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Science News for July 16, 2015


Some like it sweet, others not so much: It's partly in the genes

A twin study found that genetic factors account for approximately 30 percent of person-to-person variance in sweet taste perception. The study also revealed a shared pathway between the perception of natural sugars and high-potency sugar substitutes.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalTwin Research and Human Genetics·DateJul 16, 2015

Sitting time not associated with poorer diets in US adults

A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that sedentary time was not linked to poorer diets among US adults. However, more sedentary time was associated with a lower intake of empty calories. The researchers suggest targeting reducing and breaking up sedentary time as a separate strategy from encouraging healthy dietary habits.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJul 16, 2015

Researchers find the 'acoustic signature' of screams

A team of neuroscientists identified a specific acoustic characteristic called 'roughness' that is unique to screams. This trait refers to how fast the sound changes in loudness, and it's measured in Hertz (Hz), typically between 30-150 Hz.

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 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.

NASA sees Typhoon Nangka knocking on Japan's door

Typhoon Nangka is moving north towards mainland Japan, with NASA satellites tracking its progression. The storm's maximum sustained winds decreased from 65 knots to 75 mph/120 kph, making it a minimal category 1 typhoon.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 16, 2015

New finding on the formation of fat tissue in man

Researchers found that bone marrow-derived cells can develop into fat cells, with BMI playing a significant role. The study suggests potential new therapies for metabolic diseases and obesity-related conditions.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 16, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gaia satellite and amateur astronomers spot one in a billion star

Researchers have discovered a unique binary star system, Gaia14aae, where one star eclipses the other. The system is an important laboratory for studying ultra-bright supernova explosions, which help measure the expansion of the Universe.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 16, 2015

Defenses up: Hormone helps plants determine friend from foe

Research reveals that salicylic acid shapes the microbial community at a plant's root by keeping certain families of bacteria out and letting others in. The hormone also recruits desirable bacterial families, a discovery that could lead to increased plant productivity.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2015

Carbon dioxide pools discovered in Aegean Sea

Scientists have discovered opalescent pools in the Santorini volcano's crater containing high concentrations of carbon dioxide. The pools' unique properties may hold answers to questions about deepsea carbon storage and provide a means of monitoring the volcano for future eruptions.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 2015

No bones about it: Cannabis may be used to treat fractures

A new study found that the administration of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic component of cannabis, significantly enhances the healing process of bone fractures. The study, conducted on rats with mid-femoral fractures, showed that CBD markedly improves bone healing after just eight weeks.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJul 16, 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.

Sun's activity controls Greenland temperatures

A new study suggests high solar activity in the 1950s-80s slowed down ocean circulation between the South Atlantic and North Atlantic, cooling Greenland while the rest of the Northern Hemisphere warmed. Weak solar activity could now fire up the circulation mechanism, leading to faster ice sheet melting and increased sea-level rise.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 16, 2015

Firearm shooting errors could be reduced through cognitive training

Research suggests that cognitive training can improve shooting abilities by enhancing response inhibition, particularly in individuals with ADHD. The study found that participants who underwent response inhibition training shot fewer civilians in simulated scenarios, indicating a potential new approach to firearms training.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 16, 2015

Feathered cousin of 'Jurassic Park' star unearthed in China

A newly identified species of feathered dinosaur has been found to have complex, quill pen-like feathers and short wings, challenging previous assumptions about the diversity of winged dinosaurs. The discovery, published in Scientific Reports, provides new insights into the evolution and biology of these fascinating creatures.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 2015

Food scientists to work with small farms and growers on food safety

A five-year grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture will support a graduate training program combining laboratory research and practical application to enhance food safety in the produce industry. The program aims to develop tested, validated methods to reduce food safety risks in an affordable way.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateJul 16, 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.

Machines on the rise: A special issue on artificial intelligence

Recent progress in AI has driven significant advancements in machine learning, language processing, and human-like computer programs. Researchers discuss potential implications for humankind, including challenges to privacy, equality, and the public good.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2015

Is this restaurant making me fat?

