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Science News for April 27, 2015


Heroin use spikes among whites who abuse prescription painkillers

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that past-year heroin use rose significantly among individuals taking opioids like oxycontin, particularly among Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. The rate of heroin use for non-Hispanic whites increased by 75% in 2008-2011 compared to earlier years.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateApr 27, 2015

Researchers train computers to identify gene interactions in human tissues

Scientists have developed a computer system that can analyze large databases of gene-activity measurements to identify genes that are turned on in specific cell types. This allows researchers to refine their analysis through thousands of measurements, providing more information about human diseases than current techniques.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 27, 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.

Model uncovers malaria parasite causes red blood cell changes

Researchers developed a model of a malaria-infected red blood cell to understand the mechanism behind stiffening and stickiness. The model found that protein nodules called knobs contribute to stiffness, suggesting a promising approach to treat the disease by softening the cells.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2015

Hate to diet? It's how we're wired

Scientists found that AGRP neurons, responsible for unpleasant feelings of hunger, help explain why it's hard to stick to a diet. These neurons teach animals to respond to sensory cues that signal the presence of food, making them more likely to snack.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 27, 2015

Your adolescent brain on alcohol: Changes last into adulthood

Research suggests that adolescent brain exposure to alcohol can lead to changes in learning and memory, even after adulthood. The study found hyperactive long-term potentiation in the brains of exposed rats, which may contribute to impaired cognitive functions.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateApr 27, 2015

New Zealand stoats provide an ark for genetic diversity

A study by researchers at the University of Exeter found that New Zealand stoats have greater genetic diversity than their native Britain, preserving extinct British genes. This is unusual as introducing a species typically leads to a loss in genetic diversity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateApr 27, 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.

Study reveals how FOXO1 slows diabetic wound healing

A study found that FOXO1, a protein promoting tissue repair, acts as an inhibitor of wound healing in diabetes patients. High glucose levels slow keratinocyte migration, while insulin speeds up the process. The research suggests inhibiting FOXO1 could speed healing in diabetic patients.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateApr 27, 2015

How an RNA gene silences a whole chromosome

Researchers at Caltech have discovered the detailed mechanism of action for Xist, an lncRNA that silences the X chromosome in female embryos. By understanding how Xist works, scientists can gain insights into long non-coding RNAs and their role in regulating cellular processes.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateApr 27, 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.

Children's eye injuries from nonpowder guns on the rise

A new study published in the Journal of AAPOS found that rates of eye injuries from air guns increased by 511% between 2010 and 2012, with most cases occurring among minors. The authors suggest regulations and stricter marketing guidelines to prevent these preventable injuries.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·DateApr 27, 2015

Gastroenterology Special Issue confirms: You are what you eat

A new special issue of the journal Gastroenterology explores how food affects health and disease, including the gut microbiome, food allergies, and non-celiac wheat sensitivity. The research provides evidence-based summaries to guide clinical recommendations for patients and clinicians.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateApr 27, 2015

Tidal tugs on Teflon faults drive slow-slipping earthquakes

A University of Washington seismologist studied tidal forces on the Cascadia fault and found friction is much lower than previously thought, similar to Teflon. This discovery could improve understanding of when and how faults break, potentially leading to better modeling and prediction of slow-slip quakes and earthquakes.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 27, 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.

Stopping HIV in its tracks

Researchers from Oak Crest Institute of Science have developed a matchstick-sized subdermal implant that delivers potent antiretroviral drugs for up to 40 days, showing promise in stopping the spread of HIV. The implant eliminates adherence issues, a critical factor in HIV prevention.

SourceOak Crest Institute of Science·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateApr 27, 2015

Locusts provide insight into brain response to stimuli, senses

A team of biomedical engineers at Washington University in St. Louis used locusts to study the brain's processing of information from its senses. They found that when two puffs of a similar odor were given one after the other, the spiking neural activity generated by the first encountered odor interfered with processing the second odor.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2015

Bats use both sides of brain to listen -- just like humans

Researchers found that bats, like humans, use hemispheric specialization for sound processing, with left brain better for fast sounds and right for slow ones. This discovery opens new avenues for studying bat brains to understand human language disorders and improve computer speech recognition.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateApr 27, 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.

