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Science News for October 22, 2014


Protecting us from our cells

Researchers at EMBL found that IGF-1 enhances T-reg cell production, suppressing auto-immune diseases like type-1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. The molecule is already approved for use in patients, paving the way for clinical trials.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateOct 22, 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.

Fast modeling of cancer mutations

MIT researchers have developed a new way to model the effects of genetic mutations in mice using CRISPR, enabling rapid analysis of genes linked with cancer growth. This approach fills a gap in understanding the role of cancer-gene candidates and offers new ways for personalized treatments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 2014

Quality of biopsy directly linked to survival in bladder cancer patients

A UCLA study found that patients with bladder cancer who did not receive optimal biopsies had a significantly higher risk of death from the disease. In fact, about half of patients' biopsies lacked sufficient material to accurately stage their cancer, leading to incorrect tumor staging and increased mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer·DateOct 22, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP Satellite team ward off recent space debris threat

The Suomi NPP mission team successfully repositioned the satellite on September 30 to avoid a close approach with a debris object traveling at nearly 17,000 mph. The maneuver was planned after a high-risk assessment, and the team's quick action prevented potential catastrophic damage to the satellite.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 22, 2014

Camera-traps capture wild chimps' nighttime raiding activities

Researchers observed large parties of chimpanzees foraging crops at night in maize fields of Kibale National Park, Uganda. Chimpanzees also presented few signs of vigilance and anxiety during nighttime crop-raids, indicating a high level of adaptability to human activities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 22, 2014

Expert recommendations for diagnosing pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome

A consensus statement from leading clinicians and researchers recommends a systematic approach to evaluating youngsters with sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including obsessive-compulsive disorder. The guidelines aim to clarify diagnostic boundaries, develop evaluation strategies, and identify urgently needed studies.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateOct 22, 2014

UT Arlington researcher earns NSF grant to protect financial institutions

A University of Texas Arlington associate professor has been awarded a National Science Foundation grant to assess insider threats in financial institutions. The research aims to develop effective protection strategies using criminology theories and large-scale field data from two regional institutions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateOct 22, 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.

When heart cancer hides in the brain

Two patients with cardiac lymphoma presented with brain metastasis, highlighting the need for identifying prognostic factors that predict brain relapse. Cardiac lymphoma is a rare condition often overlooked due to its potential for central nervous system metastasis.

Sourceecancermedicalscience·Journalecancermedicalscience·DateOct 22, 2014

Arrested development -- Sediment wreaks havoc with fish larvae

Researchers found that sediment concentrations in plumes from dredging or floods can delay clownfish larvae development by up to two weeks. This delay has a significant impact on adult populations as it increases the risk of mortality for young fish during their most vulnerable stage.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 22, 2014

UH researcher wins $1.5 million federal solar energy award

The University of Houston researcher aims to produce high-efficiency, inexpensive thin film photovoltaics with a goal of achieving 24% efficiency and 20 cents per watt. His innovative approach utilizes roll-to-roll manufacturing technology to create solar cells on low-cost metal substrates.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 22, 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.

Study finds no increase in pregnancy-related death for African-American women

A study of 77 women who died during pregnancy or childbirth found no racial difference in the risk of pregnancy-related death, contrary to national trends. However, distance from the hospital was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality, suggesting that differences in health care access may be a contributing factor.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateOct 22, 2014

The 2011 English summer riots: Courts accused of 'collective hysteria'

A study by the University of Manchester and Liverpool John Moores University found that courts imposed excessive and arbitrary punishments during the 2011 English riots. The research suggests that both courts and law enforcement agencies were influenced by a desire to restore order, leading to a 'collective hysteria' approach.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalThe British Journal of Criminology·DateOct 22, 2014

Research reveals how lymph nodes expand during disease

Researchers discovered that dendritic cells trigger lymph node expansion by producing CLEC-2, allowing immune cells to gather and launch an attack against infections and cancer. The study provides new insights into the immune system's role in diseases, including cancer.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 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.