New research evaluates a restaurant scorecard for healthy dining, identifying 100 actions to promote healthier eating behaviors. The study found that the scorecards can reliably rate a restaurant's effectiveness in helping diners make healthy choices.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·DateJul 16, 2015

Bilinguals of 2 spoken languages have more gray matter than monolinguals

A new study found that bilingual individuals have more gray matter in the brain's executive control region, which is involved in tasks such as attention, inhibition, and short-term memory. This 'bilingual advantage' was observed in Spanish-English bilinguals but not in ASL-English bilinguals.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJul 16, 2015

Grandparents' affection piling on the pounds in Chinese children

A study by the University of Birmingham found that Chinese children cared for mainly by their grandparents are more than twice as likely to be overweight or obese. Grandparents often indulge and protect their grandkids, leading to unhealthy eating habits and a lack of physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateJul 16, 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.

It's official: Workplace rudeness is contagious

A University of Florida study found that encountering rude behavior at work makes people more likely to perceive rudeness in later interactions, leading to a vicious cycle. The study's findings provide evidence that everyday impoliteness spreads in the workplace, having a powerful negative effect on performance.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJul 16, 2015

Surprise -- subtle distractors may divert action more than overt ones

Researchers found that subtle visual distractions caused significant deviations from the intended path, contrary to intuition. The study's findings suggest a new phenomenon where the brain employs a suppression mechanism to tune out bigger distractions, but struggles with less apparent ones.

SourceBrown University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 2015

New in the Hastings Center Report: Disclosing misattributed parentage, treating terrorists, informed consent in the era of personalized medicine, and more in the July-August 2015 issue

Genome researchers should disclose misattributed parentage to parents to respect their autonomy and sense of self. The issue also explores punishing health care providers for treating terrorists, highlighting the need for moral and legal clarity in such situations.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJul 16, 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.

Neuroscience-based algorithms make for better networks

Researchers developed an algorithm inspired by brain pruning, which eliminates unneeded connections in early childhood. The neuroscience-based approach created more efficient and robust networks than traditional engineering methods.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 16, 2015

Resveratrol, quercetin could provide new options for cancer therapy

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a system to increase bioavailability of resveratrol and quercetin, potentially allowing extensive use of Adriamycin while reducing cardiac toxicity. The co-administration of these polyphenols enhances the efficacy of cancer drugs by sensitizing cancer cells.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJul 16, 2015

Cell division speeds up as part of antibody selection, study shows

Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered that high affinity B cells divide faster during the antibody selection process, giving them an advantage. This discovery builds on earlier work and may have important implications for improving vaccines and understanding lymphomas.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 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.

Jurassic saw fastest mammal evolution

Mammals underwent rapid 'burst' of evolutionary change in the mid-Jurassic, producing characteristic body shapes that remained recognisable for tens of millions of years. This period of radical change produced up to 8 significant changes per million years, compared to 1-2 at the end of the Jurassic.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 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.

Orchestrating hair cell regeneration: A supporting player's close-up

Researchers studied zebrafish to understand how support cells contribute to hair cell regeneration after damage or death. Approximately half of the dividing support cells differentiated into hair cells, while the rest self-renewed, maintaining a reserve force for regenerative action.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 16, 2015

Trapped light orbits within an intriguing material

Scientists have discovered that light can be stored and trap particles of light called phonon polaritons behave in unique ways. The light's movement isn't random but follows fixed angles with respect to the atomic structure, leading to interesting resonances.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 16, 2015

Why bad genes don't always lead to bad diseases

A new study has uncovered a key factor in the variability of genetic disease severity, enabling prediction and personalized treatment approaches. By analyzing genetic background, researchers can now estimate disease severity, providing hope for improved management and therapy development.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCell·DateJul 16, 2015

Unearthing cornerstones in root microbiomes

Researchers discovered that phytohormones regulate microbial abundance, influencing the composition of root microbiomes. The study found that plants can select and benefit from specific strains of microbes, but also face pathogens that take nutrients and damage plants.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 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.

NTU scientists discover potential treatment for Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that activating Nurr1, a class of proteins in the brain, protects dopamine neurons and improves motor control. The study suggests that existing anti-malaria drugs could be repurposed to treat Parkinson's disease.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2015

RapidScat shows Enrique holding tropical storm status

NASA's RapidScat instrument detected tropical storm-force winds in Tropical Storm Enrique on July 16, contradicting a forecast that the system would weaken. The storm is moving west-northwest at 8 mph and may turn west by Friday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 16, 2015

Breakthrough finding brings cure for flesh-eating skin disease 1 step closer

Researchers from the University of Surrey have made a breakthrough discovery that the bacteria causing Buruli ulcer disease triggers a blood clot, similar to deep vein thrombosis. This finding suggests that anticoagulant medicines may be effective in treating the disease, leading to faster healing and fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 16, 2015

Child paralysis outbreak: UVA identifies potential cause

Researchers at UVA Health System have identified a new potential cause of the recent child paralysis outbreak, Enterovirus C105. While it is unclear if this virus is responsible for the outbreak, experts are cautioning against over-interpretation and emphasizing the need for further analysis.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJul 16, 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.

