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Science News for August 27, 2015


How do harmful chronic myelogenous leukemia stem cells obtain their nutrients?

A research group in Japan and Korea found that certain dipeptide species support CML stem cell activity. Pharmacological inhibition of nutrient uptake decreased CML stem cell activity in vivo, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for CML therapy. This discovery may provide concrete benefits to patients with CML.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2015

Choosing to end it all

Research by Dr. Fabrice Jollant found that high-risk decision-making among parents of individuals who committed suicide may contribute to their vulnerability. The study suggests that cognitive training and neurostimulation techniques can help improve decision-making skills, reducing the risk of suicide.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateAug 27, 2015
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Brazil's national oral health policy -- an example for other nations

Smiling Brazil launched in 2004 and incorporated oral health into the public healthcare system, adopting an integral care approach. The policy has shown positive results in oral health epidemiological indicators, financial investment, and professional development.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 27, 2015

Fish oil-diet benefits may be mediated by gut microbes

A new study suggests that fish oil diets are more effective than lard diets due to the presence of certain gut bacteria. Mice transplanted with gut microbes from a fish oil diet showed reduced weight gain and inflammation compared to those with lard diet microbes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 27, 2015

What would a tsunami in the Mediterranean look like?

Researchers developed a model to simulate Mediterranean tsunami impact, showing how waves would hit and flood coastal areas in southern Italy and Greece. The study highlights the need for local authorities to identify vulnerable areas and plan defense strategies.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalOcean Science·DateAug 27, 2015
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Mammary gland is shaped by adaptive immune system during development

Researchers at UC San Francisco discovered that the adaptive immune system plays a role in guiding the normal development of mammary glands in mice. The immune system puts brakes on cell growth to fine-tune structure, a process that may also apply to other organs such as the prostate gland and skin.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 27, 2015

Scientists reveal cellular clockwork underlying inflammation

The discovery reveals protein structural changes that could inform treatments for inflammatory conditions such as heart disease and colon cancer. The researchers found that two proteins, Tollip and Tom1, work together to regulate the turnover of cell-surface receptor proteins that trigger inflammation.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalStructure·DateAug 27, 2015
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Cervical pessary doesn't reduce rate of preterm birth or neonatal complications in twin gestatations

A large international randomized clinical trial found that cervical pessary insertion did not reduce spontaneous preterm births or neonatal complications in women with twins. The study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, included 1,180 twin pregnancies and showed no significant differences between groups.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 27, 2015

Intensity of desert storms may affect ocean phytoplankton

A new MIT study finds that large seasonal changes in desert dust can dramatically affect surface phytoplankton, which rely on iron as a main nutrient for growth. The team determined that iron has a very short residence time in ocean waters, lasting only six months before sinking into the deep ocean.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateAug 27, 2015

NASA sees Tropical Storm Kilo wrapped halfway around itself

Tropical Storm Kilo has bands of thunderstorms wrapped more than halfway around the system, affecting Johnston Island and expected to bring 5-10 inches of rainfall. Sea surface temperatures are near 29C, promoting strengthening and potential hurricane formation after passing the island.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 27, 2015
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New strategy improves detection of genetic mutations in hereditary colorectal cancer

A new testing method developed to accurately detect PMS2 gene mutations has been shown to improve diagnosis and support genetic counseling and medical management for individuals with Lynch syndrome. The approach combines targeted capture next-generation sequencing, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, and long-range PCR fo...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateAug 27, 2015

Experts stress need for sufficient iodine nutrition during pregnancy

A Swedish study found inadequate levels of iodine among pregnant women, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to optimize nutrition during pregnancy. The median urinary iodine concentration was significantly lower than recommended minimum levels.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateAug 27, 2015

Study shows plant species' genetic responses to climate change

A study found that climate change can rapidly alter plant genetic diversity, but also enable an 'evolutionary rescue' through increased adaptability. The research suggests that genetic diversity may buffer plants against harmful effects of climate change.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 27, 2015