Silencing the speech gene FOXP2 causes breast cancer cells to metastasize

Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified an unexpected link between the transcription factor FOXP2 and metastatic colonization of breast cancer. Silencing FOXP2 enables breast cancer cells to acquire malignant traits, facilitating their survival and proliferation.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 22, 2014

Researchers record sight neurons in jumping spider brain

A team of researchers has successfully recorded sight neurons in a jumping spider's brain for the first time. The study reveals that jumping spiders use different sets of eyes to process acuity and motion, requiring integration of inputs from multiple eyes in the brain.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 22, 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.

Cooling with molecules

Researchers at Bielefeld University and colleagues successfully cooled to minus 272.15 degrees Celsius using magnetic molecules, surpassing absolute zero. The discovery could provide an alternative to helium-based refrigerants and has implications for various applications such as transparent magnets and nano data memoires.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2014

Early intervention could boost education levels

Researchers found that progressive educational interventions can improve school entry academic skills and later educational outcomes, leading to a potential 5% increase in population-level academic achievement. The study suggests that pre-school education is crucial in setting children on the right path, with the potential to reduce so...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalChild Development·DateOct 22, 2014

The unexpected benefits of adjustable rate mortgages

Researchers found that reduced mortgage payments of $150 a month led to decreased mortgage defaults, increased consumer spending on automobile purchases, and improved household credit ratings. Additionally, households applied most of the saved mortgage money towards reducing outstanding credit card debts.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalSocial Science Research·DateOct 22, 2014

A 'Star Wars' laser bullet -- this is what it really looks like

Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences have developed a new compact high-power laser that can create ultrashort pulses. The laser generates powerful femtosecond pulses that can penetrate long distances, allowing for real-time atmospheric pollution detection using LIDAR technology.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 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.

Hospital logs staggering 2.5 million alarms in just a month

A study by UCSF researchers found that cardiac monitor alarm frequency and accuracy are crucial to improving patient safety. The study suggests that medical devices should focus on using all available ECG leads and provide prompts for optimal alarm settings.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 22, 2014

Organic molecules in Titan's atmosphere are intriguingly skewed

Scientists have found intriguing zones of organic molecules shifted away from Titan's north and south poles, contradicting expectations. The discovery may provide insights into the complex chemistry of Titan's atmosphere and its potential connection to Earth's early atmosphere.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 22, 2014

New feather findings get scientists in a flap

Researchers from the University of Southampton have discovered that feather shafts exhibit varying layer thickness and orientation according to flight style. This finding challenges previous assumptions about feather morphology and opens doors for innovative engineering applications.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalInterface·DateOct 22, 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.

Bipolar disorder discovery at the nano level

Researchers found concentrated levels of ANK3, a gene linked to bipolar disorder risk, in nanodomain structures within brain synapses. This discovery could provide insight into the biology of bipolar disorder and potentially lead to new treatments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuron·DateOct 22, 2014

Molecule could suppress immune system's 'friendly fire'

Researchers have discovered a molecule, IGF-1, that can induce the production of T-reg cells, suppressing symptoms of autoimmune diseases. The findings confirm IGF-1's direct action on T-reg cells, making it a promising therapeutic option for conditions like type-1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

SourceMonash University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateOct 22, 2014

NIST offers electronics industry 2 ways to snoop on self-organizing molecules

Researchers at NIST and MIT have developed two methods to measure the structure of block copolymers, essential for verifying computational models used in chip fabrication. These techniques can image defects in polymer structures and provide detailed data on patterning system performance.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 22, 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 tool identifies high-priority dams for fish survival

A study identified 181 California dams that may need increased water flows to protect native fish, with the top priority dams including Trinity Dam and New Melones Dam. The new tool provides a scientific basis for dam operators to prioritize management and reduce the risk of extinction for many native species.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalBioScience·DateOct 22, 2014

