with epilepsy each year.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateOct 16, 2014

Identifying hidden minds in impaired consciousness

A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that vegetative patients may have well-preserved brain networks similar to those of healthy adults, indicating possible covert awareness. This discovery could improve clinical assessment and help identify patients who might be aware despite being uncommunicative.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 16, 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.

Simple test may predict surgical wound healing complications

A simple test called transcutaneous oximetry may predict which patients are most likely to experience wound-healing complications after surgery. Patients with lower oxygen levels before surgery were more likely to develop complications, highlighting the potential tool as a means of taking extra precautions.

SourceLoyola Medicine·DateOct 16, 2014

That pregnant feeling makes a fly start nesting

A study published in Cell Reports found that female fruit flies exhibit a preference for acetic acid, or vinegar, when carrying eggs due to sensory neurons detecting stretch in the reproductive tract. This behavior is linked to pregnancy and egg production, challenging previous assumptions about hormonal influences.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 16, 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.

NASA spacecraft provides new information about sun's atmosphere

The study provides five key findings on the sun's atmosphere, including heat pockets of 200,000 degrees Fahrenheit and structures resembling mini-tornadoes. These discoveries help researchers better understand the sun's energy transfer and dynamic solar activity that impacts technological infrastructure in space and on Earth.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2014

Diabetic men with low testosterone run higher risk of developing atherosclerosis

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that diabetic men with low testosterone levels are more likely to develop severe atherosclerotic plaques and other cardiovascular markers. The research suggests a strong association between low testosterone concentration and the severi...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 16, 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.

Older adults satisfied with aging more likely to seek health screenings

A new study found that older adults who feel comfortable with the aging process are more proactive in seeking preventive health care services. These individuals were more likely to undergo regular health screenings, such as cholesterol tests and mammograms, compared to those who were less satisfied with aging.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateOct 16, 2014

NASA study finds 1934 had worst drought of last thousand years

A new NASA study reconstructs North American drought history over the last 1,000 years and finds that the 1934 drought was the driest and most widespread of the past millennium. The drought was caused by a high-pressure system and dust storms, which suppressed rainfall and led to severe conditions across western North America.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 16, 2014

Staph 'gangs' share nutrients during infection: Vanderbilt study

Antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria can exchange nutrients with each other and even with normal microbes to increase virulence during an infection. This challenges existing dogma on infectious diseases and may inform new treatment strategies.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 16, 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.

Journey to the center of the earth

A UCSB geochemist used lead and helium isotope measurements to analyze Samoan volcanoes, finding evidence of a primordial component within the deep interior. The study revealed distinct chemical configurations and mixing relationships among four endmembers, providing new insights into Earth's mantle plume structure.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2014

Probing the past

Astronomers have combined traditional method with reverse engineering to improve accuracy in measuring distant galaxies. They calculated a robust distance measurement using near-infrared and visible-light photos, estimating a redshift of 10 for the galaxy.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 16, 2014

Mysterious Midcontinent Rift is a geological hybrid

Scientists discovered the Midcontinent Rift evolved in three stages: a narrow crack, volcanic rock filling, and igneous rocks rising to surface. The rift's unique geology was formed by magma flowing into the developing crack and eventually creating a large igneous province.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateOct 16, 2014

Misfolded proteins clump together in a surprising place

Researchers found that 90% of misfolded protein aggregates form on the ER surface, dependent on active protein synthesis and ribosome activity. The aggregation is regulated by mitochondria, which play a key role in confining the aggregates to the mother cell during asymmetric cell division.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalCell·DateOct 16, 2014

Physicists sound warning to 'nail beauty fanatics'

Researchers have devised equations to identify physical laws governing nail growth, shedding light on common nail problems like ingrown toenails. Daily poor trimming can tip the balance of nails, causing residual stress that leads to shape changes and potential serious conditions.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysical Biology·DateOct 16, 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.

Formation and large scale confinement of jets emitted by young stars finally elucidated

Researchers from around the world have successfully explained the formation and propagation of stellar jets emitted by young stars. The team used a patented experimental device and numerical simulations to demonstrate that interstellar magnetic fields play a key role in confining these jets, which can travel vast distances.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2014

Male and female brains aren't equal when it comes to fat

A new study in mice found that male and female brains respond to high-fat diets in remarkably different ways, with males experiencing greater inflammation and reduced cardiac function. The findings suggest that dietary advice should be made more sex-specific, with women allowed occasional high-fat meals and men advised to avoid them.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 16, 2014

Cadavers beat computers for learning anatomy

A recent study published in Anatomical Sciences Education reveals that cadaver-based instruction is more effective than computer simulation in teaching anatomy. Students who learned on cadavers scored up to 16% higher on identification and 11% higher on explanation compared to those who used digital technologies.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAnatomical Sciences Education·DateOct 16, 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.

