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Science News for August 13, 2015


Meat food waste has greater negative environmental impact than vegetable waste

Researchers at the University of Missouri found that meat food waste has a significant impact on the environment due to increased energy use in its production. The study suggests that consumers and institutions should be more conscious of not only the amount but also the types of food being wasted.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalRenewable Agriculture and Food Systems·DateAug 13, 2015

Police more likely to be killed on duty in states with high gun ownership

A new study found that police officers serving in states with high private gun ownership are more than three times more likely to be killed on the job. States with higher gun ownership rates had a stronger relationship between public gun exposure and officer homicide rates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 13, 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.

Dentists tapped for new role: Drug screenings

A new study found that 77% of dentists ask patients about illicit drug use and 54% believe screenings should be their responsibility. Dentist attitudes toward substance misuse screening vary by age, gender, and prior training, but more educated and younger dentists are more likely to accept such screenings.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAddiction·DateAug 13, 2015

Lawrence Livermore scientists discover new young planet

The team discovered a Jupiter-like planet, called 51 Eridani b, about twice the size of Jupiter and featuring the strongest methane signature ever detected on an alien planet. The discovery sheds light on how planets formed around our sun and could unlock secrets of gas giants' planetary systems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 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.

Study suggests Ontario nearing UN targets to help end AIDS epidemic

A new study suggests Ontario is close to meeting United Nations targets to end the AIDS epidemic by 2020. The study found that 87.3% of people in Ontario with HIV were receiving care, and 76% had a suppressed viral load. However, there are still gaps in healthcare access for younger adults, especially gay men and those with substance u...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateAug 13, 2015

Transplant recipients more likely to develop aggressive melanoma

Organ transplant recipients are more susceptible to developing regional stage melanoma due to immunosuppressive medications. The study found that transplant patients were four times more likely to be diagnosed with regional stage melanoma and three times more likely to die from the disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateAug 13, 2015

Apes may be closer to speaking than many scientists think

Researchers discovered apes can perform voluntary behaviors that require control over vocalization and breathing, such as blowing raspberries or mimicking phone conversations. This finding suggests the evolutionary groundwork for human speech was present in our last common ancestor with gorillas around 10 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateAug 13, 2015

Guideline revised for assessment of children with disorders of sexual development

A revised Society for Endocrinology guideline offers new recommendations for assessing children with disorders of sexual development (DSD), emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary teams, psychological support, and thorough evaluation. The guideline aims to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for affected children.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalClinical Endocrinology·DateAug 13, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Newly discovered cells regenerate liver tissue without forming tumors

Hybrid hepatocytes, discovered by researchers at University of California - San Diego School of Medicine, have been found to proliferate and replenish liver mass after chronic liver injuries, showing promise as a therapeutic option for liver diseases. Unlike induced pluripotent stem cells, hybrid hepatocytes do not contribute to cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateAug 13, 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.

Advance in photodynamic therapy offers new approach to ovarian cancer

Researchers at Oregon State University have made a significant advance in photodynamic therapy to combat ovarian cancer, achieving complete cancer cell elimination with no regrowth of tumors. The new approach combines existing techniques with compounds that make cancer cells vulnerable to reactive oxygen species, reducing natural defen...

SourceOregon State University·DateAug 13, 2015

Titanium rings proving problematic for emergency care doctors

Rings made of titanium are difficult to remove from swollen fingers due to their resistance to cutting methods. A new solution has been developed by plastic surgeons using bolt cutters, which work in under 30 seconds and can be performed solo without damaging the finger.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateAug 13, 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.

Fears of potentially blinding complication from Avastin eye injections overblown, says Penn study

A new Penn study analyzing insurance claims data suggests that repackaged Avastin injections do not carry a higher risk of endophthalmitis than commercially available Lucentis. This finding contradicts the FDA's planned restriction on Avastin's ophthalmic use and may inadvertently increase infection risk for patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateAug 13, 2015

How beneficial bacteria protect intestinal cells

Researchers have identified a protective mechanism used by beneficial bacteria to safeguard intestinal cells from stress and damage. By stimulating the Nrf2 pathway, these bacteria can help prevent weight loss and death after radiation exposure, as well as protect against toxic herbicides like paraquat.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 13, 2015

Birth factors may predict schizophrenia in genetic subtype of schizophrenia

A study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that individuals with a genetic subtype of schizophrenia who were born with low birth weight or prematurely had nearly one in two risk of developing schizophrenia. This is compared to those without schizophrenia, where the risk was lower.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateAug 13, 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.