New tool to evaluate next-generation tobacco and nicotine products

Researchers at British American Tobacco developed a new smoking-specific survey, TQoLIT, to assess the impact of next-generation tobacco and nicotine products on 'otherwise healthy' smokers. The tool improves upon existing general health questionnaires by reducing ceiling effects and detecting specific smoking-related health changes.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateApr 27, 2015

Family break-up linked to heightened risk of psychosomatic problems in teens

A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that children whose parents separate or divorce are more likely to experience psychosomatic problems. However, those living with both parents in a joint custody arrangement had fewer symptoms than peers living mostly or only with one parent.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateApr 27, 2015

Chemistry of seabed's hot vents could explain emergence of life

Hot vents on the seabed may have spontaneously produced organic molecules essential for life, according to a new study. The surfaces of mineral particles inside hydrothermal vents exhibit chemical properties similar to enzymes, allowing them to create simple carbon-based molecules like methanol and formic acid.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalChemical Communications·DateApr 27, 2015

DC Center for AIDS Research established with new grant from the NIH

The District of Columbia Center for AIDS Research (DC CFAR) will provide significant pilot award funding opportunities and mentorship through its Developmental Core, promoting scientific research in DC on HIV cure and prevention. With this grant, the DC CFAR joins ranks of leading research institutions as a full CFAR.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·DateApr 27, 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.

Bumblebees use nicotine to fight off parasites

Researchers found that bumblebees infected with the Crithidia bombi parasite were more likely to consume nicotine-laced nectar, delaying parasite progression. However, consuming nicotine had negative effects, suppressing the appetite of infected bees and reducing healthy bee lifespan.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalF1000Research·DateApr 27, 2015

New 3-D method improves the study of proteins

Researchers developed a new computational method called AGGRESCAN3D to study protein aggregation in 3D. The algorithm surpasses limitations of previous methods and offers improved precision in predicting protein aggregation properties.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateApr 27, 2015

Greener pest control

A team of scientists is working on a project to create new pesticides that target specific insect species without harming beneficial ones. By mimicking the hormone systems of these insects, researchers hope to disrupt their reproductive cycles and prevent population explosions.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·DateApr 27, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Two new iguanid lizard species from the Laja Lagoon, Chile

Scientists have identified two new iguanid lizard species from the Laja Lagoon in Chile, expanding our knowledge of the region's unique reptilian diversity. The study describes two new species within the Liolaemus elongatus-kriegi complex, highlighting the importance of continued research into Patagonian lizards.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateApr 27, 2015

Neuronal positioning system: A GPS to navigate the brain

Scientists have developed a 'Neuronal Positioning System' that maps the axonal wiring of individual neurons, revealing organizational principles of neuronal networks. This new approach enables researchers to study how specific neurons are wired to other types and regions, providing insights into brain function and development.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 27, 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.

Peanut-allergic children are more at risk of exposure at home than at school

Children with peanut allergies are most at risk of exposure in their own homes, according to a new study. The research found that caregivers and physicians often fail to provide proper management for moderate and severe reactions, highlighting the need for education on strict allergen avoidance.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalClinical and Translational Allergy·DateApr 27, 2015

Unexplained gap in global emissions of potent greenhouse gases resolved

Researchers at the University of Bristol have resolved an unexplained gap in global emissions reports, finding that developing countries are significantly contributing to the issue. The study used atmospheric measurements and models to evaluate reported HFC emissions and found inconsistencies in reporting, with some gases being over- o...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2015

Hodgkin's lymphoma survivors have higher risk for cardiovascular diseases

Survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma have a persistently increased risk of cardiovascular disease throughout life, with a cumulative risk of 50% at 40 years after diagnosis. The study found that mediastinal radiotherapy and anthracycline-containing chemotherapy significantly increased the risks of cardiovascular events.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 27, 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.

The cost of staying cool when incomes heat up

A new study predicts that increased air conditioning adoption will lead to significant increases in energy consumption and strain on energy infrastructures worldwide. The authors call for action now to develop more energy-efficient and affordable air conditioners for poorer populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2015

Study links insomnia to impaired work performance in night shift workers

A new study links insomnia to occupational impairment in night shift workers, with alert insomniacs showing the highest level of impairment in work productivity and cognitive function. The study emphasizes the importance of treating insomnia in night shift workers to improve work-related outcomes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateApr 27, 2015

A CRISPR antiviral tool

Emory scientists have adapted the CRISPR genetic defense system to target the RNA of the hepatitis C virus in human cells. This approach could potentially prevent viral infections and has implications for biotechnology applications, including the prevention of viral infections in transgenic animals and plants.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2015

Bizarre 'platypus' dinosaur discovered

A new species of dinosaur, Chilesaurus diegosuarezi, has been discovered in Chile with a mix of characteristics from different groups of dinosaurs. The plant-eating theropod has a small skull and feet similar to long-necked dinosaurs, challenging previous understanding of evolutionary divergence.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature·DateApr 27, 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.