Iron regulators join war on pathogens

Researchers have discovered that iron regulatory proteins play a crucial role in fighting off infection by controlling iron levels. The study found that mice lacking these proteins died when infected with the Salmonella bacteria, highlighting their importance in immune defense.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJul 16, 2015

Genetic markers linking risk for type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's identified

A recent study published in Molecular Aspects of Medicine has identified genetic markers that link an increased risk for developing both type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The research, led by Dr. Giulio Maria Pasinetti, found specific genetic variations associated with higher susceptibility to both conditions.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Aspects of Medicine·DateJul 16, 2015

Massive study: Birth order has no meaningful effect on personality or IQ

A massive study of 377,000 high school students found that first-borns have a one-IQ-point advantage over later-borns but the differences are statistically insignificant. First-borns tend to be more extroverted and conscientious, while later-borns have less anxiety, but these effects are infinitesimally small.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateJul 16, 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 findings hint toward reversing hearing loss

Researchers have identified two signaling molecules required for proper cochlea development. The study contributes to understanding of inner ear development and its potential goal of regenerating sensory hair cells, a key step toward reversing hearing loss in mammals.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJul 16, 2015

Low chance of recovering normal body weight highlights need for obesity prevention

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that obese individuals have a low chance of recovering normal body weight, with only 1 in 210 men and 1 in 124 women achieving this goal. The research highlights the need for obesity prevention strategies to address the rising obesity epidemic.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 16, 2015

On the way to breaking the terahertz barrier for graphene nanoelectronics

Graphene transistors and photodetectors will benefit from this simpler thermodynamic approach, allowing for improved performance. Researchers have discovered that the energy of ultrafast electrical currents is efficiently converted into electron heat, enabling faster operation speeds.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 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.

Scream if you have to

Researchers discovered that screams possess special acoustic properties, including roughness, which is a specific type of vocal expression used in stressful situations. Screams are modulated at a faster rate than normal speech, making them more attention-grabbing.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 2015

Polar bear metabolism less resilient to summer ice melt than expected

New research reveals polar bears' metabolic rates remain high during summer ice melt, limiting their ability to conserve energy. The study suggests that as sea ice loss increases, polar bears are unable to adapt by entering a low-energy state, leaving them vulnerable to food shortages and reduced survival rates.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 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.

Burrowers playing leapfrog? A new extraordinary diamond frog from Madagascar

The newly discovered Rhombophryne longicrus is an unusually long-legged new species of frog from Madagascar that challenges the traditional burrowing behavior of its relatives. Genetic analyses reveal close relationships to another diamond frog species, highlighting concerns over extinction due to habitat destruction.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZoosystematics and Evolution·DateJul 16, 2015

New Ice Age may begin by 2030

Researchers predict a new Little Ice Age may begin by 2030, with reduced solar activity leading to significant cooling of the Earth's atmosphere. This decrease in solar irradiance could result in severe winters and cold summers, similar to those experienced during the Maunder minimum in the 17th century.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·DateJul 16, 2015

Innovative P.E. curriculum triples the rate at which students pass a state physical fitness test

A UCLA study found that the Sound Body Sound Mind curriculum tripled the percentage of students who passed California's standardized physical fitness test in under-resourced schools. The program increased students' confidence levels, enjoyment of physical activity, and knowledge about fitness.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Education and Training Studies·DateJul 16, 2015

Research shows how to reduce the cost of modern investment strategies

A study published in the Financial Review shows that frequent portfolio rebalancing can significantly reduce trading costs, leading to higher risk-adjusted returns. Investors can apply these strategies to existing portfolios with ease, reducing costs by up to 90% and improving investment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalFinancial Review·DateJul 16, 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.

