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Science News for December 18, 2015


HIV identified as leading risk factor for stroke in young African adults

A new study by the University of Liverpool's Institute of Infection and Global Health has found HIV infection to be the leading risk factor for stroke in young African adults. The incidence of stroke is increasing across sub-Saharan Africa, with many cases occurring in young adults with low prevalence of established risk factors.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNeurology·DateDec 18, 2015

Magnetic nanoparticle chains offer new technique for controlling soft robots

A team of researchers from North Carolina State University has developed a technique for remotely controlling soft robots by manipulating elastic polymers with magnetic nanoparticles. By arranging the nanoparticles into parallel chains, they can control the movement and direction of the soft robots.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNanoscale·DateDec 18, 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.

Swedish researchers reveal security hole

Researchers from Linköping University discovered that energy-time entanglement is vulnerable to attack, allowing eavesdropping on traffic without detection. They propose countermeasures to solve the problem.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 18, 2015

Is evolution more intelligent than we thought?

A University of Southampton professor suggests that evolution's ability to learn from past experiences could explain the emergence of complex designs in nature. This idea challenges traditional views of evolution as a blind process, instead revealing its capacity for adaptation and problem-solving.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateDec 18, 2015

Grid cells: Reading the neural code for space

Researchers propose a mathematical theory explaining grid cell activity, enabling precise representation of spatial position and direction. The framework combines population-vector decoding with grid scale progression to maximize spatial resolution.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 18, 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.

Radioactive matter migrates more quickly through fractured carbonate rock

Researchers found that radioactive matter migrates more quickly through fractured carbonate rock when it has leaked from a tank near surface waste sites and geological repositories. Intrinsic colloid formation increases the mobility of leaked radioactive materials in the environment.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 18, 2015

Teens with fewer mental health issues turn to e-cigarettes

A USC study surveyed 3,310 ninth-grade students and found that those with moderate mental health problems who vape e-cigarettes have emotional and behavioral issues midway between smokers and non-vapers. E-cigarette use has tripled among teens in recent years, with flavors like Skittles enticing young people.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateDec 18, 2015

Gene controls stress hormone production in macaques

Researchers found that a specific COMT gene variant is associated with higher cortisol levels in stressed Japanese macaques, leading to more aggressive behavior. This study provides insight into the genetic basis of stress hormone production in non-human primates and its potential connections to human behavior.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateDec 18, 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.

10,000-year record shows dramatic uplift at Andean volcano

A recent study of Laguna del Maule volcanic field reveals dramatic uplift over the past 8 years, mirroring similar events in the past 10,000 years. The research suggests that sustained input of new magma underground is the most likely cause of this rapid deformation.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateDec 18, 2015

People in states that rely heavily on ballot initiatives are happier

A recent study by University of Notre Dame researchers finds that people in states relying heavily on ballot initiatives are happier than those in other states. This 'happiness benefit' is particularly pronounced among lower- and middle-income individuals, who often lack representation in conventional policymaking processes.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalSocial Indicators Research·DateDec 18, 2015

Police shootings of black males: A public health problem

A Saint Louis University researcher proposes concrete steps to stem police shootings of black males, citing high homicide rates and racial biases in policing. Implementing body cameras, community review boards, and addressing prejudice are key recommendations.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateDec 18, 2015

NASA study: Examination of Earth's recent history key to predicting global temperatures

A new NASA study finds that accurately accounting for climate drivers like aerosols and land use changes is crucial for predicting future global temperatures. The research calculated the temperature impact of each variable based on historical observations, revealing their complexity and correcting earlier underestimations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 18, 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.

Lakes around the world rapidly warming

A study spanning six continents found that lakes are warming at an average rate of 0.61 degrees Fahrenheit per decade, outpacing ocean and atmospheric warming rates. This rapid heating threatens algal blooms, water resources, and fisheries globally.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 18, 2015

Handle with care: Car seats and newborns

A new study found that 95% of families made at least one error in car seat use, and 91% made a serious error. The most common mistakes included loose harnesses, incorrect installations, and low chest clip positions.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateDec 18, 2015

Insensitive irritable bowel syndrome

Researchers found that patients with IBS have reduced sensitivity in their gut nerves, contradicting previous theories of over-sensitivity. This desensitization could be a protective measure to prevent overstimulation.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateDec 18, 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.

