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Science News for July 23, 2015


Cages offer new direction in sustainable catalyst design

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new approach to structuring catalysts, using nano cage structures to achieve more potent chemical reactions with less material. The discovery offers a pathway for industries to wean themselves off platinum, a scarce and expensive metal.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 2015

Personalized banner ads are a double-edged sword

Researchers found that personalized ads showing only one item from a consumer's browsing history are more effective than those showing all items. Consumers reject ads due to privacy concerns and discomfort with intrusiveness if retailers lack trust with customers.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateJul 23, 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.

Simple technology makes CRISPR gene editing cheaper

A new technique has been developed to create tens of thousands of precisely guided probes covering an organism's entire genome for less than $100 in supplies. This enables genetic screening potentially accessible to organisms less well studied, facilitating targeted gene therapy and disease discovery.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 23, 2015

Changing the color of light

The University of Delaware research team aims to improve solar cells and medical imaging by changing the color of low-energy light into higher-energy colors. Their novel approach could lead to a significant boost in solar energy harvesting, with predicted efficiencies of up to 30%.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJul 23, 2015

Chemotherapy and quality of life at the end of life

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that chemotherapy was associated with worse quality of life near death for patients who could still perform many life functions. The researchers concluded that chemotherapy use may be unnecessary and potentially harmful for patients with progressive metastatic disease.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJul 23, 2015

'Successful aging' linked to harmful drinking among over 50s

Research published in BMJ Open found that successful aging is associated with harmful drinking among older adults. Analysis of over 9000 responses from the English Longitudinal Survey of Ageing showed that higher income, better health, and social activity levels are linked to increased risk of hazardous drinking.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateJul 23, 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.

Fighting mosquito resistance to insecticides

Researchers have identified new genetic markers for mosquito resistance to insecticides, which could improve its detection in the field. The study also found that mutations affecting detoxification enzymes can increase the biodegradation of insecticides in resistant mosquitoes.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 23, 2015

Scripps researchers map out trajectory of April 2015 earthquake in Nepal

Researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography accurately mapped the 7.8-magnitude Nepal earthquake's movement, revealing a three-stage rupture process that poses significant seismic risks to the region. The study will serve as an important benchmark for understanding future seismic risks in the Himalayan region.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 23, 2015

Missoula's Sunburst sensors wins XPRIZE for ocean device

The University of Montana's Sunburst Sensors won a $1.5 million XPRIZE for developing an affordable and accurate pH sensor to measure ocean chemistry, recognizing efforts to combat ocean acidification. The company, founded by UM professor Mike DeGrandpre, employed 9 people at the time of the win.

SourceThe University of Montana·DateJul 23, 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.

New 'chemotherapy booster' could treat lung and pancreatic cancer

Researchers have developed a new drug, CCT245737, that blocks cancer's escape route from chemotherapy, boosting its effectiveness in treating lung and pancreatic cancers. The drug, a CHK1 inhibitor, demonstrates significant anti-cancer activity when combined with chemotherapy in mice.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJul 23, 2015

Biomarkers higher in binge drinkers

A new study has found that biomarkers, specifically phosphatidylethanol (PEth), are significantly higher in binge drinkers than moderate drinkers. PEth levels were positively correlated with the number of drinks consumed and self-assessment survey scores.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAlcohol and Alcoholism·DateJul 23, 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.

Penn study finds link between physician training and brand name prescribing

A new Penn study found that internal medicine residents are twice as likely to prescribe expensive brand-name statins when supervised by senior physicians who also use them. The study's findings represent an opportunity to improve value in healthcare spending and highlight the importance of redesigning graduate medical education.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 23, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Keep Tahoe blue? Less algae, not clarity, key for lake's blueness

A recent study by the University of California - Davis found that algae concentrations are key to maintaining Lake Tahoe's iconic blue color, contradicting previous assumptions about the relationship between clarity and blueness. The report also highlights improvements in water clarity and climate change impacts on the lake.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJul 23, 2015

Synthetic coral could remove toxic heavy metals from the ocean

Researchers developed a new material that mimics the structure of coral, a natural adsorbent of heavy metals, and found it could remove around 2.5 times more mercury from water than traditional aluminium oxide nanoparticles. The synthetic coral-like material has potential applications in environmental remediation.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateJul 23, 2015

The genetic roots of adolescent scoliosis

Researchers have identified a gene associated with susceptibility to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The BNC2 gene is linked to increased expression of protein BNC2, which regulates YY1. Studies found that the gene variation leads to higher BNC2 production in genes with the variant, contributing to the development of scoliosis.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 23, 2015

Researchers find promising treatment for devastating genetic disorder

A multi-institutional team of researchers has identified an apparently successful treatment for a genetic immune disorder that causes a multitude of health problems. The FDA-approved drug abatacept was tested on a small group of patients, resulting in improved lung function and reduced autoimmunity.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 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.