Abu Dhabi meeting aims to stem rising risk of cardiovascular disease

The American College of Cardiology hosts sessions on cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment at the Asia Pacific Congress, focusing on the growing burden of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the region. The event aims to bring together global leaders to prevent heart disease and improve treatments.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateApr 27, 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.

Study finds no health drawbacks to veterans' dual use of VA, Medicare Advantage

A study of over 6,600 veterans found that using both VA care and a Medicare Advantage plan did not have any negative impact on quality of care, but raised concerns about duplicate federal spending. The researchers also noted that many veterans relied more heavily on VA care than Medicare Advantage visits.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalHealth Services Research·DateApr 27, 2015

Finding the body clock's molecular reset button

Researchers at McGill and Concordia universities have discovered a mechanism that explains how light regulates protein synthesis in the brain, affecting the function of the circadian clock. The study found that phosphorylation of key proteins plays a pivotal role in resetting the body's internal clock.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 27, 2015

Improving geothermal energy

A University of Utah team has been awarded a $400,000 grant to study new methods for developing geothermal energy in areas where it's not currently feasible. The goal is to discover ways to create underground flow that will allow communities to construct sustainable and clean geothermal systems.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateApr 27, 2015

Oil or fat?

A recent study found that saturated fatty acids can induce cell death in cardiac muscle cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress. In contrast, unsaturated fatty acids protect these cells from damage. The research suggests a critical role for saturated fatty acids in heart disease development.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalEndoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Diseases·DateApr 27, 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.

UC Davis makes breakthrough in understanding Canavan disease

Researchers at UC Davis have identified the biochemical underpinnings of Canavan disease, a type of leukodystrophy that causes progressive neurological deterioration. By blocking the production of NAA, they aim to find a promising direction for treatment and potentially reverse the process in children with the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNeurology·DateApr 27, 2015

Antibiotic commonly prescribed for bladder infections less effective than others

Research suggests that nitrofurantoin is less effective at treating bladder infections in older women with low kidney function compared to other antibiotics. The study found that patients taking nitrofurantoin were more likely to experience treatment failure and require a second antibiotic prescription or hospital visit.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 27, 2015

New breast cancer gene identified by Women's College Hospital scientists

Researchers at Women's College Hospital identified a new breast cancer gene, RECQL, strongly linked to the onset of breast cancer in two populations of Polish and French-Canadian women. The study found that specific mutations in the gene were associated with a high risk of developing breast cancer.

SourceWomen's College Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 27, 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.

Olga Troyanskaya brings order to big data of human biology

A multi-year study by Olga Troyanskaya and her team identified 144 functional gene interaction networks for organs as diverse as the kidney, liver, and whole brain. The technique, NetWAS, combines quantitative genetics with functional genomics to increase the power of GWAS and identify genes underlying complex human diseases.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 27, 2015

High-pitched sounds cause seizures in old cats

A new study has found that high-pitched sounds can cause seizures in older cats, with certain breeds and triggers identified. The study, published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, reveals that audiogenic reflex seizures (FARS) occur in pedigree and non-pedigree cats, often triggered by loud noises such as crinkling tin fo...

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateApr 27, 2015

Rare dune plants thrive on disturbance

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that rare dune plants, such as Tidestrom's lupine, rely on open sand habitats for germination and survival. Removing beachgrass from coastal dunes can help restore native species by allowing the sand to move and creating more mobile dunes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 27, 2015

Alternate theory of inhabitation of North America challenged

Researchers at the University of Missouri have challenged a popular theory that North America was first settled by Upper Paleolithic people from Europe via an ice bridge. The team found inconsistencies in the recovery and ownership of the ship that discovered the alleged evidence, as well as discrepancies in photographs and records.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateApr 27, 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.

HPV vaccine should not be delayed

Researchers at Queen's University found a significant reduction in cervical dysplasia and genital warts among eligible girls who received the HPV vaccine. The study of over 260,000 girls showed that one case of cervical dysplasia was prevented for every 175 eligible girls vaccinated.

SourceQueen's University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 27, 2015

Climate change: How Brits feel about 'smart' energy

A new study found that while most people are willing to reduce their personal energy consumption, many are hesitant to share their energy data with third parties. Climate change awareness and cost concerns play a significant role in shaping public acceptance of demand-side management systems.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateApr 27, 2015

Study finds cardiorespiratory fitness contributes to successful brain aging

Researchers found a positive association between cardiorespiratory fitness and white matter structural integrity in the brains of older adults. Exercise, particularly walking, was identified as a potentially effective strategy for delaying cognitive decline and improving quality of life.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateApr 27, 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.

