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Science News for April 15, 2015


Are populations aging more slowly than we think?

Research finds that faster increases in life expectancy do not necessarily lead to faster population aging when using alternative measures of age. Instead, the study shows that faster increases in life expectancy can lead to slower population aging when taking into account the time left to live.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2015

Immunology: Macrophages as T-cell primers

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München demonstrate that macrophages can effectively substitute for dendritic cells as primers of T-cell-dependent immune responses. They stimulate a more comprehensive immune reaction than cross-presenting dendritic cells, activating T-cells specific for all antigen-binding sites.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

W. James Lewis receives 2015 Impact Award

W. James Lewis received the 2015 AMS Award for Impact on the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics, recognizing his career-long advocacy for integrating mathematics research and education. He established a national model for teaching at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, shaping math education across the country.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateApr 15, 2015

Unnecessary preoperative testing still done on cataract patients

Researchers found routine preoperative testing for cataract surgery is still done in 53% of patients, despite being unnecessary. Testing varies widely among ophthalmologists and seems to be driven more by provider behavior than patient characteristics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 15, 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.

How Twitter can help predict emergency room visits

Researchers created a model that predicts asthma-related emergency room visits with 75% accuracy by analyzing Twitter data and air quality sensors. The study highlights the potential of big data to address health challenges, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalIEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics·DateApr 15, 2015

New synthetic technology for medicines and fine chemicals

A University of Tokyo research group has successfully synthesized (R)- and (S)-rolipram in high yield with high selectivity using a catalyzed flow fine synthesis. This new technology eliminates excess energy, purification steps, and waste generation, offering a promising solution for the production of medicines and fine chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2015

Infants born prematurely: 2 studies identify routes to better outcomes

Researchers found that early, high-quality caregiving can reduce risks associated with preterm birth and improve cognitive and social development. A new intervention program also showed promise in promoting sensitive parent-child interactions and enhancing parents' enthusiasm for their children.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateApr 15, 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.

MIT sensor detects spoiled meat

A new sensor developed by MIT chemists uses carbon nanotubes to detect gases emitted by rotting meat, offering a cheaper and more accurate alternative to traditional methods. The sensor could reduce food waste by identifying safe consumption dates for perishable items.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 15, 2015

Should a political party form a coalition? Voters and math decide

A mathematical model proposes that parties form coalitions based on interactions with voters and constituents, analyzing the likelihood of coalition formation. The model accounts for eight different possibilities that can change over time.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateApr 15, 2015

Many teens try e-cigarettes, but few become regular users

A study of over 6,500 Welsh schoolchildren found that many try e-cigarettes but only a small percentage become regular users. The research suggests that e-cigarettes may have a wider appeal than tobacco among all sectors of the teen population.

SourceCardiff University·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 15, 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.

Father (and mother) knows best

A new study finds that healthcare providers' passive and reassuring responses to parental concerns about early development delays ASD diagnoses by up to 2 years. Early identification of ASD is crucial for improved long-term developmental outcomes.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 15, 2015

Many teens try e-cigs, but few become regular users

A recent study found that e-cigarette use is more common than traditional cigarette use among some teen groups, particularly those aged 11-16, who are also more likely to be smokers. The research suggests that e-cigarettes may have a wider appeal than previously thought, but regular use remains relatively rare.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 15, 2015

Disruption of sleep in children could hamper memory processes

A study found that sleep disordered breathing can negatively impact declarative memory, making it harder for children to consciously recall learned information. Non-declarative memory, which involves learning new skills through reaction times, was less affected by sleep disturbances.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateApr 15, 2015

Inside health-reform savings

The Pioneer Accountable Care Organization program achieved a 1.2% savings in its first year, with overall spending reductions totaling $118 million. Researchers found that higher-spending ACOs were able to achieve greater savings, suggesting a need for benchmarks that encourage participation from these organizations.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 15, 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.

