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Science News for August 21, 2015


Inspired by venus flytrap, researchers develop folding 'snap' geometry

A team of researchers at UMass Amherst has developed a way to use curved creases to give thin curved shells a fast, programmable snapping motion. This technique avoids the need for complicated materials and fabrication methods, enabling rapid shape changes in structures.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 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.

Graphene oxide's secret properties revealed at atomic level

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that graphene oxide exhibits remarkable plastic deformation before breaking, unlike its more perfect counterpart graphene. This unique property may unlock the secret to scaling up graphene oxide.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2015

Improving cardiorespiratory fitness reduces risk of arrhythmia recurrence

A study found that improving cardiorespiratory fitness reduces the risk of arrhythmia recurrence in obese atrial fibrillation patients. Patients with higher exercise capacity showed a significant reduction in arrhythmia risk, with 84% being free from arrhythmia after four years.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 21, 2015

Passion for your job? If not, it's attainable

Researchers at University of Michigan examined two mindsets: fit theory and develop theory. They found that both are equally effective in achieving vocational well-being, with differing motivations. People with the fit theory prioritize initial enjoyment, while those with the develop theory focus on cultivating passion over time.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateAug 21, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Anti-aging tricks from dietary supplement seen in mice

Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine found that alpha lipoic acid can stimulate telomerase, the enzyme that lengthens telomeres, with positive effects in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. The discovery highlights a potential avenue for treating chronic diseases.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 21, 2015

Superlattice design realizes elusive multiferroic properties

Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully created a multiferroic material by sandwiching a polar metallic oxide between an insulating material. This breakthrough design strategy realizes elusive multiferroic properties, offering potential applications in low-power electronics, logic processing, and memory storage.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateAug 21, 2015

New diagnostic tools for dehydration severity in children

Researchers have created two simple diagnostic tools to assess dehydration severity in children, using symptoms such as general appearance and tear presence. The tools showed high accuracy rates of 83% and 81% for severe dehydration, and could potentially replace existing systems in resource-constrained clinics.

SourceBrown University·DateAug 21, 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.

Undergrad biomedical engineering teams win NIH's DEBUT Challenge

Three teams of undergraduate students won the National Institutes of Health's Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams (DEBUT) Challenge with projects focused on improving global health. The winners developed a portable HIV treatment monitor, a surgical clamp to treat drooping eyelids, and a low-cost patient monitor.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·DateAug 21, 2015

Study finds that genetic ancestry partially explains 1 racial sleep difference

A recent study published in SLEEP reveals that African genetic ancestry is associated with lower slow-wave sleep amounts in African-American adults. The research found a significant genetic basis for racial differences in slow-wave sleep, which may lead to the development of population-specific treatment approaches.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateAug 21, 2015

NASA Goddard scientist wins Harold C. Urey Prize

Dr. Geronimo Luis Villanueva, a NASA Goddard scientist, has been awarded the 2015 Harold C. Urey Prize for his exceptional work in planetary research and spectroscopy. He is recognized for his contributions to understanding comets and Mars's atmosphere.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 2015

NASA sees diminutive Hurricane Danny from space

Hurricane Danny is a small Category 2 hurricane with hurricane-force winds extending only 15 miles from the eye. Satellite data indicates maximum sustained winds of near 105mph and an estimated minimum central pressure of 976 millibars.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 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.

NASA sees wide-eyed Typhoon Atsani ready to curve

Typhoon Atsani features a large 46 nautical-mile-wide eye captured by NASA's Aqua satellite. The storm is expected to transition to an extra-tropical system as it curves northeast, staying well south of Japan.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 2015

Chestnut leaves yield extract that disarms deadly staph bacteria

Researchers have discovered a chestnut leaf extract that blocks Staphlococcus aureus virulence and pathogenesis without detectable resistance. The extract, rich in ursene and oleanene derivatives, shuts down the ability of the bacteria to create toxins by taking away its weapons.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 21, 2015

Some single people are happy on their own, research finds

Research published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found that single people with high 'avoidance social goals' were equally happy whether single or in a relationship. In contrast, those with low avoidance goals who prioritized relationships experienced lower happiness when single. The study analyzed over 4,000 New ...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 21, 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.

Intractable pain may find relief in tiny gold rods

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a technique using tiny gold rods to target pain receptors and activate TRPV1, leading to desensitization and pain relief. The gold nanorods have been shown to be more efficient than magnetic nanoparticles in heat generation and activating TRPV1 receptors.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 21, 2015

Fires ravaging Washington, Oregon, and California

Wildfires have been raging in Washington State, Oregon's Malheur National Forest, and California's Golden State, burning over 390,000 acres and forcing evacuations. The blazes are fueled by strong winds and lightning strikes, with no imminent relief expected.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 2015

Study finds tests used to measure internal bleeding for patients may not be reliable

A recent study found that coagulation tests used to monitor internal bleeding in patients taking blood thinners like Xarelto and Eliquis may not be reliable. The tests, such as prothrombin time (PT), PTT, or INR, were found to be elevated in a minority of cases but appear unreliable to measure the risk of internal bleeding.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 21, 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.

