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Science News for April 9, 2015


'Warm blob' in Pacific Ocean linked to weird weather across the US

A long-lived patch of warm water off the West Coast has been wreaking havoc on US weather patterns, causing droughts, unusual fish sightings, and altering marine ecosystems. The study also explores its connection to the 'polar vortex' and finds a link between the Pacific Ocean's surface temperatures and extreme winter conditions.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 9, 2015

Gene loss creates eating disorder-related behaviors in mice

Researchers found that mice lacking the estrogen-related receptor alpha gene exhibit abnormal behaviors related to eating and social interactions. The study identifies ESRRA as a key gene contributing to the risk of anorexia nervosa, with implications for treating the disorder.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 9, 2015

New evidence for combat and cannibalism in tyrannosaurs

Researchers have discovered that the skull of a Daspletosaurus, a large tyrannosaurine dinosaur, suffered numerous injuries during life and also after death. The injuries included bites that healed, as well as those inflicted after death by another tyrannosaur, indicating evidence of combat between two large carnivores.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 9, 2015

York scientists lead study on new treatment for prostate cancer

Researchers at the University of York have found a potential new treatment for organ-confined prostate cancer using low-temperature plasmas. The study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, suggests LTPs may be a viable alternative to current radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy treatments.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateApr 9, 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.

Selenide protects heart muscle in the wake of cardiac arrest

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that administering selenide intravenously after cardiac arrest significantly protects heart tissue, reducing damage by 88%. The nutrient selenium is taken up by injured tissues and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateApr 9, 2015

You scratch his back, he scratches mine and I'll scratch yours

A new study by University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that executives in strong business networks are more likely to overpay their colleagues. The researchers conducted three experiments with 520 students and found that larger networks can lead to a greater tendency for deception.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateApr 9, 2015

New Waldenstrom's drug shows sustained benefit at two years

A new clinical trial results show that ibrutinib continues to control Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia, with a median overall response rate of 91% after 19 months of treatment. The disease shows sustained benefit in patients who survived for two years.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 9, 2015

A grateful heart is a healthier heart

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that gratitude was associated with better mood, sleep, and reduced inflammation in patients with asymptomatic heart failure. Writing down things for which they were thankful daily also showed reductions in inflammatory biomarkers and improved heart rate variability.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalSpirituality in Clinical Practice·DateApr 9, 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.

New evidence supports success of fecal transplants in treatment of Clostridium difficile infection

Research demonstrates dynamic nature of fecal microbiota in FMT donors and recipients, with healthy changes sustained for up to 21 weeks after transplant. The study's findings have implications for the regulation of treatment and could influence the use of fecal transplants for a range of diseases associated with microbial imbalance.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalMicrobiome·DateApr 9, 2015

UCLA researchers deliver large particles into cells at high speed

Researchers created a highly efficient automated tool to deliver nanoparticles and other large cargo into mammalian cells at a rate of 100,000 cells per minute. This breakthrough enables new scientific research and potential medical applications, such as studying disease development and understanding cell responses.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 9, 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.

Delicate magnolia scent activates human pheromone receptor

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that Hedione, a magnolia scent molecule, activates the human pheromone receptor VN1R1, triggering sex-specific brain activities. This effect differs from traditional olfactory perception and may be related to the release of sex hormones.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNeuroImage·DateApr 9, 2015

Fires in Western Australia April 2015

In April 2015, NASA's MODIS instrument detected areas of high temperature indicative of bushfires in Western Australia. The fires were up to 24 hours old and occurred during the region's long dry summer, highlighting the region's fire-prone landscape.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 9, 2015

The TRMM rainfall mission comes to an end after 17 years

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) has ended its 17-year mission, providing critical rainfall data for tropical cyclone monitoring, flood detection, drought monitoring, and disease monitoring. TRMM's legacy lives on through the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, which succeeds and improves upon the TRMM project.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 9, 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.

