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Science News for August 24, 2015


MouthLab: Patients' vital signs are just a breath away

A handheld device called MouthLab tracks vital signs such as blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate by analyzing data from a mouthpiece and thumb pad sensor. The device has shown promising results in studies, with its measurements matching those taken with standard hospital monitors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 24, 2015

Danny the 'degenerate' followed by 2 lows

Danny degenerated into an elongated area of low pressure near the Windward Islands, producing 2-4 inches of rain over several islands. A second low-pressure system is developing in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, with potential for tropical depression or storm formation

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 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.

Compound found in red wine causes conflicting changes in dogs' immune systems

Researchers at the University of Missouri found that resveratrol simultaneously increases and decreases dog's immune systems, leading to mixed signals. The study aims to better understand how this chemical affects human diseases, potentially leading to valuable treatments like cancer therapy.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalVeterinary Immunology and Immunopathology·DateAug 24, 2015

Blood vessel cells help tumours evade the immune system

Researchers found that tumour pericytes manipulate the tumour environment to help cancer cells escape immune surveillance. Increasing pericyte numbers could potentially decrease IL-6 expression and improve cytotoxic T-cell activity.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 24, 2015

Smoke from western fires wafts eastward

Smoke from western fires mixes with atmospheric particles to obscure landmasses in eastern states, altering sunset colors. Residents notice increased reddish hues due to filtering of shorter wavelength light by smaller smoke particles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 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.

Fertility concerns impact breast cancer treatment decisions

A study found that fertility concerns led a third of young women with breast cancer to decline or discontinue tamoxifen. The study also showed that a quarter of women who started tamoxifen stopped taking it before the recommended treatment period ended.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 24, 2015

How zebrafish rebuild the skeleton of amputated fins

Researchers have discovered how zebrafish rebuild their skeleton after losing parts of their fins. A critical enzyme called Cyp26b1 helps to regulate retinoic acid levels, allowing osteoblasts to revert and form new bone tissue. The regeneration process relies on a complex navigation system involving signaling proteins and cell types.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalDevelopment·DateAug 24, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists discover electrical control of cancer cell growth

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center have identified a new electrical mechanism that controls molecular switches regulating cell growth. The study focuses on K-Ras mutations found in 20% of human cancers, which can lead to uncontrolled cell division and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalScience·DateAug 24, 2015

New research sheds light on end of Snowball Earth period

Scientists discovered that the end of the Snowball Earth period was marked by regular ice advances and retreats, contrary to previous thought. The constant changes were caused by the Earth wobbling on its axis, leading to subtle shifts in climate change.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 24, 2015

Promising class of new cancer drugs might cause memory loss in mice

Researchers discovered that a promising class of cancer drugs can lead to memory loss in mice due to molecular changes in the brain. The findings suggest the potential risks of these therapies and highlight the need for further investigation into their brain effects.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 24, 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.

ESMO honors exceptional oncologists

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) announced the award of its esteemed prizes to three exceptional medical oncologists: Nathan Cherny, Nagahiro Saijo, and Cornelis Punt. These pioneers have made groundbreaking contributions to palliative care integration, medical oncology in Asia, and immunotherapy approaches.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateAug 24, 2015

Chimpanzees found to survive in degraded and human-dominated habitats

Research reveals a significantly larger-than-estimated chimpanzee population in Uganda's fragmented habitats, with populations of up to 319 individuals found across 633 km2. The study suggests that chimpanzees' adaptability and behavioral flexibility enable them to survive in degraded environments.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateAug 24, 2015

New blood test for colon cancer improves colonoscopy screening results

Researchers have developed a new blood test that can detect precancerous polyps in the colon, potentially improving colonoscopy screening results. The test uses surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to identify molecular traces in blood plasma, offering a cheaper and less invasive initial screening option.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateAug 24, 2015

EARTH -- Geology for everyone: Making the field accessible

The geosciences are becoming more inclusive, thanks to initiatives like the first fully accessible field trip in 2014. Researchers found that focusing on students' abilities rather than challenges can create a rewarding experience for all. The American Geosciences Institute is promoting this approach through its efforts.

