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Science News for September 18, 2014


Single dose of antidepressant changes the brain

Researchers discovered that a single dose of antidepressant can dramatically change the human brain's functional architecture within three hours. The study found increased connectivity in two specific brain regions, while reducing intrinsic connectivity elsewhere.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 18, 2014

Study shows how epigenetic memory is passed across generations

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz found that both sperm and eggs transmit a memory of gene repression to embryos, which is then transmitted through multiple cell divisions. This epigenetic memory plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and development.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2014

New insights into the world of quantum materials

Researchers have discovered a deformation of the Fermi surface in ultracold quantum gases due to anisotropic particle interactions. This deformation leads to an ellipsoidal shape, which is not spherical as predicted for isotropic interactions.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists discover 'dimmer switch' for mood disorders

Scientists have identified a control mechanism for the brain's processing of disappointment, which may be a key to treating depression. In experiments with rodents, researchers found that a small region above the thalamus secretes both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, allowing for a more subtle control of signaling.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2014

Withdrawal from the evolutionary race

Researchers found that certain individuals with HIV are more tolerant of the virus than others, with factors including age and HLA-B gene variants playing a role. The study suggests that tolerance-based treatments could be an alternative to traditional resistance-based strategies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 18, 2014

Microplastic pollution discovered in St. Lawrence River sediments

Researchers discovered microplastic particles in the form of polyethylene microbeads in St. Lawrence River sediments, with concentrations exceeding 1000 per liter. The findings raise concerns about fish and other animals consuming these particles, potentially transferring chemicals to the ecosystem.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateSep 18, 2014

New insights on an ancient plague could improve treatments for infections

Researchers at Duke Medicine and Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore detail how Yersinia pestis bacteria hitchhike on immune cells in lymph nodes to spread the bubonic plague. New therapies that block host immune function show promise in preventing infection and improving survival.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalImmunity·DateSep 18, 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.

Survey: Fortune 500 employees can expect to pay more for health insurance

A survey of Fortune 500 chief human resource officers found that nearly 80% of companies have raised or plan to raise employee contributions to health insurance. The Affordable Care Act has led to a significant increase in healthcare costs, with 38% of respondents reporting a rise in health insurance costs.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·DateSep 18, 2014

A second look at glaucoma surgery

A study led by Queen's University professor Robert Campbell revealed that using anti-inflammatory medicines after common eye surgery isn't helpful or necessary. The research found that steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not affect the ability of laser treatment to lower eye pressure.

SourceQueen's University·JournalOphthalmology·DateSep 18, 2014

NASA marks Polo for a hurricane

Hurricane Polo is expected to strengthen before weakening due to northeasterly wind shear on Sept 19. The storm is currently located about 150 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 18, 2014

Benefits of telecommuting greater for some workers, study finds

A new study by University of Illinois professor Ravi S. Gajendran found that telecommuting yields positive effects on task- and context-based performance for employees with good relationships with their bosses. However, for workers without a strong employer relationship, telecommuting actually improves performance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPersonnel Psychology·DateSep 18, 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.

Agricultural fires in the Ukraine

Numerous agricultural fires are burning in Eastern Europe, primarily in Ukraine. These fires were likely intentionally set to manage land and return nutrients to the soil, but also produce smoke that degrades air quality.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 18, 2014

Toward optical chips

Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to build MoS2 light emitters that can be tuned to different frequencies, essential for optoelectronic chips. This breakthrough could lead to more energy-efficient and flexible displays.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 18, 2014

World breakthrough: A new molecule allows for an increase in stem cell transplants

A new molecule, UM171, has been discovered that can multiply stem cells in a unit of cord blood, increasing the number of units available for transplant. This breakthrough could revolutionize the treatment of leukemia and other blood-related diseases, particularly for non-Caucasian patients who often have limited access to transplants.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 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.

Video game could help anxious children

A new video game called MindLight is being tested to see if it can help youth cope with and conquer their anxiety. The game, designed for children aged 8-16, uses neurofeedback technology to measure the player's level of relaxation or anxiety, providing a safe space for kids to practice regulating their emotions.

