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Science News for August 31, 2015


In September's Physics World: The secret life of scientific ideas...

Researchers have found that most ideas are generated through group work and discussions with colleagues, contrary to the traditional image of a single individual having an eureka moment. The study also highlights the importance of mundane activities like taking a bath in sparking creativity.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateAug 31, 2015

Circuit in the eye relies on built-in delay to see small moving objects

A new study on mice reveals how motion-sensing cells in the eye form synapses with interneurons, creating a unique delay that allows for accurate tracking of small moving objects. This delay enables the object motion sensors to distinguish between the motion of an object and its background.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 31, 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.

Spinal manipulation works for back pain -- in some people

Researchers found that spinal manipulation provides immediate benefits for some patients with low-back pain, but has no effect on others. The study suggests that different groups of people respond differently to the treatment, highlighting the complexity of low-back pain and the need for personalized care.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalSpine·DateAug 31, 2015

New research confirms lack of sleep connected to getting sick

A new study confirms that insufficient sleep is connected to a greater likelihood of catching a cold. Adults who slept less than six hours a night were four times more likely to catch the cold compared to those who got more than seven hours of sleep.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalSLEEP·DateAug 31, 2015

Inducing metabolic catastrophe in cancer cells

Cancer cells can be made vulnerable to autophagy shutdown by combining an FLT3 inhibitor with an autophagy blocker. This combination prevents cancer cells from metabolizing glucose and mobilizing stored nutrients, leading to cell death. The study provides evidence that this approach could be a new way to treat various types of cancer.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 31, 2015

Alzheimer's disease -- Overlooked for 30 years: A new kid on the block

Researchers have identified a new protein fragment, amyloid-η, which antagonizes the hyperactive effect of beta-amyloid on nerve cells. This finding has immediate implications for ongoing clinical trials targeting beta-amyloid, suggesting that unanticipated side-effects may occur if eta-amyloid levels increase

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateAug 31, 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 'squeeze' light one particle at a time

Researchers successfully demonstrated squeezing of individual light particles, or photons, using an artificially constructed atom. The experiment achieved this by shining a faint laser beam on to their artificial atom, which excited the quantum dot and led to the emission of a stream of individual photons.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateAug 31, 2015

Study reveals human body has gone through four stages of evolution

Researchers analyzed 430,000-year-old fossils from Spain to determine the human body's evolutionary stages. The study found four main stages of evolution, with the Atapuerca individuals exhibiting a tall, wide, and robust body form, sharing features with Neanderthals.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

Seabird SOS

A new study estimates that almost all seabirds have consumed plastic, with 90% of individual birds ingesting some form of plastic. This widespread impact is a concern, as plastic ingestion can cause gut impaction, weight loss, and death in seabirds.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

Magnetic stimulation effective in helping Parkinson's patients walk

A new study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience reports that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can reduce gait freezing in Parkinson's patients. The treatment, involving high-frequency rTMS, improved motor skills and continued to show benefits even after the intervention was stopped.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateAug 31, 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.

Meet Pentecopterus, a new predator from the prehistoric seas

The newly discovered Pentecopterus was found in a 5km meteorite crater, providing insights into the evolution of eurypterids. The species, lived 467 million years ago, has well-preserved fossils that show its diverse developmental stages.

SourceYale University·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateAug 31, 2015

'Happy Meals' bill could improve healthfulness of fast food meals for kids in NYC

A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers finds that a 'Healthy Happy Meals' bill could reduce calories, fat, and sodium in fast food meals marketed to children. The proposed legislation requires fast food meals for kids to include a serving of fruit or vegetables and be limited to 500 calories or less.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 31, 2015

$3.9 million supports search for moral superstars

Researchers aim to identify morally exceptional individuals through competitions, conferences, and research projects to foster moral attributes. The project's goal is to understand the psychological, cultural, and spiritual factors that contribute to moral excellence.

SourceWake Forest University·DateAug 31, 2015

UCI study finds dramatic increase in concurrent droughts, heat waves

A UCI study finds a significant increase in concurrent droughts and heat waves, posing a more severe threat due to their combined impact. Researchers attribute the rise to rising global temperatures, which raise the probability of extreme weather events.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

New UC Davis environmental research center links science with advocacy

The UC Davis Environmental Health Sciences Center aims to develop preventions and policies protecting communities from environmental toxins and disease. The center focuses on studying toxic exposures and their effects on human health, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley with high pollution levels and ethnic diversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateAug 31, 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.