SourceAmerican Geosciences Institute·DateAug 24, 2015

Young adults believe hookah, e-cigs are safer than cigarettes

A study of 2,871 young adults found that many believe e-cigarettes and hookah are less risky than cigarettes. Younger respondents (18-24) were more likely to rate e-cigs and hookah as safer, while older respondents (25-34) were more cautious. Despite this, most respondents continued to use tobacco products.

SourceSAGE·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateAug 24, 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.

Record high pressure squeezes secrets out of osmium

Researchers achieve unprecedented pressures of up to 770 GPa, revealing osmium's structural stability and interaction between core electrons. The findings have implications for understanding physics and chemistry of highly compressed matter.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2015

Association between transient newborn hypoglycemia, 4th grade achievement

A recent study suggests that early transient newborn hypoglycemia may be associated with lower fourth-grade achievement test scores. The research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that newborns who experienced low blood sugar levels had decreased literacy and mathematics proficiency rates at age 10.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 24, 2015

Young adults, women experience only slight declines in heart disease deaths

Research reveals that young adults, especially women, are not benefiting equally from declining heart disease death rates. Despite improvements in older adults, the annual percentage change in death rates for young men and women showed no improvement between 1990-1999 and has only fallen one percent since 2000.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateAug 24, 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.

Brains of abused teenagers show 'encouraging' ability to regulate emotions

A recent study found that children aged 13-19 who have been abused can regulate their emotions with a little guidance. The researchers tracked the teens' brain activity as they viewed emotional images and were taught cognitive reappraisal, a strategy to alter emotional responses.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 24, 2015

FSU researcher identifies protein with promise for cancer therapy

Researchers at Florida State University have identified a protein called Treslin that shows promise in stopping the unregulated division of cancer cells. Treslin stimulates the activation of helicase, a key enzyme involved in DNA replication, and assembles it for cell division.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 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.

The mending tissue -- Cellular instructions for tissue repair

A collaborative study led by NUS scientists has identified a universal mechanism that regulates forces during epithelial tissue repair. The researchers found that cells respond to the shape and geometry of gaps in the tissue, with convex edges facilitating faster movement than concave edges.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2015

Cameras delivered for NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission as launch prep continues

The OSIRIS-REx camera suite, consisting of PolyCam, MapCam, and SamCam, will enable the spacecraft to image and map Bennu, select a safe sampling site, and collect a sample. The mission is scheduled to launch in September 2016 and will return the largest sample from space since the Apollo lunar missions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2015

NASA SDO: Images of a mid-level solar flare

A mid-level solar flare, peaking at M5.6, occurred on Aug 24, 2015. The flare emitted powerful bursts of radiation, potentially affecting Earth's atmosphere and disrupting GPS and communications signals.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2015

UI and WSU to help communities prepare for, recover from wildfires

Researchers are studying ways to increase communities' ability to withstand and recover from wildfires with the support of a $2.8 million grant. The team will create a virtual early warning system to identify vulnerable communities and ecosystems, and work with stakeholders to develop action plans for at-risk areas.

SourceWashington State University·DateAug 24, 2015

Another milestone in hybrid artificial photosynthesis

A team of researchers at Berkeley Lab has achieved another milestone in hybrid artificial photosynthesis by generating renewable molecular hydrogen and synthesizing carbon dioxide into methane. The new system uses solar energy to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, which is then used by microbes to produce methane.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 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.

Scientists from NTU Singapore find electrifying solution to sticky problem

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a novel adhesive called Voltaglue that can be activated by electricity, allowing for the creation of strong yet reversible bonds. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for various industries, including transportation and medicine, and could potentially revolutionize the way adhesive...

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2015

Tiny antibodies point to vulnerability in disease-causing parasites

Researchers identified a nanobody that stabilizes an enzyme essential for parasite invasion and reproduction. The discovery reveals a previously unappreciated feature of the enzyme's activation, making it a potential target for prevention and treatment of diseases like malaria.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2015

Catastrophic landslides post-earthquake

Large earthquakes cause catastrophic landslides that can persist up to 20-fold after the earthquake, then gradually decrease over time. The magnitude of this response is linked to the size of the earthquake, with shaking-induced damage near Earth's surface and active healing processes playing a key role.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateAug 24, 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.