UTMB researchers uncover powerful new class of weapons in the war on cancer

Researchers at UTMB have discovered three small-molecule compounds that activate Bax and induce high levels of cell death in lung cancer cells without harming noncancerous tissues. These findings represent a new class of anticancer drugs with a unique therapeutic target for the treatment of cancers expressing Bax, including lung cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2014

Clinical trial could change standard treatment for stroke

A large international clinical trial has shown that current hospital protocols for managing blood pressure in stroke patients may not be effective. The ENOS trial found that early treatment with glyceryl trinitrate patches improved outcomes in patients who received treatment within 6 hours of symptom onset.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 22, 2014

Two families of comets found around nearby star

The study reveals two distinct families of exocomets in the Beta Pictoris system: old and recent ones. The old family has weak activity with low gas production rates, while the second family is more active and likely originates from a single object's breakup.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 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.

BJOG releases MPT special supplement

A new supplement in BJOG explores the potential of broad-spectrum prevention methods that can prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs, including HIV. The research highlights the need for funding to spur innovation and close gaps in development.

SourceCAMI Health·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateOct 22, 2014

Skin patch could replace the syringe for disease diagnosis

A new skin patch has successfully detected malaria proteins in live mice, paving the way for a less painful and more accessible diagnostic method. The patch, designed by Simon R. Corrie's team, captures multiple biomarkers for diseases like malaria, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 22, 2014

Strengthening thin-film bonds with ultrafast data collection

Scientists have developed a new device that captures information about both temperature and crystal structure during extremely fast reactions in thin-film materials. This breakthrough will help researchers optimize the process of making advanced technologies, including state-of-the-art semiconductors.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateOct 22, 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.

Some scientists share better than others

A study published in Bioscience explores the paradox of ecologists not sharing data, despite sharing findings. The researchers argue that increased data sharing will allow more diverse people to participate in research, leading to greater impact on science.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBioScience·DateOct 22, 2014

An effective, cost-saving way to detect natural gas pipeline leaks

Researchers developed a cost-saving software-based method that compares pressure and flow rate measurements with mathematical models to accurately detect small leaks in pipelines. This technique successfully reduced errors by 18% and estimated potential savings of millions of dollars compared to existing leak-detection methods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateOct 22, 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.

Human skin cells reprogrammed directly into brain cells

Researchers successfully converted adult human skin cells into medium spiny neurons, a subtype of brain cells affected in Huntington's disease. The newly generated cells survived and functioned like native cells in the mouse brain, demonstrating a promising approach for treating the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateOct 22, 2014

Cause of aging remains elusive

A recent study aimed to determine the role of free radicals in aging, but was refuted due to limitations with the measurement tool used. The researchers found that changes in pH levels inside mitochondria, rather than free radical release, were responsible for the signals detected by the probe.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 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.

No silver bullet: ISU study identifies risk factors of youth charged with murder

A recent ISU study found that exposure to violence, lower IQ, and psychopathic tendencies are significant risk factors for youth offenders charged with murder. The study analyzed over 1,300 serious youth offenders and identified five key risk factors that distinguish homicide youth offenders from non-homicide offenders.

SourceIowa State University·JournalYouth Violence and Juvenile Justice·DateOct 22, 2014

New window on the early universe

Researchers at the University of Bonn and Cardiff develop a new observational strategy for imaging extremely distant galaxies, using ALMA radio telescope data. This method improves upon previous efforts by accurately estimating molecular hydrogen presence in these galaxies, providing insights into galaxy formation and star creation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 22, 2014

Third substantial solar flare in 2 days

A substantial X1.6 class solar flare occurred on October 22, 2014, peaking at 10:28 a.m. EDT, as observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. This is the third significant flare from the same region of the sun since October 19, indicating increased solar activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 22, 2014

Indiana Project screenings show need for more mental health services in youth detention

A recent study by Indiana University School of Medicine found that nearly 21% of youths screened positive for mental health issues requiring follow-up. Female detainees were more likely to screen positive than male detainees, with significant disparities in service utilization based on race/ethnicity. The findings underscore the need f...