Use of ozone-tolerant cultivars can enhance India's food security

A recent study highlights the importance of ozone research in the IGP region, which is agriculturally important and densely populated. The results show that seven out of 18 rice cultivars are adaptable to high-ozone environments, suggesting a useful strategy for food security in India.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 31, 2015

Tail as old as time -- researchers trace ankylosaur's tail evolution

A team of scientists from North Carolina State University and the University of Alberta compared Jurassic and Cretaceous ankylosaur specimens to determine how their tails evolved. They found that the tail stiffened before the growth of the osteoderm knob, with handle-like vertebrae appearing in early ankylosaurs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateAug 31, 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.

Watching more TV as a young adult predicts obesity

A 15-year analysis by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health reveals that young adults who spend more hours watching television each day are more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI) and bigger waist circumference. This association did not hold in later years, indicating that targeting young adults for i...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalSAGE Open·DateAug 31, 2015

How neurons get their branching shapes

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals how the protein centrosomin controls the growth of microtubules within neurons, influencing dendritic branching. The researchers found that centrosomin acts as a 'glue' to fix microtubules, preventing excessive branching and promoting more complex arbors.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 31, 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.

Men who buy sex have much in common with sexually coercive men

A study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that men who buy sex have less empathy for women in prostitution and view them as intrinsically different from other women. This aligns with research on sexual aggression, which suggests a lower level of empathy among perpetrators.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateAug 31, 2015

DNA-guided 3-D printing of human tissue is unveiled

Researchers have created a technique to build tiny models of human tissues, called organoids, using a process that turns human cells into biological equivalents of LEGO bricks. These mini-tissues can be used to study how structural features affect normal growth or go awry in cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 31, 2015

NASA sees Hurricane Jimena's large eye

Hurricane Jimena maintained its large eye and powerful thunderstorms around it, with cloud-free eyes revealed by NASA's Aqua satellite. The storm's warm sea surface temperatures fueled its intensification, with NHC predicting little change in strength over the next day.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 31, 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.

We've all got a blind spot, but it can be shrunk

Scientists have found that training can effectively reduce the size of the human blind spot, improving vision in individuals with age-related macular degeneration. The researchers trained participants on a direction-discrimination task for 20 consecutive weekdays, resulting in a 10% reduction in functional blindness.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 31, 2015

ELIXA trial shows CV safety of lixisenatide

The ELIXA trial demonstrated that lixisenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, did not increase or decrease the rate of cardiovascular events compared to placebo. The study found a modest benefit in weight gain, but also identified patients with heart failure as being at high risk of all-cause death.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 31, 2015

Older people getting smarter, but not fitter

A new study found that older populations in Germany and England are scoring better on cognitive tests, while physical functioning and mental health have declined. The increasing use of modern technology and higher education levels contribute to the improvement in cognitive abilities.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 31, 2015

Close friendships in adolescence predict health in adulthood

A new study suggests that maintaining close relationships with peers in adolescence can have long-term benefits for adult physical health. The research found that both high-quality friendships and a drive to fit in with peers were associated with lower anxiety, depressive symptoms, and improved overall health.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 31, 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.

Plastic in 99 percent of seabirds by 2050

Researchers predict that 90% of all seabirds alive today have eaten plastic, with the majority having it in their gut. Plastic ingestion causes gut impaction, weight loss and death, affecting marine biodiversity.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

Preventive medicine experts speak out about reducing firearm violence

A special issue of Preventive Medicine addresses firearm violence, highlighting its impact on public health and the need for increased funding. The article presents key findings on the relationship between alcohol abuse, gun ownership, self-defensive gun use, and criminal acquisition of firearms.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateAug 31, 2015

Giant 'sea scorpion' fossil discovered

A newly discovered species of eurypterid, a giant 'sea scorpion', has been found in Iowa, measuring over 1.5 meters long and dating back to 460 million years ago. The fossil provides unique insights into the anatomy and behavior of these ancient predators.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateAug 31, 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.

Using ultrathin sheets to discover new class of wrapped shapes

Using ultrathin sheets, researchers have discovered a new regime of wrapped shapes that can efficiently contain toxic or corrosive liquids. The technique, which uses capillary action to wrap droplets in film, enables the creation of non-spherical shapes with minimal material waste.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 31, 2015

'But doctor, I'm not ill' -- insight in psychotic patients

A study investigated the link between brain cell dysfunction and poor insight in psychotic patients, finding a correlation between reduced NAA levels and impaired awareness of illness. The research may help develop new treatment options for improving insight and patient outcomes.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateAug 31, 2015

Come here and be quiet!

