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Science News for February 19, 2015


Delaying children's school entry linked to poor academic performance

Research from the University of Warwick suggests delaying school entry for pre-term and full-term children may lead to poorer academic performance as they get older. The study found that missing one year of learning opportunities was associated with poorer average performance in standardised tests at 8 years of age.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateFeb 19, 2015

New brain mapping reveals unknown cell types

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have created a detailed map of cortical cell types and the genes active within them using single-cell sequencing. They identified 47 different kinds of cells, including hitherto unknown types, which can help shed more light on diseases like multiple sclerosis.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cancer risk linked to DNA 'wormholes'

Research reveals that DNA sequences in 'gene deserts' can regulate gene activity elsewhere by forming DNA loops, increasing cancer risk through wormhole-like effects. The study provides new insights into the role of long-range genetic regulation in cancer development.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2015

More women now using compounded hormones without understanding the risks

A recent study analyzed two large surveys to gauge the use of approved and unapproved hormone therapy among US women at menopause. Women taking compounded hormones often lack understanding about the risks associated with these treatments, which are not tested in clinical trials before dispensing.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateFeb 19, 2015

Mobile app with evidence-based decision support diagnoses more obesity, smoking, and depression, Columbia Nursing study finds

A mobile app with decision support features significantly increased diagnosis rates for tobacco use, adult and pediatric depression, and obesity among registered nurses. The app prompted clinicians to follow evidence-based guidelines and encouraged detailed conversations with patients about their health.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalThe Journal for Nurse Practitioners·DateFeb 19, 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.

New clues to causes of birth defects

Researchers found a possible link between maternal age and abnormal chromosome numbers, which can cause birth defects like Down syndrome. The study used genetic data from over 4,000 families and found that the shuffling process of parental chromosomes becomes less regulated with age.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 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.

Dinner Creek Tuff Eruptive Center, eastern Oregon, and other new Geosphere articles

The study finds that the Dinner Creek Tuff Eruptive Center was a common source for mafic and silicic magmatism, linking the GRB eruptions and providing evidence for the location of Columbia River Basalt storage sites. This suggests that shallow crustal rhyolitic reservoirs played a key role in controlling the timing and place of eruption.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateFeb 19, 2015

New test to predict the effectiveness of cancer vaccines

A new test, PLA test, evaluates the effectiveness of cancer vaccines by detecting tumor antigens presented on MHC molecules. The test has shown promising results in identifying glioma tumors and melanoma cells with specific antigens.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 19, 2015

New study helps explain links between sleep loss and diabetes

A new study published in Diabetologia found that lack of sleep can lead to elevated levels of free fatty acids in the blood, causing temporary pre-diabetic conditions in healthy young men. Insufficient sleep also results in increased insulin resistance, a hallmark of pre-diabetes, that persists for nearly five hours.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalDiabetologia·DateFeb 19, 2015

Proteins pull together as cells divide

Cell division relies on a collective process rather than a single molecular architect. The cleavage furrow's formation is driven by chemical signaling and mechanical processes, not just one key protein.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 19, 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.

INRS receives $1.5 million from NSERC for strategic projects

INRS has received significant funding to develop new fibre laser systems, electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction, and terahertz technologies. These collaborations aim to enhance broadband communication and energy efficiency, while addressing greenhouse gas conversion and chemical detection needs.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateFeb 19, 2015

Severe asthma: Gallopamil confirmed as a therapeutic approach

Researchers from INSERM have demonstrated gallopamil's clinical efficacy in treating severe asthma by reducing bronchial smooth muscle mass and airway obstruction. The study involved 31 patients with severe asthma, who showed significant improvements in BSM thickness and asthma attacks after treatment.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 19, 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.

Anti-inflammatory drug counters obesity in mice

A study led by Tokyo Medical University researcher Toshihiro Nakajima found that an anti-inflammatory drug can counteract obesity in mice by regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid breakdown. The drug, LS-102, inhibits the Synoviolin gene, leading to increased energy control pathways.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 19, 2015

Minimizing 'false positives' key to vaccinating against bovine TB

Researchers at the University of Cambridge and Animal & Plant Health Agency highlight the importance of specificity in new diagnostic tests for bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) vaccination. For vaccination to be economically viable, the number of false positives must be below 15 out of every 10,000 cattle tested.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateFeb 19, 2015

Perfect colors, captured with one ultra-thin lens

Researchers create an ultra-thin, completely flat optical component made of glass substrate and silicon antennas that compensates for wavelength differences. This allows for consistent effects like deflecting beams of different colors by the same angle or focusing those colors on a single spot.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 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.