Atrial fibrillation increases risk of only 1 type of heart attack

Researchers found that atrial fibrillation, the most prevalent heart rhythm disorder, is associated only with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) type of heart attack, increasing risk by 63 percent overall and higher rates in women. Atrial fibrillation has long been known to be a risk factor for stroke.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCirculation·DateApr 27, 2015

Astrophysicists draw most comprehensive map of the universe

A 3D map of galaxy superclusters has been created, providing insights into dark matter and its distribution in the universe. The map, published online in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, spans nearly two billion light years.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 27, 2015

Lightweight membrane can significantly reduce in-flight aircraft noise

Researchers at North Carolina State University and MIT have developed a lightweight membrane that can significantly reduce low-frequency noise in aircraft cabins. The membrane covers one side of the honeycomb structure and blocks sound energy, making flying more pleasant for passengers.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 27, 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.

Is the universe a hologram?

Researchers at TU Wien found that the holographic principle can hold true even in flat spacetime, confirming its validity in our own universe. This validation suggests that the universe may be a hologram, with three-dimensional space being an image of two-dimensional processes on a cosmic horizon.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 27, 2015

Tracking an invasive bird

A new study reveals that monk parakeets invading Europe and North America share similar genetic patterns, indicating they originated from the same small area in Uruguay. The invasive populations have lower genetic diversity compared to native populations, which is unusual for species with successful invasions.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateApr 27, 2015

Controlling arterial tone and blood flow in the brain

A study published in The Journal of General Physiology reveals the distinct roles of calcium channels in controlling arterial tone and blood flow to the brain. Researchers found that blocking L-type and T-type channels has opposite effects on blood flow, with one promoting vasodilation and the other constricting arteries.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateApr 27, 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.

$4.5 million grants to fund research literacy for hospital chaplains

The project aims to equip hospital chaplains with research skills, enabling them to guide, evaluate and advocate for spiritual care. This will advance outcome-oriented chaplaincy care and align with the growing body of evidence connecting religion and spirituality with better patient outcomes.

SourceRush University Medical Center·DateApr 27, 2015

How to short circuit hunger

Scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered a long-sought component of the neural network that controls eating, finding that the melanoncortin 4 receptor-regulated circuit inhibits and controls hunger. Activating this circuit reduces feeding in mice and removes feelings of intense hunger.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 27, 2015

Bumblebee genome mapped

The bumblebee genome has been mapped, revealing a relatively small fraction of genes involved in the immune response compared to flies and mosquitoes. Despite its weak social organization, the bumblebee has just as few immune genes as the honeybee, suggesting that diet may play a role in shaping its immune system.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 27, 2015

Patient portals could widen health disparities

A new study found that patient portals exacerbate existing health disparities, with less educated and minority patients being less likely to use electronic medical records. Patients with low health literacy skills were 3.5 times more likely to be registered than those without these skills.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateApr 27, 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.

Scientists join forces to reveal the mass and shape of single molecules

Researchers have created a method that can identify the mass and shape of individual molecules, opening up new possibilities for biologists and biomedical applications. The technique uses vibrations in a tiny device to measure the mass-to-charge ratio and then analyzes the resulting frequencies to determine the molecule's shape.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 27, 2015

Ambiguous situations make it easier to justify ethical transgressions

Researchers found that situational ambiguity enables people to cheat and justify their actions more easily. In experiments, participants were more likely to report incorrect values when the correct answer was not clear, indicating a self-serving bias.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 27, 2015

Most women don't know female-specific stroke signs

A national survey found that only 11% of women can correctly identify pregnancy, lupus, and other female-specific stroke risks. The survey also highlights the importance of recognizing early warning signs such as hiccups, atypical chest pain, and dizziness.

SourceMediaSource·DateApr 27, 2015

Detection of critical heart disease before birth lags among poor

Research reveals that detection rates of critical congenital heart disease before birth have improved, but disparities remain in poor and rural communities. The study found that those living in these areas are less likely to receive a diagnosis before birth due to limited healthcare resources.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 27, 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.

Google searches for 'n-word' associated with black mortality

Researchers found a significant association between Google search volume of the 'n-word' and higher mortality rates among Blacks. The study suggests that area-level racism can be monitored using internet query-based measures, pointing to its impact on mortality risk.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 27, 2015

Single cells seen in unprecedented detail

Researchers have developed a large-scale sequencing technique called Genome and Transcriptome Sequencing (G&T-seq) that reveals the unique genome sequence of a single cell and the activity of genes within that cell. The study found that when a cell loses or gains a copy of a chromosome, the genes in that region show decreased or in...