Observing brain network dynamics to diagnose Alzheimer's disease

By analyzing blood flow patterns, researchers have identified 13 main brain networks that work together and can be used to diagnose neurological disorders like Alzheimer's. The study provides new insights into how the brain organizes itself and sets the stage for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 2015

Mosquitoes use smell to see their hosts

Researchers found that mosquitoes primarily use smell to detect CO2 plumes from 10-50 meters away, then switch to visual cues as they get closer. Visual and thermal sensory information are combined to create a spatial map of the host's location, allowing mosquitoes to pinpoint their target.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 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.

NASA spots Hurricane Dolores over Socorro Island

Hurricane Dolores is a category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 115mph, affecting Mexico's Revillagigedo Islands and generating rough surf. The storm is forecast to weaken gradually over the next 24 hours before moving into colder waters.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 16, 2015

Women and fragrances: Scents and sensitivity

A study published in Food Quality and Preference found that women tend to buy fragrances for men, suggesting a desire to influence their partner's scent preferences. In contrast, women are less likely to share or gift fragrances with other women, citing concerns about negative connotations.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJul 16, 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.

Common mental health drug could be used to treat arthritis

Lithium chloride has been shown to prevent cartilage degradation and loss of mechanical integrity associated with osteoarthritis. This breakthrough finding offers a novel potential treatment option for the devastating condition affecting over a third of people over 45 in the UK.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateJul 16, 2015

Leaf hormone blocks bacteria from the roots

Researchers discovered that a plant hormone, salicylic acid, acts as a 'bacterial bouncer' below ground, sculpting the microbiome surrounding a plant's roots. This finding suggests that salicylic acid is required to assemble a normal, commensal root microbiome.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2015

UAlberta scientists part of unprecedented worldwide biodiversity study

A worldwide study found a consistent biological rule governing the relationship between plant biomass and species diversity in grassland ecosystems. Plant species diversity is generally greatest at intermediate levels of plant biomass. The research has implications for managing and conserving grassland biodiversity globally.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 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.

Whipple earns NHCGNE's Archbold Award

Whipple, a doctoral student at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, was awarded the NHCGNE Patricia G. Archbold Scholar Award to support her research and career development. The award aims to increase the cadre of academic geriatric nurses and build leadership capacity in the field.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 16, 2015

A most singular nano-imaging technique

Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed a new technique called SINGLE that provides 3D images of individual platinum nanoparticles in solution. This allows for the study of their structures and properties, which is crucial for applications in renewable energy, catalysis, and more.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 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.

Burden of dengue, chikungunya in India far worse than understood

A new study found that nearly all people in Chennai, India have been exposed to dengue and 44% to chikungunya, but only a small percentage report symptoms. The research highlights the need for better awareness and control measures to combat these mosquito-borne diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 16, 2015

The emerging science of human screams

Researchers found that human screams occupy a reserved chunk of the auditory spectrum and activate a range of acoustic information. Screams have a property called roughness, which refers to how fast a sound changes in loudness, making them more terrifying.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 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.

Futuristic brain probe allows for wireless control of neurons

Researchers create remote controlled, next-generation tissue implant that allows neuroscientists to inject drugs and shine lights on neurons deep inside the brains of mice. The device has potential for mapping brain circuit activity and understanding disorders like stress, depression, addiction, and pain.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalCell·DateJul 16, 2015

Device delivers drugs to brain via remote control

Researchers developed a wireless device implanted in mice brains that can deliver drugs via remote control. The technology targets specific brain circuits, promising fewer side effects for neurological disorders.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·DateJul 16, 2015

Study: Virtual research studies feasible

A pilot study in Parkinson's disease suggests that remote recruitment and conduct of research visits is feasible and well-received by participants. The study leverages direct-to-consumer genetic testing and telemedicine to diagnose and treat diseases, potentially increasing participation in clinical research and accelerating diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalDigital Health·DateJul 16, 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.