More food, low pollution effort gains traction

A group of scientists, economists, and agriculture experts is working together to develop sustainable farming practices that minimize environmental pollution. The goal is to increase food production while ensuring farmers can make a living and the environment remains healthy.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateApr 9, 2015

Golgi trafficking controlled by G-proteins

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered G proteins signaling on membranes inside cells, controlling Golgi trafficking and enzyme secretion. Inhibition of protein GIV was shown to delay enzyme secretion and inhibit key cancer-driving signals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 9, 2015

A downward trend for new cases of pediatric melanoma

Researchers found a decrease in pediatric melanoma cases in the US from 2000-2010, with an overall decline of 12% per year. The number of new cases decreased in boys and adolescents, particularly those with good prognostic indicators.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 9, 2015

Make your home a home for the birds

A University of Illinois Chicago study found that a neighborhood's small yards have a greater impact on the variety of native birds than larger landscape features. The researchers identified bird-friendly landscaping features such as fruit-bearing trees and shrubs to increase bird diversity in backyards.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 9, 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.

Early physical therapy for low back pain reduces costs, resources

A study published in BMC Health Services Research found that early physical therapy following an initial episode of acute low back pain resulted in lower healthcare costs and reduced use of resources. Patients who received physical therapy within 14 days had significantly lower costs for advanced imaging, injections, surgery, and opioids.

SourceAmerican Physical Therapy Association·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateApr 9, 2015

Stem cell disease model clarifies bone cancer trigger

A new stem cell disease model reveals how a protein known to prevent tumor growth in most cases may drive bone cancer when genetic changes cause its overproduction. The study focused on rare genetic disease Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, which increases the risk of many cancers, including osteosarcoma.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateApr 9, 2015

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Being underweight in middle age associated with increased dementia risk

Research published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology suggests that being underweight in middle age is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. In contrast, obese middle-aged individuals are nearly 30% less likely to develop dementia than those of a healthy weight, contradicting previous research findings.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateApr 9, 2015

Mutation causes mice to behave as if they have an eating disorder

A genetic mutation associated with an increased risk of developing eating disorders in humans has been found to cause obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors and social impairments in mice. The study identified estrogen-related receptor alpha as a contributing gene to the risk of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 9, 2015

UGA researchers find hormone receptor that allows mosquitoes to reproduce

UGA researchers have identified a hormone receptor that plays a key role in regulating female mosquito reproduction, enabling them to produce eggs after consuming blood. The discovery fills a major gap in understanding how mosquitoes reproduce and could potentially lead to strategies for controlling mosquito populations.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smithsonian's Panama debate fueled by zircon dating

New zircon dating evidence challenges accepted theories on the rise of the Isthmus of Panama and its impact on global climate change. The closure of the Central American Seaway is now dated to 13-15 million years ago, contradicting previous estimates.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 9, 2015

Editing HIV out of our genome with CRISPR

UMass Medical School scientists are developing a novel technology using CRISPR gene editing to excise latent HIV virus from infected cells. The goal is to create a functional cure by precisely cutting the DNA of the latent virus out of an infected cell.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·DateApr 9, 2015

In the sea, a deadly form of leukemia is catching

Researchers discovered that cancerous tumor cells in soft-shell clams are contagious and can spread from one animal to another. The study found that the cancer originated from a single lineage of tumor cells and has persisted ever since.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateApr 9, 2015

The most powerful learning 'tool'

Human beings learn from both statistical associations and communication, with communication playing a vitally important factor in the learning process. Infants as young as 18 months can learn to associate objects with actions through verbal and non-verbal cues.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 9, 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.

Signal variability and cognitive performance in the aging human brain

Greater variability in neural activity may reflect more flexible information processing, supporting better cognitive performance in aging adults. Researchers found that greater BOLD variability was associated with improved memory and fluid intelligence tasks.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 9, 2015

USC researcher plucks hair to grow hair

A USC research team led by Cheng-Ming Chuong has discovered that plucking hair in a specific pattern can trigger the growth of new hairs in mice. The study used quorum sensing to understand how the hair follicle system responds to injury and found that it recruits immune cells to secrete signaling molecules that promote hair growth.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalCell·DateApr 9, 2015

Plasma flow damping observed due to stochastization of the magnetic field

Researchers at NIFS and Kyushu University have discovered a new mechanism that stops plasma flow when the magnetic flux surface is disturbed. This observation is significant for nuclear fusion research and has implications for understanding plasma behavior in the universe.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 2015

Who's a CEO? Google image results can shift gender biases

A new study found that Google image search results for CEO and other professions underrepresented women, affecting perceptions of professionalism and competence. The study suggests that image search algorithms should be changed to counter occupational stereotypes and raise awareness among designers.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateApr 9, 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.