Fishermen discards could increase prevalence of turtle disease in Turks and Caicos

Research finds that fishermen in Turks and Caicos Islands are increasing the local prevalence of a disease affecting turtle populations worldwide by selectively harvesting healthy creatures and throwing back infected animals. The study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, suggests that this practice has the opposite effect of cul...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateAug 27, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Link between gene variant and aggression in children

Researchers found a correlation between gene variants and aggression in children, particularly those who react strongly to negative experiences. The study supports the 'differential susceptibility' theory, suggesting some individuals are more susceptible to environmental conditions partly due to their genotype.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateAug 27, 2015

A new virus in liver cancer

Researchers identified a new virus, AAV2, associated with rare liver cancer cases without cirrhosis or known risk factors. The virus targets genes involved in cell proliferation, leading to excessive expression and potentially favoring tumor development.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 27, 2015
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Cell mechanics are more complex than previously thought

Research reveals that cytoskeletal tension can alter the structural organisation of the nuclear envelope, affecting chromatin structure and gene reading. This complex process, known as mechanotransduction, has significant implications for understanding cellular differentiation and development.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 27, 2015

Discovering dust-obscured active galaxies as they grow

A team of astronomers discovered 48 Dust Obscured Galaxies (DOGs) using the Hyper Suprime-Cam instrument on the Subaru Telescope. These rare galaxies are thought to harbor rapidly growing black holes, providing insights into the co-evolution of galaxies and supermassive black holes.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateAug 27, 2015

Researcher develops cheaper, better LED technology

A Florida State University engineer has developed a highly efficient and low-cost LED technology using organic and inorganic materials. The new material requires only one layer to create the desired product or effect, making it simpler to manufacture than existing products.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 27, 2015

Data backs limits on deep-sea fishing by depth

Researchers found a clear transition in catches at depths of 600 to 800 meters, with significant increases in biodiversity and discarded biomass. The study suggests that a depth limit at around 600 meters could have specific conservation benefits.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 27, 2015

The DNA damage response goes viral: A way in for new cancer treatments

Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a critical difference in how cells respond to DNA breaks versus viral infections. The discovery reveals that cells can selectively neutralize viral DNA without triggering a global response, which could lead to the development of new cancer-selective viral therapies.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateAug 27, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Interrupting sitting with walking breaks improves children's blood sugar

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that interrupting sedentary behavior with short walking breaks can improve children's blood sugar levels. This benefit was observed even after a sugary drink was consumed, suggesting potential long-term benefits for metabolic health.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 27, 2015

Astronomers unravel the history of galaxies for the first time

Researchers have observed a massive transformation in galaxy structure, with disc-shaped galaxies becoming oval-shaped galaxies. The study provides the first direct evidence of this 'metamorphosis' and sheds light on the processes that caused it.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 27, 2015
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Antibiotic use linked to type 2 diabetes diagnosis

A new study found that people with Type 2 diabetes took more antibiotics in the years leading up to their diagnosis compared to healthy controls. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics like penicillin V were particularly associated with a higher risk of diabetes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 27, 2015

UEA research shows high protein foods boost cardiovascular health

A new study from UEA reveals that high protein intake from plant-based sources is associated with lower blood pressure, while animal-derived amino acids are linked to reduced arterial stiffness. Increasing protein-rich food consumption could be a valuable way to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 27, 2015
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Pitt team identifies cause of resilience to tinnitus, potential drug therapy

A team from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine identified the molecular mechanisms behind resilience to tinnitus and a possible drug therapy that could reduce susceptibility. The study found that mice exposed to loud noise but not developing tinnitus show a transient reduction in KCNQ2/3 channel activity.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateAug 27, 2015
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Frogs' irrational choices could reform understanding of animal mating

A study on túngara frogs reveals the 'decoy' effect, where females choose less attractive mates over more appealing options when a third, inferior mate is introduced. This challenges rational choice models used in sexual selection theory and highlights the influence of context on mating decisions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015