Researchers pinpoint where the brain unites our eyes' double vision

Researchers have pinpointed the brain region responsible for unifying double vision, a process crucial for tasks such as aiming and catching objects. This finding may lead to new treatments for amblyopia, a condition where the brain favors one eye over the other.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 23, 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.

Simple flip of genetic switch determines aging or longevity in animals

Researchers found a molecular clue to aging in transparent roundworm C. elegans, discovering that adult cells begin their downhill slide when an animal reaches reproductive maturity. The study suggests that a genetic switch is responsible for turning off cell stress responses, starting the decline of adult animals.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 23, 2015

US South Asians more reluctant to seek medication for pain

Researchers found that US health care providers perceive South Asians as being more reluctant to report pain and seek medications. This is partly due to cultural differences in medical practice in South Asia, where patients are often not asked about their pain and may be given low-dose pain medications after surgeries.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®·DateJul 23, 2015

Web app helps researchers explore cancer genetics

The new tool, MAGI, enables users to search, visualize, and annotate large public cancer genetics datasets, including data from The Cancer Genome Atlas project. Users can also upload their own data and compare findings to those in the larger databases.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 23, 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.

Researchers boost wireless power transfer with magnetic field enhancement

North Carolina State University researchers have developed a way to significantly enhance wireless power transfer efficiency using magnetic field enhancement. The method uses a copper loop as a simple magnetic resonance field enhancer (MRFE), boosting transfer efficiency by at least 100% compared to air alone.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters·DateJul 23, 2015

New antibody specificity portal bolsters biomedical research reliability

A new database, Histone Antibody Specificity Database, has been launched to improve the accuracy of histone antibodies used in epigenetics research. The database provides validated test results for over 100 commonly used antibodies, allowing researchers to select reliable options for their experiments.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 23, 2015

What killed off the megafauna?

A new study using ancient DNA and paleoclimate data found that rapid warming events played a greater role in the extinction of megafauna than human activity. The researchers analyzed DNA records over 50,000 years and compared them to climate event records from Greenland ice cores.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 2015

Pitt's Jeremy Levy earns $3 million nanotech grant

University of Pittsburgh professor Jeremy Levy has been awarded a $3 million grant to pursue research in reconfigurable nanoelectronics at oxide interfaces. The grant aims to merge two fields: semiconductor nanoelectronics and complex oxides, which hold promise for future applications including data storage and medical imaging.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJul 23, 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.

Study finds abrupt climate change may have rocked the cradle of civilization

Researchers found that abrupt climate changes during the Holocene epoch affected ancient societies, leading to wetter conditions compared to recent times. The study's high-resolution peat record revealed transitions in major civilizations coinciding with episodes of high atmospheric dust.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateJul 23, 2015

Female stink bugs 'select' the color of their eggs

Researchers discovered that female stink bugs change the color of their eggs depending on the surrounding light environment. The darker-colored eggs, which are not darkened by melanin but a previously unknown pigment, offer protection against UV radiation when laid on top of leaves.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 23, 2015

Stem cell transplantation for children with rare form of leukemia improves outcomes

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have shown improved outcomes in using stem cell transplantation to treat juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a rare form of chronic blood cancer. The study found that half of patients can be cured from their disease, and a potential standard conditioning regimen has been identified.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalBlood·DateJul 23, 2015

ASBMB wins National Science Foundation grant to expand mentorship program

The ASBMB's Minority Affairs Committee has received a $500,000 NSF grant to support its Interactive Mentoring Activities for Grantsmanship Enhancement (IMAGE) program. The program aims to promote diversity in the scientific workforce by providing grantsmanship skills and career-development strategies to postdoctoral fellows and early-c...

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateJul 23, 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.

Stretching the limits on conducting wires

Researchers develop a new method to create highly stretchable conductors by aligning carbon nanotubes with rubber cores, resulting in an impressive 1000% stretch-to-conductivity ratio. This innovation has significant implications for future medical devices, optical elements, and robotics.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 2015

Make mine a decaf: Breakthrough in knowledge of how nanoparticles grow

Researchers at the University of Leicester and CNRS have observed the growth of free nanoparticles in helium gas, revealing new information about their structure. The study found that nanoparticles grow by clustering together under increasing pressure, similar to decaffeination processes.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJul 23, 2015

Researchers find new method to halt the advance of liver cancer

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have discovered a new way to improve liver cancer treatment by blocking the activity of the lymphotoxin-beta receptor. The approach, which combines drugs currently in clinical trials with those targeting oncogene signals, may lead to improved patient outcomes.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalGut·DateJul 23, 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.