Mobile technology may help people improve health behaviors

The American Heart Association's scientific statement found that mobile health technologies can be effective for managing weight, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking. However, more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness for other health conditions.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateAug 13, 2015

Grammar: Eventually the brain opts for the easy route

Researchers analyzed case systems in over 600 languages, finding that complex constructions tax the brain more than simple ones. The brain activity is stronger for simple cases, leading to simplifications and changes in grammatical structures.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 13, 2015

Stanford researchers genetically engineer yeast to produce opioids

Researchers at Stanford University have genetically engineered yeast to produce hydrocodone and other opioid painkillers, enabling a faster and potentially less expensive way to produce plant-based medicines. The breakthrough could lower costs and increase access to pain medications for 5.5 billion people worldwide.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New study reveals Tetris can block cravings

A study found playing Tetris for three minutes reduced cravings for drugs, food, and activities like sex and sleeping by approximately one fifth. The benefits were maintained over a seven-day period.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateAug 13, 2015

Black phosphorus surges ahead of graphene

A Korean team tunes black phosphorus' band gap to form a superior conductor, enabling mass production for electronic and optoelectronic devices. This breakthrough allows for great flexibility in device design and optimization.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015

Georgia Tech finds 11 security flaws in popular internet browsers

Researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology discovered 11 previously unknown Internet browser security flaws using a new cyber security analysis method. The team developed a proprietary detection tool called CAVER to catch vulnerabilities in C++ programs, resulting in significant contributions to the security of the Internet.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateAug 13, 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.

Opioid compounds synthesized from yeast

Researchers successfully synthesized thebaine and hydrocodone in yeast, offering a novel microbial-based production process for opioids. The breakthrough could significantly reduce production time and potentially create a new source of pain relief worldwide.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015

Astronomers discover 'young Jupiter' exoplanet

A team of astronomers has discovered a Jupiter-like exoplanet called 51 Eridani b, which shows the strongest methane signature ever detected on an alien planet. The new planet is the faintest exoplanet on record and provides clues about how planets formed around the sun.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 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.

Surgeons refine procedure for life-threatening congenital heart defect

Researchers analyzed 43 patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) who underwent either an arterial or venous shunt as part of the hybrid palliation procedure. The study found that the arterial shunt group showed better pulmonary arterial growth, shorter surgical times, and higher oxygen saturations at discharge. However, no ...

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateAug 13, 2015

Vision expert David Williams receives the Beckman-Argyros Award

David Williams, a leading expert on human vision, has received the Beckman-Argyros Award for his pioneering work on adaptive optics technologies. The award recognizes his transformative breakthroughs in vision research, enabling improved vision correction and treatment of eye diseases.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateAug 13, 2015

How do ants identify different members of their society?

A UC Riverside-led team discovered that ants detect a unique blend of hydrocarbons on individual cuticles to recognize different castes and intruders. This sophisticated pheromone system allows ants to coordinate their behaviors efficiently in large colonies with multiple castes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 13, 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.

Gemini-discovered world is most like Jupiter

Astronomers using Gemini Observatory's new Planet Imager have probed a newly discovered world in unprecedented detail. The planet, 51 Eridani b, is about two times the mass of Jupiter and features a Solar System-like atmosphere with methane detection.

SourceGemini Observatory·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015

Rice, Penn State open center for 2-D coatings

Researchers aim to develop multifunctional coatings that protect surfaces while adding value through sensing capabilities. The new ATOMIC center will focus on creating atom-thin materials for various industries, including energy and manufacturing.

SourceRice University·DateAug 13, 2015

Study finds little improvement in mortality rate for extremely preterm infants since 2000

Researchers have found that the mortality rate for extremely preterm infants has not improved significantly since 2000, despite advancements in medical technology and treatment. Data from over 47,000 records shows a decline in mortality rates from 1990 to 2000, but no significant improvement from 2000 to 2010.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Perinatology·DateAug 13, 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.

