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Science News for April 23, 2015


Study describes brain circuitry for selecting among sensations

A new study describes how the neocortex selectively samples sensory information from the thalamus, controlling the throughput of sensory input. The researchers found that cortical neurons control thalamic neuron activity by varying signal frequency, either suppressing or enhancing it.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuron·DateApr 23, 2015

Bumblebee genomes give insights into threats to pollinators

The study provides insights into the genetic basis and evolution of bumblebee biology, including their social living, coping with chemicals, and diseases. The findings suggest that the immune system of bees has remained largely the same since before the origin of bee sociality.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 23, 2015

Expert panels successfully rate medical research proposals

A study published in Science found a high correlation between how NIH projects are rated by peer review and the quality of resulting research. The analysis showed that applications with better peer-review scores are consistently associated with better research outcomes.

SourceBoston University·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How experience may lead to misperception

A new study by neuroscientists at the Bernstein Center Munich found that previous experience plays a significant role in shaping our perceptions of physical quantities. The researchers developed a Bayesian model that integrates two classic theories and explains how prior knowledge affects judgment, leading to systematic estimation biases.

SourceBernstein Coordination Site (BCOS)·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateApr 23, 2015

Zeroing in on a silent killer

Using a sophisticated X-ray analysis, scientists revealed the molecular structure of the angiotensin receptor AT1R, an important regulator of blood pressure in humans. This discovery provides new insights into the mode of action and facilitates the development of new drugs with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell·DateApr 23, 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.

An end to cancer pain?

Researchers discover TMPRSS2 gene as key player in triggering severe forms of cancer pain. The discovery could lead to targeted therapies shutting down the expression of this gene or its ability to infiltrate pain receptors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto - Faculty of Dentistry·JournalPain·DateApr 23, 2015

Ultra-sensitive sensor detects individual electrons

A Spanish-led team has created an electronic device to detect individual electrons' charge, enabling future quantum computers to read information stored in single electron spin. The device, called a 'gate sensor', can detect electrical charge in less than one nanosecond.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2015

Multi-million EU project to protect data against quantum computers

The European PQCRYPTO consortium is developing technology to resist quantum computer attacks, targeting small devices and cloud storage for the next three years. Post-quantum cryptography could protect sensitive data like health records or top-secret documents with confidentiality requirements over 10 years.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·DateApr 23, 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.

What does the public think about paying people to donate their organs?

A study in Australia found that the public generally favors eliminating disincentives for living kidney donors, but is opposed to providing financial incentives. Many participants believed reimbursement and justifiable recompensation were acceptable ways to support living donors.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 23, 2015

Enhancing earthquake early warning in the Pacific Northwest

The study focuses on improving seismic monitoring data transmission speed and reducing response time to provide timely warnings for the region. Key findings include increasing station coverage, particularly in urban areas like Portland, Oregon, and strategically placing coastal stations to mitigate megathrust fault earthquakes.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 23, 2015

New gel medication breakthrough delays release of drug to benefit the patient

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed a special gel that delays the release of medication, ideal for administering to young children and the elderly. The gel-based medication consists of microscopic particles that solidify in the stomach, releasing the drug in the intestine over several hours.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateApr 23, 2015

Scientists use nanoscale building blocks and DNA 'glue' to shape 3-D superlattices

Researchers developed a method to fabricate structured composite materials using directional bindings of shaped particles for predictable assembly. The approach uses linker molecules made of complementary strands of DNA to control the arrangement of particles, achieving long-range order in large-scale assemblies and clusters.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2015

Picture this: Graphene brings 3-D holograms clearer and closer

Researchers at Griffith University and their international consortium have made significant progress in creating wide-angle and full-color 3D images using graphene. The sub-wavelength feature size allows for static holographic 3D images with a wide viewing angle, revolutionizing capabilities across various optical and electronic devices.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 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.

Boiling down viscous flow

A new simplified model predicts patterns that form from honey-like fluids, influenced by the ratio between fluid speed on impact and conveyor belt speed. The team's findings match previous experimental results and may be used to optimize manufacturing processes for nonwoven materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 23, 2015

Chance and circumstance tip immune control of cancer

Researchers created a computational model to investigate cancer's earliest stages and the immune system's response. The study found that spatial disorganization within tumors can promote immunosuppression and tumor growth.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 23, 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.