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 22, 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.

UNC scientists discover hidden subpopulation of melanoma cells

Researchers identify a new type of melanoma cell in blood vessels that resists anti-angiogenic therapies. The cells, which express the protein PECAM1, help tumors evade treatment by forming functional blood-filled channels.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2014

Brain simulation raises questions

Researchers discuss the limitations of brain simulations, citing the need to account for individual experience and social context. They also raise concerns about the potential creation of artificial consciousness and the technical challenges of simulating complex biological systems.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNeuron·DateOct 22, 2014

Highly effective new anti-cancer drug shows few side effects in mice

A new drug, OTS964, can eradicate aggressive human lung cancers transplanted into mice by inhibiting the action of a protein overproduced by several tumor types. The drug was well-tolerated and effective when taken as a pill or injected intravenously.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 22, 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.

Males of great bustard self-medicate to appear more attractive to females

Researchers found that male great bustards consume toxic blister beetles to eliminate parasites and look healthier. This behavior is a mechanism of sexual selection, where males use cantharidin to show females their resistance to toxicity, potentially increasing reproductive success.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 22, 2014

New insights on carbonic acid in water

Researchers have gained valuable new information about carbonic acid, a critical intermediate species in the equilibrium between carbon dioxide, water, and minerals. The study's findings provide detailed insights into the hydration properties of aqueous carbonic acid, benefiting the development of carbon sequestration technologies.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateOct 22, 2014

Sopping up proteins with thermosponges

The study demonstrates that thermosponge nanoparticles can effectively deliver a variety of proteins while preserving their biological activity. The new platform is designed to eliminate the need for harsh solvents and shows promise for delivering protein-based drugs for human therapeutics.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 22, 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.

Can bariatric surgery lead to severe headache?

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension, a condition causing severe headaches, has been linked to bariatric surgery. A study found that gastric bypass and banding surgeries were associated with a small percentage of people developing the condition.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 22, 2014

UT Austin leads $58 million effort to study potential new energy source

A research team led by UT Austin is studying frozen methane under the Gulf of Mexico, a substance with huge potential to increase the world's energy supply. The four-year project will acquire intact samples to better understand how to produce these deposits and unlock their enormous energy resources.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateOct 22, 2014

Lessons from the 'Spanish flu,' nearly 100 years later

A Michigan State University study of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic offers insights into infection control measures for the flu and other epidemic diseases. The research found that locations close to an entry point will have extremely short windows of time to deal with a virulent pathogen, emphasizing emergency management.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBMC Infectious Diseases·DateOct 22, 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.

Rapid test to diagnose severe sepsis

A new rapid test developed by University of British Columbia researchers can predict severe sepsis within an hour, allowing timely treatment to begin. The genetic signature associated with the disease has been identified and can be tested as soon as a patient arrives in the emergency ward.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEBioMedicine·DateOct 22, 2014

Online dermatologic follow-up for atopic dermatitis earns equivalent results

A one-year randomized controlled trial found that patients with atopic dermatitis who accessed online dermatologic follow-up care achieved equivalent clinical improvement as those receiving traditional in-person care. The study included 156 patients and showed significant improvements in disease severity, including a reduction in POEM ...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateOct 22, 2014

Trans fats still weighing Americans down

A study found that American consumers consume more than 1% of their daily calories from trans fats, exceeding the American Heart Association's recommendation. Omega-3 fatty acids have not changed significantly over the past thirty years and may help improve cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 22, 2014

Ph.D. designs new devices based on metamaterials

The researcher designed and manufactured new devices based on epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) metamaterials, achieving high speed transmission and radiation focusing properties. The devices have potential applications in nanocircuits, electrical levitation, invisibility, and multiple-frequency spectroscopy experiments.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalJournal of Optics·DateOct 22, 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.