Racial disparity in cancer mortality is narrowing, suggests new study

A new study finds that racial disparities in cancer outcomes are decreasing, with African Americans showing faster decreases in cancer mortality than Caucasians. The causes of these disparities include low education and income, as well as reduced access to quality healthcare.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateApr 15, 2015

Study will parse evolutionary shift between life in water and on land

A researcher at the University of Kansas will investigate how organisms transition from aquatic to terrestrial existence, analyzing South American water scavenger beetles. The study aims to understand the mechanics of evolution and how species respond to environmental instability tied to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·DateApr 15, 2015

Frog uses different strategies to escape ground, air predators

Túngara frogs exhibit different escape responses when attacked by ground versus aerial predators. They flee from snakes on the ground but move towards bats in the air, effectively undercutting their flight path. This study highlights the flexibility of prey strategies to evade predators with diverse attack modes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 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.

A beggars banquet -- life in a shared nest

Researchers found that crow chicks raised alongside a cuckoo chick begged less intensely than those in nests without any unrelated broods present. Despite this, the young crows ultimately grew bigger than the cuckoos. The study suggests that sharing the nest with a cuckoo may be advantageous for crow chicks.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateApr 15, 2015

Paternal sperm may hold clues to autism

A small study found distinct patterns of regulatory tags in DNA from fathers' sperm linked to children's early signs of autism. The presence or absence of these tags was statistically related to Autism Observation Scale for Infants scores, suggesting a potential contribution to the condition.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 15, 2015

'Pull my finger!' say scientists who solve knuckle-cracking riddle

Researchers observed a rapid gas-filled cavity forming within the synovial fluid, causing the distinctive popping sound when cracking knuckles. The findings may lead to new research into the therapeutic benefits and harm of joint cracking, shedding light on potential long-term effects.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2015

Mentally stepping back from problems helps youth deal with negative emotions

A new study of adolescents finds that youth who mentally step back from their thoughts can deal with negative emotions more effectively and become less upset by them. This self-distancing technique was found to be associated with less emotional distress and greater insights into the experience.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateApr 15, 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.

Wind bursts strongly affect El Niño severity

A new study finds that wind bursts in the western Pacific can significantly impact El Niño events and their severity. The research identifies three distinct varieties of El Niño and explains how westerly wind bursts determine which flavor will occur. This finding could help improve future predictions of these global-scale climate events.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 15, 2015

Scientists uncover how molecule protects brain cells in Parkinson's disease model

Researchers found that serum glucocorticoid kinase 1 (SGK1) protects brain cells by blocking pathways involved in neurodegeneration and alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction. Increasing SGK1 levels offers a potential therapeutic approach for Parkinson's disease, as naturally occurring levels are not sufficient to promote cell survival.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateApr 15, 2015

Children who understand others' perspectives found to be more popular among peers

A new meta-analysis found that preschoolers and school-age children who can identify what others want, think, and feel are more popular in school than their peers. The study also found a weaker link between theory of mind and popularity for boys, highlighting potential gender differences in social interactions.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateApr 15, 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.

A camera that powers itself!

A team led by Shree K. Nayar has created a fully self-powered video camera that can produce an image each second indefinitely. The camera uses a pixel that measures incident light and converts it into electric power, eliminating the need for a battery.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateApr 15, 2015

Discovery of new plant switch could boost crops, biofuel production

Researchers at Michigan State University discovered a new switch that regulates plant photosynthesis, allowing for improved efficiency and resilience to environmental stresses. This discovery may aid in developing plants with enhanced productivity and stability, addressing the increasing demand for food and fuel as climate changes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2015

Knuckle-cracking observed using MRI

Researchers used MRI to observe the effects of knuckle cracking on joint cavities, finding a rapid gas-filled cavity formation. The study's findings may pave the way for new research into the potential therapeutic benefits or harms of joint cracking.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 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.