Delaying treatment for hepatitis C puts patients' lives at risk

Researchers found that delaying treatment until after a patient's FIB4 level exceeds 3.25 has a clear detrimental effect on treatment effectiveness, increasing morbidity and mortality risks. Early treatment initiation is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 23, 2015

A focus on flight

Researchers found that birds adopt only two stereotyped postures to navigate through cluttered environments at high speed. These postures allow birds to minimize energy loss and maximize robustness during flight. The study's findings may offer new insights into programming drones and UAVs to avoid obstacles.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2015

BPA risk to newborns may be smaller than previously believed

Researchers have found that healthy newborns can alter and rid their bodies of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in plastics and food packaging. The study challenged the current thinking on BPA toxicology and suggests that exposure to BPA in infancy may not be as harmful as previously believed.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 23, 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.

OU and Nanowave Technologies enter into research agreement

The University of Oklahoma and Nanowave Technologies will establish a research group to develop next-generation electromagnetic sensors. The collaboration aims to optimize hardware solutions for customers in the airborne weather radar and satellite communications markets.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateApr 23, 2015

A silver lining

The study demonstrates the use of DNA nanotechnology to position arrays of hundreds of identical silver clusters with tunable fluorescent properties. This approach enables controlled assembly of photonic arrays, opening up new possibilities for sensing and imaging applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 23, 2015

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease shown to affect the development of coronary artery calcification

A new study published at The International Liver Congress reveals that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with the development of coronary artery calcification. In patients without existing CAC, NAFLD significantly accelerated atherosclerosis progression, while in those with existing CAC, it did not affect disease ...

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 23, 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.

UTMB investigates use of oxygen therapy among COPD patients

A recent UTMB study found that oxygen therapy is being prescribed more frequently among COPD patients, especially women over 75 with multiple health conditions. The study's results show an increase in oxygen use from 2001 to 2010, likely due to improved survival rates and decreased stigma around the treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2015

Scientists create the sensation of invisibility

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet create perceptual illusion of having an invisible body, reducing social anxiety responses. The study demonstrates the 'invisible hand illusion' can be extended to an entire invisible body, affecting brain processing of social cues.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 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.

Small victims of galactic threesomes can run away

Researchers found nearly 200 compact elliptical galaxies, including 11 isolated ones, which were formed when a massive galaxy stripped away the core of a smaller one. These galaxies can escape their host clusters due to gravitational perturbations, helping them survive for about a billion years.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2015

How does the brain keep track of time?

Researchers found that rats' behavior changed according to waiting times, mimicking human actions. The neural basis was linked to the striatum, where neurons encoded time as a position within an interval, not absolute units.

SourceJLM&A, SA·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2015

Earth Day: Disease spread among species is predictable

A study in a California grassland reveals fundamental principles underlying disease dynamics, predicting pathogen spillover based on species relatedness. The results show that closely related species are more vulnerable to disease, while introducing rare species can create openings for less common species.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateApr 23, 2015

Evolution of stem cells traced in study of fossilized rodent teeth

Researchers analyzed 3,550 North American rodent fossils to show how fundamental evolutionary mechanisms drive the emergence of novel mammalian stem cells. The study found that most extinct species can acquire continuously growing molars through evolution, and the final developmental step is surprisingly simple.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 23, 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.

Cell fusion 'eats up' the 'attractive cell' in flowering plants

In a study on flowering plants, researchers have discovered a novel cell-elimination system based on an unusual cell fusion. Successful fertilization triggers cell fusion between the persistent synergid cell and the endosperm, leading to inactivation of the persistent synergid cell.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalCell·DateApr 23, 2015

Can sound help us detect 'earthquakes' on Venus?

Scientists propose using infrasonic observations to study geological dynamics of Venus, with potential applications in understanding planet's interior and history. Researchers plan to deploy balloons or satellites above Venus' surface to detect barometric pressure changes or airglow, which could reveal seismic activity on the planet.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 23, 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.

Genome editing in mitochondria prevents inheritance of diseases

Researchers successfully use gene-editing technology to prevent mutated mitochondrial DNA from being passed down to offspring in mice, offering a potential cure for maternally inherited genetic disorders. The approach involves injecting mRNA into mother's oocytes or early embryos and could be easily implemented in IVF clinics worldwide.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateApr 23, 2015

Mortality risks of cigar smoking similar to that of cigarette smoking

A systematic review of cigar smoking and all-cause and smoking-related mortality found that cigar smoking carries the same fatal health risks as cigarette smoking, including oral, esophageal, and lung cancers. The risk of death from these cancers increases with inhalation of cigar smoke.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateApr 23, 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.