Research examines relationship between autism and creativity

New research found that individuals with high autistic traits generate fewer but more original and creative responses during divergent thinking tasks. The study suggests that these individuals may approach creativity problems in a unique way, utilizing less common strategies to produce unusual responses.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateAug 13, 2015

Helping Siri hear through a cocktail party

A new sensor developed at Duke University uses metamaterials and compressive sensing to separate overlapping sounds in loud environments. The device achieved a 96.7% accuracy rate in distinguishing between three identical sounds sent from different directions.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2015

Gestational diabetes: A diabetes predictor in fathers

A recent study from McGill University Health Centre reveals that gestational diabetes in mothers can be a predictor for type 2 diabetes in their fathers. The research analyzed data from Quebec between 1990 and 2007, finding that men whose partners have gestational diabetes are 33% more likely to develop the disease.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalDiabetes Care·DateAug 13, 2015

A better way to personalize bladder cancer treatments

A new method for personalizing bladder cancer treatments has been developed by researchers at the University of California - Davis Health. The approach uses tumor xenografts to identify effective therapies, which can be tested in mice before being administered to patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 13, 2015

Marks on 3.4-million-year-old bones not due to trampling, analysis confirms

A study analyzing over 4,000 fossil bones from the Dikika site in Ethiopia confirms that marks on two 3.4 million-year-old animal bones were caused by butchery with stone tools, not trampling. The findings support a previous interpretation published in Nature in 2010 and provide new evidence for human evolution.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateAug 13, 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.

Chickenpox continues to decline in US thanks to vaccination

A new study published in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society finds that US chickenpox cases have declined by 93% since the introduction of the vaccine in 1995, thanks to increased vaccination coverage. This decline is attributed to herd immunity, which protects those who are not immunized themselves.

SourcePediatric Infectious Diseases Society·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateAug 13, 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.

Young, Jupiter-like planet discovered

A team of researchers has discovered a Jupiter-like planet, 51 Eridani b, within a young system that could provide new understanding of how planets formed around our sun. The planet shows the strongest methane signature ever detected on an alien planet, yielding clues about its formation.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015

How do continents break up?

A team of German scientists challenges the theory that a large mantle plume played a dominant role in the break-up of the super-continent Gondwana. Seismic measurements reveal that the impact of the mantle plume on the continental crust is surprisingly small.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalGeology·DateAug 13, 2015

Humans responsible for demise of gigantic ancient mammals

Scientists confirm human activity, not climate change, as main driver of megafauna extinction over the last 80,000 years. The study's findings shed light on a long-standing debate and suggest that early humans were responsible for the demise of iconic species such as the woolly mammoth and sabretooth tiger.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcography·DateAug 13, 2015

Heavy smokers and smokers who are obese gain more weight after quitting

Heavy smokers and obese individuals may experience significant weight gain after quitting smoking due to factors like daily cigarette consumption and body mass index. Researchers analyzed data from over 12,000 participants to find that those who quit smoking gained an average of 23 pounds among smokers of 25 or more cigarettes per day.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateAug 13, 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.

New optical chip lights up the race for quantum computer

Researchers have developed an optical chip that can process photons in an infinite number of ways, a major step forward in creating a quantum computer. This breakthrough brings together existing quantum experiments and paves the way for new protocols, making it easier to conduct research and discover new science.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015

More details on origin of world's favorite beer-making microbe

Researchers found that lager yeast, used in 94% of beer production, originated from the accidental hybridization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S. eubayanus yeasts around 500 years ago. The study reveals how these natural processes led to the development of a yeast that could thrive in cold temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateAug 13, 2015

Fortified against blindness

Researchers developed vitamin A fortified sweet potato varieties to combat blindness in Africa and South-Eastern Asia. Impilo and Purple Sunset are the most promising varieties, offering high beta-carotene content and adaptability to different growing conditions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 13, 2015

NASA's Hubble finds supernovae in 'wrong place at wrong time'

Scientists use archived data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to study 13 unusual exploding stars, known as supernovae. These young stars were ejected from their galaxies at high speeds, and astronomers believe that supermassive black holes in merging galaxies played a key role in their ejection.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 13, 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.

Reading comprehension focus of NSF grant

A team of Penn State researchers, led by Ping Li, has been awarded a nearly $1 million grant to investigate how readers comprehend science texts. The project aims to capture cognitive and brain representations during and after reading, with implications for STEM education.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 13, 2015

Researchers detail carbon output from rivers and streams

A team of scientists has quantified the carbon dioxide emitted by US rivers and streams, finding that in-stream respiration may be a larger source than previously thought. The study's findings are crucial for predicting how changes in land use and climate will impact global greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 13, 2015

Rogue supernovas likely flung into space by black hole slingshots

A new study suggests that rogue supernovas that explode in deep space were likely kicked out of their galaxies at high speeds and then ejected into space by the gravitational pull of a binary black hole. The study, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, used data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to trace 13 h...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 13, 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.