Patents forecast technological change

Engineers at MIT have devised a formula for estimating how fast a technology is advancing, based on information gleaned from relevant patents. The researchers found that certain metrics across patents, such as forward citations and publication date, are more likely to predict a technology's improvement rate than others.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2015

Homeland chemical security

Research highlights the need for collaboration between the chemical industry and DHS to ensure US chemical facilities' safety and security. The team suggests that communities should develop preparedness plans in anticipation of possible chemical disasters.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Critical Infrastructures·DateApr 15, 2015

Study: Most partisans treat politics like sports rivalries, instead of focusing on issues

A study found that most partisans prioritize winning elections over policy or ideological goals, leading to increased partisan hostility and uncivil attitudes. The researchers analyzed survey data from the 2010 Cooperative Congressional Election Study and found that loyalty to the party is a primary motivator for many partisans.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateApr 15, 2015

Packing heat: New fluid makes untapped geothermal energy cleaner

A new, non-toxic liquid can create tiny cracks in deep underground rocks to improve power production, reducing water use by half. This environmentally friendly polymer-based fluid also reduces costs and could make unconventional oil and gas recovery more sustainable.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateApr 15, 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.

Thinking positively: A new way to deliver medicine into cells

Researchers developed new cell-penetrating peptides with sugar molecules that dissolve easily in water, entering cells more efficiently than standard CPPs and having low toxicity. The team aims to use these CPPs as the basis for safe and efficient drug-delivery methods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateApr 15, 2015

Dwindling bird populations in Fukushima

Recent studies show that bird populations are declining in Fukushima, with dramatic decreases in species and numbers, despite a decrease in background radiation levels. The research suggests that exposure to radiation is causing toxic effects, leading to impaired DNA repair capabilities in migratory birds.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 15, 2015

Video games can power up from merely fun to meaningful experiences

Researchers found that story details in games are critical to feelings of appreciation, while more meaningful games evoke heightened insights and enrichment. This study encourages game developers to invest in producing games with more interactive and poignant themes.

SourcePenn State·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateApr 15, 2015

Personal genome diagnostics study shows limitations of tumor-only sequencing for cancer

A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine found that many genetic alterations identified using tumor-only sequencing are not associated with cancer, but rather reflect inherited germline mutations. The study analyzed DNA from 815 patients and found that nearly half of the detected genetic alterations were 'false positi...

SourceBLL Partners, LLC·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 15, 2015
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.

Fighting tuberculosis using the body's natural anti-microbial processes

A new approach to combating tuberculosis aims to harness the body's natural anti-microbial process, autophagy, to target Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Autophagy is being researched for its potential role in various diseases, including heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDNA and Cell Biology·DateApr 15, 2015

Light in a spin

Researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand have demonstrated the first observation of angular acceleration in laser light, which can be controlled with a single parameter. This breakthrough could lead to new applications using structured light fields.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalPhysical Review A·DateApr 15, 2015

NIST develops NMR 'fingerprinting' for monoclonal antibodies

Researchers at NIST have developed a precise method to measure the structural configuration of monoclonal antibodies using two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR) spectroscopy. This technique allows for high-resolution spectral analysis, enabling the determination of whether protein folding is occurring as desired, and pote...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateApr 15, 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.

How limiting CEO pay can be more effective, less costly

Research by UC Berkeley economists finds that limiting CEO stock-based compensation benefits shareholders, while executives may be incentivized through trust-based contracts. The study suggests that government regulation can make executive pay less costly and more effective.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalReview of Financial Studies·DateApr 15, 2015

Cobalt film a clean-fuel find

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a cobalt-based thin film that can produce both hydrogen and oxygen from water to feed fuel cells. The film is highly porous, inexpensive, and scalable, making it a potential alternative to expensive metals like platinum in water-electrolysis devices.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 15, 2015

High rate of healthcare visits before suicide attempts

A study published in Medical Care found that nearly 22,400 individuals made healthcare visits within a year before attempting suicide, with 38% making a visit within a week. Racial and ethnic differences were noted, with Asian-Americans being the least likely to make any type of visit before an attempt.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateApr 15, 2015

Diversity in a monoculture

Scientists used tobacco plants with altered defense genes to demonstrate that functional diversity within a species is essential for ecosystem health. The study found that variations in single plant genes can have large effects on whole plant populations, improving their ability to defend themselves against herbivores and other threats.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·DateApr 15, 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.