Revolutionary discovery leads to invention of new 'building blocks'

Researchers at The University of Akron have pioneered a new class of hybrid materials by creating tetrahedron building blocks that assemble themselves into strong structures. This breakthrough has the potential to be custom-designed for various functional materials and applications in nanotechnologies.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2015

Gene-editing technique offers hope for hereditary diseases

Researchers at Salk Institute have developed a gene-editing technique to eliminate mitochondrial mutations, preventing babies from inheriting these diseases. The approach may offer new hope for carriers wishing to have children without the disease.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateApr 23, 2015

Bold crickets have a shorter life

Researchers found that bold field crickets suffer from higher mortality rates compared to shy individuals, likely due to increased predation. This study, published in Behavioral Ecology, highlights the importance of considering individual personality traits when studying animal survival and ecology.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateApr 23, 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.

Crime scene discovery -- separating the DNA of identical twins

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed a solution to distinguish between the DNA of identical twins using high-resolution melt curve analysis (HRMA). The technique exploits differences in DNA methylation patterns caused by environmental factors, enabling forensic investigators to accurately identify guilty parties.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalAnalytical Biochemistry·DateApr 23, 2015

Baltimore researcher receives $130,000 for ALS research

Hristelina S. Llieva will receive a two-year Clinical Research Training Fellowship in ALS to investigate glial cell dysfunction contributing to familial ALS. The award supports her work on the C9ORF72 linked subtype of familial ALS, which is viewed as a predominantly neuronal disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 23, 2015

Rare mutation causes vitamin A deficiency and eye deformities

Researchers identified a rare genetic mutation in the RBP4 protein that causes severe vitamin A deficiency and eye deformities. The mutation creates a functional 'double-whammy' by blocking both the transport of retinol to the developing embryo and the cell surface receptor for RBP4, leading to birth defects.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell·DateApr 23, 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.

Hepatitis C infection linked to increased risk of heart disease

A new study reveals that chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The study found significant increases in the cost of care and length of time in hospital for patients with HCV infections.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 23, 2015

Demanding jobs may extend survival in some with young-onset dementia

A study published in Neurology found that individuals with higher occupational levels, such as professionals and engineers, lived up to three years longer than those with lower-level occupations. This suggests that mentally demanding jobs may help protect the brain from the effects of frontotemporal dementia.

SourcePenn State·JournalNeurology·DateApr 23, 2015

Reducing school bus pollution improves children's health

A study by the University of Michigan found that cleaner school bus fuels can improve children's health, particularly those with asthma, by reducing inflammation and airborne particles. The research suggests a potential 14 million fewer absences from school annually if all vehicles were altered to reduce emissions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 23, 2015

Scientists pinpoint brain-swelling mechanism

Researchers at UBC have discovered a single gene that causes brain swelling after trauma, providing a target for drug development. By turning off this gene, they successfully stopped swelling in rodent brains.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCell·DateApr 23, 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.

Chili peppers hold promise of preventing liver damage and progression

Capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers, has been found to have beneficial effects on liver damage. In a study, capsaicin reduced the activation of hepatic stellate cells, which are involved in liver fibrosis. The compound partially improved liver damage and inhibited further progression of the injury in mice models.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 23, 2015

Mechanical cloaks of invisibility -- without complicated mathematics

Scientists have discovered a way to create stable structures with holes using a simple mathematical principle. By imagining electric resistors or springs, they can transform real materials and save computation expenditure.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2015

Rare mutation causes vitamin A deficiency and eye deformities

Researchers discovered a genetic basis for congenital eye malformations, caused by mutations in the RBP4 protein that transports vitamin A. The mutated proteins fail to transport retinol and block cell surface receptors, leading to severe retinol deficiency and birth defects.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCell·DateApr 23, 2015

Classroom acoustics for architects

The Acoustical Society of America has published a free online booklet to aid architects in understanding and meeting the national classroom acoustics standard, ANSI/ASA S12.60. The booklet provides practical guidance on topics such as room acoustics, reverberation time, and sound transmission class, to help architects create classrooms...

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateApr 23, 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.

Researchers add a new wrinkle to cell culture

Brown University researchers developed new textured surfaces using graphene to better mimic the complex surroundings in which cells grow. The wrinkled surfaces influenced cell growth, with cells being elongated and aligned along the wrinkles, resembling a biologically relevant phenotype.

