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Science News for July 7, 2015


Combination of diabetes and heart disease substantially reduces life expectancy

A new study analyzing over 135,000 deaths found that individuals with both diabetes and heart disease have substantially lower life expectancy compared to those with one or no condition. Men with two cardiometabolic conditions had an average reduction in life expectancy of 12-23 years at age 40, while women had a 20-year reduction.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJAMA·DateJul 7, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Conflicts 4,000 years ago

A new LOEWE research focus at the Goethe University Frankfurt is investigating Bronze Age forts between the Taunus and Carpathian mountains. The study aims to uncover the social historical perspective of violent conflict during this period, comparing it to early Middle Ages conditions.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateJul 7, 2015

Bats do it, dolphins do it -- now humans can do it, too

Physicists at UC Berkeley have created lightweight ultrasonic loudspeakers and microphones using graphene, allowing humans to communicate and gauge distance like bats and dolphins. The devices offer improved fidelity and efficiency compared to traditional ultrasound or sonar methods.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 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.

Childhood stress fuels weight gain in women

A national study by Michigan State University sociologist Hui Liu found that childhood stress fuels weight gain in women, while adult stress has no significant impact on men's weight. Childhood family-related stressors such as economic hardship and divorce were associated with rapid weight gain in women.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJul 7, 2015

Study: Nursing home care for minorities improves

A new study found that nursing homes with higher concentrations of racial and ethnic minority residents have improved care, with increases in Medicaid payments associated with reduced clinical care deficiencies. Despite disparities remaining, the progress suggests a narrowing gap in quality of care over time.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 7, 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.

Findings suggest improvement in management of localized prostate cancer

Rates of active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer increased sharply from 2010 to 2013, while high-risk disease was treated more appropriately with local treatments. Treatment patterns varied across individual practices, but suggest a genuine change in prostate cancer management in the US.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 7, 2015

Vitamin C related to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and early death

A study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found a 15% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and 20% lower risk of early death with high vitamin C blood levels. Vitamin C's antioxidant properties help protect cells from damage, supporting overall health.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 7, 2015

Intelligent big multimedia databases

The book explores how hierarchical organization, wavelet transformation, subspace trees, and deep learning can overcome the curse of dimensionality to develop efficient big multimedia databases. It introduces essential statistical supervised machine learning algorithms for information retrieval.

SourceWorld Scientific·DateJul 7, 2015

Organ transplant rejection may not be permanent

Researchers found that immune tolerance can spontaneously recover after an infection-triggered rejection event, and hosts can accept subsequent transplants as soon as a week after. Regulatory T-cells play a key role in this process, acting as a 'brake' to prevent other immune cells from targeting the second transplant.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 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.

Cutting health care costs isn't easy

A new study from the University of Iowa found that improving access to affordable primary care reduced preventable hospital stays for black and Hispanics who receive both Medicare and Medicaid. However, it also showed that trips to the emergency department went up among all dual eligibles, regardless of race or ethnicity. The study sug...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 7, 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.

USC cancer researchers ID potential treatment for deadly lymphoma

Researchers at the University of Southern California's Keck Medicine have identified a potential treatment for primary effusion lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer affecting HIV/AIDS patients. The treatment involves combining FDA-approved immunomodulatory drugs with BRD4 inhibitors, showing promising results in animal models.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalOncogene·DateJul 7, 2015

Kids' brain responses to food depend on their body composition

A new study found that children's brains respond differently to high- and low-calorie foods based on their body weight. Children with more lean body mass had a greater brain response to high-calorie foods, while those with higher body fat had reduced activity in the brain when looking at healthier options.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·DateJul 7, 2015

NASA sees Typhoon Nangka strengthen

Typhoon Nangka strengthened from a tropical storm to a typhoon under NASA's observation, showcasing powerful thunderstorms and coldest cloud top temperatures near -81 Fahrenheit. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts the system to intensify beyond Category 5 before weakening.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 7, 2015

Hospital readmissions for sepsis are highly common, extremely costly

A new UCLA study found that sepsis accounts for a significant percentage of hospital readmissions in California, with an estimated annual cost of $500 million. The study also revealed disparities in readmission rates among different demographics, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this critical issue.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateJul 7, 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.

