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Science News for February 3, 2015


Industrial pump inspired by flapping bird wings

Researchers have created a pump that moves fluid using vibration instead of a rotor, potentially capturing wasted mechanical energy and reducing noise in industrial situations. The design mimics the movement of birds' flapping wings, which manipulate airflow to move themselves.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 3, 2015

Study sheds new light on aggressive cancer in children

A study reveals children with 'biallelic mismatch repair deficiency' (bMMRD) experience a rapid wave of genetic mutations, dubbed the 'great flood', which causes aggressive cancer. The research identifies a previously undiscovered mechanism for cancer progression and potential targets for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 3, 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.

Cocaine users have impaired ability to predict loss

Research at The Mount Sinai Hospital found that cocaine users have impaired brain circuits for predicting emotional loss, making it difficult to learn from unfavorable outcomes. This impairment may underlie disadvantageous decision-making in individuals with substance use disorder.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateFeb 3, 2015

If Facebook use causes envy, depression could follow

Researchers found that surveillance use on Facebook can lead to feelings of envy and depression. Users who engage in comparison or surveillance behavior on the platform are more likely to experience negative mental health effects, according to a study published in Computers in Human Behavior.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateFeb 3, 2015

Physicists observe motion of skyrmions

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz successfully investigated the dynamics of small magnetic whirls called skyrmions, which can store energy even after external excitation is stopped. This discovery has significant implications for future magnetic data storage and information processing.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 3, 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.

Children who get vitamin A may be less likely to develop malaria

A large study in sub-Saharan Africa found that vitamin A supplementation reduced malaria risk in children by 54% if administered during the wet season and to older children. The researchers suspect vitamin A boosts immunity and helps clear out the malaria parasite more quickly.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateFeb 3, 2015

Fruitful collaboration yields insight on the tomato genome

Researchers from UC Davis examine how plants adapt to diverse environments, shedding light on the tomato genome's response to stress and its potential applications in crop improvement. They also uncover previously unknown information about the wild and cultivated tomato genomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 3, 2015

Scientists to use research and education to guide conservation in central Africa

A new study outlines key targets for evolutionary research and education in central Africa to guide conservation efforts. The review emphasizes the importance of genomic research to understand species' capacity to adapt to environmental changes and highlights the need for increased surveying and sampling efforts, as well as standardize...

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalBiotropica·DateFeb 3, 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.

Rediscovering spontaneous light emission

Berkeley researchers create nano-sized optical antenna that boosts spontaneous light emission by 115 times, enabling faster LED technology for microchips and alternative applications. The innovation has the potential to replace lasers for short-distance optical communications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2015

The rarely understood ammonium carbonate monohydrate

Researchers have clarified the compound's phases, thermal expansion and hydrogen bonds, shedding new light on its properties. The study uses advanced methods to determine the crystal structure and electronic structure of ammonium carbonate monohydrate.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section B·DateFeb 3, 2015

'Cleaner' protein protects against atherosclerosis

Researchers found that A1M stops the oxidation of blood fats and repairs damaged molecules, protecting against atherosclerosis. The protein can also clean and reduce oxidised blood fats from LDL and take care of dangerous substances from MPO.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateFeb 3, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Splash down

A team from MIT and the University of Liege presents high-speed images showing that raindrops can act as a dispersing agent, catapulting contaminated droplets far from their leaf source. The researchers found that a plant's mechanical properties, particularly its compliance, determine the range of dispersal.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 3, 2015

Using genetics to customize drug therapy

Researchers analyze patients' genetic makeup to determine potential reactions to medications and reduce adverse effects. The goal is to increase the quality of life for individuals in behavioral health services, reducing emergency room visits and healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateFeb 3, 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.

MicroRNAs can limit cancer spread

Researchers discovered clusters of gene-blocking microRNAs expressed only in oligometastatic cells, which can shut down specific genes involved in metastasis. These findings suggest microRNAs could provide a personalized biomarker to predict tumor aggressiveness and guide effective treatment.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateFeb 3, 2015

How will ocean acidification impact marine life?

A new analysis finds that ocean acidification could significantly impact up to 21-32% of calcifying marine species, including coral, clams, and sea urchins. This widespread impact could have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems worldwide, as these species provide essential nursery habitats and food sources for other marine organisms.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·DateFeb 3, 2015

A few cells could prevent bone marrow transplant infections

A study published in the Journal of Immunology found that infusing memory cells can produce and repeatedly replenish all of the T-effector cells needed to fight CMV infection. This approach may improve on current therapeutic options for controlling CMV infection, which affects up to 80% of adults in the US.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateFeb 3, 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.

