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Science News for July 24, 2015


Rice disease-resistance discovery closes the loop for scientific integrity

A research team at the University of California, Davis, has identified a tiny protein called RaxX that helps plants fight off bacterial infections. The discovery could lead to more disease-resistant crop varieties and new treatments for microbial infections in both plants and animals.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 2015

Reynolds Creek Fire, Montana

The Reynolds Creek Fire in Montana began on July 21 after a lightning strike and has consumed mixed conifer trees, shrubs, and grass. As of July 24, the fire is at 4000 acres with predicted extreme fire behavior due to gusty west winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 24, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Parasitic flatworms flout global biodiversity patterns

A study published in Ecology found that parasite prevalence and diversity increase with higher latitude, challenging the typical latitudinal diversity gradient. This exception suggests that local ecological factors play a role in shaping biodiversity, despite the general pattern of decreasing species richness towards the poles.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalEcology·DateJul 24, 2015

How to predict ICU bed occupancy and manage it effectively

A mathematical simulation model predicts ICU bed occupancy and optimizes resource allocation by considering patient admissions and length of stay data. This approach enables healthcare managers to make informed decisions about bed capacity and resource allocation.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalHealth Care Management Science·DateJul 24, 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.

Toxin from salmonid fish has potential to treat cancer

Researchers have identified a toxin from salmonid fish that can be used to treat cancer by inhibiting the switch protein RhoA, which is involved in cell division and tumor metastasis. The toxin, Afp18, attaches a sugar molecule to RhoA, causing it to collapse and blocking cell division.

SourceBIOSS - Centre for Biological Signalling Studies·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2015

NASA's GPM sees dry air affecting Typhoon Halola

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission observed Typhoon Halola with rainfall rates of up to 40 mm/h near the southeastern side, while the northern side showed less than 10 mm/h. The storm's elongated shape and dry air's effect contributed to its weakening circulation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 24, 2015

Know it's a placebo? CU-Boulder study shows the 'medicine' could still work

Researchers found that subjects who knew they were receiving a fake pain treatment still experienced pain relief after multiple sessions. The study suggests that conditioning can create independent placebo effects that require both belief and consistent experiences. This could lead to new treatments for drug addiction or pain management.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Pain·DateJul 24, 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.

SeaWorld's killer whales live as long as their wild counterparts

A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Mammalogy found no difference in life expectancy between SeaWorld's killer whales and a well-studied population of wild killer whales. The average life expectancy for SeaWorld's killer whales is 41.6 years, similar to that of Southern Resident killer whales.

SourceSeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateJul 24, 2015

Temple-led research analyzes impact of case volume on outcomes for DVT treatment

A study led by Temple University researchers found that hospitals performing more catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) procedures per year had lower mortality rates and bleeding complications. The research, published in the Circulation journal, suggests standardizing CDT protocols can minimize risks at low-volume centers.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalCirculation·DateJul 24, 2015

Does concussion impact men and women differently?

A study of 148 college athletes found that men and women experienced similar cognitive impairments after a concussion, but women reported more symptoms and had poorer cognitive performance. The research suggests that further study is needed to understand the differences in concussion impact between genders.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateJul 24, 2015

DNA suggests that the diversity of European butterflies could be seriously underestimated

A study of 228 butterfly species in the Iberian Peninsula suggests that up to 28% could be entirely new to science, highlighting the need for conservation efforts and genetic identification tools. This DNA analysis will aid in differentiating between morphologically similar species and inform priority conservation strategies.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 24, 2015

Research links premature birth to withdrawn personality

Research suggests that adults born very premature are more likely to display autistic features, neuroticism, introversion and decreased risk taking. This can lead to difficulties in social relationships with peers, friends and partners.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 24, 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.

TOPLESS plants provide clues to human molecular interactions

Scientists at Van Andel Research Institute have unraveled the molecular mechanism of TOPLESS, a plant protein that interacts with other molecules to regulate gene silencing. This discovery provides insights into similar pathways in humans and has significant implications for understanding diseases such as cancer.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 2015

Scientists discover first 'DNA ambulance'

Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a motor protein complex that transports severely damaged DNA within cells. The discovery sheds light on how cancer operates and could lead to new anti-cancer drug targets.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2015

Croatian island fires causing summer havoc

Wildfires on Croatia's Peljesac Peninsula and islands of Korcula and Brac have destroyed olive groves, vineyards, and pine forests, forcing evacuations. The fires have also disrupted main roads and power supplies, with hot winds and high temperatures hindering firefighters' efforts to contain the blazes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 24, 2015

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone 12W grow into a Tropical Storm

Tropical Depression 12W intensified into a tropical storm after NASA's Terra satellite captured an organized storm with better circulation. The storm is forecast to weaken under Typhoon Halola's influence, moving slowly at 5 knots (5.7 mph/9.2 kph) towards the north.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 24, 2015

Unlocking the rice immune system

Researchers at Joint BioEnergy Institute have identified a bacterial protein called RaxX that activates rice plant's immune response to Xanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzae, the pathogen causing bacterial blight. This discovery has important implications for future grass-type biofuel feedstocks and the worldwide supply of rice.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 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.