Key protein in cilia assembly identified

Researchers have identified a key protein in cilia assembly, which is essential for sensing chemicals and mechanical forces in the body. The discovery, published in Current Biology, sheds light on how cilia are assembled and could lead to a better understanding of ciliopathies, a group of disorders affecting millions worldwide.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 21, 2015

Basic energy rights for low-income populations proposed in Environmental Justice journal

A proposed article in Environmental Justice advocates for basic energy rights for low-income populations, addressing energy insecurity and environmental health risks. The author compares two US communities: Dimock, PA, and Detroit, MI, highlighting the disproportionate burden vulnerable communities bear in energy supply and demand.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Justice·DateAug 21, 2015

NASA sees development of Tropical Storm Kilo

A new tropical storm, Kilo, has formed in the Central Pacific Ocean, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing its development on August 20. The storm is expected to strengthen over the next couple of days, moving west-northwest at 16 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 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.

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.

Weak doses of radiation prolong life of female flies, scientists find

Researchers found that weak doses of gamma radiation increase the lifespan of drosophila flies by 7.6% in females and 3.4% in males. The study suggests that understanding the genetic mechanisms behind this effect could lead to new ways to prevent aging in humans.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 21, 2015

Physician support key to successful weight loss, study shows

A review of survey data from over 300 obese participants found those who rated their primary care doctor's support as helpful lost an average of 11 pounds, compared to just 5 pounds for those with low-rated support. High-quality patient-doctor relationships are linked to better adherence and weight loss outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateAug 21, 2015

Teaching vocab to kids early may lead to better academics, behavior

A study found that two-year-old children with larger oral vocabularies enter kindergarten classrooms better at reading and mathematics, as well as exhibiting improved behavior. The research suggests that early vocabulary development is a crucial factor in children's academic and behavioral outcomes.

SourcePenn State·JournalChild Development·DateAug 21, 2015

How DNA 'proofreader' proteins pick and edit their reading material

Researchers from North Carolina State University have discovered how two important proofreader proteins, MutS and MutL, work together to signal the body's repair mechanism. The proteins use a unique communication system involving PCNA, which helps them identify and correct errors during DNA replication.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2015
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

How can we improve data sharing of biomedical research across the globe?

A special issue of Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics presents guidelines, protocols, models, and resources for improving data sharing in low- and middle-income settings. Researchers found varying concerns and challenges across five countries, but most agreed that data sharing is crucial for scientific progress.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics·DateAug 21, 2015

Green light of hope to overcome Striga-triggered food insecurity in Africa

Researchers have identified the 'wake-up protein' responsible for germination of Striga seeds using a fluorescent probe, accelerating research to control Striga growth and prevent crop losses worth billions of dollars annually. The study reveals that Striga detects host crops through strigolactone receptors, leading to a devastating im...

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalScience·DateAug 21, 2015

Since Katrina: NASA advances storm models, science

Researchers have made strides in understanding inner-core processes and environmental factors that affect a hurricane's path and intensity. NASA satellites, computer modeling, instruments, aircraft, and field missions provide valuable information to help scientists better understand these storms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 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.

Greenhouse gases caused glacial retreat during last Ice Age

A new study confirms that rising greenhouse gas levels, not other forces, were responsible for the end of the last Ice Age and subsequent glacial retreat. The study uses recalculated ages of ancient boulders to match the timing of glacial melting with increased carbon dioxide levels.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2015

Why collaboration may encourage corporate corruption

A recent study published in PNAS journal suggests that collaborative settings can provide fertile ground for corrupt behavior, including lying and dishonesty. The researchers found that levels of corruption were highest when profits were shared equally among group members.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2015

As Ice Age ended, greenhouse gas rise was lead factor in melting of Earth's glaciers

A new study has found that the rise in carbon dioxide was the primary driver of the global retreat of glaciers during the last Ice Age. The research, which analyzed over 1,000 glacial boulders, eliminates regional factors as the main cause of glacier melting and confirms the leading role of greenhouse gases in shaping Earth's climate.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2015

'Magic' sphere for information transfer

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University develop a sphere that manipulates electromagnetic radiation on scales shorter than its wavelength, enabling faster photonic devices. The sphere's interaction with light produces a resonance similar to plasmonics, but with weaker damping, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 21, 2015

Immune system: Help for killer cells

Scientists discovered that helper T cells boost killer cell reproduction and provide memory, enabling them to remember previous infections. This understanding could lead to the development of new vaccines that activate killer cells with harmless fragments of disease pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell·DateAug 21, 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.

Researchers developing next generation of high power lasers

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde are developing groundbreaking plasma-based light amplifiers to replace traditional high power laser amplifiers. The new technology has the potential to produce real particles from virtual particles, cracking the vacuum and achieving a significant scientific breakthrough.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 21, 2015