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Science News for September 2, 2014


UT Dallas researchers win nearly $1 million in defense grants for equipment

Researchers at UT Dallas have won nearly $1 million in defense grants to develop high-frequency integrated circuit design equipment. The instrumentation, including a hybrid load pull system and a millimeter wave antenna measurement system, will be available for use by TxACE members and outside industrial users.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateSep 2, 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.

New synthesis method may shape future of nanostructures, clean energy

A new synthesis method enables the creation of nanostructures that efficiently split water into hydrogen fuel using sunlight. The approach allows for the design and construction of higher-order nanostructures with specific symmetries or shapes, enabling potential applications in quantum computing, sensors, and clean energy.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2014

Surprising new role for calcium in sensing pain

Researchers at Duke University have made a surprising discovery about the role of calcium in pain sensation using Caenorhabditis elegans worms. Calcium flow through pain-sensing channels helps worms adapt to repeated painful stimuli by desensitizing them, suggesting a potential survival advantage.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Discharged patients return to the ER because 'better safe than sorry'

According to a study by American College of Emergency Physicians, discharged patients often return to the emergency department because they're anxious about their symptoms. The main reasons cited are fear or uncertainty about their medical condition, distrust in the healthcare system, and difficulties accessing care due to lack of insu...

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateSep 2, 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.

Cool calculations for cold atoms

Researchers at Joint Quantum Institute develop universal theory for Efimov states, enabling prediction of chemical processes involving three or more atoms. The new theory successfully incorporates short-distance regime and van der Waals force, predicting a series of Efimov states with varying binding energies.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 2, 2014

NYC teens and young adults who abuse prescription at high risk for overdose

A NYU study found that young adult non-medical prescription opioid users are at high risk for overdose due to their lack of knowledge about overdose awareness, avoidance, and response strategies. The study highlights the need for education about naloxone and overdose prevention services for this population.

SourceNew York University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateSep 2, 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.

NSF renews grant for biological physics research at Rice

The Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at Rice University has received a five-year, $11.75 million grant from the NSF to support its work on applying physical science to new aspects of the natural world. Researchers will develop concepts, models and methods that quantitatively describe processes in living systems.

SourceRice University·DateSep 2, 2014

Childhood trauma could lead to adult obesity

A meta-analysis of 112,000 participants found that childhood trauma significantly increases the risk of obesity in adulthood. The study revealed a 34% higher risk among adults who experienced abuse as children, with physical and emotional abuse leading to increased risks of 28% and 36% respectively.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalObesity Reviews·DateSep 2, 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.

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine: Household air pollution puts more than 1 in 3 people worldwide at risk of ill health and early death

A third of the world's population uses plant-based solid fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting, resulting in high levels of household air pollution. The Commission concludes that an estimated 600-800 million families worldwide are at increased risk of illnesses such as respiratory tract infections and lung cancer.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateSep 2, 2014

A handsome face could mean lower semen quality

A recent study found that males with more masculine faces tend to have lower semen quality due to increased testosterone levels impairing sperm production. Males often overestimate the attractiveness of other men to females.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateSep 2, 2014

In pro baseball pitchers, weak core linked to more missed days

A study of 347 professional baseball pitchers found that those with weak core stability were more likely to miss 30 or more days in a season due to injury. Pitchers with better lumbopelvic control showed less tilt and missed fewer days, suggesting improved performance and reduced risk of injury.

SourceOhio State University·DateSep 2, 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.

How well does bariatric surgery work?

Bariatric surgery has been shown to prolong life and prompt reductions in weight and associated conditions like diabetes and heart attacks. However, the long-term effectiveness of different procedures is unclear, and more research is needed to standardize reporting and design trials.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalJAMA·DateSep 2, 2014

Changing microbial dynamics in the wake of the Macondo blowout

A study on the Gulf of Mexico microbial communities revealed significant changes in population sizes and community structures after the 2010 Macondo blowout. Oil-degrading microbes were found to persist even after the dissipation of the initial plume, while large flocs of marine "snow" formed rapidly and settled near the wellhead.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateSep 2, 2014

University of Houston researcher looks at the future of higher education

The University of Houston researchers focused on what students need to succeed in the future, identifying three key themes: a shift in power balance towards students, blurred lines between aspects of student life, and the impact of information and communication technologies. They also highlighted eight major needs for the future, inclu...

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateSep 2, 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.