SourceBrown University·JournalCarbon·DateApr 23, 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.

Long-term exposure to air pollution may harm your brain

Research found that long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution, particularly at low levels, can cause subtle structural changes in the brain and increase the risk of covert brain infarcts. This association was strongest among older adults and those with relatively healthy brains.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 23, 2015

Can a parent's concerns predict autism?

Researchers discovered that parents of children at high risk for autism spectrum disorder reported more early concerns, particularly sensory and motor issues starting at six months. Early parental concerns can be predictive of autism diagnosis, highlighting the importance of talking to parents and taking their concerns seriously.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 23, 2015

Heavy drinking and binge drinking rise sharply in US counties

Heavy drinking has increased by 17.2% since 2005, while binge drinking has risen 8.9%. Women are more likely to be binge drinkers than men. The study highlights the need for locally-focused alcohol policies and programs.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 23, 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.

Study on simulated stroke wins major neurology award

A study by Loyola University Medical Center resident neurologists found that simulation-based education significantly improved the knowledge, skills, and confidence of first-year neurology residents treating stroke patients in the emergency department. The study resulted in a 16.1% improvement on a multiple-choice test about treating s...

SourceLoyola Medicine·DateApr 23, 2015

Dolphins use extra energy to communicate in noisy waters

Research by NOAA Fisheries found that dolphins consume 80% more oxygen when whistling at higher vocal energy levels, suggesting a biological cost of communication in loud environments. This study supports concerns about vessel traffic and noise impacting marine mammals like Southern Resident Killer Whales.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 23, 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.

New device shows potential to enhance the viability of donor livers

A new device has demonstrated its potential to preserve and improve the quality of donor livers from donation after circulatory death (DCD) for transplantation. The transportable machine perfusion Airdrive effectively maintained liver quality, reducing biliary complications and increasing graft function.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 23, 2015

Eligible for breast conserving therapy, many still choose mastectomy

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that breast conserving therapy was successful in over 90% of women who became eligible after treatment with chemotherapy. Despite this, 31% of those eligible chose mastectomy, highlighting the need for further exploration of patient and surgeon factors.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateApr 23, 2015

CCNY researchers use novel polarization to increase data speeds

Researchers at City College of New York have developed a novel polarization method to increase data speeds, carrying an additional data stream through manipulated laser beam shapes. This technology has the potential to scale terabits or even petabits per laser beam and is compatible with building-to-building communication in NYC.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalOptics Letters·DateApr 23, 2015

Los Angeles researcher receives $154,000 for stroke research

Sunil Sheth, MD, a clinical instructor at UCLA, is receiving $154,000 to develop a lab test that can diagnose stroke from a single drop of blood. The award aims to validate this test in emergency rooms and potentially revolutionize initial stroke evaluation and treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 23, 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.

The past, present and future of pancreatic cancer research and treatment

Despite recent advances in understanding pancreatic cancer biology, researchers have made little progress in finding effective treatments. However, a new review suggests that immunotherapy combined with other treatments may significantly increase patient survival rates, and could lead to new therapeutic strategies.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Reviews Clinical Oncology·DateApr 23, 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.

X-ray study may aid in designing better blood pressure drugs

A new x-ray study reveals how a hypertension drug binds to a cellular receptor, providing valuable insights for designing more effective medications. The research could lead to the development of targeted drugs with fewer side effects.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalCell·DateApr 23, 2015

University of Oregon team glimpses how the brain transforms sound

Researchers captured thousands of interactions within a single neuron as it responded to rhythmic clicks, showing how neurons switch from temporal coding to rate coding. This transformation allows the auditory system to process information about time and space, supporting multisensory integration.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNeuron·DateApr 23, 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.

Significant increase in major depression reported during recent recession

The study found a significant increase in major depression among US adults during the Great Recession, with prevalence rising from 2.33% to 3.79%. Less severe depression also saw a decline in prevalence after 2009-2010. Vulnerable populations such as those living in poverty or with less than a high school education were most affected.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateApr 23, 2015

Fast and accurate 3-D imaging technique to track optically trapped particles

KAIST researchers create a novel technique for precisely tracking the 3D positions of optically trapped particles with complicated geometry. The Optical Diffraction Tomography (ODT) method measures 3D images in high speed, enabling the visualization and analysis of particles in various fields.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalOptica·DateApr 23, 2015

The Achilles' heel of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers identify a time window when moderately resistant bacteria are sensitive to antibiotics, allowing for optimal treatment design. A new approach may help reintroduce antibiotics that were previously disregarded due to treatment failure concerns.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 23, 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.