Animals' infections can impact most on relatives, study finds

Researchers found worm infection in parent birds or nestlings impacts most on others in their family group, affecting survival rates and breeding success. The study's findings could have important implications for the conservation of wild animals under threat.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateJul 7, 2015

Marijuana users substitute alcohol at 21

A recent study by University of Illinois economists found that marijuana users between 18-24 years old drastically reduced their marijuana use when they turned 21 and gained access to alcohol. The study suggests that alcohol may be substituting for marijuana, with women showing a greater decrease in marijuana use than men.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateJul 7, 2015

Barnett shale research raises new concerns about methane emissions

New findings suggest that some natural gas wells, compressor stations, and processing plants in the Barnett Shale leak far more methane than previously estimated, with some sites emitting up to 47.8% of their produced gas. Human error and lack of maintenance are identified as primary causes of these emissions.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 7, 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.

Researchers find the organization of the human brain to be nearly ideal

The study reveals that 89% of connections in the idealized brain network showed up in the real brain network, suggesting evolutionarily designed to be very close to what our algorithm shows. The scientists' strategy prioritizes function over structure, highlighting essential links for optimal navigation.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2015

Heightened ability to imagine odors linked to higher body weight

Researchers found that obese adults have a heightened ability to imagine odors, particularly food and non-food smells, which may promote food cravings. This study's findings suggest the need for individualized approaches to identify factors contributing to weight gain.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·DateJul 7, 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.

Predicting happiness of couples raising children with autism

A study by researchers at the University of Miami found that individual traits such as optimism, social and spouse support, benefit finding, and coping styles positively associated with better relationship satisfaction for parents of children with ASD. The study highlights the importance of positive traits in enhancing family functioni...

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJul 7, 2015

Study: Groundwater from aquifers important factor in food security

A study by researchers at University of Illinois found that groundwater from three major aquifers is crucial for food security, with 91% of embodied water staying within the US. Unsustainable usage threatens domestic food supply and global markets.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2015

Successful model for statewide collaborative initiative to reduce avoidable hospital readmissions

A statewide collaborative initiative in South Carolina reduced avoidable hospital readmissions by improving healthcare transitions after discharge. The Preventing Avoidable Readmissions Together (PART) initiative engaged over 90% of the state's acute care hospitals, leading to a promising model for care transitions strategies.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateJul 7, 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.

Extended-field IMRT does not increase duodenal toxicity risk

A study of 76 patients with cervical or endometrial cancer found that extended-field IMRT did not increase duodenal toxicity risk, even at high doses. The study confirms the safety of EF-IMRT for treating para-aortic lymph nodes.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateJul 7, 2015

A cool way to form 2-D conducting polymers using ice

Researchers at POSTECH develop a method to form PANI nanosheets on deep frozen ice, resulting in high electronic current flows and conductivity. The process is environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and can produce large areas of nanosheets in minutes.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJul 7, 2015

Yes, AT&T, it pays to win back lost customers

A recent study by Georgia State University researchers found that regaining lost customers can significantly boost a company's bottom line. The study analyzed data from a US-based telecommunications company and discovered that initial trust and commitment play a crucial role in winning back customers.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 7, 2015

Mammography benefits overestimated

A review of randomised trials on cancer screening finds that mammographic screening may not reduce breast cancer mortality as expected. The study suggests that the benefits of mammography screening are likely to have been overestimated due to an unconventional statistical method used in earlier trials.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateJul 7, 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.

Mitochondrial metagenomics: How '-omics' is saving wild bees

A new approach developed by scientists from the China National Genebank (CNGB), BGI-Shenzhen demonstrates the value of mitochondrial genome databases in detecting wild bees in UK farms. The method uses mitogenome references to analyze 'bee soup' DNA, providing a more accurate and efficient way to track population trajectories.

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateJul 7, 2015

Engineers give invisibility cloaks a slimmer design

Scientists at the University of California - San Diego have designed a new type of cloak that is both thin and does not alter the brightness of light around a hidden object. The technology behind this cloak has more applications than invisibility, such as concentrating solar energy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProgress In Electromagnetics Research·DateJul 7, 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.