New data changes ideas about sea level and coastal uplift along Pacific Coast

A new study by Alexander Simms and colleagues reveals that uplift rates across the Pacific Coast have been overestimated by an average of 40%, implying a slower rate of shoreline rise. This finding has important implications for coastal management, including earthquake hazards and sea-level rise impacts.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateAug 24, 2015

Ants do drugs

Researchers at University of Helsinki found that black ants can change their food taste in response to fungal pathogens. By consuming a diet with high levels of free radicals, the ants show improved resistance to infections.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEvolution·DateAug 24, 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.

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.

NIMBioS receives NSF grant to assess student learning in mathematics

The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) has been awarded a two-year NSF grant to create the Quantitative Biology Concept Inventory (QBCI), an instrument to assess learning comprehension and skill development in college-level math courses with real-world examples versus abstract methods. The project ai...

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·DateAug 24, 2015

Climate impacts on marine biodiversity

A recent study models the impact of climate change on marine biodiversity, predicting that warming oceans will lead to significant changes in species distribution. The researchers found that some species will expand into new regions, while others with restricted ranges are likely to face extinction.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateAug 24, 2015

Crying has its perks

Researchers found that tears help to relieve emotions, leading to an improvement in mood, even if it takes time for the feelings to recover

SourceSpringer·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateAug 24, 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.

CONRAD to receive USAID funding for Project EMOTION

Project EMOTION aims to develop user-centered strategies for creating market demand for microbicides and PrEP products among high-risk women. The project will work with local partners to identify drivers and barriers to product use, and design new product attributes, packaging, and messaging.

SourceCONRAD·DateAug 24, 2015

Voter ID law effects hard to pinpoint

A study by Indiana University doctoral student Adam Nicholson examined county-level voter turnout in Indiana and Nebraska/Pennsylvania without voter ID laws. Turnout declined in counties with high elderly populations, but the overall effect of the law on large numbers of voters remains uncertain.

SourceIndiana University·DateAug 24, 2015

UTHealth's Gerard Francisco to be honored by physical medicine academy

Gerard E. Francisco, a renowned expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation, is being honored by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R). His research focuses on developing innovative treatments to help stroke survivors regain hand movement and speech.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateAug 24, 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.

Sexual-minority men more empathic towards fellow minorities

A new study from the University of Houston found that white sexual-minority men have higher positive racial attitudes and empathy than their heterosexual peers. This increased empathy may stem from their personal experience of discrimination, which allows them to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPsychology of Men & Masculinity·DateAug 24, 2015

NASA sees Tropical Storm Loke strengthening

Tropical Storm Loke is strengthening in the Central Pacific, with NASA's Terra satellite gathering data on its powerful storms. The storm is expected to reach hurricane strength later today, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to affected areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 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.

Penn/Baylor Med study describes underlying cause of diabetes in dogs

Researchers from Penn and Baylor have precisely quantified the loss of insulin-producing beta cells in dogs with diabetes, revealing a key similarity with human type I diabetes. The study also identifies features unique to canine diabetes, highlighting potential insights into treating human patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 2015

Long-term NSAID use may reduce CRC risk

A population-based case-control study found that long-term, continuous use of low-dose aspirin and nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with decreased colorectal cancer risk. The study also suggests that higher COX-2 selectivity in nonaspirin NSAIDs may offer greater protection.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 24, 2015

Why do so many children born with heart defects have trouble in school?

Researchers at the University of Utah are exploring the link between congenital heart defects and neurological disorders in children, discovering genetic mutations that affect both heart and brain function. The goal is to develop precision medicine for CHD patients and tailor treatment based on genomic sequence.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·DateAug 24, 2015

NASA Goddard announces collaboration with YYESIT LLC

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center collaborates with YYESIT LLC to develop a product offering innovative monitoring, interpreting, and reporting capabilities for healthcare safety and quality protocols. The partnership aims to advance NASA's work in image processing, computer vision, intelligent decision-making, and optimization.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 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.