Nanodevices at one-hundredth the cost

Researchers at MIT's Microsystems Technologies Laboratories show promise in building microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) using affordable and high-quality desktop fabrication devices. This allows for production of useful MEMS at significantly lower costs without compromising quality, enabling new markets and applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Microelectromechanical Systems·DateDec 18, 2015

Architecture of mTOR protein complex solved

Researchers have elucidated the structure of mTORC1, a crucial protein complex involved in cellular signaling and disease regulation. The study reveals detailed interactions between partner proteins, shedding light on the mechanism of rapamycin-induced changes, which affects substrate specificity and pharmaceutical effects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateDec 18, 2015

Which-hunting and the hegemony of style guides

Researchers found a significant shift from using 'which' to 'that' in relative clauses, particularly among writers who also avoid the passive voice and end sentences with prepositions. This study demonstrates the importance of prescriptive grammar as a social force in shaping English language usage.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateDec 18, 2015

Life exploded on Earth after slow rise of oxygen

A UCL-led study reveals that oxygen levels in oceans and atmosphere rose to support animal life 100 million years earlier than previously thought. This finding suggests that increased oxygen may have kick-started early animal evolution, rather than a change in animal behavior.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Real-time tracking shows how batteries degrade

A UCL-led team used sophisticated imaging to track the degradation of disposable Lithium batteries in real-time, revealing internal structural damage that affects performance. The study provides valuable insights for manufacturers to predict battery performance and optimize material design.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 18, 2015

Staying healthy while getting older

The Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg is launching a new consultation model called 'Beratung für gesundes Altern' (BegA) in January 2016. This non-clinical project aims to provide prevention-oriented advice and support to older adults, helping them prepare for potential losses of function due to aging.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateDec 18, 2015

Inflammation can fan the flames of depression

Researchers at Rice University and Ohio State University found that chronic inflammation is linked to depression, with concentrations of inflammatory markers CRP and IL-6 elevated by up to 50% in patients. Activities like yoga, meditation, NSAIDS, and exercise can help treat depression caused by chronic inflammation.

SourceRice University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 18, 2015

Businesses may benefit from 'overqualified' employees

Researchers found that overqualification leads to more favorable reactions among employees and better job performance. By normalizing overqualification in the workplace, managers can encourage a positive influence on behaviors such as citizenship and teamwork.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateDec 18, 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.

Study: Childhood concussions impair brain function

A new study found that pre-adolescent children who have sustained sports-related concussions have impaired brain function two years following the injury. The research suggests that childhood concussions may have a lasting impact on cognitive performance, with potential lifelong academic and vocational consequences.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Journal of Psychophysiology·DateDec 18, 2015

Turn-taking in communication may be more ancient than language

Turn-taking in human communication appears to have origins in primate gestural interactions, predating the development of language. This double-tasking of comprehension and production may motivate compact clause structures in all languages.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateDec 18, 2015

14 new Research Units, 1 new Clinical Research Unit

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft is funding 14 new Research Units and one Clinical Research Unit, totaling €35 million. The research collaborations aim to address pressing issues in their respective fields, including neutrino mass hierarchy and creative processes.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateDec 18, 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.

New model for vascular and tumor research

A new cell culture technique called VOGIM allows the formation of tumor blood vessels and their interaction with immune cells to be observed in real-time. This enables the study of tumor growth, cell death, and the influence of medications on these developments without live animal testing.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateDec 18, 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.

Better therapies due to computer models

Researchers developed simulations of the human heart using computational modeling, aiming to create personalized treatment strategies for patients with reduced cardiac function. The project uses virtual personalized heart models to predict CRT feasibility and optimize pacemaker setup.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateDec 18, 2015

NASA's MMS delivers promising initial results

The Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission is providing unprecedented insights into magnetic reconnection, a process that drives giant magnetic bursts and oscillations in Earth's magnetic fields. Scientists are using MMS' high-resolution measurements to better understand the role of magnetic reconnection in shaping the space environme...

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 18, 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.

