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Science News for August 5, 2015


Cyanobacteria can manufacture biocatalysts for the industry

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have successfully manufactured biocatalysts suitable for industrial applications by harnessing the power of cyanobacteria's photosynthesis. The production process uses carbon dioxide and water as source materials, eliminating the need for mineral oil-based resources.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMicrobial Cell Factories·DateAug 5, 2015

Penn study details powerful molecular promoter of colon cancers

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a key factor in colon cancer development, finding that suppression of microRNA families leads to intestinal tumors. The study reveals how protein Hmga2 promotes cancerous growth and is associated with advanced tumor stages and reduced survival.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 5, 2015

River buries permafrost carbon at sea

A new study found that Arctic rivers, such as the Mackenzie River, are responsible for burying large amounts of organic carbon from thawing permafrost at sea. This process locks away carbon dioxide and helps stabilize the earth's CO2 levels over time, providing a potential natural sink for excess greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2015

Pitt team gets the beat, develops method of quantifying ciliary movement

A new technique has been developed to objectively quantify ciliary movement, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis of cilia-related disorders. The method, which uses computational methods, correctly identified over 90% of cases with primary ciliary dyskinesia.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 5, 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.

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.

Normalization of testosterone level after testosterone replacement therapy

Research suggests that normalization of testosterone levels through TRT is associated with lower mortality and fewer cardiovascular events in men without a previous history of myocardial infarction or stroke. The study used a large cohort of male veterans to establish this link, highlighting the potential benefits of adequate TRT dose

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 5, 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.

Scientists solve planetary ring riddle

A breakthrough study by the University of Leicester team, led by Professor Nikolai Brilliantov, reveals that planetary rings have a universally similar particle distribution. The researchers solved the 'amazing' mathematical inverse cubes law of particle size distribution, suggesting that Saturn's rings are in a steady state that does ...

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2015

Molecular trick alters rules of attraction for non-magnetic metals

Researchers at the University of Leeds have successfully altered quantum interactions to generate magnetism in non-magnetic metals by removing electrons using a carbon molecule interface. This breakthrough enables the use of abundant and harmless elements like carbon and copper, crucial for future technologies such as quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High salt intake could be a risk factor for multiple sclerosis

New research suggests that high salt diets may exacerbate autoimmune neuroinflammation in individuals with specific genetic backgrounds, particularly females. The study found that mice fed a high salt diet exhibited worsened clinical signs of multiple sclerosis, while those with certain genetic variants showed no response to salt.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateAug 5, 2015

Why the long face? Horses and humans share facial expressions

Researchers developed the Equine Facial Action Coding System (EquiFACS) to identify individual facial expressions in horses. The study found that horses share a rich repertoire of complex facial movements with humans and chimps, suggesting evolutionary parallels in communication.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 5, 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.

Bariatric surgery procedure lowers tolerance for alcohol

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that women who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery had a faster increase in blood alcohol concentration and reported greater feelings of drunkenness. This alteration in alcohol metabolism increases the risk of developing alcohol use disorders, highlighting the need for public awareness.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateAug 5, 2015

How white blood cells limit muscle regeneration

Researchers identified a protein produced by white blood cells that puts the brakes on muscle repair. Removing CD163 from mice boosted muscle repair and recovery of blood flow after ischemic injury. The findings point to a target for potential treatments aiming to enhance muscle regeneration.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 5, 2015

Long-term ovarian cancer survival higher than thought

A UC Davis study found that nearly one-third of ovarian cancer patients survived at least 10 years after diagnosis, contradicting the common perception of poor survival rates. The research also identified younger, earlier-stage disease and lower-risk tumor types as factors associated with longer survival.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 5, 2015

Parental experience may help coral offspring survive climate change

A new study found that corals pre-conditioned to increased temperature and ocean acidification produced healthier offspring, which can handle future environmental stressors. This rapid trans-generational acclimatization may help corals survive climate change.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 5, 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 medical research reporting requirements may lead to fewer positive outcomes

Large-budget clinical trials evaluating drugs or dietary supplements for cardiovascular disease reported fewer positive outcomes after new transparent reporting standards were implemented around 2000. The study found that 57% of trials from 1970-1999 reported positive results, compared to only 8% of trials from 2000-2012.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 5, 2015

Two spin liquids square off in an iron-based superconductor

A new study reveals an iron-telluride material develops superconductivity without long-range electronic or magnetic order, with a competing disordered magnetic phase. The researchers found that the ordering is extremely local and fleeting, similar to a liquid-like behavior.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 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.

