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Science News for June 23, 2015


Researchers reconstruct dinosaur tracks

Researchers reconstructed dinosaur tracks at a 154-million-year-old quarry site, suggesting carnivorous dinosaurs hunted herbivorous island-dwelling dinosaurs. The digital model reveals that the predators could have immigrated via a land bridge as sea levels dropped.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateJun 23, 2015

University of Iowa studies impact of marijuana on driving

A new study conducted at the University of Iowa's National Advanced Driving Simulator found that drivers who use both alcohol and marijuana together weaved more on a virtual roadway than those using either substance independently. The study, which analyzed the effects of inhaled cannabis on driving performance, also found no double eff...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJun 23, 2015

New knowledge: Parkinson's disease may begin in the gut

Researchers found that patients who had undergone vagotomy were protected against developing Parkinson's disease, with a risk halved after 20 years. The study suggests that Parkinson's disease begins in the gut and spreads via the vagus nerve to the brain.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJun 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.

The pertussis pathogen -- New findings

Researchers discovered that the protein structure of a key membrane protein differs from a previously postulated model, providing a basis for new treatments. The study reveals how the protein pore opens and closes in response to substrate binding, offering insights into the pathogen's attachment mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2015

The secret weapons of cabbages: Overcome by butterfly co-evolution

A study on butterfly-coevolution with cabbage plants has provided new insights into the genetic basis of this ancient dynamic. Over 80 million years, advances in plant defense led to counter-tactics from butterflies, driving rapid species diversification.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2015

How will cold-loving Antarctic fish respond to warming ocean waters?

Research aims to understand how Antarctic fish will respond to rising ocean temperatures, which could impact the food web and ecosystem. The study will focus on embryo viability, development rate, and temperature stress response in two species, and provide data for informing climate change strategies.

SourceNortheastern University·DateJun 23, 2015

Old-school literature search helps ecologist identify puzzling parasite

A months-long literature search uncovered evidence that a microscopic aquatic parasite, Blastulidium paedophthorum, is a widespread and virulent multi-host parasite in southeastern Michigan lakes. The research found that the parasite significantly impacts host fecundity without reducing Daphnia lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 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.

Commodity market volatility more perception than reality

Researchers found that commodity price bubbles were short-lived and not as frequent as thought. Bubbles in the grain markets occurred more often during periods of production problems rather than speculative activity. The study's findings suggest that the commodity market is doing a good job of accessing prices, with only minor hiccups.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateJun 23, 2015

'Pick and mix' smart materials for robotics

Scientists at the University of Cambridge developed a method to combine multiple functions in a single material by integrating structure at the nanoscale. This approach enables the creation of multi-functional artificial muscles that can move, sense, and report on their environment.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 23, 2015

Survival of the gutless? Filter-feeders eject internal organs in response to stress

Scientists at Tel Aviv University have found that a tropical ascidian species can expel its digestive tract and rebuild it within 12 days. The study provides new insights into the organism's ability to eviscerate and regenerate its gut, shedding light on potential avenues for human soft-tissue regeneration research.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 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.

Fewer than 1 in 10 older heart patients get life-saving defibrillators

A Duke University Medical Center study found that older heart patients with reduced function may benefit from defibrillators, which can lower the risk of death by one-third. However, the devices are underutilized due to factors such as advanced age, transitions in care, and mandatory waiting periods.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateJun 23, 2015

Neutron star's echoes give astronomers a new measuring stick

Researchers have developed a new method to estimate distances to X-ray sources using the geometry of light echoes and dust clouds. By analyzing the timing and deflection of X-rays as they pass through interstellar space, astronomers can calculate the distance to Circinus X-1, a binary system located in the plane of the galaxy.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJun 23, 2015

Diabetes medication reduces dementia risk

A study analyzing health insurance data found that long-term treatment with pioglitazone significantly decreases the risk of developing dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes. The medication lowers the risk by approximately half compared to non-diabetics, with a notable protective effect against Alzheimer's disease.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJun 23, 2015

New model calculates how air transport connects the world

A new model by MIT researchers analyzes flight schedules and ticket sales to determine global air transport connectivity. The study finds that one-stop flights have become more important over time in connecting regions, despite being less preferred by passengers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalTransportation Research Part E Logistics and Transportation Review·DateJun 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.

Physicists fine-tune control of agile exotic materials

Researchers have successfully controlled the length and strength of waves of atomic motion, promising applications in fine-scale imaging and information transmission. Hybrid polaritons propagate throughout many layers of a crystalline material and can be tuned with an electronic gate.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 23, 2015

Drugs for impotence do not increase risk of melanoma

Researchers from Umea University found no association between PDEi drugs and increased melanoma risk; instead, men taking these drugs are more health-conscious and sunbathe more often, increasing their melanoma diagnosis risk.

SourceUmea University·JournalJAMA·DateJun 23, 2015

Louisiana Tech University chemistry student awarded EPA Fellowship

Joshua Tully, a Louisiana Tech University chemistry student, has been awarded a Greater Research Opportunities (GRO) Fellowship by the EPA for his research on natural clay nanotubes. The fellowship provides a year of academic support and internship experience, valued at up to $50,000.

SourceLouisiana Tech University·DateJun 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.