POSTECH team creates a more durable protein hydrogel based on elastic silk-like protein

Researchers created a mechanically durable hydrogel using an elastic silk-like protein called aneroin, which has improved mechanical properties compared to collagen and silkworm silk. The aneroin hydrogel provided an adequate environment for cell growth, proliferating mammalian cells with healthy morphology.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateDec 18, 2015

Multiplying teeth

Researchers have successfully multiplied teeth in mice by splitting tooth germ cells and implanting them into the jaw. This discovery could lead to new treatments for people born with missing teeth or who lose teeth due to accidents or disease.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 18, 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.

Superbug colony behaviors revealed in time lapse video

Researchers observe 'comet-shaped' structures forming on agar plates, indicating active motility in MRSA, a spherical bacterium with no propulsive tail or appendages. This discovery could have implications for future clinical treatments and open up new avenues of research into Gram-positive bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateDec 18, 2015

NYU study identifies method for detecting latent stage of lymphedema

Researchers at NYU College of Nursing developed a method to detect breast cancer-related lymphedema by counting symptoms, showing high sensitivity and specificity. The study found that a diagnostic cutoff of three symptoms can distinguish healthy adults from those with lymphedema with 94% sensitivity.

SourceNew York University·DateDec 18, 2015

The case of the sticky protein

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed new probes to measure surface hydrophobicity in proteins. These sensors show significant improvements over existing commercial tools, with up to a 60-fold increase in detection strength.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 18, 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.

Review: PTSD resources lacking for nonveterans

A new study finds that treatment resources for non-veterans with PTSD are much less cohesive and helpful than those available to veterans. The review of research literature highlights the need for better guidance on treating PTSD in specific vulnerable subpopulations, such as victims of sexual assault and natural disasters.

SourceBrown University·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateDec 18, 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.

Uncovering potentially 'concerning' variation in cancer screening follow-ups

A recent study involving one million patients found that follow-up times for abnormal screening exams were shorter for breast cancer than for colorectal and cervical cancers. The study characterized cancer screening practice variation across seven centers and noted the potential barriers to timely follow-up, including patient inconveni...

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 18, 2015

Coastal marshes more resilient to sea-level rise than previously believed

A new study by Duke University researchers found that coastal marshes can adapt to rising sea levels through increased plant productivity and soil generation, reducing the extent of marsh loss. The 'CO2 fertilization effect' allows marshes to trap more sediment and create organic soil, which helps them keep pace with sea-level rise.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2015

Researchers develop new method for looking into the lungs

A new method allows researchers to create 3D images of oxygen and CO2 transport in the lungs, providing hope for improved treatment of COPD and lung cancer. The technique enables doctors to better predict patient outcomes and develop personalized treatments.

SourceAarhus University·JournalRespiratory Physiology & Neurobiology·DateDec 18, 2015

Watching the ribosome at work

A new method called RiboTaper helps to clarify the function of unknown genes by analyzing sequencing data. By filtering out background noise, researchers can determine which genes are actively producing proteins and identify specific points on RNA where significant events occur.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 18, 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.

Extinction of large animals could make climate change worse

Researchers find that extinction of fruit-eating animals like primates and tapirs disrupts seed dispersal, leading to a decline in heavy-wooded trees and reduced carbon storage. This loss affects the ecosystem's ability to counter climate change.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 18, 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.

Branching out: Engineers reveal mechanisms of complex organ structures

Researchers discovered that mechanical forces regulate airway branching in the developing lung, challenging previous theories. The study's findings have long-term implications for understanding developmental disorders and treating growth disorders like cancer.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 18, 2015

Bacterium carrying a cloned Bt-gene could help millions infected with roundworms

A team of researchers has successfully inserted the gene for Bt into a harmless bacterium, which can be used to deliver the protein to people afflicted with roundworms through dairy products or probiotics. This could provide an inexpensive treatment option for millions of people worldwide infected with intestinal nematodes and roundworms.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateDec 18, 2015

GHG emissions from Canadian Arctic aquatic systems dated for the first time

For the first time, scientists have successfully dated carbon dioxide and methane emissions from ponds and lakes on Bylot Island in Nunavut. The study found significant variability in age and emission rates of greenhouse gases from aquatic systems located in a continuous permafrost zone.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalBiogeosciences·DateDec 18, 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.

Antibiotic-infused implants designed to help faces heal

Researchers at Rice University have developed time-released gel-filled implants that deliver antibiotics to the face, reducing the risk of infection during facial reconstruction. The innovative material protects tissue from bacterial invasion for several weeks.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials Science·DateDec 18, 2015