Population changes, priorities cause woodlands to increase

A study monitors trends on woody encroachment in three Central Texas settings, finding a significant correlation between population changes and woody cover decreases. The researchers used time-series aerial imagery and historical census data to quantify the relationship between human demographics and land use patterns.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalRangeland Ecology & Management·DateAug 5, 2015

Source of liver stem cells identified

HHMI scientists have discovered functional liver stem cells that proliferate and give rise to mature hepatocytes, even in healthy livers. The newly found stem cells require Wnt signals to maintain their identity and are responsible for replenishing the liver's population.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2015

Milky Way-like galaxies may have existed in the early universe

A new simulation by Carnegie Mellon University researchers suggests that large disk galaxies, like the Milky Way, might have formed in the early universe. The BlueTides simulation, which is 100 times larger than previous simulations, shows a number of disk galaxies existing at 500 million years post-Big Bang, challenging long-held theo...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 5, 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.

Nova Southeastern University researcher discovers a new deep-sea fish species

A Nova Southeastern University researcher has discovered a new deep-sea fish species, the Ceratioid anglerfish, found between 1,000-1,500 meters depth in the Gulf of Mexico. The three female specimens, considered type specimens, will reside in the Ichthyology Collection at the University of Washington.

SourceNova Southeastern University·JournalCopeia·DateAug 5, 2015

Spaceflight may increase susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease

A new study suggests that spaceflight can disrupt intestinal homeostasis and increase colitis susceptibility in mice. The research found altered composition of intestinal bacteria, decreased regulatory T cells, and increased neutrophils in the colon tissues of hindlimb-suspended mice.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateAug 5, 2015

Scientists solve structure of important protein for tumor growth

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute solved the structure of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), important regulators of tumor response to low oxygen. The findings identify potential targets for new cancer drugs, which could inhibit HIF functions and reduce tumor growth.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 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.

Pandas set their own pace, tracking reveals

Researchers tracked five pandas with GPS collars for three years, finding they exhibit three daily activity peaks - morning, afternoon, and midnight. This unique pattern may be linked to their low nutrition quality from bamboo consumption, allowing them to adapt to their environment.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateAug 5, 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.

Gastric bypass surgery lowers women's alcohol tolerance

A new study published in JAMA Surgery found that gastric bypass surgery can alter how the body metabolizes alcohol, leading to higher and more rapid blood-alcohol levels. Women who underwent the surgery experienced changes similar to those seen in men, with a significant increase in blood-alcohol content after consuming just two drinks.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateAug 5, 2015

Students create tool to stop pests in their tracks

Three college students developed ComFlo, an interactive website that visualizes domestic transport of commodities in the US. The tool helps identify pathways for invasive species and informs resource allocation for prevention.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·DateAug 5, 2015

The Alan Turing Institute signals progress on many fronts

The Alan Turing Institute has made significant progress in its first few days of operations, with the appointment of Professor Andrew Blake as its first Director. The Institute will promote the development and use of advanced mathematics, computer science, algorithms, and big data for human benefit.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateAug 5, 2015

'Yolks' and 'shells' improve rechargeable batteries

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel electrode made of nanoparticles with a solid shell, and a yolk that can change size without affecting the shell, improving cycle life and energy storage. The use of aluminum as the key material has proven to be high-rate champion among high-capacity anodes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 5, 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.