UNH research: Flame retardants found to cause metabolic, liver problems

A new study from the University of New Hampshire has found that flame retardants can cause metabolic and liver problems in laboratory rats, leading to insulin resistance. The researchers discovered that fat cells in these rats became more sensitive to hormones, similar to those experienced by people who are overweight.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateFeb 19, 2015

Politics and economics affect 'Health in All Policies'

A study found that even with health impact assessments, political agendas often override HiAP considerations in decision-making. Funding for HiAP initiatives can be split between government departments, creating challenges to its success.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 19, 2015

IUPUI biologist receives NIH grant to study how glaucoma develops in stem cells

A researcher at IUPUI is studying how glaucoma develops in stem cells created from skin cells genetically predisposed to the disease. The goal is to identify the cause of damage and develop customized strategies to fix it, potentially leading to repairing existing cells and restoring vision.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·DateFeb 19, 2015

Fighting decline of pollinators in Europe

Pollinator decline threatens European food security and ecosystem diversity. The STEP project has mapped the climatic risk of European bumblebees, revealing that many species are at high risk under climate change scenarios.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBIORISK – Biodiversity and Ecosystem Risk Assessment·DateFeb 19, 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.

Probiotic toxin fights coldwater disease in rainbow trout

Scientists at Washington State University have discovered a probiotic toxin that can combat Coldwater Disease in rainbow trout, killing the bacteria with a toxic protein. The probiotics could be a game-changer for the global salmonid aquaculture industry, reducing disease losses and improving animal welfare.

SourceWashington State University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 19, 2015

A new view of the solar system: Astrophysical jets driven by the sun

Researchers propose a new model showing the sun's magnetic field controls the shape of the heliosphere by accelerating solar wind into two jets. This understanding could have implications for future space travel and help us comprehend the filter protecting the solar system from galactic cosmic rays.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 19, 2015

Breast cancer spread may be tied to cells that regulate blood flow

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that targeting pericytes and angiopoietin-2 signaling may reduce breast cancer tumor growth and metastasis. The study suggests a potential new therapeutic approach for metastatic breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 19, 2015

BWH study provides evidence for new approaches to prostate cancer

Men with favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer may be candidates for active surveillance, with no significantly increased risk of death compared to those with low-risk PC. The study found that the absolute estimates of PC-specific mortality were less than one percent in men with both low-risk and favorable intermediate-risk PC.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 19, 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.

The promiscuity of chemical probes discovered

Researchers used a new computational method to predict the interactions between small molecules and thousands of proteins, revealing that many chemical probes are not selective but instead interact with multiple proteins. This study highlights the importance of understanding protein functions to develop more efficient and safer medicines.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateFeb 19, 2015

Giving shape to black holes' intense winds

Researchers detected a nearly spherical stream of highly ionized gas streaming out of the quasar PDS 456, measuring the strength of ultra-fast black hole winds. The discovery reveals that these powerful winds can transfer energy back to their host galaxies and affect star formation.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 2015

Up in smoke: Belief that shisha pipe 'filters out' heavy metals

Research published in BMC Public Health found that shisha pipes remove only a minimal amount of heavy metals from tobacco smoke. The study analyzed four popular brands of shisha tobacco and found that the levels of heavy metals in smoke were significantly higher than in water, with uranium being the most abundant metal present.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 19, 2015

Insect and mammal ovulation more alike than not?

A study found that both fruit flies and mice exhibit similar cellular and genetic features during ovulation, including the degradation of follicle cells and the role of Matrix metalloproteinase (Mmp) enzymes. These similarities suggest a conserved basic mechanism in ovulation across animals.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 19, 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.

People with multiple sclerosis may have lower levels of key nutrients

Women with multiple sclerosis may have lower levels of important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients like folate from food and vitamin E compared to healthy people. The study found that women with MS had lower average intake of these nutrients and a lower percentage of calories from fat.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 19, 2015

Bovine TB vaccinations and minimizing 'false positives'

To make bovine TB vaccination viable, researchers recommend diagnostic tests must achieve high specificity to avoid increasing restrictions and financial burden. Achieving a specificity of greater than 99.85% is necessary to see benefits of vaccination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateFeb 19, 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.