Getting a picture of the molecules in a cell in just minutes

Researchers at RIKEN and Hiroshima University create technique to analyze metabolites, hormones, nutrients, and lipids in individual cells using nanospray tip and mass spectrometer. This breakthrough could speed up understanding of molecular distribution in time and space, transforming agricultural science.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Protocols·DateAug 27, 2015

Researchers mimic viral infection in colon cancer stem cells

A research team has discovered a mechanism to mimic a viral infection in colon cancer stem cells, which could potentially trigger an immune response to fight the disease. Decitabine, a chemotherapy drug, is identified as a potential target to induce viral mimicry and activate an anti-viral response.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalCell·DateAug 27, 2015

To track winter flounder, UNH researchers look to ear bones

Researchers at UNH have developed a new method to identify the nursery grounds of winter flounder using otoliths, revealing regional groupings for stocks from Cape Cod to New Jersey. This technology could help restore plummeting populations along the East Coast and protect essential habitats.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalTransactions of the American Fisheries Society·DateAug 27, 2015
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

How the mind sharpens the senses

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that mental focussing can improve tactile acuity by 17 percent after a four-day Zen-retreat. This improvement is comparable to those achieved through intense long-term training or physical stimulation, challenging the current understanding of neuroplasticity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 27, 2015

Degenerating neurons respond to gene therapy treatment for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that degenerating neurons in patients with Alzheimer's disease responded to gene therapy treatment by showing heightened growth, axonal sprouting, and activation of functional markers. The study suggests that nerve growth factor is safe over extended periods and merits continued testing as a potential AD treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateAug 27, 2015

Researchers find way for eagles and wind turbines to coexist

A new study maps potential wind-power sites and nesting patterns of golden eagles, revealing 'sweet spots' where wind power can coexist with eagle habitats. The research provides a framework for industry and managers to assess potential development and minimize bird deaths.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 27, 2015

Life histories may explain songbird paradox

Research suggests tropical songbirds invest more resources in their offspring, leading to higher survival rates, whereas temperate species prioritize quantity over quality due to high mortality rates among young adults.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Humus depletion induced by climate change?

A new study by TUM scientists links climate change to declining crop yields and humus stocks in arable soils. The researchers found that the stagnation in yields coincides with a decline in organic matter input into the soil, leading to a depletion of humus.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 27, 2015

Study finds fair trade logo boosts consumer's willingness to pay

A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that the Fair Trade logo increases consumer's willingness to pay by 30% on average. The study also discovered that the logo influences subjective evaluations of products and activates the brain's reward system.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateAug 27, 2015

Study aims to reproduce 100 published journal papers

Researchers successfully replicated 95 of the original experiments but could only reproduce results in under half of the cases. The study's findings suggest that initial evidence strength is a key predictor of replication success, and that surprising effects are generally harder to replicate.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015

A CNIO team finds the way to generate potentially safer stem cells in the laboratory

A CNIO team has identified the origin of damage to induced pluripotent stem cells and developed strategies to reduce it, resulting in cells with less damage to their genome. This breakthrough improves the safety of iPS cells for use in biomedicine, potentially treating cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Pigments, organelles persist in fossil feathers

Researchers have found evidence that melanosomes, which produce melanin pigment, are preserved in the fossil record of Anchiornis huxleyi, a bird-like dinosaur. The study uses electron microscopy and chemical analysis to demonstrate that the microbodies are indeed melanosomes, not microbes.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 27, 2015

Improved microscopy technique reveals new insights into cell processes

Researchers have improved Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM) to achieve 62-nanometer resolution, reducing phototoxicity and improving imaging of proteins interacting. This breakthrough has provided new insights into cell processes, such as the role of actin in clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015

Political polarization on Twitter depends on the issue

Researchers found that Twitter users shared messages from people with different ideological views for non-political issues like sports events, but converged on similar ideologies for overtly political topics. The study also revealed dynamic shifts in polarization over time for certain issues, such as the Newtown school shooting.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 27, 2015
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Successful boron-doping of graphene nanoribbon

