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Science News for April 14, 2015


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.

Quantization of 'surface Dirac states' could lead to exotic applications

Researchers at RIKEN have successfully demonstrated the integer quantum Hall effect in a new type of film, known as a 3D topological insulator. By quantizing surface Dirac states, they overcame limitations that had hindered previous efforts to harness these materials for low-power consumption electronics.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 14, 2015

Seeing the unseen: PET/CT scans reveal worms' hidden life

Researchers used PET/CT scans to study the behavior of lugworms in sediment, revealing how they burrow and interact with their surroundings. This technique provides insights into the ecological models of benthic animals, highlighting the importance of understanding their activities for maintaining ocean health.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 14, 2015

High fidelity: SLU researcher finds keys to genome integrity

Alessandro Vindigni's research reveals four-way junctions as a critical mechanism for resolving DNA lesions, enabling cells to resume replication and maintain genetic stability. New enzymes, including DNA2, play a key role in this process.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateApr 14, 2015

Detecting cryptosporidium in China

Researchers developed a lab-on-a-chip device that can diagnose Cryptosporidium infections in as little as 10 minutes, offering potential improvements in treatment outcomes for rural areas in China. The device is easy to use and has diagnostic capabilities comparable to current standards, with the potential to reduce costs and timeframe.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateApr 14, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New potential cause for Alzheimer's: Arginine deprivation

A new Duke University study in mice found that immune cells consuming an important amino acid called arginine may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Blocking this process with a small-molecule drug prevented characteristic brain plaques and memory loss in mouse models, suggesting a potential new treatment strategy.

SourceDuke University·DateApr 14, 2015

Researchers discover an inactive tumor suppressor gene in lung cancer

A study by Genes and Cancer group at Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute found that the inactivation of PARD3 gene promotes tumor cell invasion and metastasis in lung cancer. Restoring PARD3 levels significantly reduced the risk of metastasis in animal models.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 14, 2015

Selecting the right tool for the job

In a deadly, rapidly spreading infectious disease like Ebola, traditional randomized clinical trials may be inadequate. Alternative trial designs can provide useful information and are morally justifiable, says a new article in the American Journal of Bioethics.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Bioethics·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Harvesting energy from electromagnetic waves

A team of researchers from the University of Waterloo has developed a novel design for electromagnetic energy harvesting based on the full absorption concept, which enables the collection of essentially all electromagnetic energy that falls onto a surface. This technology has vast applications in space solar power and wireless power tr...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 14, 2015

The microscopic topography of ink on paper

A team of Finnish scientists has created a nano-scale map of toner ink thickness on paper, revealing that wood fibers receive relatively thin coatings and roughness dictates ink thickness rather than chemical variations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 14, 2015

Study shows novel pattern of electrical charge movement through DNA

Researchers at Arizona State University have identified a new mechanism of charge transport through DNA, differing from previously recognized patterns. The discovery has important implications for the design of functional DNA-based electronic devices and understanding health risks associated with oxidative damage to DNA.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 14, 2015

Research details 40 million-year-old family tree of baleen whales

Researchers have created a comprehensive family tree of living and extinct baleen whales stretching back nearly 40 million years. The study estimates that there were over 70 species, with many lineages branching out into unique body shapes and feeding strategies before extinction occurred between 30-23 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 14, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Queen's researchers in £5 million program to improve bowel cancer survival

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have launched a revolutionary personalized treatment program to improve bowel cancer survival rates. The S-CORT Consortium will employ state-of-the-art techniques to define the genetic make-up of bowel cancer cells, collected from over 2,000 patients, and develop personalized care plans.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·DateApr 14, 2015

New CU-Boulder technique could slash energy used to produce many plastics

A new material developed at CU-Boulder can separate ethylene from ethane more efficiently, reducing energy consumption. This could save up to 46 million megawatt-hours of electricity per year in the US, equivalent to seven average-sized nuclear power plants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Protecting nature on the fly

Scientists have developed a new method to monitor Europe's nature protection areas by analyzing reflected light signals from laser pulses. The technique allows for the identification of different types of vegetation, including weeds and vehicle tracks, and provides detailed 3D maps of the landscape.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalRemote Sensing·DateApr 14, 2015