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 27, 2015

Brain balances perception and action when caught in an illusion

Researchers Paul Dassonville and Scott A. Reed found that the brain relies on a shared representation of space to make perceptual judgments and guide behavior, contradicting the notion of separate pathways for perception and action. This study challenges long-held assumptions about how the brain processes visual information.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateApr 27, 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.

'Chemo brain' is real, say UBC researchers

Breast cancer survivors experience chemo-brain, a condition characterized by chronically wandering minds and inability to focus. UBC research reveals that their brains are stuck in a disengaged state, making it difficult for them to concentrate on tasks.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalClinical Neurophysiology·DateApr 27, 2015

Effective sleep apnea treatment lowers diabetes risk

A new study found that using a simple device for eight hours a night can help people with prediabetes improve their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of progressing to diabetes. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment was shown to lower glucose metabolism, insulin regulation, stress hormone levels, and blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 27, 2015

Lower back pain may have ties to our last common ancestor with chimpanzees

A researcher has uncovered a relationship between upright locomotion and spinal health, finding that human vertebrae with disc problems are closer in shape to those of chimpanzees than those without disc problems. The study suggests that evolution may not have fully adapted the human spine for bipedal walking.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateApr 27, 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.

Conifer study illustrates twists of evolution

A new study analyzing over 460 conifer species found that the ancient pollination mechanism is gradually disappearing, leading to a loss of buoyant saccate pollen and droplet emission. Instead, species evolved new traits or lost existing ones, demonstrating 'stasis and release' in plant evolution.

SourceBrown University·JournalEvolution·DateApr 27, 2015

Two-dimensional semiconductor comes clean

Researchers at Columbia Engineering and their collaborators have demonstrated the improvement of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) performance by encapsulating it in boron nitride (BN), an insulating material. This breakthrough enables the study of true properties and potential applications in high-performance electronics, detection, and emi...

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 27, 2015

Norwegian neuroscientists elected to American Philosophical Society

May-Britt and Edvard Moser, Norwegian neuroscientists, were elected members of the American Philosophical Society in recognition of their groundbreaking research on spatial memory. The APS recognizes outstanding achievements in all fields of intellectual endeavor, a testament to the Mosers' exceptional contributions to neuroscience.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·DateApr 27, 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.

HIV prevention and risk behaviors follow weekly patterns

Researchers found that people tend to seek information on HIV-related topics at the beginning of the week and engage in risky behaviors on weekends. Implementing interventions based on these patterns could lead to better outcomes, including improved ART adherence and increased testing.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAIDS Care·DateApr 27, 2015

New UW app can detect sleep apnea events via smartphone

A new app developed at the University of Washington uses inaudible sound waves to track breathing patterns, capturing sleep apnea events with 98% accuracy. The app has the potential to be a simple and noninvasive way for people to identify and potentially treat sleep apnea.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateApr 27, 2015

Ocean bacteria get 'pumped up'

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution discovered that stressed and dying phytoplankton release chemicals that stimulate marine bacteria to quickly convert organic carbon back into CO2. This process reduces the amount of sinking detritus, releasing more CO2 into the shallow ocean and atmosphere.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 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.

More is less in novel electronic material

Scientists at Boston College have discovered negative electronic compressibility (NEC) in a three-dimensional material, iridium oxide. Adding electrons to the system effectively shrinks its size, a phenomenon previously only observed in two-dimensional materials.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 27, 2015

Studies yield mixed findings on high-dose flu vaccine for elders

A new Veterans Affairs study found that the high-dose flu vaccine provides stronger protection against flu-related hospitalizations and deaths for those 85 and older, while standard vaccines may be effective for younger seniors. The study included over 165,000 patients and tracked hospitalization and death rates.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 27, 2015

Neurons constantly rewrite their DNA

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that neurons use minor 'DNA surgeries' to toggle their activity levels, shedding light on brain disorders and learning. The study found a mechanism where Tet3 levels respond to synaptic activity, enabling neurons to maintain consistent levels of communication.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 27, 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.

Time to move Lyme Disease Awareness Month to April?

Climate warming is leading to earlier spring feeding by blacklegged ticks, which can carry Lyme disease and other pathogens. This shift in tick activity highlights the need for public education campaigns to reduce the number of people affected by tick-borne illnesses.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateApr 27, 2015