Insights into catalytic converters

A team of scientists used X-ray spectroscopy to analyze the interactions between active metals and gas molecules in catalytic converters. They found that different materials exhibit unique reaction paths, which can help improve their efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalChemical Communications·DateJul 24, 2015

Inbreeding not to blame for Colorado's bighorn sheep population decline

A new study has found that inbreeding is not the primary cause of Colorado's declining bighorn sheep population. Genetic analysis suggests that high ram migration and gene flow between herds have maintained healthy levels of genetic variation, rescuing the population from a genetic bottleneck. However, other factors such as nutritional...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateJul 24, 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.

Strathclyde asteroid and space debris project wins UK-wide award

Researchers at Strathclyde University won a prestigious award for their work on the Stardust project, exploring solutions to threats from asteroids and space debris. The €4.1m project, funded by the European Commission, aims to tackle the risks posed by asteroids and ensure a safe future for assets in orbit.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateJul 24, 2015

Brain structure reveals ability to regulate emotions

Research found that healthy individuals with difficulties regulating emotions exhibit smaller volume in orbitofrontal cortex, a region also affected in people with borderline and antisocial personality disorders. The study suggests a continuum in emotional regulation ability, with extreme variants leading to psychiatric diagnoses.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJul 24, 2015

Marine plankton brighten clouds over Southern Ocean

Tiny marine organisms produce airborne gases and organic matter to seed cloud droplets, leading to brighter clouds that reflect more sunlight. This process affects the amount of solar energy reaching Earth's surface, with implications for global climate.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 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.

Student researchers recognized for posters presented at C. elegans Meeting

The Genetics Society of America has awarded prizes to undergraduate and graduate students who presented research on Caenorhabditis elegans at the recent meeting. The awards recognized innovative work in various fields, including cell biology, development and evolution, gene regulation and genomics, neurobiology, and physiology.

SourceGenetics Society of America·DateJul 24, 2015

Acetic acid as a proton shuttle in gold chemistry

Gold compounds demonstrate novel reactivity, competing with traditional catalysts. Acetic acid serves as a proton shuttle, transferring hydrogen atoms between reaction centers.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences·JournalOrganometallics·DateJul 24, 2015

Patient satisfaction is good indicator of success after spinal surgery

A study found that patients who experienced significant reductions in pain and disability after spine surgery were more likely to be satisfied with their outcomes. Factors such as initial severity scores, insurance status, and mental health played a role in patient satisfaction rates.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalNeurosurgery·DateJul 24, 2015

Study identifies risks related to falling in patients with COPD

A recent year-long study reveals that 40% of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience falls, with over 75% falling multiple times. The study identifies several factors linked to an increased risk of falling, including smoking, other illnesses, and taking multiple medications.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateJul 24, 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.

Diagnosis of psychiatric disorders not as important as outcomes

Mark Zimmerman, a clinical researcher at Rhode Island Hospital, suggests that accurate diagnosis of psychiatric disorders is not as crucial as effective treatment outcomes. Prescription medications and therapy are often effective for various conditions, reducing the need for precise diagnosis.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateJul 24, 2015

Attention-control video game curbs combat vets' PTSD symptoms

A computerized attention-control training program significantly reduced combat veterans' preoccupation with - or avoidance of -- threat and attendant PTSD symptoms. This approach balances moment-to-moment fluctuations in attention bias from threat vigilance to threat avoidance, correlating with the severity of PTSD symptoms.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 24, 2015

Return-to-work outcomes better for SSDI beneficiaries who use vocational rehab services

Researchers found that SSDI beneficiaries who enrolled in state vocational rehabilitation agency services achieved work milestones at a faster rate than those who did not. The study suggests that provision of these services may be a means of reducing the costs of SSDI and improving employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Disability Policy Studies·DateJul 24, 2015

Object recognition for robots

A new algorithm developed by MIT researchers combines SLAM and object recognition to improve robots' performance. The system uses SLAM information to augment existing object-recognition algorithms, achieving comparable performance to special-purpose robotic object-recognition systems that factor in depth measurements.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 24, 2015

Spines of boys and girls differ at birth

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that vertebral cross-sectional dimensions in newborn females were 10.6% smaller than males, indicating a predisposition to osteoporosis and scoliosis later in life. This difference may be mitigated with exercise and nutrition.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJul 24, 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.