Opioid relapse rates fall after jail release, according to pilot study

A pilot study published in Addiction journal found that extended-release naltrexone significantly reduced opioid relapse rates among mostly heroin-dependent men released from New York City jails. After one month, 88% of participants in the control group relapsed, compared to 38% in the treatment group.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAddiction·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Study: Civic engagement may stave off brain atrophy, improve memory

A new study found that participating in civic activities with others can reverse the normal brain shrinkage associated with aging. Seniors who engaged in meaningful social activities showed significant increases in brain volume and improved memory function over two years.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Bone-eating worms dined on marine reptile carcasses

Scientists discovered that a species of bone-eating worm, Osedax, originated at least 100 million years ago and subsisted on prehistoric reptile bones. The discovery suggests that Osedax may have prevented many skeletons from becoming fossilized, affecting our knowledge of extinct marine life.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 14, 2015

Benefits of heroin treatment for drug users

Research suggests heroin assisted treatment can improve outcomes, reduce harm, and lower societal costs for a subgroup of patients who do not benefit from conventional treatments. This approach could provide savings that could be redirected to addiction prevention programs.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 14, 2015

Stronger muscles make for healthier bone development

A new study published in the journal Bone found a strong link between lean muscle mass and healthy bone development in children aged six and seven. The research, led by Dr Rebecca Moon, suggests that higher muscle mass is associated with larger, denser bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBone·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Syngenta wins 2015 INFORMS Edelman Prize, leading award in analytics, O.R.

Syngenta's use of advanced analytics and operations research led to improved crop production, reducing the time and cost required to develop crops with high productivity. The company's innovative tools have resulted in over $287 million in cost savings and a high probability of delivering a portfolio value exceeding $1.5 billion.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateApr 14, 2015

Blood disorder study illustrates the challenges to parsing genetic data

Researchers analyzed genomic data from 16,000 individuals to understand the impact of mutations in two genes associated with a blood disorder. They found that about 1.3% carry a mutation in at least one gene, and algorithms predicted varying levels of harm from these mutations.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2015

Violent video games not linked to aggression in adults with autism

A study from the University of Missouri found that violent video games do not affect adults with autism spectrum disorder differently than typically developing adults. Over 100 participants, half with autism and half without, showed similar aggression levels after playing violent or nonviolent games for 15 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Neanderthals manipulated the bodies of adults and children shortly after death

Scientists have discovered that Neanderthals from the French region of Poitou-Charentes performed perimortem corporal manipulations on adults and children, including cutting, beating, and fracturing bones. The bone fragments analyzed show clear signs of these manipulations, which may be related to rituals or cannibalism.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateApr 14, 2015

New mesoamerican pine beetle described by SRS scientist and collaborators

A new species of tree-killing bark beetle has been described in a paper published online in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America. The mesoamerican pine beetle was found to work in concert with the southern pine beetle, causing catastrophic damage to pines in Central America.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateApr 14, 2015

Interactivity tools can boost persuasiveness of websites

Researchers found that interactive tools can boost persuasiveness of websites, particularly modality interactivity, which absorbs users and limits thoughts, while message interactivity increases thoughts and promotes positive attitudes towards the message.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Communication·DateApr 14, 2015

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine: Sleep apnea media alert

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine publishes two Reviews on obstructive sleep apnea, discussing its effects on brain health and cognitive performance. The articles also explore the potential for personalized treatment approaches and emerging diagnostics in managing OSA.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Injury prevention programs not widely used in high schools, study shows

A new study from Oregon State University found that injury prevention programs are not widely used in high school soccer and basketball teams, despite their benefits. Only 21% of coaches were using a program, and most reported using similar activities but not an official program.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateApr 14, 2015

Six questions about HIV/AIDS that deserve more attention

Researchers have been focusing on long-term solutions, but Levy argues that new approaches are needed to prevent infection and disease. He highlights six questions that deserve more attention, including the role of innate immune response, CD8+ T cells, and strategies for an HIV vaccine and cure.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Molecular Medicine·DateApr 14, 2015