Healthy diet linked to lower risk of chronic lung disease

A healthy diet rich in whole grains and polyunsaturated fats is associated with a lower risk of chronic lung disease, according to a study published in The BMJ. The Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 was found to be linked to a one-third lower risk of newly diagnosed COPD.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 3, 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.

Online photos provide evidence for the value of clean water

A new study uses Flickr photos to calculate the value of clean water, finding that higher-quality lakes receive more visits and users are willing to travel farther to reach them. The research also highlights the potential for social media data to inform social-ecological research.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 3, 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.

The future of holographic video

Researchers at BYU and MIT develop a new technology using surface acoustic waves to control light's angle and color composition, enabling inexpensive holographic video displays. The team's approach reduces costs and opens up possibilities for large-scale room-sized displays.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateFeb 3, 2015

Birth method, gestation duration may alter infants' gut microbiota

Researchers found that vaginally delivered infants with longer gestations tended to develop more mature gut microbiota faster, while those born via Caesarean section took longer to acquire a healthy gut microbiota, leading to differences in body fat at 18 months.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateFeb 3, 2015

New data revealed on Q10 coenzyme, whose deficiency causes a rare mitochondrial disease

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the biosynthetic pathway of CoQ10, a molecule essential for cellular metabolism. The study, led by Dr. David J. Pagliarini, reveals that protein CoQ9 regulates enzyme Coq7, and that CoQ10 synthesis is organized as a multiprotein complex to increase efficiency and regulation.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 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.

Power psychs people up about... themselves

A new study suggests that powerful individuals are more likely to be inspired by their own experiences, whereas less powerful people are equally inspired by both their own and others' stories. The researchers found that people with high power tend to prioritize themselves over others in social interactions.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateFeb 3, 2015

From pecan to walnut: American leafminer invades Italy on a new tree

The American leafminer species Coptodisca lucifluella has invaded Italy's walnut orchards, a new hostplant for the insect. The moth feeds on walnut leaves, making short galleries and leaving characteristic holes, while its larvae attach small shields to leaves or surfaces.

SourceNaturalis Biodiversity Center·JournalBulletin of Entomological Research·DateFeb 3, 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.

Infant gut microbiota links gestation duration, delivery method, healthy weight gain

A study reveals that infants with a mature gut bacteria profile at an early age tend to have normal levels of body fat by 18 months, while those with less mature profiles are more likely to have lower body fat. The research found that gestational duration and delivery method influenced the rate of bacterial colonization in the infant gut.

SourceBiomedical Sciences Institutes (BMSI)·JournalmBio·DateFeb 3, 2015

New technique doubles the distance of optical fiber communications

Researchers at UCL have developed a new method to process fibre optic signals, which can correct corrupted data and increase the useful capacity of fibres. This technique has the potential to double the distance data can travel error-free through sub-marine cables.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 3, 2015

New findings on how the brain ignores distractions

Researchers at Brown University found that the brain uses specific patterns of brain wave synchrony to suppress attention and ignore distracting stimuli. By harnessing this process, scientists hope to develop new treatments for pain and depressive thoughts through non-invasive brain stimulation techniques.

SourceBrown University·DateFeb 3, 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.

A novel shuttle for fatty acids

Researchers at Ludwig Maximilians University have identified a novel chloroplast membrane protein that plays a central role in transporting fatty acids from chloroplasts into the cell cytoplasm. This discovery may lead to new strategies for producing biofuels, which are rich in TAG-rich plant oils.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 3, 2015

Simple strategies lead to improvements in 1 year-olds at risk for autism

Researchers found that a parent-coaching intervention called Adapted Responsive Teaching (ART) can significantly improve the outcomes of one-year-old children at risk for autism. The study, published in Autism Research and Treatment, compared ART to early intervention and monitoring, showing promising results.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAutism Research and Treatment·DateFeb 3, 2015

NASA's Aqua satellite sees demise of Tropical Cyclone Ola

Tropical Cyclone Ola was being battered by vertical wind shear when NASA's Aqua satellite captured an infrared picture. The storm's cloud tops showed stronger thunderstorms, but forecasters expected it to dissipate due to increasing wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 3, 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.