Researchers at the University of Basel have synthesized boron-doped graphene nanoribbons with controlled band gaps, enabling the development of highly sensitive gas sensors for nitrogen oxides. The material's chemical properties were characterized using atomic force microscopy, revealing high selectivity towards adsorption.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2015

NASA's GPM satellite analyzes Tropical Storm Erika's rainfall

The GPM satellite captured intense rainfall rates of up to 52.8 mm per hour, with embedded convection necessary for storm strengthening, but displaced due to wind shear. The storm's low-level center was located northwest of the rain field, hindering intensification.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 27, 2015
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Probiotics show no impact preventing gastrointestinal colonization with drug-resistant bugs

A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that probiotics do not prevent or eliminate gastrointestinal colonization with drug-resistant organisms in critically ill patients. The research followed 70 patients and showed no significant difference in overall acquisition of any MRDOs between the two groups.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateAug 27, 2015
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Dry eyes -- researchers report progress in diagnosis and treatment

The September special issue of Optometry and Vision Science presents significant strides in managing patients with dry eye symptoms. Key findings include new treatments such as omega-3 supplements and heat therapy, as well as emerging approaches to diagnosis and management.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateAug 27, 2015

Scientists identify possible key in virus, cancer research

Florida State University researchers have identified a viral protein that inhibits the major DNA sensor, suggesting a new pathway for fighting infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. By manipulating this protein, scientists may be able to enhance or tune down the immune response.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 27, 2015

New fossil skulls reveal insights about penguin brain evolution

Fossil skulls from 35 million year old sediments in Antarctica have shed light on the changes in penguin brains that accompanied their transition to water. The findings indicate that early penguins had many of the adaptations of living forms, while having a few unique traits not seen in modern ones.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateAug 27, 2015

Imaging techniques set new standard for super-resolution in live cells

Researchers at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus have developed new imaging techniques that dramatically improve spatial resolution in living cells. The new methods offer extraordinary visual detail of structures inside cells with unprecedented clarity and speed.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

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

'Brainbow' reveals surprising data about visual connections in brain

Researchers at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute used 'brainbow' technique to tag retinal ganglion cell terminals, revealing individual terminals from multiple cells in mature mouse brains. The study challenges traditional understanding of neural development and connections between the retina and brain.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 27, 2015

Survey finds many physicians overestimate their ability to assess patients' risk of Ebola

A survey of primary care physicians found significant variation in how doctors make decisions in situations of uncertainty, with those least likely to encounter Ebola patients being most likely to choose overly intense management. The results highlight the need for additional resources and responsible reporting by news media.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 27, 2015

Study links air pollution to children's low GPAs

A University of Texas at El Paso study found that fourth and fifth graders exposed to toxic air pollutants at home have lower GPAs. The researchers used data from 1,895 children living in El Paso, estimating their exposure to air pollutants like diesel exhaust.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalPopulation and Environment·DateAug 27, 2015

New theory leads to radiationless revolution

Physicists have developed a radical new theory that confines electromagnetic energy without leaking away, with potential applications in explaining dark matter and combating energy losses. The theory contradicts fundamental principles of electrodynamics but could lead to breakthroughs in quantum computers and laser technology.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 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.

Researchers thwart cancer cells by triggering 'virus alert'

Researchers found a core group of genes related to both viral defense and susceptibility to demethylating drug 5-azacytidine. The study suggests that triggering this pathway may improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy drugs in patients with certain types of cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateAug 27, 2015

In very ill, probiotics don't prevent 'superbugs' from colonizing intestinal tract

A new study at WashU Medicine found that probiotics did not prevent the colonization of drug-resistant microbes in the intestinal tract of critically ill patients. Researchers followed 70 patients and administered them either probiotics or routine care, but no significant difference was seen in colonization rates.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateAug 27, 2015
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Interstellar seeds could create oases of life

A new study proposes that if life can travel between stars through panspermia, it would spread in a characteristic pattern, creating clusters of life-forms. These clusters could resemble bubbles in a pot of boiling water, growing and overlapping with each other.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 27, 2015

At the origin of language structure

A study by Hanna Marno and colleagues found that languages with SVO structures prefer simplicity due to cognitive load constraints. In experiments where participants were not required to invent their own gestures, a preference for the SVO form emerged in both Italian-speaking and Farsi-speaking groups.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateAug 27, 2015

Is neuroticism fueled by overthinking?