Alcohol may elevate the expression of two enzymes called CYP2E1 and CYP2U1

Researchers found that chronic drinking is associated with higher CYP2E1 and CYP2U1 protein expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and amygdala (AMG), particularly in the AMG. This could lead to interactions between metabolism of drugs and endogenous substrates, altering drug response and brain physiology.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

New source of methane discovered in the Arctic Ocean

Scientists at UiT The Arctic University of Norway have discovered a new source of methane in the Arctic Ocean, abiotic methane formed by chemical reactions in the oceanic crust. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the origin of methane and suggests vast systems of methane hydrate throughout the Arctic.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalGeology·DateApr 14, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

INFORMS awards 2015 UPS George D. Smith Prize to UBC Sauder School

The Centre for Operations Excellence at UBC Sauder School wins the prestigious UPS George D. Smith Prize for its effective and innovative preparation of students in operations research practice. The prize aims to emphasize the importance of operations research practice and encourage programs worldwide to focus on preparing students.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateApr 14, 2015

Recruiting the entire immune system to attack cancer

Scientists at MIT created a new cancer therapy that activates both the innate and adaptive immune systems to attack tumors. The treatment combines an antibody drug with IL-2, which boosts immune responses, resulting in complete tumor disappearance in 80-90% of mice.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 14, 2015

Parents' country of origin influences risk of stillbirth

A new study found that parents' country of origin influences the risk of stillbirth in Canada, with higher risks seen for couples from Nigeria, Portugal, Jamaica, and Guyana. Genetic factors may contribute to this increased risk, although environmental factors also play a role.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada·DateApr 14, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Bury nuclear waste down a very deep hole, say UK scientists

Researchers at the University of Sheffield suggest that deep borehole disposal could dispose of all UK's high-level nuclear waste in just six boreholes, 5km deep. The concept has several advantages over current solutions, including reduced construction costs, easier site selection, and lower environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateApr 14, 2015

How best to test Ebola treatment

A study published in PLOS Medicine proposes a multi-stage approach to testing Ebola treatments, which may be quicker than traditional randomized trials while still providing robust results. This alternative design could potentially triage treatments faster and recommend them without further RCTs under certain circumstances.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 14, 2015

Experimental drug that may repair nerve damage in MS moves forward

A Phase 2 study found that the experimental antibody anti-LINGO-1 significantly improved conduction in people with acute optic neuritis, a common precursor to multiple sclerosis. The treatment also led to improved recovery of myelin, a fatty substance surrounding nerves damaged in MS.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Making carboxyl(ate) friends

Researchers Luigi D'Ascenzo and Pascal Auffinger classify 17 carboxyl(ate) motifs in crystal structures using stereochemical considerations. They provide a systematic naming system and implications for crystal engineering, pharmaceutical research, and biomolecular sciences.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section B·DateApr 14, 2015

New 'cool roof time machine' will accelerate cool roof deployment

A new method to simulate soiling and weathering processes has been approved by ASTM International, reducing product rating time from three years to just three days. This allows for the introduction of high-performance cool roofs worldwide.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells·DateApr 14, 2015

Typhoon Haiyan's storm surge may contaminate aquifer for years

Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin found that Typhoon Haiyan's storm surge contaminated two aquifers on the island of Samar, with one taking up to 10 years to recover. The study highlights the need for strategies to mitigate groundwater contamination in coastal areas affected by climate change.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 14, 2015

Rare, deadly lymphoma demystified

Researchers identify JAK/STAT3 cell signaling pathway as driver of ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a particularly aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Compounds targeting this pathway show promise in inhibiting disease progression, offering new hope for effective treatments.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 14, 2015

Taking aircraft manufacturing out of the oven

Aerospace engineers at MIT have developed a carbon nanotube film that can heat and solidify composites without massive ovens, using only 1% of the energy. The technique has been tested on common carbon-fiber materials and found to produce composites with similar properties as traditionally manufactured materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Infectious ants become antisocial