Diversity provides stability among the animals in the wild

Researchers found that species with varying color drawing are generally more numerous and fluctuate less in number from year to year. This could help explain why some insect species cause substantial damage in agriculture and forestry, as their population fluctuations were not synchronised among different species.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·DateAug 13, 2015

Heat release from stagnant deep sea helped end last Ice Age

A study by University College London found that warm, stagnant water from the deep Arctic Ocean and Nordic Seas contributed to the end of the last Ice Age. The researchers used proxy data to reconstruct past ocean circulation changes, which showed a warmer deep Arctic Mediterranean during glacial times.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015

When fruit flies get sick, their offspring become more diverse

When fruit flies get sick, their offspring become more diverse due to increased genetic variability. This adaptation may help the offspring survive future threats from the same pathogens. The findings demonstrate that parents can alter the genotypes of their offspring, a strategy that could be beneficial for survival.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 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.

Astronomers discover 'young Jupiter' exoplanet

Scientists have discovered a young Jupiter-like exoplanet, 51 Eridani b, with the strongest methane signature ever detected in an alien planet's atmosphere. The exoplanet is roughly twice the mass of Jupiter and offers insights into planet formation and the early stages of star development.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015

Large percentage of youth with HIV may lack immunity to measles, mumps, rubella

A study found that youth infected with HIV in utero may not have adequate immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella, even if vaccinated. Those who started antiretroviral therapy early were more likely to have protective antibodies against these diseases.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 13, 2015

Exercise-induced hormone irisin is not a 'myth'

Researchers have found that human irisin circulates in the blood at nanogram levels and increases during exercise. The discovery resolves a long-standing controversy over irisin's existence, with alternative start codons explaining its production in skeletal muscle cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 13, 2015

Astronomers discover 'young Jupiter' exoplanet

Scientists have discovered a Jupiter-like planet, 51 Eridani b, in a young star system that could help understand how planets formed around our sun. The exoplanet features the strongest methane signature ever detected and is roughly twice the mass of Jupiter.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015

UK death rate of pre-school kids almost double that of Sweden

Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found the UK's child mortality rate is nearly double that of Sweden, with premature birth, congenital abnormalities, and infections being major causes. The study calls for a stronger focus on prevention to improve the UK's position on the European child mortality league table.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateAug 13, 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.

Exoplanet discovery from next-gen Gemini Planet Imager

The Gemini Planet Imager has made its first exoplanet discovery, revealing a planet that may be the lowest-mass exoplanet ever directly imaged. Weighing twice as much as Jupiter, this finding provides insights into how our solar system was formed and paves the way for further research.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015

The role of B cells in the enhancement of pollen allergy

Researchers found that B cells enhance the secretion of allergy-driving IgE antibodies when exposed to non-allergenic compounds like PPE1. This discovery reveals a new mechanism for pollen allergy and offers new starting points for therapy development.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalAllergy·DateAug 13, 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.

NIH study finds cutting dietary fat reduces body fat more than cutting carbs

A recent NIH study found that restricting dietary fat led to a 68% higher rate of body fat loss compared to cutting the same number of carbohydrate calories. The researchers discovered that fat restriction resulted in a greater imbalance between consumed and burned fat, leading to more significant weight loss.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 13, 2015

Study: As days warm, RI emergency visits, deaths could rise

A new study projects an increase in deaths and emergency visits in Rhode Island due to rising summer temperatures. Even mild temperatures above 75 degrees are associated with a noticeable increase in medical distress among state residents.

SourceBrown University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 13, 2015

Smoking ban linked to drop in stillbirths and newborn deaths

A study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that smoking bans led to a 8% drop in stillbirths and newborn deaths in England, resulting in 1500 avoided deaths. The ban also reduced low birth weight cases by over 5000.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 13, 2015

Sex development disorders affect the mind as well as the body

Individuals with sex development disorders face challenges forming positive relationships due to physical differences. Researchers suggest raising public awareness of the diverse nature of bodies and providing practical support mechanisms, such as private locker rooms and support groups.

SourceConcordia University·JournalHormone and Metabolic Research·DateAug 13, 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.

Biochemist studies oilseed plants for biofuel, industrial development

A Kansas State University biochemist has modified a nonfood oilseed crop to produce high levels of lipids with unique properties. The researchers achieved very high levels of an oil with reduced viscosity and improved cold temperature characteristics, making it suitable for biofuels, industrial applications, and even food-related uses.

SourceKansas State University·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateAug 13, 2015

Can science predict gang killings?