ESA announces 2015 honorary members

The Entomological Society of America (ESA) has selected three individuals as its 2015 Honorary Members for their significant contributions to the field. Dr. Wayne A. Gardner is honored for his 41 years of continuous service, while Dr. Michael E. Gray is recognized for his extensive research and leadership roles in integrated pest manag...

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateAug 24, 2015

NASA sees Typhoon Goni moving through East China Sea

Typhoon Goni is weakening due to increasing vertical wind shear and interaction with southern Japan's land. Forecasters predict the storm will make landfall in Kyushu, Japan on August 25 before moving north through the Sea of Japan.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2015

Louisiana Tech University researchers discover synthesis of a new nanomaterial

Researchers at Louisiana Tech University have created a biocomposite nanomaterial that can be synthesized under physiological conditions, making it suitable for targeted drug delivery to combat diseases like cancer. The new material is also stable and resistant to agglomeration, allowing for controlled synthesis and modification.

SourceLouisiana Tech University·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateAug 24, 2015

Generic heart medication shown to prolong ovarian cancer patients' survival

Researchers found that generic heart medications, specifically nonselective beta-blockers, significantly improved overall survival among ovarian cancer patients. This is attributed to the ability of these drugs to block stress pathways involved in tumor growth and spread, with further research needed to explore their potential benefits.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer·DateAug 24, 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.

Bacterial infection makes farmers out of amoebae

Scientists have discovered that an infection caused by the Burkholderia bacteria transforms non-farming social amoebae into farmers. These farmer amoebae gather bacteria, carry them to new sites and seed the soil with them, showcasing a complex symbiotic relationship between all three partners.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2015

Research may solve lunar fire fountain mystery

Scientists from Brown University and Carnegie Institution for Science have identified the volatile gas that drove lunar fire fountain eruptions, a type of eruption that occurs frequently in Hawaii. The gas is found to be carbon monoxide (CO), which combined with oxygen to form, responsible for the fire fountains that sprayed volcanic g...

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 24, 2015

WSU researchers find inaccuracies in head impact sensors

Researchers found that non-helmeted wireless sensors cannot accurately measure harder and faster hits, such as those from softballs. The sensors struggle with rotational acceleration and are unable to capture the peak acceleration of a hit, which can lead to concussion.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProcedia Engineering·DateAug 24, 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.

Smooth robot movements reduce energy consumption by up to 40 percent

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed an optimization algorithm to minimize robot acceleration, reducing energy consumption by up to 40%. The algorithm coordinates multiple robots to optimize their movements and sequence, resulting in improved efficiency without compromising production time.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·DateAug 24, 2015

Giving pharmacists the power to combat opioid overdoses

In response to the growing opioid crisis, pharmacists in Massachusetts and Rhode Island are distributing naloxone rescue kits without a prescription, slowing epidemic rates. This pharmacy-based model is being evaluated at hundreds of pharmacies to determine its impact on overdose death rates.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHarm Reduction Journal·DateAug 24, 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 backs flu vaccinations for elderly

A new Brown University study analyzed nursing home records to show that flu vaccinations significantly reduce deaths and hospitalizations among the elderly. The study found a 50-percentage point increase in match rate for A/H3N2 strain resulted in saving 2,560 lives and preventing 3,200 hospitalizations.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 24, 2015

Genetic overlapping in multiple autoimmune diseases may suggest common therapies

A study analyzing 10 childhood-onset autoimmune diseases found 22 genome-wide signals shared by two or more diseases, suggesting potential new targets for therapy. The research identified genes with biological relevance to specific diseases, offering opportunities for targeted treatment and repurposing existing drugs.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 24, 2015

Blacks hit hardest by public-sector job losses during recession, study finds

A new study by University of Washington sociologist Jennifer Laird finds that African-American workers disproportionately lost jobs in the public sector during the Great Recession, leading to widening racial disparities. Black civil servants, especially women, faced higher rates of unemployment than their white counterparts.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateAug 24, 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.