A novel technique identified an unusually strong 3D network of developmental genes in ESCs, physically clustered and silenced by Polycomb repressive complex (PRC1) to maintain the undifferentiated state. This mechanism allows for selective release of genes, controlling early development decisions.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 31, 2015

Women in poor areas twice as likely to develop clinical anxiety as men

A new study of over 20,000 men and women in the UK found that women living in poor areas are almost twice as likely to develop clinical anxiety disorder as those in richer areas. In contrast, men's levels of generalized anxiety disorder remain unaffected by their socio-economic status.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateAug 31, 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.

Volcanic eruptions: Properties of magma influence forecasts

Researchers simulated volcanic eruptions to understand how current forecasting models succeed in predicting magma properties. Heterogeneous magma leads to more accurate predictions, while homogeneous magma results in less precise forecasts.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 31, 2015

New material science research may advance tech tools

Researchers manipulated a steel gray mineral to create holes in thin films, which showed magnetic properties at their edges. The discovery raised the metal-to-insulator phase transition temperature of the film.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

Heart rate, heart rate variability in older adults linked to poorer function

A new study found that higher resting heart rates and lower heart rate variability are associated with poorer ability to function in daily life and future decline in older adults. These markers of frailty were linked to a higher risk of functional decline, regardless of sex.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 31, 2015

Sea temperature changes linked to mystery North Pacific ecosystem shifts

Researchers found longer, less frequent climate fluctuations contribute to abrupt and unexplained ecosystem shifts in the North Pacific. The study suggests changing climate variability contributed to 1977 and 1989 regime changes with more likely larger climate-triggered shifts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 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.

Columbia engineers develop new approach to modeling Amazon seasonal cycles

A Columbia Engineering team has developed a new approach to model the Amazon seasonal cycle, correcting inaccuracies in general circulation models. The high-resolution atmospheric model resolves clouds and convection, providing a more accurate understanding of water and carbon cycles.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

Tiny drops of early universe 'perfect' fluid

New RHIC data reveals clear-cut evidence of primordial soup's signature particle flow in collisions of 3-particle ions with gold nuclei, confirming earlier suspicions that smaller particles can create droplets of free-flowing QGP. The analysis shows a triangular pattern consistent with the creation of three tiny droplets of QGP.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 31, 2015

Raising pay can reduce smoking rates

A 10% increase in wages leads to a 5% drop in smoking rates among male workers with low education levels. Increasing the minimum wage could improve quitting rates for smokers and has significant health benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateAug 31, 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.

Dialect influences Appalachian students' experiences in college

A study by NC State University researchers found that rural Appalachian students who speak a stigmatized dialect may feel like they're at a disadvantage in the classroom. They reported being met with snickers or feeling singled out, which led to hesitation in speaking up and trying to change their way of talking.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Journal of Higher Education·DateAug 31, 2015

A technique designed to predict how much energy waves will be bringing

The EOLO group has developed a novel method for predicting wave energy up to 16 hours in advance, using a combination of historical measurements and machine learning algorithms. This technique has shown higher reliability than existing methods for forecasting swell and storms in the Bay of Biscay.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalOcean Engineering·DateAug 31, 2015

Religion, physicians and surrogate decision-makers in the intensive care unit

A study analyzed 249 audio-recorded conversations between surrogate decision-makers and healthcare professionals, finding that religious or spiritual considerations were discussed in 40 cases, mostly initiated by surrogates. The discussions focused on beliefs, practices, community, miracles, and the end-of-life as a new beginning.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 31, 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.

Cardiologists fail to identify basic and advanced murmurs

A recent study found that cardiologists failed to identify over half of basic and nearly 35% of advanced pre-recorded murmurs. However, a 90-minute training session significantly improved their ability to recognize indications of heart conditions.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateAug 31, 2015

Parents' views on justice affect babies' moral development

A new study from the University of Chicago shows that babies' neural responses to prosocial and antisocial behavior are influenced by their parents' attitudes toward justice. Children as young as 12-24 months old exhibit strong individual differences in moral development, which are predicted by parental sensitivity to justice.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 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.