SourceQueen's University·DateSep 18, 2014

Miranda: An icy moon deformed by convection

Numerical models suggest that Miranda's corona formation was driven by tidal heating and convection in the ice mantle. This process is similar to plate tectonics on Earth, resulting in extensional tectonic faults and surface deformation.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateSep 18, 2014

A more efficient, lightweight and low-cost organic solar cell

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new type of organic solar cell that can use virtually any metal for the electrode, effectively breaking the 'electrode barrier'. The new design allows for improved electron transport efficiency and reduced work function, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 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.

The 'Angelina Effect' was not only immediate, but also long-lasting

Research reveals a two-and-a-half-fold increase in referrals by GPs for June and July 2013 after Angelina Jolie's announcement, with continued rise through October. The study found that many women with family history of breast cancer were referred for testing, contradicting concerns about 'worried well' individuals.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateSep 18, 2014

Researchers develop unique waste cleanup for rural areas

Washington State University researchers have developed a unique method to use microbes in pond sediment to power waste cleanup in rural areas. The microbe-powered system reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing biological reactions from microbes to generate electricity.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateSep 18, 2014

Kids eat better if their parents went to college

Children of college-educated parents are more likely to eat vegetables and drink less sugary drinks, but all kids fall short when it comes to healthy eating at school. The study also found that low-income families face tough choices about packing lunches due to higher-priced healthier options.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateSep 18, 2014

Video games could dramatically streamline educational research

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a novel method for educational research using computational modeling with video games. This approach allows computers to learn student behavior and think like students, making it possible to test multiple interventions before classroom implementation.

SourceWashington State University·JournalComputers & Education·DateSep 18, 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.

Language evolution: Quicker on the uptake

A study published in PNAS found that the Foxp2 gene enhances learning ability, allowing humans to acquire and creatively manipulate spoken language more quickly than other animals. The gene modulates the balance between conscious and unconscious learning processes, enabling faster language acquisition.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2014

UT Dallas study uncovers factors in students' reporting of weapons at school

A UT Dallas study found that high academic achievement and school attachment increase willingness to report knowledge about guns and knives, while prior knowledge of school security is associated with increased intent to report. Most students would report a gun or knife to parents, family members, or authority figures.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalYouth Violence and Juvenile Justice·DateSep 18, 2014

Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood worsens musculoskeletal pain outcomes after trauma

A multi-site research study found that individuals living in disadvantaged neighborhoods experience worse musculoskeletal pain outcomes over time after stressful events like car accidents. The study suggests that the environment plays a significant role in chronic pain development, with stress systems involved in pain worsening outcomes.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPain·DateSep 18, 2014

Hepatitis C virus proteins in space

Two researchers from the Technical University of Munich have won an International Space Station Research Competition to study the structure of Hepatitis C virus proteins in microgravity. The project aims to identify new targets for medications and could lead to breakthroughs in treating the disease, which is prevalent in Egypt.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateSep 18, 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.

Evolution of responses to (un)fairness

A review article examines how humans and non-human species respond to unfairness, revealing that reactions are driven by cooperation and social reciprocity. The study suggests that fairness is not the primary motivator, but rather maintaining good relations through reward division.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2014

LSU Health research discovers means to free immune system to destroy cancer

Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans have discovered that the protein Chop regulates the activity and accumulation of cells that suppress the immune response against tumors. The study found that removing Chop boosts the effectiveness of treatment, revealing it as a target for developing new immunotherapies to treat cancer.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalImmunity·DateSep 18, 2014

Down syndrome helps researchers understand Alzheimer's disease

Researchers studied adults with Down syndrome to understand the role of amyloid-β protein in memory and cognitive function. Contrary to expectations, many individuals with elevated amyloid-β levels did not exhibit negative consequences, highlighting the complexity of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalBrain·DateSep 18, 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.

Middle school dilemma: Girls' body image affected by older peers

A study found that female early adolescents who attend schools with older girls report a greater desire to be thin and less satisfaction with their bodies. This suggests that school grade groupings may influence the pace and timing of body image changes during adolescence.