Improving accuracy in genome editing

A team of scientists, led by Harvard University's David Liu, has developed an engineered form of the genome-editing protein Cas9 that can be turned on with a small drug-like molecule. This approach achieves up to 25-fold higher specificity in genome editing than the standard form of Cas9.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 23, 2015

Connecting places causes mental maps to merge

A UCL study finds that realising how places connect geographically causes local maps in the brain to join, forming one big map. This merged map helps with planning future journeys by understanding absolute location and distances between places.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2015

The 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake -- felt from space

The 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake was measured directly from space 450 kilometers above the planet's surface. The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites captured the significant ionospheric signature produced by the quake's infrasonic wave output.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 23, 2015

Finding new life for first-line antibiotics

Researchers have identified a single, simple metric to guide antibiotic dosing that could bring first-line antibiotics back into the fight against drug-resistant pathogens. A computer simulation revealed that a regimen based on a pathogen's recovery time could eliminate an otherwise resistant strain of bacteria.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 23, 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.

Major depression leaves a metabolic mark

Researchers discovered a metabolic signature associated with major depression, including changes in mitochondrial DNA and telomere length. The findings suggest that depression may be linked to the body's response to environmental stressors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2015

Many Dry Tortugas loggerheads actually Bahamas residents

Researchers tracked loggerheads from Dry Tortugas National Park to Bahamas, finding they spend most of their lives there before returning to nest. This new information helps identify areas for conservation efforts to protect the threatened northwest Atlantic population.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalAnimal Biotelemetry·DateApr 23, 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.

How 'time is money' thinking can hurt the environment: UBC research

A UBC study reveals that individuals with an hourly wage mindset are less likely to undertake eco-friendly behaviors that require only a few seconds or minutes of extra effort. Researchers recommend equating environmental behavior with self-interest and adjusting billing practices to promote sustainability.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateApr 23, 2015

Baclofen shows promise in patients with alcohol-induced liver disease

A new study shows that Baclofen has a positive impact on alcohol consumption and liver function in patients with alcohol-induced liver disease. The results demonstrate improved indicators of liver health, reduced physical dependence, and lower standard measures of liver damage.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 23, 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.

Astronomers find runaway galaxies

Researchers identified 200 previously unknown compact elliptical galaxies using public archives of data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the GALEX satellite. Of these, 11 isolated compact galaxies were found moving faster than their cluster counterparts

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2015

Human tape worm drug shows promise against MRSA in lab

A new study finds that niclosamide, a drug used to treat tapeworms, suppresses the growth of MRSA cultures and preserves the lives of infected nematode worms. Oxyclozanide, another salicylanilide anthelmintic, proves more effective in killing MRSA.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2015

Fat finding

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered a long non-coding RNA that regulates brown fat development in mice. This finding holds promise for developing new therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat obesity.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 23, 2015

Going with the flow?

Researchers have made significant strides in measuring preferential flow, a crucial factor in soil's physical, chemical, and biological functions. The study reveals unique water patterns depending on landform units, soil types, initial moisture, and precipitation features.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateApr 23, 2015

Fat signals control energy levels in the brain

The study found that a key enzyme produced by fat tissue regulates brain function and energy levels, suggesting an optimal amount of body fat for maximizing health and longevity. Mice with low NAMPT in fat tissue had impaired energy levels and physical activity, while those with high NAMPT exhibited increased physical activity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 23, 2015

Shetland pony midge study offers clues to curbing allergies

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered that Shetland ponies' immune response to insect bites can prevent allergic reactions, similar to what happens in people with allergies. The study found that two different responses occur in horses, one triggering allergy symptoms and the other preventing allergic reactions.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2015

Heat still on despite warming slowdown

A recent slowdown in global average temperatures is having no effect on the planet's projected warming by 2100. The study found that long-term temperature outcomes are unaffected by short-term variability, with greenhouse gases expected to overwhelm natural fluctuations and lead to dangerous levels of warming.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 23, 2015

An improvement to the global software standard for analyzing fusion plasmas

Researchers have updated the TRANSP program to better simulate interactions between energetic particles and instabilities in plasma, which can affect fusion reactions. The updated code will provide a more accurate way to compute particle transport and improve simulations for future fusion facilities like ITER.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateApr 23, 2015