Taking the pain out of office work

Researchers at McGill University found that treadmill workstations lower neck and shoulder muscle activity, leading to less discomfort. The study suggests that minor movements and adjustments can help prevent muscle pain in office workers.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateJul 7, 2015

An improved age for Earth's latest magnetic field reversal using radiometric dating

A team of researchers has obtained an improved age for the Matuyama-Brunhes boundary, a geological event that occurred approximately 780,000 years ago. The team used radiometric dating and sedimentary rock samples to determine the exact age of this event, which is now confirmed as 770.2 thousand years ago.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalGeology·DateJul 7, 2015

Poverty plays complex role in entrepreneurship for Indian women

A study of over 150 poor women in southern India found that chronic constraints can spur entrepreneurial activity as long as periodic constraints are kept low. However, a barrage of periodic constraints can hinder entrepreneurial intention. Education can increase entrepreneurial self-efficacy and enable women to overcome temporary setb...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateJul 7, 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.

Stress-coping strategy and mom's stress levels during pregnancy

Research finds that prenatal stress in rats can lead to faster weight loss and reduced hunger signals in offspring, resembling anorexia nervosa. Identifying a specific coping style, passive individuals from stressed mothers were more susceptible to anorexic behaviors, providing insight into potential treatment options.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·DateJul 7, 2015

The ins and outs of QCD

Scientists are searching for exotic mesons that don't fit traditional patterns, which could reveal new insights into QCD. The JLab team uses the Titan Supercomputer to analyze interactions between quarks and gluons in a vacuum, aiming to predict these hypothetical particles from first principles.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJul 7, 2015

Timber and construction, a well-matched couple

A new methodology has been developed to assess the environmental sustainability of timber structures, taking into account factors such as social responsibility and economic development. The tool evaluates various criteria and indicators to produce an Environmental Sustainability Index for these structures.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateJul 7, 2015

Discovery could improve in vitro fertilization success rates for women around the world

Researchers discovered that chromosomal abnormalities in human embryos can be predicted within the first 30 hours of development. This finding could improve IVF success rates, which have hovered around 30-35 percent worldwide. By analyzing a single cell level, they identified 12 genes that are activated prior to the first cell division.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2015
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New research: Rubber expansion threatens biodiversity and livelihoods

New research suggests that rubber expansion is environmentally unsustainable, causing widespread deforestation, loss of carbon stocks, and reduction in biodiversity. Smallholder farmers' livelihoods are also at risk due to price fluctuations and narrowing income sources.

SourceWorld Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateJul 7, 2015

Study: Temperature a dominant influence on bird diversity loss in Mexico

A recent study published in Science Advances found that temperature changes are the primary environmental influence on bird species distribution in Mexico. The researchers analyzed historical data and current distributions of 115 bird species to find that only temperature change had significant impacts on avifaunal turnover.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 7, 2015

Sculpting a cell's backside

Researchers discovered a new protein, Callipygian, which aids in cell migration by shutting off proteins at the front edge of cells. The protein helps create the back of a cell, allowing it to move directionally.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2015

Mother's diet affects offspring alcohol and nicotine use in lab animal study

A new study reveals that a mother's fat-rich diet during pregnancy increases her offspring's risk of combined alcohol and nicotine abuse in adolescence. The research found that rats exposed to a high-fat diet in utero were more likely to develop a greater vulnerability to excessive drug-seeking behavior.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·DateJul 7, 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.

Genomics among the biggest of big data, researchers say

As genome-sequencing technologies improve, the amount of genomics data is projected to grow exponentially, requiring significant advancements in computing infrastructure. Genomics data will surpass even YouTube's storage capacity, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to handle the deluge of genomic information.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 7, 2015

Study identifies brain abnormalities in people with schizophrenia

A large-scale study has identified structural brain abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia, including smaller hippocampus and amygdala volumes and larger ventricle volumes. The findings provide new insights into the condition's development and potential treatment responses.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 7, 2015

A key role for CEP63 in brain development and fertility discovered

A joint study by IRB Barcelona researchers reveals CEP63's crucial role in brain cell division and sperm production, providing new insights into Seckel Syndrome and microcephaly. The protein's inhibition may lead to therapeutic approaches for treating these conditions.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2015

Chapman University publishes research on friendship

The study examines how US adults rely on friends for expressive, instrumental, and companionate support, with findings suggesting similar numbers of friends across genders and sexual orientations. GLB individuals have similar numbers of friends as heterosexual men and women, and close friendships are linked to overall life satisfaction.