SourceSAGE·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateSep 18, 2014

NASA sees Hurricane Edouard enter cooler waters

Hurricane Edouard's minimum central pressure was nearly as low as when it was a category 3 hurricane. The storm is expected to weaken and become post-tropical before winding up west of the Azores in a few days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 18, 2014

First eyewitness accounts of mystery volcanic eruption

Researchers discovered early observations of a 19th-century volcanic eruption, dated to within a fortnight of December 4, 1808. The 'Unknown' eruption occurred before the famous 1815 Tambora volcano, which had significant global impacts on climate and inspired literary works like 'Darkness.'

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalClimate of the Past·DateSep 18, 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.

Gambling with confidence: Are you sure about that?

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified a brain region in rats responsible for their confidence in decisions. The study used rats to test decision-making and found that a specific region of the orbitofrontal cortex plays a crucial role in measuring confidence.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNeuron·DateSep 18, 2014

CHEST announces China as site of CHEST World Congress 2016

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) will host CHEST World Congress 2016 in China, offering hands-on simulation training, keynote addresses, and presentations by leading health-care experts. The event aims to improve patient care through global collaboration and sharing of clinical knowledge.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateSep 18, 2014

Nuclear spins control current in plastic LED

Physicists at the University of Utah have developed a method to control electrical current in a cheap, plastic LED using nuclear spins. They achieved this at room temperature without strong magnetic fields, bringing the study closer to practical machines that work spintronically.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2014

Sensing neuronal activity with light

Researchers at Caltech have developed a new tool that uses genetic engineering and light to visualize and map neural networks in living organisms. The tool, which detects changes in membrane voltage, allows for real-time observation of neuronal activity and its effects on behavior.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 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.

Mouse model sheds light on role of mitochondria in neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers developed two mouse models with mitochondrial distribution defects that mimic neurological problems similar to ALS. The study found that impaired movement and muscle clasp were symptoms of the disease, suggesting a link between mitochondria distribution and motor neuron disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2014

How pneumonia bacteria can compromise heart health

Researchers discovered that Streptococcus pneumoniae, the cause of most cases of bacterial pneumonia, can invade the heart and cause death of heart muscle cells. The study found that the pneumolysin toxin is responsible for this damage, and that an experimental vaccine formulation protected mice against cardiac invasion and heart damage.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 18, 2014

Fall foliage season may be later, but longer on warmer Earth

Research suggests that fall foliage seasons in the US could be delayed by one to three weeks by the end of the century, affecting agriculture, water supplies, and ecosystems. Daily temperatures and daylight hours can predict leaf coloration, with regional differences playing a significant role.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateSep 18, 2014

A new way to prevent the spread of devastating diseases

Researchers at Caltech have developed a new technique called vectored immunoprophylaxis (VIP) to prevent the spread of diseases like HIV, malaria, and influenza. This method provides specific antibodies that can neutralize pathogens, offering a potential solution for widespread use in the less developed world.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 18, 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.

Stem cells use 'first aid kits' to repair damage

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that stem cells 'communicate' with damaged cells by transferring molecules via fluid-filled bags called vesicles, helping other cells modify the damaging immune response. This novel mechanism enables stem-cell-based therapies to work more efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 18, 2014

How stress tears us apart

A team from EPFL Brain Mind Institute finds that chronic stress activates an enzyme that reduces nectin-3 cell adhesion proteins, leading to social skills loss and impaired memory. External treatments can restore sociability and normal cognitive skills.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2014

Pupil size shows reliability of decisions

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that pupil size can predict the reliability of decisions. Researchers measured pupil size before participants made decisions and found that larger pupils were associated with poorer performance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 18, 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.