Under the wing of science: Two methods for aging nestling Carnaby's cockatoo species

The study assesses two methods for aging nestlings: one based on physical appearance changes and the other on folded wing length measurements. Accurate aging is essential for population dynamics and conservation planning. The researchers found that measuring folded wing length is more accurate than observing size and feathers changes.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNature Conservation·DateAug 24, 2015

Kazan microbiologists on how to fight antibiotic-resistant pathogens

Researchers at Kazan Federal University investigate the role of hydrolytic enzymes and metalloproteinases in making enterobacteria resistant to antibiotics. They find that these pathogens can cause severe diseases like meningitis, septicemia, and endocarditis, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalGenome Announcements·DateAug 24, 2015

Study links physical activity to greater mental flexibility in older adults

A recent study found that older adults who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity have more variable brain activity at rest, which is associated with better cognitive performance. The research also revealed that physically fit individuals tend to have larger brain volumes and more intact white matter than their less-fit peers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 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.

Men, people over 65 sleep better when they have access to nature

A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that individuals over 65 who have access to natural environments report better sleep quality. The research suggests that exposure to green spaces and natural amenities can improve sleep patterns, particularly for men.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateAug 24, 2015

Researchers tackle issues surrounding security tools for software developers

A new research from North Carolina State University explores how security tools are used by software developers, finding that peer influence and corporate culture are key factors in adoption. The study also highlights limitations of current tools, including inaccurate notifications and lack of user-friendly interfaces.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateAug 24, 2015

Study finds black bears in Yosemite forage primarily on plants and nuts

A study by UC San Diego biologists found that black bears in Yosemite National Park primarily forage on plants and nuts, with acorns and pine nuts being their main food sources. The research also suggests that female bears tend to forage more heavily for high-fat seeds during reproduction.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateAug 24, 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.

New NSF award will expand scope and impact of ASU water research

Arizona State University's Decision Center for a Desert City will explore transformational changes to sustain water supplies in the Colorado River Basin region, enabling cities like Colorado, Nevada, and California to build capacity for sustainable water management. The four-year award brings total NSF investment to $18 million.

SourceArizona State University·DateAug 24, 2015

Antidepressants fine-tune brain reward pathway to lessen neuropathic pain

A study at Mount Sinai Hospital found that antidepressants regulate chronic pain and depression through actions in the nucleus accumbens, a key brain reward center. The research discovered a gene (RGS9) controlling molecular adaptations for recovery from pain and depression.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2015

Use of tamoxifen by young women is influenced by fertility concerns

A study of 515 premenopausal patients found that younger women with stage 0-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer are less likely to initiate or continue tamoxifen treatment due to concerns about side effects and fertility, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 24, 2015

NASA's Terra satellite sees Tropical Storm Atsani stretching out

Tropical Storm Atsani was elongated with powerful thunderstorms in its quadrants, but its eastern quadrant showed almost no activity. The storm's interaction with westerlies and impending drop in sea surface temperatures indicate it may transition to an extra-tropical storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 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.

UMD-led study identifies the off switch for biofilm formation

A University of Maryland-led team has discovered an enzyme that breaks the signaling pathway of biofilms, a complex web of fibers that protects bacteria from threats. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments to prevent biofilm-related complications and reduce hospital equipment failures.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2015

Children's hospitals shift from CT scans for common childhood health problems

Children's hospitals have reduced CT scan usage for 10 common childhood diagnoses, opting for alternative imaging methods like ultrasound and MRI instead. This shift is attributed to growing evidence linking ionizing radiation from CT scans to increased cancer risk and the adoption of electronic health records.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 24, 2015

Medical terms lead to divide between parents and doctors

A recent study found that labeling a child's symptoms as 'pink eye' can mislead parents into wanting antibiotics, even when they're not necessary. The study suggests that physicians should be aware of the effect of words on parents' expectations for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateAug 24, 2015