Snow leopard blood no better prepared for high altitude than domestic cats

A team of researchers found that snow leopard haemoglobin is equally as inefficient as the haemoglobins of all other big cats and structurally similar to those of house cats. The study suggests that animals may compensate for poor oxygen capacity by breathing harder, but further research is needed.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 5, 2015

Sandcastles inspire new nanoparticle binding technique

Researchers from NC State University developed a new method to bind nanoparticles using oily liquid shells, mimicking the formation of sandcastles. The technique creates ultraflexible microfilaments and networks with reversible binding, enabling dynamic reconfigurable multifunctional materials.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 5, 2015
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

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

New articles on butterfly conservation from Oxford Journals

Research on monarch butterfly conservation highlights declining population trends, with survival rates dropping from 1997 to 2014. The studies also suggest that Karner blue butterflies are being protected through a cutting-edge recovery program in Wisconsin.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateAug 5, 2015

When new parents become unhappy, brothers and sisters become less likely

A study by the Max Planck Institute found that parents experiencing a drop in happiness after the birth of their first child are less likely to have a second child. The effect is strongest for well-educated and older parents. In fact, only 58 out of 100 couples who reported a significant decline in happiness had a second child within t...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalDemography·DateAug 5, 2015

New survey on Americans' views on law enforcement, violence, and race

A new national survey found nearly three-quarters of black respondents consider violence against civilians by police as extremely or very serious, while less than 20% of whites share the same view. The poll also finds agreement across racial groups on many causes of police violence and potential solutions.

SourceNORC at the University of Chicago·DateAug 5, 2015

Power grid forecasting tool reduces costly errors

Researchers at PNNL developed a new forecasting tool that can accurately predict electricity needs, reducing errors and costs. The Power Model Integrator uses an ensemble of models to adaptively combine strengths and address various scenarios, improving accuracy by up to 50%.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateAug 5, 2015

How stock market's 'spare tire' keeps economy churning during banking crises

A new study found that firms in countries with strong shareholder protection laws raised more money through stock sales, performed better in terms of profits and investment efficiency, and terminated fewer employees than similar firms in countries with weaker shareholder protection laws. Stronger shareholder protection laws allow the s...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateAug 5, 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.

Want to improve your health? Focus on nutrition and not weight

A new study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that nutritional deficiencies can lead to chronic inflammation, which may be the underlying cause of weight gain. Participants who consumed nutrient bars daily for two months showed significant improvements in various health markers, including weight loss and improved cholesterol levels.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateAug 5, 2015

Finding the 'conservación' in conservation genetics

A special journal issue highlights real-world applications of conservation genetics in Latin America, from combating wildlife smuggling to exposing consumer fraud. Researchers used genetic techniques to characterize jaguar populations and identify piracatinga fish as a substitute for river dolphins.

SourceAmerican Genetic Association·JournalJournal of Heredity·DateAug 5, 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.

The role of intra-abdominal fat in IBD uncovered

A recent study published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that intra-abdominal fat cells may promote inflammation in IBD patients. The research isolated and cultured pre-intra-abdominal fat cells from healthy subjects and those with IBD, revealing significant differences in signaling mediators produced by...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateAug 5, 2015

Consuming highly refined carbohydrates increases risk of depression

A diet high in refined carbohydrates may lead to an increased risk for new-onset depression in postmenopausal women, according to a recent study. The study found that greater consumption of dietary fiber, whole grains, vegetables, and non-juice fruits was associated with decreased risk.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 5, 2015

Two-drug combination boosts survival in metastatic prostate cancer

Patients with metastatic prostate cancer who received a two-drug combination of chemotherapy and hormone blocker lived longer than those on hormone-blocker alone, surviving for 57.6 months versus 44 months. The treatment also delayed disease progression by six months.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 5, 2015

Study finds state policies influence vaccination, disease outbreak rates

A new study from the University of Georgia found that lax state vaccination laws contribute to lower immunization rates and increased outbreaks of preventable diseases, such as whooping cough and measles. States with stricter policies have lower pertussis rates, highlighting the impact of policymakers on disease prevention.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalHealth Affairs·DateAug 5, 2015

Storytelling skills support early literacy for African American children

Early narrative skills are tied to kindergarten literacy among young African American children, suggesting that storytelling is crucial for their early reading development. The study found that preschool oral narrative skills predicted emergent literacy for poor and non-poor African American kindergartners, but not for the overall sample.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateAug 5, 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.