Baby cries show evidence of cocaine exposure during pregnancy

A new study found that babies whose mothers used cocaine during pregnancy have increased amounts of hyperphonation in their cries, indicating nervous system damage. The researchers also identified a similar spectral characteristic in rat pups treated with prenatal cocaine exposure, paving the way for translational analyses to detect is...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 22, 2014

Recently discovered microbe is key player in climate change

A new species of microbe, Methanoflorens stordalenmirensis, has been found to control the release of methane from thawing permafrost soils, affecting global climate change predictions. The study reveals that this microbe plays a significant role in amplifying climate change by controlling greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 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.

UNL researcher wins federal grant for groundbreaking solar energy project

A UNL researcher has received a $1.2 million grant to improve the efficiency of solar cells using perovskite technology, aiming for at least 30% efficiency. The project seeks to refine silicon-based cells by overlaying them with perovskite, taking advantage of the material's natural abundance and properties.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·DateOct 22, 2014

Olive oil more stable and healthful than seed oils for frying food

A recent study by Mohamed Bouaziz and colleagues found that olive oil maintains its quality and nutrition better than seed oils when deep-fried or pan-fried. The researchers tested four different refined oils and found that olive oil was the most stable, while sunflower oil degraded the fastest.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 22, 2014

Secret wing colors attract female fruit flies

New study reveals that females choose mates based on hidden wing colours, important for female choice in fruit flies. Researchers found that the transparent wings shimmer with beautiful colours due to thin-film interference.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2014

NASA-led study sees Titan glowing at dusk and dawn

Researchers found large patches of trace gases shining brightly near Titan's poles, with unexpected east-to-west variations. These findings are consistent with observations made by NASA's Cassini spacecraft, which found cloud caps and high concentrations of gases over the poles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 22, 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.

Tackling blindness, deafness through neuroengineering

The Bertarelli Program has awarded $3.6 million in grants to five research projects focused on diagnosing and treating hearing loss, as well as developing new treatments for blindness. The projects aim to combine technologies and approaches to accelerate the delivery of new treatments to the clinic.

SourceHarvard Medical School·DateOct 22, 2014

Autism Speaks commits $2.3 million to research on gut-brain connection

Two major research projects will investigate the microbiome and its impact on autism symptoms, as well as chronic constipation treatment to improve behavioral symptoms. The studies aim to establish clear guidelines for personalized treatments and may lead to stool tests guiding treatments for autism and its associated medical conditions.

SourceAutism Speaks·DateOct 22, 2014

NASA's Terra Satellite sees wind shear affecting Tropical Storm Ana

Tropical Storm Ana was impacted by strong southwesterly wind shear, causing the bulk of clouds and showers to be pushed north and east of its center. The storm's minimum central pressure is estimated at 1005 millibars, with forecasters predicting some strengthening through early Friday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 22, 2014

NIH begins early human clinical trial of VSV Ebola vaccine

The NIH is conducting an early phase trial to evaluate the VSV-ZEBOV vaccine candidate, which was developed by researchers at Canada's National Microbiology Lab. The trial will enroll 39 healthy adults aged 18-65 and assess the vaccine's safety and ability to generate an immune response.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateOct 22, 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.

Producing solar power with impure silicon

NTNU researchers have developed a technique to produce solar cells using impure silicon, reducing energy consumption and production costs. The new method uses glass fibers coated with a silicon core, which is heated and stretched to create a thin fiber filled with silicon, resulting in lower energy requirements and fewer production steps.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 22, 2014

Tropical Depression 9 forms in Gulf of Mexico

Tropical Depression 9 has formed over the western Bay of Campeche and is expected to produce life-threatening flash floods in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The depression is predicted to intensify into a tropical storm before landfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 22, 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.