Researchers found that infected ants clean themselves more frequently but restrict allogrooming with healthy group members. This self-restriction helps contain the pathogen's spread in the ant colony, benefiting all social animals under epidemic threat.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Altimeter assists in MESSENGER's low-altitude navigation

The MESSENGER spacecraft is using its altimeter instrument to help with navigation during close approaches to Mercury's surface. The team is using the altimeter's precise measurements of distance from the spacecraft to the surface to assess the accuracy of their orbit predictions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 14, 2015

New biomarker for uterine cancer discovered

Researchers have discovered a new biomarker, ASRGL1, that can identify women with uterine cancer at high risk of recurrence. The study found that patients with low levels of ASRGL1 had a higher risk of recurrence and died from the disease.

SourceUppsala University·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateApr 14, 2015

How Salmonella survives the macrophage's acid attack

Researchers discovered that Salmonella lowers its cytoplasmic pH in response to acidic environments, triggering the secretion of virulence proteins. This low-pH signal activates an intracellular cascade that induces the formation of a nanomachine used for injecting virulence proteins into host cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 14, 2015

Climate connections

A recent paper by University of South Carolina paleoceanographer Kelly Gibson shows that rapid climate change affected marine ecosystems in the Cariaco Basin, a body of water off Venezuela's coast. The study used nitrogen isotope ratios to estimate changes in primary productivity and carbon sequestration in the ocean.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalPaleoceanography·DateApr 14, 2015

Increase seen in data breaches of health information

A study found that data breaches of protected health information (PHI) reported by HIPAA-covered entities increased from 214 in 2010 to 265 in 2013, affecting 29.1 million records. Most breaches occurred via electronic media or theft.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Unearthing new antivirals

San Diego State University researchers have developed a platform to identify drugs that interrupt viral proliferation, using dengue virus as an example. A novel drug, Thiostrepton, was identified which may someday be used to combat the disease.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateApr 14, 2015

New design makes treadmill more like running outdoors

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new automated treadmill that uses sonar to change speeds automatically, mimicking the experience of running outdoors. The device provides an accurate measure of aerobic capacity and has been shown to improve VO2 max scores by 4-7% compared to standard treadmills.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateApr 14, 2015

Antimalarial tea -- from herbal remedy to licensed phytomedicine

A traditional herb-derived remedy has been combined with two plants to create an antimalarial tea, which has been licensed and sold as a treatment for malaria in West Africa. The medication, derived from Cochlospermum planchonii, Phyllanthus amarus, and Cassia alata, was traditionally used to alleviate malarial symptoms.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateApr 14, 2015

Graphene pushes the speed limit of light-to-electricity conversion

Researchers have developed a graphene-based photodetector capable of converting absorbed light into an electrical voltage in less than 50 femtoseconds. The device utilizes ultrafast pulse-shaped laser excitation and highly sensitive electrical readout to achieve this ultrafast conversion.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 14, 2015

Nanoparticles at specific temperature stimulate antitumor response

Dartmouth researchers have identified a specific temperature that stimulates an antitumor immune response, which resists metastatic disease. Using iron nanoparticles and alternating magnetic fields, they found that temperatures of 43 degrees centigrade trigger the systemic immune response.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

$5 million in USDA food-safety grants to target bacteria

Researchers at UC Davis are receiving $5 million in grants from the US Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The funding will be used to develop new technologies and methods to prevent cross-contamination in produce processing, identify genetic traits of lactic acid bacteria found on fruits and vegetab...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateApr 14, 2015

The life force of African rivers

Hippos' organic matter provides essential nutrients to river fish and aquatic insects, highlighting the ecological importance of hippos in river ecosystems. The study's findings are crucial for understanding the impact of climate change and human development on hippo populations and entire food webs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcosphere·DateApr 14, 2015

Facebook use can worsen as well as improve mental health conditions

Research by Dr Keelin Howard found that Facebook can provide social support and connection for recovery from mental health problems. However, excessive or problematic use can exacerbate symptoms of paranoia, anxiety, and depression. Participants developed strategies to protect their mental well-being on the platform.