A pathfinder for optogenetics

A new priority program funded by the German Research Foundation will develop next-generation optogenetic tools with higher light sensitivity. The program aims to expand optogenetics' application in basic research and medicine, particularly for treating vision and hearing impairments, Parkinson's disease, and cardiac diseases.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateApr 9, 2015

Two INRS professors appointed to the Global Young Academy

INRS Professors Patrizio Antici and Tiago Falk have been appointed to the Global Young Academy for their groundbreaking research in health, materials science, and cultural heritage. Their work aims to develop new technologies and solutions for society's pressing challenges.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateApr 9, 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.

Unravelling relativistic effects in the heaviest actinide element

The international collaboration measured lawrencium's first ionization potential with a novel technique, achieving excellent agreement with theoretical calculations that include relativistic effects. This validation confirms Lr's position in the Periodic Table and opens new perspectives for studying superheavy elements.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2015

Engineers now understand how complex carbon nanostructures form

Engineers can now predict how complex carbon nanostructures form through a new understanding of the forces involved. By analyzing these structures, designers can create nanotube forests with desired mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, leading to breakthroughs in various industries.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCarbon·DateApr 9, 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.

UTSW researchers lead collaborative charge to uncover genetic diversity of pancreatic cancer

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a wealth of genetic diversity in pancreatic cancer, including multiple mutated genes that were previously unknown. The study also revealed potential diagnostic biomarkers and defined cases where certain drugs are selectively effective against specific mutations.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 2015

Scientists tackle our addiction to salt and fat by altering foods' pore size, number

Researchers have discovered that manipulating porosity in processed foods can increase the release of salt during chewing, allowing for reduced salt content without sacrificing flavor. By controlling pore size and number, food manufacturers may be able to create lower-sodium alternatives to popular snacks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateApr 9, 2015

Researchers find new approach to treat drug-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer

Researchers have identified various ways that HER2-positive breast cancer tumors resist therapy and discovered a potential combination therapy to overcome multiple mechanisms of resistance. A novel combination of lapatinib and a BET bromodomain inhibitor was found to block the growth of cancer cells, making the activity of lapatinib du...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 9, 2015

Choice of protein and carbohydrate-rich foods may have big effects on long-term weight gain

A new study from Tufts University found that diets high in glycemic load, such as those with refined grains and sugars, are associated with more weight gain. In contrast, protein-rich foods like fish, nuts, and yogurt are linked to weight loss, while dairy products with lower fat content do not seem to impact weight gain.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 9, 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.

Too many obstetrics beds in NYC hospitals: Cost to city is $26.4 million per year

Researchers found a significant excess of obstetrics beds in NYC hospitals, resulting in wasted resources and estimated annual costs of $26.4 million. Reducing cesarean section rates by even a small percentage could lead to large savings and improved patient access to care.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalMedical Care Research and Review·DateApr 9, 2015

Our sun came late to the Milky Way's star-birth party

The Milky Way's star formation rate peaked 10 billion years ago, but our sun formed about 5 billion years ago. This may have fostered the growth of our solar system's planets by enriching the galaxy with heavier elements.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 9, 2015

Quantum physics -- hot and cold at the same time

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology discovered that a cloud of atoms can exhibit multiple temperatures at once. The experiment utilized a microchip to cool the gas near absolute zero, allowing scientists to measure its behavior. This breakthrough helps understand the fundamental laws of quantum physics and their relationship...

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 9, 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.

Mountain gorillas enter the genomic age

Researchers analyzed whole genomes of seven mountain gorillas, revealing genetic adaptations to small populations and a surprisingly low number of harmful genetic variations. This new understanding provides valuable insight into how apes adapt genetically to living in small populations.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 9, 2015

Combined sewer systems lead to risk of illness after heavy rains

A study found that combined sewer overflows can lead to a significant increase in emergency room visits for gastrointestinal illnesses, contaminating drinking water sources. The researchers analyzed data from three areas with combined sewer systems and found a 13% increase in ER visits after extreme precipitation events.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 9, 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.