ASHG and NHGRI award first genetics and education fellowship

The ASHG/NHGRI Genetics and Education Fellowship aims to help early-career geneticists expand their skills and network for a career in genetics education. Ms. Tuck's diverse experience will be leveraged to address challenges in genetics education.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateSep 2, 2014

Clean air halves health costs in Chinese city

Air pollution regulations in Taiyuan, China have reduced the cost of loss of life and disability by over 50% since 2001, resulting in 2,810 fewer premature deaths. The study also found significant reductions in hospital admissions, outpatient visits, and cases of bronchitis.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironment International·DateSep 2, 2014

Rediscovering our mundane moments brings us unexpected pleasure

New research reveals that capturing ordinary experiences can lead to pleasurable rediscoveries in the future. Studies show that people underestimate the value of everyday events, leading to missed opportunities for enjoyment. By documenting mundane moments, individuals can give their future selves the joy of rediscovery.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 2, 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.

NYU study compares consequences of teen alcohol and marijuana use

A new NYU study found that teen alcohol consumption is linked to unsafe driving and compromised relationships with peers, while marijuana consumption compromises relationships with authority figures. Marijuana use also leads to lower school or job performance and increased regret.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateSep 2, 2014

Melatonin does not reduce delirium in elderly patients having acute hip surgery

A randomized controlled trial found that melatonin supplementation had no effect on reducing delirium in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. The study suggests that melatonin may not be effective in preventing postoperative delirium, and further research is needed to compare its effects with antipsychotics.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 2, 2014

Over-the-counter pain reliever may restore immune function in old age

Researchers found that macrophages from the lungs of old mice had different responses to infections than those of young mice, but these changes were reversed by ibuprofen. The study suggests that reducing inflammation with diet, exercise, and/or drugs may help prevent or reduce diseases in the elderly.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateSep 2, 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.

Coffee increases prediabetes risk in susceptible young adults

The HARVEST study found that coffee drinking increased the risk of prediabetes in patients with hypertension, particularly those who were slow caffeine metabolisers and overweight or obese. Moderate coffee consumption also heightened this risk, whereas heavy coffee drinkers only saw an increased risk if they were slow metabolizers.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 2, 2014

New method for non-invasive prostate cancer screening

Researchers in Guangdong, China have developed a new non-invasive method to screen for prostate cancer using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy combined with support vector machine (SVM) analysis. The technique achieved an accuracy of 98.1 percent in identifying cases of cancer.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 2, 2014

Mechanical heart valves increase pregnancy risk

Women with mechanical heart valves are at high risk of thrombotic complications, haemorrhagic events, and late foetal loss during pregnancy. The study found that 1.4% of pregnant women with a mechanical valve died, while nearly 20% lost their baby.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 2, 2014

Enzyme controlling metastasis of breast cancer identified

Scientists at UC San Diego have identified the UBC13 enzyme as a key regulator of breast cancer metastasis, allowing them to potentially block the spread of the disease. The study found that inhibiting this enzyme may prevent metastasis in breast cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 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.

Men who exercise less likely to wake up to urinate

Research led by Kate Wolin found that physically active men were 13% less likely to report nocturia and 34% less likely to experience severe nocturia compared to inactive men. The study suggests that physical activity may provide a strategy for managing BPH-related outcomes, including nocturia.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateSep 2, 2014

SNMMI 2014-2016 Wagner-Torizuka Fellowship recipients announced

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has announced the 2014-2016 Wagner-Torizuka Fellowship recipients, which provide two-year fellowships to support Japanese physicians in early stages of their careers. The fellows focus on functional imaging using modalities such as PET/CT and SPECT/CT to elucidate pathophysiology of...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateSep 2, 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.

Mechanical ventilation a key indicator for pre-term children's math problems

A recent study published in Early Human Development found that pre-term children's mathematical abilities are significantly impacted by the duration of their hospital stay and the use of mechanical ventilation. The research suggests that these factors can be key indicators of future math problems for preterm children.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalEarly Human Development·DateSep 2, 2014

WSU 'deadly force' lab finds racial disparities in shootings

A recent WSU study found that participants were more likely to feel threatened by black people and take longer to shoot them than white or Hispanic suspects. The findings contradict public perception and previous studies, which suggest police are more willing to shoot black suspects.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Criminology·DateSep 2, 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.