Dasgupta receives American Chemical Society's J. Calvin Giddings Award

Dasgupta, a renowned chemist and educator at the University of Texas at Arlington, has received the prestigious J. Calvin Giddings Award for his commitment to teaching and research excellence. The award recognizes his efforts to enhance analytical chemistry students' professional development and publish influential textbooks on teaching.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateFeb 19, 2015

New study reveals the global impact of debris on marine life

A comprehensive study found nearly 700 species of marine animals have encountered man-made debris, with plastic accounting for 92% of cases. The study highlights the widespread harm caused by debris on threatened or near-threatened species.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateFeb 19, 2015

Pigs can regulate sulfur retention when distillers dried grains are included in diet

Researchers found that pigs can tolerate up to 0.38% sulfur in their diet without negative effects on carcass quality or growth performance. Excess sulfur is excreted in the urine, not accumulated in tissues, allowing pigs to regulate sulfur retention and excretion.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateFeb 19, 2015

Editorial issues a call to action for end-of-life care of older adults in nursing homes

The editorial highlights the need for bold action to improve end-of-life care in nursing homes, focusing on symptom control, advance care planning, and high-quality palliative care. Nursing home providers are urged to prioritize training staff in these areas to ensure better support for patients and their families near the end of life.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateFeb 19, 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.

Beyond silicon: New semiconductor moves spintronics toward reality

A new semiconductor compound is bringing fresh momentum to the field of spintronics, an emerging breed of computing device that may lead to smaller, faster, less power-hungry electronics. The compound's unique low-symmetry crystal structure offers much greater flexibility, enabling precise control over conductivity and magnetism.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 19, 2015

Out of Africa: Did humans migrate quickly and all-at-once or in phases based on weather?

Researchers suggest that human dispersal into southern Asia via Arabia was linked to changing climate and environmental conditions, with increased rainfall supporting populations. The Al Sibetah alluvial fan sequence provides a unique record of landscape change in southeast Arabia, revealing multiple humid episodes during glacial periods.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateFeb 19, 2015

Evolving a bigger brain with human DNA

Researchers found a key difference in human and chimpanzee DNA that boosts brain size in mouse embryos. This discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of human brain evolution and may help explain why humans have unique capabilities compared to chimps.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 19, 2015

Penn researchers develop new technique for making molybdenum disulfide

University of Pennsylvania researchers have made an advance in manufacturing molybdenum disulphide, allowing for easier control over its size, thickness, and location. The new technique enables the creation of transistors that turn on and off, as well as devices that emit light.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 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.

Joslin researchers find drugs are effective for diabetic macular edema in new trial

A clinical trial found that all three anti-VEGF drugs were effective in improving vision and preventing vision loss in patients with diabetic macular edema. Aflibercept showed more significant visual gains in patients with worse vision at the start of the trial, providing robust data for clinicians to guide treatment decisions.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2015

Study finds climate change may dramatically reduce wheat production

A recent study finds that climate change will lead to a significant decrease in wheat production, with yields projected to drop by 6% for each degree Celsius temperature rise. The resulting loss of nearly one-quarter of current wheat production could severely impact global food supplies.

SourceKansas State University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 19, 2015

New nanogel for drug delivery

A new type of self-healing hydrogel has been developed by MIT chemical engineers that can carry one or two drugs at a time. The gel consists of a mesh network made of nanoparticles and polymers that can be injected through a syringe and released over several days, targeting specific tissues and allowing for long-term drug delivery.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2015

New ALS gene and signaling pathways identified

Researchers have identified a new gene, TBK1, associated with sporadic ALS, highlighting the importance of inflammation and autophagy pathways. The study also found that OPTN may be a major player in the disease, interacting physically and functionally with TBK1.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 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.

Combination of imaging methods improves diagnostics

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München developed an approach to quantify gadolinium-based contrast agents in tissue using MALDI-MS imaging, correlating it with MRI images. This combination improves diagnostic value by detecting tissue-related kinetics of contrast agents used in myocardial infarction models.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 19, 2015

Cattle damage to riverbanks can be undone

A study published in Springer's Environmental Management journal found that removing grazing cattle from a wildlife refuge in Oregon has led to significant rehabilitation of the natural environment. The removal of cattle has resulted in an increase in woody riparian vegetation, reduction in erosion, and improved water quality.

SourceSpringer·JournalEnvironmental Management·DateFeb 19, 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.

Clearing up Europe's air pollution hotspots

Current EU legislation will lead to significant improvements in particulate matter pollution, but many areas of Europe will still exceed limits. The study identifies Eastern Europe, Southern Poland, and major cities as hotspots that require targeted emission controls.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateFeb 19, 2015

Caribbean coral findings may influence Barrier Reef studies

Researchers found that symbiotic algae Symbiodinium D is more common in Caribbean corals than previously thought, suggesting potential for coral resilience. This discovery could inform future analysis of the Great Barrier Reef's response to climate change.

SourceGriffith University·JournalCoral Reefs·DateFeb 19, 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.