Dynamic dead zones alter fish catches in Lake Erie

Scientists discovered that Lake Erie's dead zones are variable and move erratically, affecting fish distributions and catch rates. Fish like yellow perch cluster at the edges of these areas, making it essential to determine effective fishing strategies.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateApr 9, 2015

New Ebola study points to potential drug target

Researchers have found that the Ebola virus uses a protein called VP35 to remove its genetic material's protective coat, allowing it to replicate. Disrupting this process could potentially stop the spread of the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 9, 2015

Review highlights potential of cancer immunotherapy plus targeted therapy

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center review the potential of combining genomically targeted therapies with immune checkpoint blockade drugs to attack cancer. The approach shows promise, but more support is needed to accelerate progress and minimize side effects.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell·DateApr 9, 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.

Ferromanganese crusts record past climates

Scientists have discovered that ferromanganese crusts, up to 26 cm thick, record past climate changes in the Arctic. The crusts' slow growth rates and geochemical fingerprints of their source regions provide valuable information on ocean currents and climate conditions over millions of years.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateApr 9, 2015

Chancellor helps OSC dedicate Ruby Cluster

The Ohio Supercomputer Center has dedicated the Ruby Cluster, a high-performance computing system built with HP-Intel Xeon Phi technology, to honor Ruby Dee. The cluster boasts an estimated peak performance of 144 TeraFLOPS and will support research collaboration, commercialization, and workforce development across Ohio.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·DateApr 9, 2015

Dispersant used to clean Deepwater Horizon spill more toxic to corals than the oil

A study published at Temple University reveals that the dispersant used in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is more toxic to cold-water corals than the spilled oil. The researchers found that a lower concentration of dispersant was lethal to the corals, highlighting the potential risks of using these chemicals to clean up oil spills.

SourceTemple University·JournalDeep Sea Research Part II Topical Studies in Oceanography·DateApr 9, 2015

Brain scan study shows clot-busting drug benefits stroke patients

A recent study published in The Lancet Neurology has found that a clot-busting drug called alteplase can benefit stroke patients without increasing the risk of bleeding. Researchers analyzed over 3,000 people and discovered that patients with early tissue damage from strokes still benefit from receiving the drug.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateApr 9, 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.

Flip-flopping black holes spin to the end of the dance

Researchers at RIT studied binary spinning black hole interactions, revealing a long-term spin dynamic that continuously flips the spin until merger. This process may affect the growth of black holes surrounded by accretion disks and alter galactic and supermassive binary black holes.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 9, 2015

How the brain balances risk-taking and learning

Researchers found that a neural circuit evaluates environmental variability to prompt animals to explore new locations. The circuit uses information from the animal's senses to determine predictability, triggering dopamine release and increased risk-taking behavior. This discovery could lead to better therapies for neurodegenerative an...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateApr 9, 2015

Study: Amygdala encodes 'cooties' and 'crushes' in the developing brain

A study found that young children's aversion to opposite-sex peers (the 'cooties' effect) is encoded in the amygdala. As children enter puberty, interest in opposite-sex peers blooms anew, with some becoming infatuated with a member of the opposite sex.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateApr 9, 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.

Can facial plastic surgery make you more likeable?

A study of facial rejuvenation surgery finds that women who undergo certain procedures are perceived as more likeable, attractive and feminine. The study suggests that facial appearance plays a role in social perception, rooted in evolution, and may impact personality traits such as extroversion and trustworthiness.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateApr 9, 2015

Shakespeare's plays reveal his psychological signature

A study by Ryan Boyd and James Pennebaker uses psychological theory to analyze Shakespeare's plays, revealing a unique psychological profile that strongly identifies him as the author of Double Falsehood. The analysis also sheds light on Theobald's character, contradicting previous accounts.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 9, 2015

Microbes help produce serotonin in gut

Researchers at Caltech discovered that certain bacteria in the gut are essential for producing peripheral serotonin. The study found that mice with normal gut microbes had higher levels of serotonin than those without, and that specific species of bacteria elevated serotonin levels.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateApr 9, 2015

Dealing with death in deployment

A new University of Utah study found that exposure to killing and death while deployed is correlated with a 43% increased suicide risk compared to general deployment. The research suggests that seeing death and killing contributes to feelings of guilt, shame, regret, and negative self-perceptions.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateApr 9, 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.