Residency training predicts physicians' ability to practice conservatively

A new study found that residency training in locations with less intensive practice patterns is associated with better clinical decision-making. Physicians trained in these environments consistently scored higher on a management exam subscale, indicating their ability to make conservative decisions without sacrificing patient outcomes.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 2, 2014

Salamander skin peptide promotes quick and effective wound healing in mice

A study published in The FASEB Journal identifies a salamander skin peptide called tylotoin that promotes wound healing by enhancing keratinocyte proliferation and releasing essential growth factors. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for human wounds.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 2, 2014

New name for symptoms associated with menopause

Experts agree on a new term, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), to describe the complex symptoms associated with declining estrogen levels. GSM encompasses genital dryness, sexual discomfort, and urinary issues, providing a more accurate and publicly acceptable definition.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateSep 2, 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.

Sensory reinnervation of muscle spindles after TN defect repaired by autologous vein graft

Researchers used autologous vein grafts to bridge 10-mm segments of tibial nerves in rat gastrocnemius muscles, finding no significant differences in muscle spindle reinnervation between experimental groups. This suggests that autologous vein grafts provide comparable sensory reinnervation results as immediate end-to-end anastomosis.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateSep 2, 2014

More than one-third of booked operations are re-booked

A study by the University of Gothenburg found that 39% of planned operations for joint replacement, arthroscopy, or foot and ankle surgery were cancelled or rebooked. Common reasons include patient cancellations (33%), emergency cases prioritized (9%), and incomplete pre-operative preparation (12%).

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPatient Safety in Surgery·DateSep 2, 2014

INFORMS study on Iron Dome asks: What was its impact?

A new INFORMS study analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of Israel's Iron Dome system, which saved lives during recent conflicts. The study found that Iron Dome may have prevented around 1778 Israeli casualties in 2012 and 525 in 2014, but its effectiveness is disputed due to imperfect rocket categorization.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOperations Research·DateSep 2, 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.

Grooving crystal surfaces repel water

Scientists at Kyoto University create porous coordination polymers (PCPs) with exterior surface grooves to repel water, allowing for stable gas storage and separation. The new materials demonstrate selectivity in isolating organic molecules from mixtures, overcoming a major drawback of traditional PCPs.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 2, 2014

The key to drilling wells with staying power in the developing world

A new study by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill found that when local communities collect fees for repairs and train members to fix wells, they can remain functional for decades. The World Vision model has been implemented in Ghana and resulted in nearly 80% of wells remaining operational after over two decades.

SourceWorld Vision·DateSep 2, 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.

Are human breast milk microbiomes 'neutral'?

Recent research reveals that breast milk microbiomes are maintained by niche differentiation and dominant species, contradicting the traditional neutral theory. This finding has significant clinical implications for understanding mastitis and other diseases associated with breast milk.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateSep 2, 2014

War between bacteria and phages benefits humans

Researchers found that phages can force cholera bacteria to give up their virulence in order to survive, making them less fit to cause infection. This discovery suggests a new strategy for treating or preventing cholera using phage therapy.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·DateSep 2, 2014

Microphysiological systems will revolutionize experimental biology and medicine

The Microphysiological Systems Program is developing human-on-a-chip models to study cell-cell, drug-cell, and organ-drug interactions. These models have the potential to revolutionize experimental biology and medicine by increasing efficiency and human relevance in pharmaceutical development and testing.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateSep 2, 2014

Researchers examine effectiveness of blocking nerve to help with weight loss

A study examining the effectiveness of blocking the vagus nerve for weight loss found that participants who received the treatment lost more weight than those in a control group, but failed to meet primary efficacy objectives. The intervention was also associated with fewer serious adverse events compared to traditional bariatric surgery.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 2, 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.

'Prepped' by tumor cells, lymphatic cells encourage breast cancer cells to spread

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discover that tumor cells can spread through lymphatic vessels by releasing signaling molecules, which attract and facilitate the growth of new blood vessels. The HIV drug maraviroc blocks these signals, preventing breast cancer metastasis when combined with a VEGF-blocking drug.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2014

Throwing a loop to silence gene expression

A team of researchers has developed a mathematical model for epigenetic silencing, which reveals how DNA sequences are silenced in cancer cells. The model explains how histone and DNA methylation work together to regulate gene expression, and could lead to new strategies for preventing cancer development.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateSep 2, 2014

Future solar panels

The research team has found that larger surface areas of cells lead to reduced performance, but can be overcome by building modules with smaller cells connected in series or parallel. They have also developed a new automatic structuring technique to connect cells without damaging the substrate.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells·DateSep 2, 2014

Research in rodents suggests potential for 'in body' muscle regeneration

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have successfully mobilized stem cells to form muscle tissue within a biomaterial scaffold. The study, published in Acta Biomaterialia, demonstrates the potential for harnessing the body's natural healing powers to regenerate damaged muscle tissue.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateSep 2, 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.