Statins may not lower Parkinson's risk

A recent study suggests that statins may not protect against Parkinson's disease, despite previous reports of a potential link. The research found no evidence that statin use lowered the risk of PD, and may even increase it over time.

SourcePenn State·JournalMovement Disorders·DateFeb 19, 2015

Gene may help reduce GM contamination

Researchers at the University of Guelph identified a gene that can make certain plants self-pollinate, reducing the risk of genetically modified crop contamination. The discovery could also benefit perfume-makers by allowing for more control over fragrance production.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalBMC Biology·DateFeb 19, 2015

Smarter multicore chips

Researchers at MIT developed a system that cleverly distributes data around multicore chips' memory banks, improving execution times by 18 percent on average while increasing energy efficiency. In simulations involving a 64-core chip, the system increased computational speeds by 46 percent while reducing power consumption by 36 percent.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 19, 2015

Neck pain can be changed through altered visual feedback

Research shows that altering visual cues can impact pain by changing the physical point at which pain is experienced. Participants who suffered from chronic neck pain were shown to have a broader range of motion when visual feedback understated head rotation and a reduced range when it overstated head rotation.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 19, 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.

Jumping genes have essential biological functions

Researchers have discovered that Alu RNAs form complexes with specific proteins, regulating ribosome activity and contributing to cell immunity. This process helps cells adapt to stress and defend against viruses, such as HIV and hepatitis C.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateFeb 19, 2015

Diet quality declines worldwide, but with major differences across countries

The study found that overall diet quality worsened globally despite increased consumption of healthier foods in many countries. Poorer regions, such as Sub Saharan Africa and Latin America, showed little improvement in dietary patterns, highlighting the need for urgent action to address diet-related health issues.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateFeb 19, 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.

Growth hormone improves social impairments in those with autism-linked disorder

A growth hormone called IGF-1 has been shown to improve social impairment and restrictive behaviors in children with Phelan-McDermid syndrome, a disorder associated with autism. The treatment showed significant improvement in social withdrawal and repetitive behaviors compared to placebo.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Autism·DateFeb 19, 2015

$8 million grant to fund Rat Genome Database at MCW

The Medical College of Wisconsin has received a $8 million grant to fund the Rat Genome Database, providing a globally-accessible collection of data from ongoing rat genetic and genomic research. The database holds nearly 4.5 million functional data annotations for rat, human, and mouse genes, as well as files on specific animal strains.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·DateFeb 19, 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.

NASA's MAVEN spacecraft completes first deep dip campaign

MAVEN spacecraft completed its first deep-dip campaign, gathering measurements closer to the lower end of the Martian upper atmosphere. The campaign allows scientists to study connections between the lower and upper atmospheres, shedding light on gas escape and climate history.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 19, 2015

Sickness and health between men and women

A study by Washington State University researchers found that women are more impacted by illness than men, unless multiple symptoms are present. Women with specific personality types, such as high agreeableness or low conscientiousness, may experience less impact from mental illness due to their social networks and coping mechanisms.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateFeb 19, 2015

Why are kidney patients starting dialysis sooner?

A recent study found that patients with advanced kidney disease have been initiating dialysis progressively earlier over time. Despite no measurable differences in patient sickness or reasons for dialysis, the trend suggests a shift towards embracing higher levels of kidney function as acceptable for dialysis initiation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 19, 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.

Does dark matter cause mass extinctions and geologic upheavals?

Research suggests that Earth's movement through dark matter may perturb comets' orbits, leading to heat in the Earth's core, which could trigger events like volcanic eruptions and changes in sea level. This phenomenon may hold the answer to understanding large-scale extinction events.

SourceNew York University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 19, 2015

NASA covers Tropical Cyclone Lam's landfall in northern territory

Tropical Cyclone Lam made landfall in Australia's Northern Territory, with NASA satellites and instruments gathering data on the storm's structure and behavior before and after landfall. The storm was characterized by sustained winds of up to 90 knots (103.6 mph) and heavy rainfall rates of almost 55 mm per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 19, 2015

New NIST tools to help boost wireless channel frequencies and capacity

Researchers at NIST are developing measurement tools for channels that could offer more than 1,000 times the bandwidth of today's cell phone systems. The tools will enable the development of innovative millimeter-wave wireless technologies and support the expected increases in demand for wireless capacity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques·DateFeb 19, 2015

A new view of the solar system: Astrophysical jets driven by the sun

Scientists discover that the sun's magnetic field controls the large-scale shape of the heliosphere, producing two jets that split its tail, similar to astrophysical jets observed in other stars and black holes. The discovery could lead to better understanding of particle acceleration, cosmic rays, and space travel protection.

SourceBoston University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 19, 2015