Millipede research 2.0

The first new species of millipede is described using high-detail 3D images, providing unprecedented access to anatomical information. The cybertype-enhanced description allows for widespread sharing and study of the digital specimen, enabling researchers to analyze its unique traits without dissecting the original holotype.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 31, 2015

Epigenomic changes are key to innate immunological memory

Researchers have discovered that epigenomic changes induced by pathogen infections, mediated by a transcription factor called ATF7, are the underlying mechanism of innate immunological memory. This finding could increase our understanding of the hygiene hypothesis and lead to the development of more efficient vaccines.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 31, 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 type of prion may cause, transmit neurodegeneration

Researchers have identified a new type of prion causing Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a neurodegenerative disorder with similarities to Parkinson's disease. The discovery raises concerns about treatments and research involving contact with brain tissue from MSA patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

Evidence of ancient life discovered in mantle rocks deep below the seafloor

Researchers found fossilized microbes in ancient rock samples from the Iberian continental margin, confirming a long-standing hypothesis that interactions between mantle rocks and seawater can create conditions for life. The discovery provides important insights into the possibility of 'intraterrestrial' life in rocks below the seafloor.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

Quantifying the impact of volcanic eruptions on climate

A new method reconciles observational proxy and model evidence, demonstrating that the Tampora and Samalas eruptions generated an average drop in temperature in the Northern Hemisphere fluctuating between 0.8 and 1.3°C during the summer of 1258 and 1816. This cooling did not last for more than three years at a hemispheric scale.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 31, 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.

Examining service delivery, patient outcomes in Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program

A study found that RWHAP-funded facilities provided more comprehensive services, including case management and mental health support, compared to non-funded facilities. Despite this, nearly 75% of patients at RWHAP-funded facilities achieved viral suppression, while some subgroups benefited from these services.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 31, 2015

NASA finds 'hot towers' in Fred, now a hurricane

NASA's GPM mission detected intense rainfall near the center of Hurricane Fred on August 30, suggesting rapid intensification. The storm's 'hot towers' reached heights of up to 10 miles, releasing latent heat and fueling its growth into a hurricane.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 31, 2015

Endangered animals can be identified by rate of genetic diversity loss

A Purdue University study develops a statistical approach to estimate the number of generations remaining before a population reaches low genetic variation. The method performs significantly better than current methods for identifying species in need of conservation efforts.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateAug 31, 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.

Closer to a treatment for the 'asthma of the esophagus'

Researchers discovered MIF, a molecule involved in EoE, which can be targeted for therapy. The study suggests a novel approach to treating this hard-to-treat food allergy, offering hope for patients with difficulty swallowing.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateAug 31, 2015

Study: Some with low-risk prostate cancer not likely to succumb to the disease

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine analyzed survival statistics of 1,298 men with low-risk prostate tumors and found that only two died of prostate cancer after 15 years, while three developed metastatic disease. This suggests that carefully selected patients in active surveillance programs are unlikely to be harmed by their disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 31, 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.

Television viewing linked to higher injury risk in hostile people

Research found that people with hostile personalities who watch more TV are at a greater risk for injury. The study, which analyzed data from 4,196 adults, suggests that reducing TV viewing and improving content rating systems could lower injury rates among these individuals.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion·DateAug 31, 2015

The 5-colour nutritional labelling system is the most effective for consumers

The study found that the 5-color nutritional labeling system is more effective than other systems in helping consumers understand food quality. This system, which uses a color-coded label to indicate nutrient content, was shown to increase the ability of individuals to rank foods by nutritional quality.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNutrients·DateAug 31, 2015

Knee and hip replacements may be bad for the heart

A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that osteoarthritis patients who underwent total knee or hip joint replacement surgery were at increased risk of heart attack immediately following arthroplasty. However, long-term risk was insignificant, while the risk for venous thromboembolism remained years after the procedure.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateAug 31, 2015

Short sleepers are 4 times more likely to catch a cold

A new study by UC San Francisco researchers found that people who sleep six hours a night or less are four times more likely to catch a cold compared to those who spend more than seven hours in slumber. The study used objective sleep measures and found that short sleep was the most significant factor in predicting illness.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalSLEEP·DateAug 31, 2015

Gaming computers offer huge, untapped energy savings potential

A new study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that gaming computers consume 20% of global PC energy use, but can be optimized for up to 75% energy savings through setting changes and component swaps. By doing so, gamers can improve reliability and performance while reducing their carbon footprint.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnergy Efficiency·DateAug 31, 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.