Researchers can trace dust samples using fungal DNA

Using data from a citizen science project, researchers created a statistical model that analyzes fungal taxa in dust samples to predict their geographic origin. The model achieved an accuracy rate of about 95%, allowing law enforcement and archaeologists to trace dust samples back to specific locations within the continental US.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 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.

High flavoring content in some e-cigarettes may be cause for concern

A recent study found that some e-cigarette flavors contain high levels of chemicals that exceed recommended exposure limits and could be respiratory irritants. The research analyzed 30 products and found that 13 contained flavoring chemicals totaling more than 1% by volume, with some levels reaching as high as 3% by weight.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateApr 15, 2015

Potential for prediction of progression for early form of breast cancer

A study by University of Manchester researchers has identified four subtypes of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) that relate to disease recurrence. Patients with certain tumour characteristics, such as oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor positivity, are less likely to experience cancer progression, while others are at higher risk.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateApr 15, 2015

New evidence adds the Capitanian extinction to the list of major extinction crises

The Capitanian extinction, dated to 262 million years ago, is now recognized as a major extinction event globally, with severe losses in brachiopods at high latitudes and widespread loss of carbonates across the Boreal Realm. This new evidence supports its status as a true mass extinction, updating the 'Big 5' list to the 'Big 6'.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateApr 15, 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.

Longest mammal migration raises questions about distinct species

Researchers tracked a critically endangered whale migrating over 14,000 miles from Russia to Mexico, raising questions about its status and potential genetic link to eastern gray whales. The study challenges past assumptions of distinct species and highlights the need for closer examination.

SourceOregon State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 15, 2015

BPA exposure affects fertility in next 3 generations of mice

Researchers at the University of Illinois found that BPA exposure can cause reproductive problems in mice for three generations. The study reveals that low doses of BPA can have a profound impact on fertility and pregnancy success, contradicting the common assumption that higher doses are more harmful.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalToxicology and Applied Pharmacology·DateApr 15, 2015

Oxycodone overdose deaths drop 25 percent after launch of Prescgram

A study by University of Florida researchers found that the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program in Florida led to a 25% decrease in oxycodone-related deaths. The program's database helped healthcare providers monitor controlled substance prescriptions, leading to better prescribing decisions.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateApr 15, 2015

Complex cognition shaped the Stone Age hand axe, study shows

A new study reveals that making a Lower Paleolithic hand axe requires complex cognitive control by the prefrontal cortex, including working memory and strategic thinking. The skill of making a hand axe is more complicated than previously thought, involving nuanced technological judgments.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 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.

Children with disabilities can make competent witnesses

A new study finds that children with mild levels of intellectual disability can recall and provide accurate descriptions of maltreatment experiences. Children with more severe intellectual disabilities can also provide useful information but face challenges in recalling events.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateApr 15, 2015

Combined effort for structural determination

Researchers combined powder diffraction data with electron crystallography to solve modulated structures. The technique provides unprecedented detail down to sub-angstrom resolution, improving the reliability of crystal structure investigation.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section B·DateApr 15, 2015

Big data key to precision medicine's success

Researchers and clinicians can design studies, create personalized treatment plans, and inform medical decisions with accurate genomic data. The NYC-CDRN aggregates over six million patients' medical data to study patterns and trends in cancer across a large patient population.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2015

Actual dating requires calibration down to the last ion

Researchers developed a new calibration technique for thermoluminescence dating, improving accuracy to within 1% using oxygen and lithium ions. The method employs a pulsed ion beam and a combination of detectors to replicate natural radiation exposure.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateApr 15, 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.

Depression, diabetes associated with increased dementia risk

A study of over 2.4 million Danish citizens found that depression, type 2 diabetes, or both are associated with a higher risk of dementia. Individuals diagnosed with depression or type 2 diabetes alone have an increased risk, while those with both conditions experience the greatest increase in risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 15, 2015

Cathleen Crudden receives 2015 Killam Research Fellowship

Cathleen Crudden, a Canadian scholar at Queen's University, has been awarded the 2015 Killam Research Fellowship. She will support her ongoing project on organically modified metal surfaces for biosensing and beyond. Her research focuses on using boron chemistry to catalyze organic synthesis and materials chemistry.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·DateApr 15, 2015

Iceberg armadas not the cause of North Atlantic cooling

A team of researchers from Cardiff University used sediment cores to construct records of changing ocean temperature and iceberg activity over the last 400 thousand years. They found that abrupt cooling events were often paired with an increase in iceberg activity, but icebergs arrived too late to have triggered cooling at this site.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 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.