Touch-sensing neurons are multitaskers

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that touch-sensing neurons integrate position and touch information as soon as it reaches the brain, challenging long-held views on how this is done. This integration enables complex sensory processing and informs efforts to improve prosthetic limbs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateApr 9, 2015

Road salt guidelines need review to protect food chain in lakes: York U study

A recent York University study suggests that lake and highway authorities consider adjusting road salt use protocols to protect aquatic life such as the water flea, by taking the nutritional status of the lakes into account. The study found a direct relationship between how well-fed the animals were and their sensitivity to road salt.

SourceYork University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 9, 2015

NIH funds 9 antimicrobial resistance diagnostics projects

The NIH has awarded $11 million to develop diagnostic tools for hospital-associated pathogens, including those resistant to most antimicrobials. The goal is to provide rapid and efficient tests that can detect the presence of these bacteria in three hours or less.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 9, 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.

Drug regulations tied to fewer prescriptions of effective gout drug

A retrospective cohort study of nearly 217,000 patients with gout found that prescription rates for effective gout treatment decreased after the FDA increased prices. The study also showed significant increases in monthly total prescription bills, highlighting the negative impact of regulatory actions on access to affordable medications.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 9, 2015

Increased levels of radon in Pennsylvania homes correspond to onset of fracking

Radon levels in Pennsylvania homes have risen since 2004, coinciding with the onset of fracking. The study found higher readings in buildings near active gas wells compared to low-activity areas. Radon is a known carcinogen that can accumulate in homes without adequate ventilation, increasing lung cancer risk.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 9, 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.

TGen finds likely genetic source of muscle weakness in 6 previously undiagnosed children

Scientists at TGen discovered the likely cause of severe muscle weakness in six previously undiagnosed children using state-of-the-art genetic technology. The researchers identified pathogenic variants in genes such as CACNA1S, RYR1, COL6A3, and COL6A6, providing new insights into rare myopathies.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalMolecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine·DateApr 9, 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.

The benefits of storytelling in video games

A new study suggests that non-violent video games with storytelling can have prosocial benefits, improving emotional intelligence and social skills. The research found that immersive gaming experiences foster theory of mind and empathy, which can be helpful in treating disorders like autism.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 9, 2015

New high-throughput screening method may uncover novel treatments for kidney disease

A new assay developed by researchers can identify novel drug candidates that protect kidney cells from damage, which could lead to the development of new treatments for chronic kidney disease. The system has already identified a small molecule called pyrintegrin that effectively protected rodent kidney cells.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 9, 2015

Hormones that guide root growth rates revealed

Researchers from Carnegie Institution for Science discovered that brassinosteroids and auxin hormones work antagonistically to regulate root cell elongation, affecting the rate of root growth. This finding could lead to engineering more-efficient crops with idealized root growth and water uptake.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 9, 2015

Exceptionally preserved fossil gives voice to ancient terror bird

A new species of terror bird, Llallawavis scagliai, has been discovered with exceptionally preserved fossils revealing details about its anatomy and sensory capabilities. The study provides insights into the evolution, behavior, and ecology of this group of fossil birds.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateApr 9, 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.

Inbreeding in mountain gorillas may contribute to save the species

Research suggests that inbreeding has genetically benefited mountain gorillas by eliminating deleterious variations, contributing to their survival. This discovery challenges the assumption that low genetic diversity makes these animals more susceptible to environmental changes and diseases.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScience·DateApr 9, 2015

First report of a new crop virus in North America

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a new mastrevirus, SgMaV-1, infecting switchgrass in North America. The virus is closely related to known pathogens in Australia and may be transmitted by leafhoppers, posing risks to staple food crops like corn and wheat.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalArchives of Virology·DateApr 9, 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.

Study tallies huge cost of hepatitis C drugs for RI prisons

A new study finds that effective new hepatitis C drugs are extremely costly, with some treatments costing between $94,500 and $189,000. The state of Rhode Island would need to spend almost twice its entire prison health budget to treat all its chronically infected inmates.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateApr 9, 2015

Amniotic stem cells demonstrate healing potential

Rice University and Texas Children's Hospital scientists successfully used amniotic stem cells to promote blood vessel growth in hydrogels, enhancing tissue repair for infants with birth defects. The study paves the way for biocompatible patches for congenital heart defects.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A·DateApr 9, 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.