SourceChapman University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 7, 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.

Microfabricated device allows evaluation of the efficacy, toxicity of pro-drugs

A microfabricated device has been developed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of pro-drugs, enabling the separate culture of primary liver cells and cancer cells. The system simplifies the process by eliminating the need for pumping and tubing connections, providing a novel platform for studying drug metabolism and interactions.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateJul 7, 2015

Could black phosphorus be the next silicon?

Researchers at McGill University and Université de Montréal report that black phosphorus can help overcome the challenge of designing energy-efficient transistors. The material's two-dimensional properties allow electrons to move in only two dimensions, making it a promising candidate for future electronics.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2015

Fishing ban rescues Robben Island penguin chicks

A three-year fishery closure around Robben Island increased African penguin chick survival rates by 18%, a significant improvement for the endangered species. The study highlights the importance of small no-take zones in improving demographic parameters of mobile species like the African penguin.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 7, 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.

Cancer drug 49 times more potent than Cisplatin

Researchers have developed a new cancer drug FY26 that is 49 times more potent than Cisplatin, effectively shutting down the metabolism of cancer cells. The drug works by forcing cancer cells to use their mitochondria, which are defective in healthy cells, leading to cell death.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2015

Fewer women than men are shown online ads related to high-paying jobs

A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that significantly fewer women than men were shown online ads promising them help getting jobs paying more than $200,000. Researchers used simulated user profiles to probe the online ad ecosystem and discovered gender-based discrimination in Google ads.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings on Privacy Enhancing Technologies·DateJul 7, 2015

New technique enables magnetic patterns to be mapped in 3-D

Researchers developed a new technique using synchrotron light to map complex 3D magnetization in wound magnetic layers. This allows for improved sensitivity of magnetic field detectors, crucial for medical imaging and magnetoencephalography.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Energiewende in the Alps: Switzerland's transition away from nuclear

Switzerland seeks to replace nuclear power with a mix of renewable energy sources, including wind, photovoltaics, and hydropower. The country aims to be largely independent of fossil fuels by 2034, reducing carbon intensity through efficient production processes and substantial reductions in consumption.

SourceSAGE·JournalBulletin of the Atomic Scientists·DateJul 7, 2015

Imaging could improve treatment of people with COPD

A new study published in Radiology found that MRI and CT scans can help explain COPD symptoms and exercise limitations, allowing for more personalized treatment. The findings suggest that lung imaging can provide a deeper understanding of the disease and improve patient outcomes.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 7, 2015

The next anti-tuberculosis drug may already be in your local pharmacy

EPFL scientists identified lansoprazole as an excellent candidate against tuberculosis, a global pandemic, by screening thousands of approved drugs. The study found that lansoprazole kills the bacterium after being converted into a sulfur-containing metabolite, targeting a crucial enzyme for energy production.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2015

Faced with limited choices, prisoners become entrepreneurs to meet their needs

A new study reveals that prisoners at Gramercy maximum security prison have turned to entrepreneurialism to meet their basic needs, developing illicit marketing systems for services like haircutting and medical care. The research highlights the need to shift the role of prisons from punishment to reformation.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateJul 7, 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.

Scientists develop free, online genetic research tool

Scientists at the University of Missouri have developed a free online genetic research tool called RNAMiner. The platform allows users to upload genomic data and analyze it through multiple steps, providing results within hours rather than days or months.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 7, 2015

Smartphones may be detrimental to learning process

A Rice University study found that smartphone users believed smartphones would improve their academic performance but ultimately reported detrimental effects on their ability to learn. The study suggests that providing access to smartphones without specific directed learning activities can be counterproductive to the learning process.