Making a better nitrate test kit

A new handheld device replaces traditional methods with a safer, more accurate, and affordable testing procedure. It is adaptable for different chemical measurements and can be used by schools and individuals to gather real data in their communities.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 5, 2015

Stroke therapy put to the test in preclinical randomized controlled trial

A preclinical randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate a potential stroke therapy that had shown promise in one mouse model but not another. The study found that the treatment's success may depend on the type and severity of the stroke, suggesting improved clinical trial design could have mitigated this issue.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 5, 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.

Series of wildfires in Northern California continue blazing

Several fire complexes are currently active in Northern California, including River, Fork, South, Route, and Mad River, with total fires numbering over 40 in the Fork Complex alone. Damage assessments are ongoing, and crews are working to contain fires and protect structures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 5, 2015

Delay in treatment, missed diagnostic testing found among lung cancer patients

A recent study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that patients with suspected lung cancer often wait too long to receive treatment and skip vital diagnostic steps. Only 1 in 10 patients had the recommended combination of three staging tests before surgery, highlighting the need for improved quality care.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·DateAug 5, 2015

Lightning reshapes rocks at the atomic level, Penn study finds

A team of scientists from the University of Pennsylvania discovered that lightning can reshape rocks at an atomic level, creating distinctive black 'glazes' and shock lamellae. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the effects of meteorite impacts on rocks.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Mineralogist·DateAug 5, 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.

Wasp masters manipulate web-building zombie slave spiders

A Japanese wasp has been found to control its zombie spider host to build a reinforced cocoon web for pupa development. The spiders were manipulated to remove their sticky spiral, reinforce radial and frame threads, and add decorative fibrous structures.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 5, 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.

Enthusiasm for personalized medicine is premature, prominent public health scholars argue

Two leading public health scholars, Sandro Galea and Ronald Bayer, warn that the US emphasis on precision medicine may distract from broader investments to reduce health inequities and address social factors. They cite a 2013 report by the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine, which found that health is determined by...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 5, 2015

Viruses thrive in big families, in sickness and in health

A study by the University of Utah Health found that households with children are more likely to experience viral infections throughout the year. On average, people in childless households were infected for 3-4 weeks, while those with one child were infected for 18 weeks, and those with six children were infected for up to 45 weeks.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 5, 2015

NASA looks at Tropical Storm Guillermo closing in on Hawaii

Tropical Storm Guillermo is forecasted to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to the Hawaiian Islands. NASA's Terra satellite and RapidScat instrument provided critical data on the storm's wind patterns, revealing strongest winds on the northern and eastern sides.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 5, 2015

Special edition of Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences

The Royal Tyrrell Museum's 30-year anniversary is celebrated with a special edition of Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, featuring research papers on Alberta's geology and palaeontology. The journal recognizes the museum's contributions to understanding life on Earth.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Earth Sciences·DateAug 5, 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.

Endoscopes still contaminated after cleaning, study shows

A recent study found that endoscopes can harbor residual contamination and viable microbes even after thorough cleaning and disinfecting. The study tested 60 encounters with 15 colonoscopes and gastroscopes, detecting contamination on 92% of devices after bedside cleaning.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateAug 5, 2015

Computer algorithm can forecast patients' deadly sepsis

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a computer-based method to predict hospital patients at risk of septic shock with 85% accuracy. The Targeted Real-time Early Warning Score (TREWScore) combines 27 factors into a predictive score, detecting septic shock before organ dysfunction in over two-thirds of cases.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 5, 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.

Cancer treatment models get real

Researchers at Rice University have developed a way to mimic the conditions under which cancer tumors grow in bones, enabling more accurate testing of cancer-fighting drugs. The study found that bone tumors exposed to normal forces express more of a protein called IGF-1 than detected in static cultures.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2015

How stress can tweak the brain to sabotage self-control

A study published in Neuron found that stress can alter brain connections to impair self-control, particularly when faced with tempting food choices. Researchers discovered that individuals who experienced moderate stress were more likely to choose unhealthy options, and their brains showed altered patterns of connectivity.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 5, 2015

Long-term followup of type of bariatric surgery finds regain of weight, decrease in diabetes remission

A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy experienced significant weight regain and a decrease in remission rates for type 2 diabetes and other obesity-related disorders over time. The study collected data from 443 patients who underwent the procedure between 2006 and 201...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateAug 5, 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.