Smoking linked to higher risk of death among colorectal cancer survivors

A new study by American Cancer Society researchers found that smokers before and after diagnosis had a higher risk of death from all causes and colorectal cancer-specific mortality compared to non-smokers. Smoking is associated with more aggressive tumors or decreased treatment efficacy, leading to increased mortality.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 3, 2015

New molecule protects heart from toxic breast cancer drugs

A new research by Dr Alessandra Ghigo found that inhibiting the activity of phosphoinositide 3-kinase gamma (PI3K?) protected mice with hypertension from developing heart failure. The study also showed that a PI3K? inhibitor could synergise with chemotherapy to delay tumour growth and prevent cardiotoxicity.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateFeb 3, 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.

Protective brain protein reveals gender implications for autism, Alzheimer's research

A Tel Aviv University study found that a mutated gene regulating over 400 proteins affects male and female brains differently, leading to sex-specific learning and memory differences. The research suggests analyzing men and women separately in clinical trials to find cures for diseases due to potential gender differences.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateFeb 3, 2015

Stanford researchers discover insulin-decreasing hormone in flies, humans

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine identified limostatin, a hormone that decreases insulin levels during recovery from fasting or starvation, in fruit flies and found a similar protein in humans. This discovery has critical ramifications for understanding metabolism and may inform new efforts to combat diabetes.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 3, 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.

Early childhood programs found to significantly lower likelihood of special education placements in third grade

Research finds that high-quality early childhood initiatives significantly lower likelihood of special education placements in third grade, benefiting students and reducing costs for school districts. The programs also provide positive spillover effects on other third graders, reducing preventable cognitive and social disabilities.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateFeb 3, 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.

Precision medicine in action: Genomic test helps solve medical mystery

A genomic test helped doctors solve a medical mystery for a boy with painful spasms. Whole exome sequencing identified the rare condition Episodic ataxia type 1, allowing for targeted treatment and symptom relief. The patient's motor and cognitive functioning have improved since medication was started.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateFeb 3, 2015

New research sheds light on neural circuit development

Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience and Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies report substantial postnatal changes in the functional properties of brain circuits. These changes improve the ability of brain cells to encode information, enhancing brain function.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 3, 2015

23andMe study uncovers the genetics of motion sickness

The study identified 35 genetic factors associated with motion sickness, including those affecting balance, eye, ear, and cranial development, as well as glucose homeostasis. The findings suggest a role for the nervous system in motion sickness and may provide insight into other nausea-related conditions.

SourceEdelman, Orlando·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateFeb 3, 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.

Study investigates the complex roads that lead families to food insecurity

Researchers at the University of Houston explore the interplay between four key risk factors and food insecurity in families. A mother's poor health is found to be a determining factor in extreme food insecurity cases, while financial strain affects non-poor households experiencing marginal food security.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalSocial Science Research·DateFeb 3, 2015

CWRU astronomers find new details in first known spiral galaxy

A team of researchers from Case Western Reserve University has discovered new features of the 'Whirlpool Galaxy', M51a, using a 20-hour exposure photograph. The image reveals faint plumes extending from the galaxy's northeast and south, providing valuable insights into its history and interaction with neighboring galaxies.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 3, 2015

Children's hunger born from mothers' trauma

A new study by Drexel University suggests a strong relationship between adverse childhood experiences and household food insecurity. Trauma and chronic stress are found to be a largely overlooked part of the picture of why one in five American households with young children live with food insecurity.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateFeb 3, 2015

Only two-thirds of donations to Ebola crisis have reached affected countries

A report by The BMJ found that only around two-thirds of Ebola donations ($1.9 billion) reached affected countries, with delays in disbursements potentially contributing to the spread of the virus. Expert Karen Grépin argues that existing mechanisms need improvement to enable rapid deployment of funds for future public health threats.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 3, 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.

One in 2 people in the UK will get cancer

A new forecast from Cancer Research UK suggests that 1 in 2 people in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their lives. The increased risk is primarily due to more people living into older age, when cancer is more common.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateFeb 3, 2015

Artificial blood vessels

Researchers at Shanghai University developed a tri-layered artificial blood vessel composed of separate materials for mechanical strength and new cell growth. The composite allowed rapid proliferation and integration of rat fibroblast cells, overcoming limitations of existing vascular grafts.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateFeb 3, 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.

Add nature, art and religion to life's best anti-inflammatories

New research from UC Berkeley links positive emotions with lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which fight infection and disease. The study found that awe, wonder, and beauty promote healthier levels of cytokines, suggesting a direct influence on health and life expectancy.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEmotion·DateFeb 3, 2015

Puget Sound salmon face more ups and downs in river flows

Research shows that fluctuations in river flows are increasing with climate change, scrounging away salmon eggs and exhausting young fish. Habitat restoration projects and reducing stormwater runoff can ease flooding and peak flows threatening salmon redds.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 3, 2015

There have been a lot of cats in The New York Times, and not all just for fun

University of Illinois journalism professor Matthew Ehrlich compiled hundreds of cat-related tales from the New York Times digital archive, showing a range of stories beyond just cute cat videos. He found hero cats and nuisance cats, as well as concerns over animal treatment and rights.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournalism·DateFeb 3, 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.