SourceRice University·JournalBritish Journal of Educational Technology·DateJul 7, 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.

Nine new research units, 1 new clinical research unit

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft will establish nine new Research Units and one Clinical Research Unit, focusing on topics like chip technology, child development, debris discs, and more. The units will receive approximately €24.5 million in total funding over the next three years.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateJul 7, 2015

As Medicaid turns 50, Hastings Center scholar examines payment reforms

A recent article by Michael K. Gusmano and Frank J. Thompson examines the success of Medicaid's Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Initiatives (DSRIP), finding mixed evidence on its effectiveness. The authors conclude that while DSRIP has potential, its effectiveness is still unclear.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 7, 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.

Optical 'dog's nose' may hold key to breath analysis

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a non-invasive breath analysis system using an optical frequency comb, which measures molecular content in gas samples with high accuracy and speed. The system has promising potential for broad-scale health screening and could be available commercially in 3-5 years.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 7, 2015

Omnidirectional free space wireless charging developed

Researchers at KAIST have developed a wireless-power transfer (WPT) technology that allows mobile devices to be charged in any direction, even when away from the power source. The system can charge multiple devices simultaneously and wirelessly, with an efficiency of up to 34%, making it ideal for emergency situations.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·DateJul 7, 2015

Customer commitment has many faces, differs globally

Researchers tested a five-dimensional commitment model, finding that affective commitment is the single largest contributor to customer loyalty. Habitual commitment also plays a significant role, with increased usage leading to developed habits and regimes that build commitment. The study provides insights into the nuanced ways custome...

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateJul 7, 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.

Price fairness: When do consumers blame the Michelin Man?

According to a new study in the Journal of Marketing, companies whose brands are represented by or associated with human figures are often perceived as unfair when raising prices. This perception is attributed to human motives rather than market forces.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 7, 2015

Scientists study ways to integrate biofuels and food crops on farms

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory design a multifunctional landscape that balances economic feasibility, bioenergy, and environmental health. By analyzing subareas of a cornfield, they found that planting bioenergy crops like willows or switchgrass can provide biomass feedstock while limiting nitrogen fertilizer runoff.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJul 7, 2015

Pupil response predicts depression risk in kids

Children of depressed mothers who show increased pupil dilation to sad faces are at higher risk of developing depressive symptoms and diagnoses over two years. The study suggests pupillometry could be used as a low-cost tool for pediatricians to identify children at highest risk.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateJul 7, 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.

Serious adverse events rare in healthy volunteers participating in Phase I drug trials

A new meta-analysis of 11,000 healthy volunteers in 394 phase I trials found that serious adverse events were rare, occurring in only 34 (0.31%) cases, and half of these were unrelated to the study drug or procedures. The majority of adverse events were mild, with nearly a quarter being judged as unrelated to the study.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 7, 2015

Medicaid: No longer the welfare medicine afterthought

As Medicaid approaches middle age, it will increasingly exercise its buying power to shape healthcare trends, including care management and population health. Despite low rates and stigma, Medicaid is a critical player in the US healthcare system, with potential for growth over the next 50 years.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 7, 2015

Study finds that high fat diet changes gut microbe populations

A high-fat diet changes the populations of bacteria residing in the gut, altering signaling to the brain and leading to overeating. The study found that this shift can cause inflammation in brain regions responsible for feeding behavior, resulting in gut-brain miscommunication and obesity.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·DateJul 7, 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.

Nutritional supplement boosts muscle stamina in animal studies

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that a nutritional supplement can improve exercise tolerance and reduce fatigue in mice by optimizing energy use in exercising muscles. The study suggests that carnitine and its enzyme CrAT work together to enhance muscle energy metabolism during exercise.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 7, 2015

Investigators develop activated T cell therapy for advanced melanoma

A new study published in Journal of Immunotherapy demonstrates that T cells derived from lymph nodes can be expanded and activated to attack melanoma. This innovative approach, called adoptive immunotherapy, is being tested in a human clinical trial at UH Seidman Cancer Center.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Immunotherapy·DateJul 7, 2015