Organized self-management support eases chronic depression

A randomized controlled trial found that a self-management support service improved patients' symptoms and recovery scores. The program combined behavioral therapy with recovery-oriented approach, focusing on achieving life goals despite symptoms. Participants showed significant improvements compared to usual care.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateAug 31, 2015

Using nanotechnology to fight cancer

The new Northwestern University Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence will use nucleic-acid-based nanoconstructs called Spherical Nucleic Acids (SNAs) to discover new aspects of cancer biology and create effective cancer treatment options. SNAs are nontoxic to humans, offering a versatile tool in medicine.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateAug 31, 2015

Single mothers much more likely to live in poverty than single fathers, study finds

A University of Illinois study finds that single mothers earn significantly less than single fathers, widening the gender gap. Single mothers are more likely to live in poverty and struggle financially due to lack of child support, whereas single fathers tend to be better off financially after a divorce.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalGender Issues·DateAug 31, 2015

Infection with multiple HIV-1 variants leads to poorer clinical outcomes

Researchers found that infection with multiple founder HIV-1 variants results in significantly higher mean viral loads and poorer clinical outcomes. The study analyzed data from two large HIV vaccine efficacy trials and showed that the number of variants at the beginning of infection affects the setpoint for viral load.

SourceThe U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP)·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 31, 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.

Grey Swans: Rare but predictable storms could pose big hazards

Researchers at Princeton and MIT have used computer models to predict the potential storm surge waters for three cities: Tampa, Cairns, and Dubai. The study found that powerful storms could generate dangerous storm surges in all three cities, with odds of 1 in 10,000 in an average year.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 31, 2015

Young women with diabetes have 6-fold risk of heart attack

A recent study presented at ESC Congress found that young women with diabetes have a six-fold risk of heart attack. The research, which analyzed data from over 7,000 women, also revealed that smoking was the leading risk factor for young women with myocardial infarction.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 31, 2015

Scientists engineer designer proteins that control enzyme activity

Researchers from the University of Chicago have developed a novel approach to control enzyme activity using monobodies, synthetic proteins that recognize and bind specific target molecules. They successfully altered the specificity of an enzyme used in the food industry without modifying it, paving the way for bespoke reactions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 31, 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.

Scientists reveal New Zealand's prehistoric wildlife sanctuaries

A research team used ancient-DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating to reconstruct population histories for prehistoric seabirds in New Zealand. They found that mainland populations were rapidly decimated after human arrival, while Stewart Island populations remained relatively stable due to a decline in human numbers.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateAug 31, 2015

Using DNA origami to build nanodevices of the future

Scientists at Kyoto University developed an approach to assemble DNA origami units into larger structures by using a double layer of lipids. This method allows for more freedom of movement and interaction between origami structures, enabling them to form nanomachines such as nanomotors for targeted drug delivery

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 31, 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.

Possible new weapon against PTSD

Researchers discovered that chronic stress strengthens traumatic memories in the brain, leading to PTSD. Blocking this process with serotonin-blocking drugs may offer a new treatment option for the disorder.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 31, 2015

Gene therapy fully restores vision in mouse model of Leber congenital amaurosis

Scientists have successfully used gene therapy to fully restore vision in a mouse model of Leber congenital amaurosis-1, a genetic disorder causing severe visual impairment. The treatment, which replaced the deficient retGC1 protein, showed long-lasting results and supports clinical testing for human patients.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateAug 31, 2015

Lizards can stomach island living

A study found that island-dwelling Balkan green lizards have a longer small intestine and hindgut compared to their mainland counterparts. They also possess cecal valves, which slow down food passage and provide fermenting chambers, allowing them to digest more plant material.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateAug 31, 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.

SLU researcher opens next chapter on blood-clotting mysteries

SLU researcher Nicola Pozzi is seeking to understand the molecular mechanisms of prothrombin and thrombin to develop more effective life-saving drugs. The research builds on previous breakthroughs in blood-clotting protein structure, which may lead to a better understanding of how prothrombin is converted to thrombin.

SourceSaint Louis University·DateAug 31, 2015

Gene leads to nearsightedness when kids read

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered a gene variant, APLP2, that increases the risk of myopia in children who spend more time reading. Spending time outdoors is found to reduce this risk.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 31, 2015

Deciphering the olfactory receptor code

Scientists have created a tool that can identify thousands of chemosensory receptors stimulated by specific smells in various species, from mice to flies. This breakthrough could help unravel the logic of chemosensory code across animal species and has countless applications, including understanding behaviors triggered by odorants.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 31, 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.

'Eat me' signal whets appetites for tumor-devouring dendritic cells

Researchers find that using a monoclonal antibody to block the 'eat me' signal on malignant cells triggers a more potent immune response in dendritic cells, which then activate killer T cells and boost adaptive immunity. The study suggests a new approach for developing an effective cancer immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 31, 2015