A Michigan State University study found that gang-related homicides spread in a systematic pattern, clustering in vulnerable areas like Newark, New Jersey. The researchers' analysis could help predict future hotspots of violent crime, informing prevention efforts and targeting resources to communities at risk.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 13, 2015

Astronomers discover 'young Jupiter' exoplanet

Scientists have discovered a Jupiter-like planet in the young system 51 Eridani b, featuring the strongest atmospheric methane signal ever detected. The exoplanet's unique characteristics hint at its rapid formation process, offering insights into solar system evolution.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 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.

Surprise: Baby marmosets learning to 'talk' do listen to adults

A new study reveals that infant marmosets develop vocalizations influenced by cues from caregivers, suggesting a potential key to understanding human-like vocal development in primates. The research found a strong correlation between parental responses and the timing of the cries-to-phees transition.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015

Scientists discover what controls waking up and going to sleep

Researchers found a 24-hour day 'bicycle' mechanism turning key brain neurons on or off with sodium and potassium currents, awakening animals in the morning and putting them to sleep at night. This ancient mechanism is conserved across hundreds of millions of years of evolution and may lead to new drug targets for sleep-wake trouble.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell·DateAug 13, 2015

The stomach is the way to a woman's heart, too

Researchers found that women's brains respond more to romantic cues on a full stomach, suggesting eating may prime or sensitize young women to rewards beyond food. The study supports a shared neurocircuitry for food and sex.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAppetite·DateAug 13, 2015

Team finds a better way to engineer therapeutic proteins into antibodies

A team of scientists at Scripps Research Institute has devised an improved method to engineer therapeutic proteins into antibodies, which can persist long enough to be useful. The technique mimics evolution and harnesses the power of large numbers to select rare junction segments that allow inserted proteins to fold and function normally.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateAug 13, 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.

Jupiter-like planet discovered outside our solar system

A team of UCLA scientists discovers a Jupiter-like planet, 51 Eridani b, which orbits a nearby star at a distance similar to Saturn's orbit. The planet has the strongest concentration of methane ever detected on a planet outside the Milky Way and is roughly twice the mass of Jupiter.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 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.

Internal climate variability masks climate-warming trends

Researchers argue that internal natural variability can overwhelm background warming, making temperature plateauing rates appear significant. The Pacific Decadal Oscillation and other factors contribute to these variations, which must be considered when developing climate change models.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015

When it comes to body odor, ants are connoisseurs

Researchers discovered ants can detect subtle hydrocarbon components in body odor, allowing them to recognize individuals and distinguish between castes. This remarkable ability enables social insects to maintain complex colonies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 13, 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.

COPD patients with psychological conditions have higher rate of early hospital readmission

A study published in CHEST found that COPD patients with psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis are more likely to be readmitted early due to complications. These patients had a longer hospital stay and lower outpatient follow-up visits, indicating the need for additional guidance to reduce readmission rates.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·DateAug 13, 2015

When a 'UFO' flies by, does it bother bears?

Researchers found that bears' heart rates increase significantly when exposed to unmanned aerial vehicles, a sign of acute stress. Despite the calm behavior observed in encounters with UAVs, the physiological response is notable, with one bear's heart rate increasing by up to 400 percent.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 13, 2015

Satellite sees a fan-shaped Tropical Storm Molave

Tropical Storm Molave was observed by NASA's Suomi NPP satellite on August 13, 2015, with a distinctive fan shape and strong winds near 40 knots. The storm was moving east-northeast at 15 knots and forecasters expect it to continue in that direction.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 13, 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.

Progress toward the perfect pea

A research team at the John Innes Centre has identified and studied peas with mutations in genes coding for seed protease inhibitors, which can reduce protein availability by up to 10%. The study provides proof of principle for genetic approaches to improve crop traits, including the removal of allergenic proteins.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 13, 2015

Regenerating nerve tissue in spinal cord injuries

A Phase 1 clinical trial is assessing the safety and activity of a special cell therapy for individuals with complete cervical spinal cord injuries. The therapy uses oligodendrocyte progenitor cells derived from human embryonic stem cells to potentially improve motor or sensory function.

SourceRush University Medical Center·DateAug 13, 2015

Astronomers discover 'young Jupiter' exoplanet

The newly discovered exoplanet, 51 Eridani b, is a young Jupiter-like planet with the strongest methane signature ever detected on an alien planet. Its mass and atmospheric composition suggest that it formed in a similar way to Jupiter in its infancy.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015