Choosing a cell phone, prescription drug plan or new car? Read this first

Researchers found that dividing options into smaller piles and choosing the best option from each pile produced the best outcomes. In contrast, considering all options together led to poor decisions due to choice overload. The sequential tournament approach was the most effective but also the least liked by study subjects.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateFeb 3, 2015

New yeast species marks milestone for collection

The National Collection of Yeast Cultures has added the 4,000th yeast strain to its collection, including a novel species found in Ecuador's Yasuní National Park. This discovery expands microbial biodiversity and offers new possibilities for sustainable biotechnology.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateFeb 3, 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.

Sparing hope for the future: Preserving fertility in cancer patients

A new Special Issue from ecancermedicalscience tackles fertility-sparing cancer treatments, collecting latest research on preserving fertility in breast, cervical and ovarian cancers. Fertility-sparing treatments balance patient's wishes with oncological outcomes.

Sourceecancermedicalscience·Journalecancermedicalscience·DateFeb 3, 2015

Research reveals statistics is the fastest-growing degree

The American Statistical Association analysis shows that statistics degrees nearly doubled during 2010-2013, outpacing other computer-related disciplines. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for workers with statistical and analytical skills in the job market.

SourceAmerican Statistical Association·DateFeb 3, 2015

Penta-graphene, a new structural variant of carbon, discovered

Penta-graphene, a two-dimensional carbon allotrope composed exclusively of pentagons, has been discovered to possess high strength, thermal stability, and unusual properties. The material's unique structure inspired by the Cairo tiling may have applications in various fields.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 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.

Dartmouth researchers reprogram tumor's cells to attack itself

Researchers at Dartmouth have found that introducing a specific strain of bacteria into the microenvironment of ovarian cancer tumors can transform tumor cells from suppressors to attackers, sparking a strong anti-tumor immune response. The study's results demonstrate a new potential for treating various types of cancers.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalOncoImmunology·DateFeb 3, 2015

Female sticklebacks prime their offspring to cope with climate change

Researchers found that female sticklebacks prime their offspring with information about their living environment through the mitochondria, allowing them to adapt better to warmer waters. This mechanism plays a crucial role in the species' ability to cope with climate change.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateFeb 3, 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.

Customers who binge-consume are more valuable, says INFORMS study

A new study by Yao Zhang and colleagues finds that customers with 'clumpiness' - bursts of heavy buying interspersed with little or no buying - provide higher long-term returns to businesses. This pattern of consumption extends the 'hot hand' literature in statistics journals.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateFeb 3, 2015

This week from AGU: Pacific wind patterns, Ethiopia's sedimentary record, US air quality

A new study reveals that Pacific wind patterns behind California's drought also led to a significant drop in small plant-like organisms in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, potentially affecting marine life. Meanwhile, researchers warn of worsening US air quality due to climate change, particularly ozone pollution fueled by nitrogen oxid...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 3, 2015

Three companies to receive seed funds to develop medical devices for children

The Philadelphia Pediatric Medical Device Consortium awards $25,000 grants to Little Sparrows Technologies, OtoNexus, and Ras Labs to develop medical devices for children. These companies are working on projects to treat neonatal jaundice, diagnose middle ear infections, and improve prosthetic limb interfaces.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·DateFeb 3, 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.

Giant rodent used incisors like tusks

A new study led by scientists at the University of York found that the largest fossil rodent, Josephoartigasia monesi, used its incisors for activities other than biting, such as digging and defense. The rodent's powerful bite was estimated to be around 1400 N, but its incisors could withstand almost three times that force.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateFeb 3, 2015

First study to demonstrate long-term control of cane toads

A UNSW-led study demonstrates long-term control of cane toads by erecting fences around dams, effectively converting their invasion refuges into ecological traps. The approach could work on a large scale to halt the spread of these toxic amphibians across Australia.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateFeb 3, 2015

Researchers ID genetic cues for a big heart

Duke researchers discovered a gene called Raf that acts as a switch to turn on Yorkie, making fly hearts grow bigger. The study sheds light on the genetic circuitry of signals governing growth and may help understand how human hearts respond to disease.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 3, 2015