Research milestone in CCHF virus could help identify new treatments

Researchers at Texas Biomedical Institute have discovered new cellular factors essential for CCHFV infection, revealing the site where a drug therapy would need to act. The findings suggest that multivesicular bodies are critical for CCHFV replication and hold promise for broad-spectrum antiviral treatments.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 18, 2014

Small, fast, and crowded: Mammal traits amplify tick-borne illness

A new study finds that small, fast-living mammals and high population densities can increase the risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. Research suggests that animals with fast life history features and large populations are more effective at transmitting pathogens to ticks.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 18, 2014

Global agriculture: More land, fewer harvests

A new study projects a significant loss of suitable agricultural land in Mediterranean regions and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa under climate change, while high latitudes experience an expansion of cropland. The simulation highlights the need for sustainable land management and adaptation measures to ensure food security.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 18, 2014

Rosuvastatin treatments particularly effective among prediabetic patients

A new study found that rosuvastatin is more effective in reducing low-density lipoprotein subfractions in prediabetic patients than those with normal glucose levels. The medication led to a greater decrease in small dense lipoproteins, considered particularly harmful.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics·DateSep 18, 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.

Tree rings and arroyos

Researchers use tree rings to date arroyo sedimentary beds and combine data with aerial imagery and LiDAR to reconstruct the history of these arroyos. The study reveals that arroyos are unstable features that shift between broad floodplains and incised channels, and that upstream progression is limited to specific locations.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateSep 18, 2014

Cooling of dialysis fluids protects against brain damage

A randomized clinical trial found that cooling dialysis fluids to 0.5°C below body temperature protects against progressive white matter brain injury due to blood pressure instability. This simple intervention does not just improve patient comfort but completely prevents brain damage in patients undergoing dialysis.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 18, 2014

Human sense of fairness evolved to favor long-term cooperation

Research suggests that humans' sense of fairness evolved to prioritize long-term cooperation, with a preference for equal outcomes and stable relationships. This evolution is rooted in our ability to think about the future and exercise self-control, allowing us to make sacrifices for the benefit of others.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 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.

Penn research helps uncover mechanism behind solid-solid phase transitions

Researchers from Penn and HKUST discovered a surprising mechanism facilitating one of the two main routes for solid-solid transitions. The process involves the parent phase producing liquid droplets, which then evolve into the daughter phase, revealing new insight into material development and natural processes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 18, 2014

Spouse's personality influences career success, study finds

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis found that a spouse's personality, particularly conscientiousness, plays a significant role in determining career success. Workers with high-conscientious spouses tend to score higher on measures of occupational success.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 18, 2014

Flu vaccine for expectant moms a top priority

A flu shot is crucial for pregnant women to prevent serious illness and protect their babies from influenza. Vaccinated moms also have a lower risk of flu-related hospitalizations for chronic asthma, heart conditions, diabetes, and other health issues.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateSep 18, 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.

A new quality control pathway in the cell

A new quality control system has been identified in the cell's inner nuclear membrane, degrading misfolded proteins and preventing toxic accumulation. This discovery sheds light on cellular mechanisms for maintaining protein homeostasis.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2014

Tropical fish a threat to Mediterranean Sea ecosystems

Two tropical rabbitfish species are destroying algal forests in eastern Mediterranean, reducing large seaweeds and algae by 65% and 60%. Climate change is enabling their expansion, posing a threat to entire Mediterranean basin.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateSep 18, 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.

Decision-support program helps keep seniors out of the emergency room

A study published in Population Health Management found that an Emergency Room Decision-Support (ERDS) program can significantly reduce ER visits and hospital admissions among older adults on Medicare. By improving care coordination, the program saved $1.24 in healthcare costs for every dollar invested.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateSep 18, 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.

Want to link genes to complex traits? Start with more diversity

Researchers are using multiparental populations to map complex trait genes in organisms such as mice, fruit flies, and maize. This approach enables the identification of specific gene regions associated with traits like nicotine resistance and toxicity of chemotherapy drugs.

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateSep 18, 2014

Dogs can be pessimists too

Research from the University of Sydney measures positive and negative emotional states in dogs objectively, revealing that while most dogs are optimistic, some display pessimistic tendencies. Pessimistic dogs tend to be more stressed by failures and less willing to take risks.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 18, 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.

Melanoma risk found to have genetic determinant

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has established a link between longer telomeres and increased melanoma risk. The research team identified seven genetic variations associated with telomere length and found that those with the longest telomeres are at a 30% increased risk of developing melanoma.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 18, 2014