It takes a village... to ward off dangerous infections? New microbiome research suggests so

A study found that certain combinations of gut bacteria, such as those from the Porphyromonadaceae and Lachnospiraceae families, resist colonization by C. difficile in mice. The researchers developed a computer model that accurately predicted C. difficile's success rate for other mice based on their gut microbiome composition.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalmBio·DateJul 23, 2015

MSU scientists set sights on glaucoma medication to treat TB

Researchers found that ethoxzolamide inhibits TB's ability to detect acidic environments, effectively blinding the bacterium and allowing the immune system to attack. This compound could help shorten treatment duration and slow the emergence of drug resistance in TB.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJul 23, 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.

Bossy cock takes the lead vocal of cock-a-doodle-do

A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that roosters follow a systematic rule based on social ranking to determine the order of crowing. Dominant birds take priority to announce the break of dawn, while subordinate birds wait patiently for their turn.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 23, 2015

NASA looks inside Typhoon Halola

The Global Precipitation Measurement satellite tracked Typhoon Halola's strengthening and intensification, revealing heavy rain rates of over 84 mm/h. The storm's tall thunderstorm towers reached heights of over 10.5 miles, releasing energy that can lead to intensification.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 23, 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.

Preventing knee pain in at-risk adults with diabetes

A University of Delaware-led study found that an intensive regimen of regular exercise and a healthy diet can reduce the short-term onset of knee pain for overweight adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study, published in Arthritis Care and Research, shows a 15% decrease in knee pain development among those who underwent the intensive pro...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJul 23, 2015

Managers beware of gender faultlines

New research reveals that gender faultlines can appear when individuals share demographic traits and professional interests, leading to a stronger sense of in-group identity among employees. The study found that such faultlines have a negative effect on employee loyalty, but a supportive diversity climate can mitigate this issue.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateJul 23, 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.

Researchers discover new role for protein in cell division

A team of researchers at Washington State University has discovered a novel structural function of the protein ATF5, which guides transcription and provides structure within the centrosome. This finding sheds light on the role of ATF5 in cell division and its potential implications for cancer growth and disease treatment.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCell·DateJul 23, 2015

WSU researchers find US breast milk is glyphosate free

Researchers at Washington State University found no accumulated glyphosate in human milk despite widespread use of Roundup herbicide. The study's results contradict a previous, unverified claim and provide strong evidence for the safety of breast milk.

SourceWashington State University·DateJul 23, 2015

Overeating caused by a hormone deficiency in brain?

A new Rutgers University study found that a hormone deficiency in the brain can lead to overeating and a preference for high-fat food. Researchers discovered that reducing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the central nervous system caused mice to consume more calories and show an increased preference for high-fat foods.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 23, 2015

Mammoths killed by abrupt climate change

A team of researchers has discovered that abrupt warming events played a key role in the mass extinction of megafauna during the last ice age. The study found that rapid warming, not sudden cold snaps, was the cause of extinctions among species such as mammoths and giant sloths.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 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.

New antibody portal bolsters biomedical research reliability

A new online portal provides a robust online interactive database to address the 'antibody crisis' in molecular biology. The Histone Antibody Specificity Database allows scientists to find reliable antibodies for their research with higher confidence, using validated test results.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 23, 2015

Expert panel sets nutrition guidelines to manage GI symptoms in autism

The new guideline provides a comprehensive framework for clinicians to manage gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorders. It highlights the importance of nutrition management in addressing feeding and GI concerns, and recommends a standard manual of care for clinicians worldwide.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJul 23, 2015

Same genes may influence GCSE results across range of subjects

A new study from King's College London found that many of the same genes affect GCSE results in a range of subjects, including English, mathematics, science, and humanities. The research suggests that genetic factors explain over half of the differences between children's educational achievement across all disciplines.

SourceKing's College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 23, 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.

New insights into the circuitry of PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury

A new study examined brain networks in veterans with trauma exposure using functional magnetic resonance imaging and graph theory tools. The researchers found that veterans with more severe PTSD re-experiencing symptoms showed weaker connectivity in two brain networks, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 23, 2015

Brown Universtity begins study of early life chemical exposures

Researchers are investigating the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on child behavior, memory, and learning. The four-year study aims to close a gap in research by examining thyroid hormone levels and their association with chemical exposure during pregnancy, infancy, or childhood.

SourceBrown University·DateJul 23, 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.