Cellular self-destruct program has deep roots throughout evolution

Casp8 activity arose over 500 million years ago and is universally conserved throughout evolution. Key protein interactions between Casp8 and FADD are also observed across the animal kingdom, suggesting a vital cell death toolkit in animal evolution.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 16, 2014

New catalyst could improve biofuels production

Washington State University researchers develop a new catalyst using inexpensive iron and rare palladium to remove oxygen from plant-based materials, improving biofuel production. The combination increases activity, stability, and selectivity, reducing costs and increasing yields.

SourceWashington State University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateOct 16, 2014

Researchers develop personalized ovarian cancer vaccines

The study identifies tiny differences in protein sequences between cancer cells and healthy tissue, enabling the creation of personalized vaccines. The research aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer, which often responds well to surgery and chemotherapy but returns lethally within a year or two.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 16, 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.

Curious signal hints at dark matter

A team of scientists from the University of Leicester has detected a curious signal in the X-ray sky that could be the first direct indication of dark matter. The signal appears to be consistent with the prediction of axions, particles believed to make up a significant portion of the universe's mass.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 16, 2014

EPA grant will help localities conserve headwater wetlands

Researchers at VIMS will develop tools to identify vulnerable headwater wetlands and provide climate-adaptation strategies for conservation. The project uses historical tidal-marsh observations to build a comprehensive picture of resilience.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·DateOct 16, 2014

Resveratrol boosts spinal bone density in men with metabolic syndrome

A new study published by The Endocrine Society reveals that resveratrol increased spinal bone density in men with metabolic syndrome and improved levels of the bone formation marker BAP. This finding suggests the compound's potential as an anti-osteoporosis drug, stimulating bone-forming cells within the body.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 16, 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.

Human cancer prognosis is related to newly identified immune cell

A new study by University of California, San Francisco researchers has discovered a rare population of immune cells associated with less severe cancer outcomes in humans. These 'good' cells, known as antigen-presenting CD103+ dendritic cells, are found in most tumors and may hold therapeutic potential.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 16, 2014

Engineers find a way to win in laser performance by losing

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method to reverse optical loss and increase laser intensity by modulating loss in the system. By adding loss to a laser system, they achieved energy gains and demonstrated new nonlinear phenomena.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2014

Sugared soda consumption, cell aging associated in new study

A new study by UCSF researchers found a significant association between sugared soda consumption and cell aging, as measured by telomere shortening in immune cells. The findings suggest that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened sodas may influence disease development through accelerated cellular aging.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 16, 2014

Tiny 'nanoflares' might heat the Sun's corona

New observations from the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) suggest that miniature solar flares called 'nanoflares' could be partly responsible for heating the Sun's million-degree corona. High-energy electrons generated by these nanoflares may deposit energy in the plasma, leading to coronal heating.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 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.

Light bending material facilitates the search for new particles

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have designed a material that manipulates the Cherenkov cone to distinguish between common and rare particles. The material uses transformation optics to create distinct light cones for particles with high momentum, making it possible to efficiently separate and identify these particles.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 16, 2014

Modeling tumor dormancy

A new computational model developed at Princeton University may help understand tumor dormancy, a phenomenon that can last up to 25 years in pancreatic cancer. The model predicts that tumors are likely to grow rapidly when the number of dividing cells reaches a certain critical level.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 16, 2014

Novel RNAi-based therapy for anemia stimulates liver to produce EPO

A novel RNAi-based therapy has shown promising results in treating anemia by stimulating the liver to produce erythropoietin (EPO). The treatment targets the EGLN1 gene, leading to increased EPO and hemoglobin levels. This breakthrough could provide a safer alternative to current recombinant human EPO treatments.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateOct 16, 2014

Are male brains wired to ignore food for sex?

Researchers discovered that male nematode brains suppress food-seeking behavior to focus on finding a mate. This study sheds light on how subtle changes in brain circuitry dictate differences in behavior between males and females.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 16, 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.

First step: From human cells to tissue-engineered esophagus

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles developed a tissue-engineering technique to grow an entire esophagus from human cells on a biodegradable scaffold. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for children born with missing portions of the organ, as well as patients who have had esophageal cancer or damaged tissue.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalTissue Engineering·DateOct 16, 2014

New perspectives for development of an RSV vaccine

Scientists at VIB and Ghent University have developed a promising vaccination strategy to counteract Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections. The new vaccine candidate uses a novel approach, stimulating macrophages to selectively eliminate infected cells, providing protection in lab animals.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateOct 16, 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.