SourceBritish Sociological Association·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Lorne Tyrrell wins Killam Prize

Lorne Tyrrell, a renowned virologist, has been awarded the 2015 Killam Prize for Health Sciences for his groundbreaking work on viral hepatitis. His research has led to the development of an effective treatment for hepatitis B and is being continued in efforts to create a vaccine for hepatitis C.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·DateApr 14, 2015

Are health apps beneficial for healthy people?

While some health apps have shown promise in improving weight loss and physical activity, others have yielded conflicting results. Iltifat Husain argues that doctors should recommend tested and validated apps to help people stay healthy. Des Spence cautions that many health apps are untested and may even cause anxiety and medical harm.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 14, 2015

The neural network necessary for 'normal face' recognition

Research reveals suppression of brain area responsible for object recognition by that for face recognition is necessary for 'normal' face recognition. Mathematical simulation shows neural networks between brain areas are essential for 'normal' face recognition, potentially shedding light on disorders like developmental prosopagnosia.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

New research sheds light on how popular probiotic benefits the gut

Research suggests that probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG modifies the activity of other gut bacteria, fostering a healthy immune system and promoting several species of beneficial microbes. The discovery could lead to more effective strategies for maintaining a balanced gut ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalmBio·DateApr 14, 2015

Study puts a price on help nature provides agriculture

A recent study found that organic farming systems provide greater economic value than conventional systems, with ecosystem services like pest control and nitrogen release generating higher profits. The research suggests that government incentives or market rewards can encourage the adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 14, 2015

First signs of self-interacting dark matter?

Researchers observed four colliding galaxies and found a lag between dark matter and its associated galaxy, suggesting that dark matter interacts with forces other than gravity. This discovery could be the first evidence for rich physics in the dark sector, helping scientists better understand dark matter's nature.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 14, 2015

X-ray study images structural damage in lithium-ion batteries

Researchers used X-ray fluorescence to visualize structural damage in lithium-ion batteries due to fast charging cycles, leading to reduced storage capacity. The study found that even a few charging cycles cause damage to the inner structure of the battery material.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Too few minority women breastfeed -- can ob/gyns change their minds?

A comprehensive literature review shows lower rates of breastfeeding initiation and continuation among minority women compared to White women. Ob/gyns can use data to support breastfeeding in clinical practices and public policy, helping to overcome cultural and social factors that affect minority women's decisions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·DateApr 14, 2015

Heart attack risk high in divorced women, even after remarrying

A new study from Duke University Medical Center reveals that divorced women are nearly twice as likely to have a heart attack compared to stably-married peers. The study also found that the cumulative effect of divorce can have a lasting imprint on people's health, with women facing worse outcomes than men after divorce.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateApr 14, 2015

LOCUST: Autonomous, swarming UAVs fly into the future

The LOCUST program demonstrates autonomous collaborative behavior in defensive or offensive missions using information-sharing between UAVs. The technology enables swarms of compact UAVs to take off from various platforms, providing a cost-effective and reduced-risk combat power multiplication.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateApr 14, 2015

3-D printing blossoms into powerful new tool for ecologists

Researchers used 3D printing to create artificial flowers, one curved and one flat, to investigate how flower shape affects foraging behavior in hawkmoths. The study found that hawkmoths fed more successfully from the curved flowers, suggesting they use touch rather than sight to find nectar.

SourceWiley·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Can YouTube and Instagram contribute to classroom learning?

Researchers from Concordia University investigate how an after-school program in Quebec uses social media to revolutionize learning for at-risk youth. Students engage with artist-educators on multimedia projects, developing professional skills and building self-expression through digital arts and new media.

SourceConcordia University·DateApr 14, 2015

Most comprehensive study to date reveals evolutionary history of citrus

A new study provides an accurate description of citrus evolution, tracing the genus back to a single common ancestor and identifying six genes driving genetic variation. The research also sheds light on the emergence of popular citrus species like mandarins and lemons.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Researchers use plant oils for novel bio-based plastics

Washington State University researchers have developed a new method to create polyurethane using plant oils, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional polyurethane. The new method allows for the creation of materials with varying flexibility and stiffness, making it suitable for a range of applications., Resea...

SourceWashington State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 14, 2015