Any diet works, if you stick to it

A recent study published in JAMA found that branded diets, such as Atkins and Weight Watchers, are effective for weight loss when adhered to. Behavioural support and exercise also play a significant role in enhancing weight loss outcomes.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJAMA·DateSep 2, 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.

Many nurses unprepared to meet dying patients

A study of over 200 nursing students found that many feel unprepared to care for dying patients, with anxiety and fear being major concerns. The students' idealized concept of a competent nurse differs from the actual situation, emphasizing the need for education and support to address these issues.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Palliative Nursing·DateSep 2, 2014

ASHG and NHGRI award genetics and public policy fellowship

The American Society of Human Genetics and National Human Genome Research Institute have awarded a genetics and public policy fellowship to Katherine D. Blizinsky, PhD. The 16-month appointment aims to develop and implement genetics-related health and research policy at a national level.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateSep 2, 2014

LA BioMed researcher to be honored

Dr. Richard Casaburi will receive the Distinguished Scientist Honor Lecturer award from CHEST, recognizing his pioneering work in developing rehabilitative treatments for COPD. He leads LA BioMed's pulmonary rehabilitation research and has received numerous awards for his contributions.

SourceLA BioMed·DateSep 2, 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.

Global snapshot of infectious canine cancer shows how to control the disease

A global snapshot of infectious canine cancer shows that strong dog control policies and sterilization programs can help curb its spread. Researchers found that countries with strict dog quarantine policies had lower rates of the disease, which is spread by living cancer cells between dogs during sex.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Veterinary Research·DateSep 2, 2014

Biochemists find new treatment options for staph infections, inflammatory diseases

Researchers at Kansas State University have discovered a family of proteins in Staphylococcus aureus that prevent neutrophils from functioning, leading to potential new treatments for staph infections and inflammatory diseases such as emphysema. The study sheds light on how the bacteria evade the immune system.

SourceKansas State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2014

Seatbelt laws encourage obese drivers to buckle up

A new study found that primary seatbelt laws increase seatbelt usage, mitigating the drop in seatbelt use associated with increasing obesity rates. Seatbelt laws can help prevent automobile fatalities by reducing the risk of injury or death in car accidents.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPublic Health·DateSep 2, 2014

Risk of diabetes in children and adolescents exposed to antipsychotics

A nationwide Danish register study found that psychiatrically ill youth exposed to antipsychotic medications had a significantly higher risk of developing type II diabetes compared to those not exposed. Regular cardiometabolic monitoring should be integral part of antipsychotic prescribing in children and adolescents.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 2, 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.

Increase seen in use of double mastectomy

A study found a substantial increase in double mastectomy use among California women with early-stage breast cancer between 1998 and 2011. Despite the procedure's lack of association with lower mortality rates compared to breast-conserving surgery plus radiation, its higher risk of death was noted.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 2, 2014

Time to take notice and tackle heart failure

Heart failure affects millions worldwide, yet awareness is low among politicians, healthcare professionals, and the public. Many cases are preventable and treatable, improving quality of life and survival.

SourceWiley·JournalESC Heart Failure·DateSep 2, 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.

Underwater grass comeback bodes well for Chesapeake Bay

A new study reveals that modest reductions in nutrient pollution led to long-term improvements in water clarity, allowing underwater grasses to thrive. The plants' rapid growth was fueled by positive feedback loops, where they improved their own growing conditions and resisted disturbances.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateSep 2, 2014

Study links sex hormone levels in the blood to risk of sudden cardiac arrest

A new study found lower testosterone levels in men with sudden cardiac arrest and higher estradiol levels in both men and women were associated with increased risk. The research suggests that hormone levels may play a role in predicting patients' likelihood of suffering from the usually fatal condition.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalHeart Rhythm·DateSep 2, 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.