DFG establishes 9 new research units

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft is establishing nine new Research Units to tackle pressing issues in their respective fields. The units will focus on topics such as needs-based distribution, academic learning, photonic networks, gravity waves, and synaptic plasticity.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateOct 16, 2014

Cell architecture: Finding common ground

Researchers have discovered that a previously known protein plays a crucial role in determining the form and function of plant cells by influencing their architecture. GCP-WD, a protein found in plants, is also essential for positioning microtubules and organizing cell skeletons.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 16, 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.

Informative visit to the toilet

White-footed sportive lemurs use scent-marks in latrines to maintain contact with family members and inform intruders of a male's presence. The study found that males visited latrines more often during nights when an intruder invaded the territory, promoting social bonding among group members.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateOct 16, 2014

Wobbling of a Saturn moon hints at what lies beneath

Astronomers using Cassini data infer the presence of a potentially rugby ball-shaped rocky core or sloshing sub-surface ocean in Mimas. The moon's unusual wobble reveals surface displacement of up to 6 kilometers, contradicting predictions of uniform interior structure.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2014

Dispelling a misconception about Mg-ion batteries

Mg-ion batteries may provide improved safety and cost, but their development has been hindered by misconceptions. New findings from Berkeley Lab's Joint Center for Energy Storage Research suggest that multivalent ions like Mg can still move through electrolytes more efficiently than thought.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 16, 2014

Public health in the 21st century

A new supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine addresses the need for a more effective public health workforce in the 21st century. Key findings include the importance of clear definitions of public health workforce challenges and the role of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in workforce development.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 16, 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.

Presence of enzyme may worsen effects of spinal cord injury and impair long-term recovery

A study published in The American Journal of Pathology suggests that matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) plays a pivotal role in disrupting the brain/spinal cord barrier, cell death, and functional deficits after spinal cord injury (SCI). Mice deficient in MMP-3 showed improved functional recovery and smaller volumes of injured tissue.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateOct 16, 2014

MicroRNA molecules serve as on/off switches for inflammation

Researchers discovered two microRNA molecules that control chronic inflammation, with one promoting and the other preventing the condition. The study sheds light on the role of T follicular helper cells in chronic inflammation and offers hope for preventive measures.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalImmunity·DateOct 16, 2014

Executive scandal hurts job prospects even for entry-level employees

Research finds that moral suspicion from higher-ups' wrongdoing can spill down to people lower in an organization, damaging job prospects. The study suggests that emphasizing the individual's personal flaws or values rather than their organizational status can help reduce this effect.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateOct 16, 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.

ORNL's Urban Dynamics Institute joins global fight against polio

The Urban Dynamics Institute at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is applying Big Data analysis to improve polio vaccination efforts in developing countries, particularly in Nigeria. The institute will help estimate vaccine needed and target areas of priority, saving time and money.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateOct 16, 2014

Myth-conceptions: How myths about the brain are hampering teaching

New research reveals widespread misconceptions among teachers worldwide about brain function, leading to ineffective teaching practices. The study highlights the importance of collaboration between neuroscientists and educators to improve education.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·DateOct 16, 2014

Scientists find ancient mountains that fed early life

Scientists have discovered evidence for a massive mountain range that thrived 600 million years ago, supporting an explosion of life on Earth. The Himalayan-scale range was eroded intensely, releasing nutrients into the oceans that allowed life to flourish.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 2014

A simple and versatile way to build 3-dimensional materials of the future

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a novel method to assemble graphene into porous 3D structures, overcoming the challenge of maintaining unique material properties. The technique uses interfacial complexation with oppositely charged polymers, enabling tunable porosity and scalability for large-area films.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 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.

Plant communities produce greater yield than monocultures

A recent study reveals that diverse plant communities yield greater results than monocultures, utilizing resources more effectively and providing a protective shield against pests. This new approach to agriculture promotes biodiversity and can lead to increased food safety and sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2014

Researchers reach 'paradigm shift' in understanding potassium channels

Researchers have observed a previously predicted pathway for ion permeation in potassium channels does not occur, revealing a fundamental physical principle that facilitates the channels' operation. The discovery uses advances in technology to show that pairs of potassium ions are stably formed and then passed through the channel.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2014

Pitt/McGowan Institute team discovers stem cells in the esophagus

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discovered a pool of stem cells in the esophagus, which could lead to new treatments for esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagus. The study found that these stem cells divide slowly compared to other cells in the esophagus, suggesting they may play a role in tissue rene...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 16, 2014