Scientists see deeper Yellowstone magma

Researchers have imaged the continuous volcanic plumbing system under Yellowstone, revealing a reservoir of hot, partly molten rock 12-28 miles beneath the surface. The new discovery is 4.4 times larger than the previously known magma chamber.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2015

Mountains warming faster, CU-Boulder, other scientists report

A new study published in Nature Climate Change finds that high mountain regions are warming at a rate faster than lower elevations, posing significant risks to alpine flora and fauna. The research team calls for improved observations, satellite-based remote sensing, and climate model simulations to better understand this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 23, 2015

Study: Photosynthesis has unique isotopic signature

A new study finds that photosynthesis imparts a distinct biosignature on oxygen molecules, allowing scientists to trace biological processes. This discovery has the potential to measure productivity in the open ocean and assess the health of oceans.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2015

Novel mechanism for Crohn's disease uncovered

A study reveals that an unfavorable bacterial network configuration in the gut can cause inflammation similar to Crohn's disease. Researchers found that transplanting 'healthy' bacteria into patients' intestines may provide a conventional treatment option.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalGut·DateApr 23, 2015

Woolly mammoth genomes offer insight into their history and extinction

The study analyzed ancient mammoth genomes to understand population dynamics and genetic diversity. The results showed low genetic variation and inbreeding, indicating a small population size. The research provides insight into the woolly mammoth's evolutionary history and potential reasons for their extinction.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2015

Thawing permafrost feeds climate change

A recent study found that thawing permafrost in Siberia is releasing ancient carbon into the atmosphere, which is then consumed by microbes and released as carbon dioxide. This process accelerates global warming and creates a runaway effect. Scientists are now studying the impact of this phenomenon on climate change.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 23, 2015

Resilience, not abstinence, may help teens battle online risk

Researchers found that more resilient teens were less likely to suffer negative consequences from extreme online exposure, regardless of their level of internet usage. The study emphasizes the importance of empowering teens with coping strategies to manage online risks rather than relying solely on abstinence.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 23, 2015

ORNL reports method that takes quantum sensing to new level

Researchers at ORNL have developed a technique that uses quantum correlated beams of light to overcome the fundamental detection limit of microcantilever-based sensors. This results in a 60% error reduction, enabling higher contrast imaging and detection of lower concentrations of particles.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalOptica·DateApr 23, 2015

Long-term therapy with ETV or TDF demonstrates positive 5-year survival in patients with chronic HBV

A large cohort study found that long-term use of entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir (TDF) results in excellent 5-year survival for Caucasian patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), with a significant proportion of deaths coming from liver-unrelated causes. The development of hepatocellular carcinoma plays a major role in mortality.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 23, 2015

Looking to fossils to predict tooth evolution in rodents

A new study uses fossil data to predict that most rodent species will evolve continuously growing molar teeth over the next 50 million years. The researchers found evidence that many species possess the potential for acquiring dental stem cells, which are required for continuous tooth growth.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 23, 2015

Rising antibiotic shortages raise concerns about patient care

A study of antibiotic shortages from 2001 to 2013 found that 148 antibiotics were affected, with an upward trend starting in 2007. Many involved gold-standard therapies for life-threatening infections with limited alternative treatment options, raising concerns about patient care.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 23, 2015

Exploring treatment options for women with fibroids

Women with uterine fibroids have several treatment options, including medical and interventional therapies. Alternative treatment options include tranexamic acid, levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs, hysteroscopic myomectomy, endometrial ablation, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, and more.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 23, 2015

Weight loss is associated with improvements in histological features of NASH

A new study presented at The International Liver Congress 2015 shows that significant weight loss through lifestyle changes can improve histological features of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Over 10% weight loss is necessary to induce complete resolution of steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and portal inflammation.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 23, 2015

The creation of Shangri-La

Researchers used a new computer model to simulate the formation of high-lying valleys in the southeastern Tibetan plateau. They found that these valleys developed in place, not as remnants of former lowlands, and were shaped by river disruption due to tectonic movement.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateApr 23, 2015

In search of tinnitus, that phantom ringing in the ears

A new study reveals that tinnitus is represented differently in the brain compared to normal sounds, and that it may not be just a 'gap' left by hearing damage. The discovery could inform treatments such as neurofeedback and electromagnetic brain stimulation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2015