Social climbing makes the English happier than Americans

Research from The University of Manchester found that English people who upgrade their social status experience greater autonomy and control, leading to increased happiness. In contrast, Americans who rise in society's ranks are less satisfied than those who remain at lower levels.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Population Ageing·DateJul 23, 2015

Brown dwarfs, stars share formation process, new study indicates

Astronomers discovered jets of material ejected by still-forming young brown dwarfs, confirming they form through a scaled-down version of star formation. The presence of these jets was detected by the VLA and confirmed with Spitzer and Herschel space telescopes.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateJul 23, 2015

Pesticides found in most pollen collected from foraging bees in Massachusetts

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that over 70% of pollen and honey samples collected from foraging bees in Massachusetts contain neonicotinoids, a class of pesticide linked to Colony Collapse Disorder. The study suggests that these pesticides pose significant risks to bee health and human exposure.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Environmental Chemistry·DateJul 23, 2015

Dartmouth-NASA collaboration reveals new X-ray actions

A study by Dartmouth physicist Robyn Millan and NASA's Van Allen Probes has discovered new X-ray actions caused by solar flares, affecting Earth's atmosphere. The findings provide insight into the processes that can impact our lives directly.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·DateJul 23, 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.

Research suggests retail meat is a potential vehicle for disease-causing Klebsiella

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that 47% of grocery store-bought meat products contained Klebsiella bacteria, with many strains resistant to antibiotics. This increase poses a significant risk to human health, particularly for urinary and blood infections.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJul 23, 2015

Four-legged fossil suggests snakes evolved from burrowing ancestors

The discovery of Tetrapodophis amplectus, a four-legged snake fossil from Brazil's Crato Formation, supports the idea that snakes evolved from burrowing ancestors. The species' unique features, including short snout and flexible jaw, suggest it was adapted for grasping prey or clasp during mating.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 2015

Genetically distinct cells reveal nature's strategy for avoiding pregnancy complications

Researchers found that genetically distinct cells in pregnant mothers, known as microchimeric cells, promote reproductive health and prevent pregnancy complications like prematurity and stillbirth. These cells help the immune system recognize and accept non-inherited maternal antigens, suppressing an immune system attack on the fetus.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell·DateJul 23, 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.

Spintronics: Molecules stabilizing magnetism

Researchers have discovered a way to control magnetism using organic molecules, potentially leading to more efficient and cost-effective storage technologies. The study found that three molecular layers of phtalocynine can stabilize the magnetic orientation of cobalt surfaces, even in the presence of external magnetic fields or cooling.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 23, 2015

BIDMC research shows endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm is safe

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that endovascular aortic repair provides better outcomes, including lower mortality rates and shorter hospital stays, compared to open surgical repair. The study shows improved long-term results over time, with benefits extending up to eight years after surgery.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 23, 2015

College social life can predict well-being at midlife

A 30-year longitudinal study shows that frequent social interactions at age 20 and quality relationships at age 30 are beneficial for well-being later in life. Meaningful social engagement starts having its greatest impact at age 30, but is also beneficial at any age.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateJul 23, 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.

Researchers identify potential new targets for treating kidney disease

Proteins in the Wnt signaling pathway play a critical role in driving kidney scarring, which can lead to chronic kidney disease. Boosting expression of Wnt proteins in healthy kidneys may be an effective strategy for treating chronic kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 23, 2015

Small oxygen jump helped enable early animals take first breaths

A multi-institutional research team discovered that early animals took their first breaths with only a slight increase in oxygen levels, contradicting the long-held theory of dramatic oxygen changes. This finding provides new insights into the evolution of complex life forms like whales and sharks.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature·DateJul 23, 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.

Why West Nile virus is more dangerous in the elderly

A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that older individuals are more susceptible to West Nile virus due to impaired immune responses. The researchers discovered that older mice had delayed antibody responses, reduced helper T cells, and lower chemokine levels, leading to higher viral loads and increased brain damage.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 23, 2015

Tiny mechanical wrist gives new dexterity to needlescopic surgery

A team of engineers and doctors at Vanderbilt University has developed a surgical robot with steerable needles equipped with wrists that provide needlescopic tools with previously lacked dexterity. This innovation allows for precise resections, suturing, and access to areas such as the nose, throat, ears, and brain.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateJul 23, 2015

Scientists identify schizophrenia's 'Rosetta Stone' gene

Researchers at Cardiff University have identified a critical function of the DISC-1 gene that plays a crucial role in brain development and plasticity. The study reveals a vulnerable period in early brain development where failure to bind with specific molecules leads to irreversible effects on later-life plasticity.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 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.

Leading experts prescribe how to make cancer drugs more affordable

Leading cancer experts recommend several measures to reduce high cancer drug prices, including a post-approval price review mechanism and Medicare negotiations. The recommendations aim to improve patient care and alleviate the financial burden on those affected by high cancer drug costs.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJul 23, 2015