Neuroscientists decipher brain's noisy code

Researchers at Rice University deciphered how individual neurons predict behavior in perceptual tests, finding that neurons often share the same information. The study explains a long-standing paradox in neural activity and has implications for understanding neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

SourceRice University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 16, 2015

Weyl points: Wanted for 86 years

Researchers find Weyl points, predicted by Hermann Weyl in 1929, in photonic crystals, opening a new area of photonics. The discovery paves the way for new photonic phenomena and applications, including angularly selective materials and powerful single-frequency lasers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2015

Long-sought phenomenon finally detected

A team of physicists has confirmed the detection of Weyl points, a kind of massless particle predicted by physicist Hermann Weyl in 1929. The finding was made possible by a novel use of a photonic crystal material, which could lead to new kinds of high-power single-mode lasers and other optical devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2015

Clarifying prefrontal neurons' roles in flexible behavior

A new study by David Moorman and Gary Aston-Jones found that neurons in both dorsal and ventral prefrontal cortex work together to control behavior, rather than separate areas controlling 'going' and 'stopping' actions.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 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.

Oskar's structure revealed

The structure of Oskar's two domains has been solved, enabling researchers to understand how the protein functions in developing reproductive cells. The OSK domain binds to RNA, while the LOTUS domain interacts with an enzyme called Vasa helicase, which is crucial for germ plasm formation.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 16, 2015

Eating habits matter most with overweight children

A recent study reveals that eating habits play a crucial role in the weight gain of overweight children. The researchers found that children who are triggered by food and eat when they are full tend to have a steeper BMI curve. In contrast, physical activity and TV viewing do not explain why some children's BMI increases more than others.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateJul 16, 2015

How birds learn foreign languages

Researchers at Australian National University trained fairy wrens to recognize unfamiliar alarm calls and flee when threatened, demonstrating birds' ability to eavesdrop on other species. This breakthrough could aid in training captive animals to detect danger signals before release.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 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.

Eastman Institute for Oral Health awarded $3.5 million

A new study will examine the relationship between family stress, parenting behaviors, and early childhood cavities in children aged 1-3 years. The two-year study aims to identify factors that contribute to the development of Early Childhood Caries and improve prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateJul 16, 2015

Healthcare workers are not removing protective garments correctly

A study found that fewer than one in six healthcare workers (4/30) follow CDC guidelines for removing personal protective equipment (PPE). The researchers observed HCWs entering and exiting patient rooms without proper technique, leading to potential pathogen transmission.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJul 16, 2015

Humped-back model of plant diversity withstands controversy

A new study using data from six continents provides strong evidence supporting the humped-back model (HBM) of plant species richness. The HBM theory suggests that environmental stress can lead to low plant productivity, with highly competitive species dominating at high productivity levels. The research found a very strong correlation ...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2015

Can protein 14-3-3 sigma prevent or kill breast cancer tumors?

A new study by MD Anderson researchers found that protein 14-3-3 sigma opposes and reverses tumor-promoting metabolic programs in breast cancer. The study revealed that 14-3-3 sigma suppresses cancer glycosis, preventing tumors from converting glucose into pyruvate.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 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.

Presidents of National Academy of Medicine and National Academy of Sciences Present new initiative on ethics of human gene editing technology

The National Academies have launched an international initiative to address the technical, social, and ethical issues surrounding human genome editing. The initiative aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of human genome editing and its implications for improving human health and boosting food production.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateJul 16, 2015

Are marine ecosystems headed toward a new productivity regime?

A study suggests that massive changes in the oceans' future could lead to a fundamentally different type of production regime. Rising CO2 emissions could result in a shift from phytoplankton-driven primary production to heterotrophy, leading to changes in nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 16, 2015

New resource makes gene-editing technology even more user friendly

Researchers at Harvard University and UC San Diego have developed a new software that predicts the most active guide RNAs for specific gene targets, facilitating faster and more efficient genome engineering experiments. This breakthrough has the potential to accelerate discoveries in gene therapies and basic genetics research.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 16, 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.

Graphene electrons share the heat

Researchers discovered that graphene electrons share heat when exposed to ultrafast electrical currents, behaving like a hot gas. This thermodynamic approach allows for better understanding and improvement of graphene-based nano-electronic devices.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 2015

Study: Health-care providers hold biases based on sexual orientation

A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals, hold implicit biases towards lesbian women and gay men. The study used the Sexuality Implicit Association Test to assess attitudes towards sexual orientation among over 200,000 p...

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 16, 2015

Oceans slowed global temperature rise, scientists report

Scientists analyzed ocean temperature measurements, finding a layer between 300-1,000 feet below the surface has been accumulating more heat than previously recognized. This warming will drive a surge in global surface warming as warm water moves westward, affecting surface temperatures and climate patterns.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 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.