Optimal substrate moisture content determined for high-quality bedding plants

A study found that controlled irrigation treatments at lower substrate moisture content levels can produce high-quality plants with equal shelf life, while reducing water usage. Researchers used Angelonia angustifolia and discovered the benefits of reduced irrigation for retail settings.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateApr 15, 2015

Wildfires emit more greenhouse gases than assumed in California climate targets

A new study reveals that California's forests and wildlands are significant carbon reservoirs, but also release more greenhouse gases through wildfires and deforestation than expected. The findings have implications for the state's efforts to meet its Global Warming Solutions Act goals.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateApr 15, 2015

New '4-D' lung cancer model could quicken discoveries

Researchers at Houston Methodist have developed a new, ex vivo lung cancer model that mimics the process of tumor progression. The '4-D' model allows for the study of cancer metastasis, including the growth of primary tumors and formation of circulating tumor cells, providing insights into tumor progression and potential new therapies.

SourceHouston Methodist·DateApr 15, 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.

ASU team unlocks clues in unidentified human remains

Researchers at Arizona State University are working with the University of Tennessee's Anthropological Research Facility to analyze human remains using isotopic analysis. The team aims to determine a person's diet, birthplace, and travel history using oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, strontium, and lead isotopes.

SourceArizona State University·DateApr 15, 2015

Teachers more likely to label black students as troublemakers

New research finds that teachers' perceptions of student behavior are influenced by race, with black students being labeled as 'troublemakers' more often than white students. This can lead to harsher discipline and perpetuate racial disparities in school discipline.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 15, 2015

Millions of liters of juice from 1 grapefruit

Researchers at the Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology successfully produced large quantities of Nootkatone, a natural flavoring substance used in soft drinks and cosmetics. The substance was produced from sugar using genetic engineering in yeast cells, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical synthesis.

SourceAustrian Research Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB)·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateApr 15, 2015

New method increases accuracy of ovarian cancer prognosis and diagnosis

Researchers at the University of Utah Health have discovered patterns in DNA anomalies that predict a woman's outcome significantly better than tumor stage, also indicating how well she'll respond to platinum therapy. The new method could lead to personalized prognostic and diagnostic laboratory tests.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 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.

Anti-fungal drug shows promise as potential new cancer treatment

A common anti-fungal drug, itraconazole, has shown potential in treating metastatic prostate cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The ReDO project is exploring its use in various cancers, offering a more affordable alternative to existing treatments.

Sourceecancermedicalscience·Journalecancermedicalscience·DateApr 15, 2015

What is more rewarding: A soccer goal or prize money?

A study by researchers at the University of Bonn found that brain activity in soccer players is similar when scoring a goal or winning money. Players with more egotistical personalities showed increased activity in learning and reflection regions when goals were scored after passing, not after taking the shot.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2015
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.

New blood test can predict future breast cancer

A new blood test has been developed to predict future breast cancer by analyzing metabolic profiles of over 57,000 people. The test shows a sensitivity of 80% in predicting the likelihood of developing breast cancer within two to five years.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalMetabolomics·DateApr 15, 2015

Botox makes unnerving journey into our nervous system

Researchers at University of Queensland found Botox toxin travels through nerves to central nervous system, where it can intoxicate neighboring cells. This discovery has implications for disease treatments and raises questions about the toxin's long-term effects.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·DateApr 15, 2015

Gene in high-altitude cattle disease sheds light on human lung disease

A genetic mutation in cattle grazing at high altitude leads to a life-threatening condition called brisket disease, characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs. The study sheds light on human lung disease, particularly non-familial pulmonary hypertension in patients with emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2015