Migrating birds sprint in spring, but take things easy in autumn

Researchers found that short-distance migratory birds increase their flight speed in spring to reach breeding grounds first and secure resources. In contrast, long-distance migrants take a more leisurely pace in autumn as they are not under the same time pressure.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateSep 2, 2014

Humiliation tops list of mistreatment toward med students

A recent study found that up to 20% of medical students reported mistreatment, including public humiliation, during their clinical education. Only 31% of those who experienced mistreatment reported it to administrators.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateSep 2, 2014

Exceptionally well preserved insect fossils from the Rhône Valley

Researchers have found exceptionally well-preserved fossil insects in the French equivalent of the Tithonian Konservat-Lagerstätte, comprising a new species representing the oldest known water treader. The fossils provide crucial insights into the evolution of terrestrial environments during the Upper Jurassic period.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 2, 2014

Brain circuit differences reflect divisions in social status

A new Oxford University study reveals differences between individual primate brains linked to their social status, with larger brain regions associated with dominance and subordination. The research also found that brain activity patterns vary with position in the social hierarchy.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 2, 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.

Extinctions during human era worse than thought

A new study estimates the pre-human extinction rate to be 0.1 extinctions per million species per year, 10 times lower than previously thought. This means the current rate is 100 times worse, with extinctions occurring 1,000 times more frequently than in the past.

SourceBrown University·JournalConservation Biology·DateSep 2, 2014

New discovery could help turn antibiotic into antimalarial drug

Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to the development of new antimalarial drugs by repurposing an existing antibiotic called emetine. The study revealed how emetine blocks the molecular machinery required for malaria parasite survival, offering a promising approach to com...

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateSep 2, 2014

Nano-forests to reveal secrets of cells

A team of scientists from Lund University has successfully created artificial cell membranes on vertical nanowires, mimicking the curved shape of natural membranes. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into membrane dynamics and target protein interactions in pharmaceutical research.

SourceLund University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 2, 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.

Puerarin accelerates neural regeneration after sciatic nerve injury

Researchers found that puerarin, a natural compound, activates growth-associated protein 43 in the spinal cord after sciatic nerve injury, contributing to neural regeneration. The study published in Neural Regeneration Research suggests a potential therapeutic role for puerarin in peripheral nerve injuries.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateSep 2, 2014

Discovery hints at why stress is more devastating for some

Researchers at Rockefeller University identified the molecular mechanisms of the stress gap in mice with similar genetic backgrounds. The findings suggest potential new markers for stress-related disorders and a promising route to developing new treatments.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 2, 2014

Plant life forms in the fossil record: When did the first canopy flowers appear?

Researchers used leaf vein density to study stratified forests with canopy-dominant flowering plants. They found that venation density is higher in leaves from the forest canopy and decreases towards lower levels. This pattern suggests that flowering plants emerged in the upper forest canopy by the Paleocene, around 58 million years ago.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateSep 2, 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.

Can data motivate hospital leaders to improve care transitions?

A new study demonstrates the power of data in improving care transitions by increasing clinical information sharing, hospital clinician contact information exchange, and notification of hospitalization rates. As a result, Rhode Island's overall readmission rate decreased significantly.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Hospital Administration·DateSep 2, 2014

Single laser stops molecular tumbling motion instantly

Researchers cooled singly charged aluminum monohydride molecules from room temperature to 4 degrees Kelvin in a fraction of a second, stopping their rotation. This breakthrough technique could lead to new applications in ultracold quantum-controlled chemistry and fundamental constants testing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2014

Burnt out birds suggest hard work could be bad for your health

A recent study on a cooperative bird species found that dominant birds, who work harder and take on more responsibilities, experience weakened antioxidant protection after a breeding season. This suggests that unequal sharing of workloads in societies may leave the hardest-working individuals at risk of poor health and accelerated ageing.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateSep 2, 2014

Researchers find Asian camel crickets now common in US homes

A study from North Carolina State University found that non-native Asian camel cricket species have spread into homes across the eastern United States. The greenhouse camel cricket was found to be the most common species reported by respondents, with a significant presence in yards east of the Mississippi River.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 2, 2014

Modern population boom traced to pre-industrial roots

A new framework by Aaron Stutz reveals that the human population explosion was rooted in ancient political and economic organization, with a tipping point around 1,500 years ago. This insight offers a fresh perspective on modern-day population dynamics and potential consequences for society.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 2, 2014

The Lancet: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2014 media alert

Researchers compared ultrathin strut sirolimus-eluting stents to thin strut everolimus-eluting stents, finding similar target lesion failure risks. A meta-analysis of β blocker therapy in heart failure with atrial fibrillation found no significant benefit over rate-control medications.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 2, 2014