A new theory proposes that neuroticism is driven by high activity in the brain's self-generated thought centers, which can lead to both creative breakthroughs and negative emotions. The study suggests that overthinking may be a key factor in experiencing intense negative emotions even when there is no apparent threat.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateAug 27, 2015
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Modified bacteria become a multicellular circuit

Rice University scientists have created a multicellular bacterial circuit that allows bacteria to cooperate and control protein expression. This breakthrough enables the development of biological computers that can be programmed through diet, with potential applications in treating diseases and manipulating the gut microbiome.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015

To get girls more interested in computer science, make classrooms less 'geeky'

A new study of high school students reveals that classroom design plays a significant role in engaging girls in computer science. The research suggests that making classrooms less 'geeky' and more inviting can increase girls' interest in enrolling in computer science courses, with 68% preferring non-stereotypical classrooms.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateAug 27, 2015
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Health workers wasting expensive malaria drugs in Nigeria

A study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that health workers trained to use malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) still prescribe valuable malaria medicines to patients without testing for malaria. The researchers tested 5,000 participants across 40 communities and found that RDT use remained less than 50% desp...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 27, 2015

Short bouts of activity may offset lack of sustained exercise in kids

Researchers found that brief intervals of exercise during sedentary periods can lower children's blood glucose and insulin levels, and may protect against diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The study suggests that even short activity breaks can help overcome negative effects on the body.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 27, 2015

Impact origin of archean cratons: Learning from Venus

A new hypothesis suggests that large bolides pierced early thin lithosphere, causing massive partial melting and forming cratonic crust. This process is thought to have occurred on a Venus-like Earth, which preserved a more complete geological record of its infancy.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateAug 27, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Glial cells use lipids to direct neuron organization in the spinal cord

Scientists at RIKEN Brain Science Institute discovered that glial cells release phospholipid LysoPtdGlc, which repels pain-sensing axons and directs position-sensitive neurons to specific regions in the spinal cord. This lipid-based signaling system has potential as a therapeutic target for spinal cord injury.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015

Mystery of polar bear Knut's disease finally solved

Scientists solve the mystery of polar bear Knut's encephalitis, a rare autoimmune disease previously known only in humans. The discovery provides new insights into the possible prevalence of autoimmunity in humans and other mammals.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 27, 2015

Evidence suggests subatomic particles could defy the standard model

A team of physicists has found new hints of particles being treated in strange ways not predicted by the Standard Model, suggesting evidence for non-standard physics. The discovery could be a significant lead in the search for new phenomena and potentially shed light on dark matter and dark energy.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 27, 2015

Queen's researcher playing an important role improving psychology research

A study co-authored by Queen's University professor Stanka Fitneva found that the replicability rate for psychology research is lower than expected. The researchers' most important finding was that less than half of their studies produced the same findings as the original study, suggesting that publication bias may be a major issue in ...

SourceQueen's University·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015

A new technique to make drugs more soluble

Researchers have developed a system to produce stable, amorphous nanoparticles that dissolve quickly and can be made from a wide range of materials, including inorganic substances with high crystallization propensity. These nanoparticles exhibit different electronic, magnetic, and optical properties than their crystalized counterparts.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

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

CanDL database shines light on clinically important cancer gene mutations

Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center have designed an online database called CanDL to help molecular pathologists identify key cancer gene mutations. The freely accessible database includes information on 60 genes, 334 distinct variants and 169 unique matching literature references across multiple cancers.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateAug 27, 2015