Biomanufacturing of CdS quantum dots

A team of Lehigh University engineers has developed a novel approach for the reproducible biosynthesis of extracellular, water-soluble quantum dots using bacteria and cadmium sulfide. This method reduces cost and environmental impact by utilizing an engineered strain of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia to control particle size.

SourceLehigh University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJun 23, 2015

The shame of psychology

UCSB sociologist Thomas Scheff argues that psychology's scientific method is blind to the insights of intuition, leading to misconceptions about catharsis, stigma, and self-esteem. Future studies could split scales into cognitive and emotional components to address these issues.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalReview of General Psychology·DateJun 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.

Photo selection study reveals we don't look like we think we look

A new study published in the British Journal of Psychology found that people tend to choose poorly matching passport photos, leading to lower accuracy in face recognition. Strangers were surprisingly more reliable at judging likeness than individuals themselves, with self-selected images being matched seven per cent less accurately.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·JournalBritish Journal of Psychology·DateJun 23, 2015

UVA fertilization discovery may lead to male contraceptive

Researchers at UVA Health System have identified a critical protein, ESP1, that stabilizes the site of sperm-egg fusion. This discovery may pave the way for the development of a male contraceptive by targeting the protein's interactions.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalBiology of Reproduction·DateJun 23, 2015

Quiet that ringing in the brain

A new drug, SF0034, selectively affects potassium channels in the brain to treat epilepsy and prevent tinnitus. It has shown promise in preventing seizures in animals and is being developed as a potential treatment for both conditions.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·DateJun 23, 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.

Researchers identify new class of antifungal agents

Researchers have identified two compounds that target the synthesis of fungal glucosylceramide, leading to highly effective antifungal activity. These new agents may pave the way for a new class of antifungals to treat serious fungal infections, which cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJun 23, 2015

OSIRIS-REx team prepares for next step

The OSIRIS-REx team is preparing to ship its instruments to the spacecraft's assembly facility, with a launch date of September 2016. The mission aims to bring back a small sample from asteroid Bennu for study, providing insights into the asteroid's composition and properties.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateJun 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.

Current blood cancer drug prices not justified, MD Anderson study finds

Current blood cancer drug prices are too high to be considered cost-effective in the US, according to a recent MD Anderson Cancer Center study. The researchers found that 63% of 20 studies evaluated had costs per additional life-year higher than $50,000, indicating that current prices cannot be justified based on improved quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer·DateJun 23, 2015

Toward tiny, solar-powered sensors

MIT researchers have created a new ultralow-power circuit that can harness more than 80% of the energy from tiny solar cells, enabling it to run for months without battery changes. The chip achieves this efficiency improvement while powering devices directly from batteries.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 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.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Kujira move into the Gulf of Tonkin

Tropical Storm Kujira made landfall on Hainan Island, China, with surface wind speeds near 65 knots, according to NASA's RapidScat data. The storm then moved into the Gulf of Tonkin, where it was centered near 20.1 North latitude and 107.8 East longitude, with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 23, 2015

When certain consumers bought its lemonade, did Frito-Lay groan?

A study found that a small group of consumers who consistently purchase and rave about failing products may actually be 'harbingers of failure.' These customers tend to buy niche items that few others choose. Retailers can use this insight to make better decisions about new products.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateJun 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.

Trinity scientists persuade volcanoes to tell their stories

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a way to extract information from magma crystals, allowing them to reconstruct the history of global geography and predict future eruptions. This new method has the potential to improve our understanding of volcanic activity and provide more accurate predictions for eruptions.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalChemical Geology·DateJun 23, 2015

Survey: Many doctors misunderstand key facets of opioid abuse

Primary care physicians incorrectly thought that abuse-deterrent pills were less addictive than standard counterparts, despite evidence showing they are equally addictive. The study highlights the importance of patient and provider education regarding abuse-deterrent products.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalClinical Journal of Pain·DateJun 23, 2015

'Fitness' foods may cause consumers to eat more and exercise

A new study found that fitness-branded foods increase consumption in restrained eaters, while reducing physical activity. Fitness labels on snacks led to increased eating and decreased exercise among participants trying to watch their weight.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateJun 23, 2015

Adolescents uncertain about risks of marijuana, e-cigarettes, Stanford study finds

A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that teenagers are unclear about the risks of marijuana and e-cigarettes, receiving conflicting information from various sources. The study suggests that future messages should address the addictive potential, health risks, and presence of nicotine in these products.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJun 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.

Nanowire implants offer remote-controlled drug delivery

A team of researchers has created a new implantable drug-delivery system using nanowires that can be wirelessly controlled, allowing for precise and targeted treatment. The system showed promise in reducing inflammation and scar formation in mice with spinal cord injuries.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJun 23, 2015

Can heat be controlled as waves?

Thermal phonons can interfere with their own reflections, suggesting that heat transport occurs through wave-like phenomena. This interference could be used to modify the velocity of phonons and create energy bandgaps, leading to new materials with low thermal conductivity.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 23, 2015

Medical marijuana 'edibles' mostly mislabeled, study shows

A study found that most edible cannabis products sold in dispensaries carried labels with inaccurate THC levels, posing a risk to patients. The researchers called for better regulation and oversight of marijuana edibles to prevent overdosing and ensure accurate labeling.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateJun 23, 2015

Study concludes that racehorses are getting faster

A new study from the University of Exeter has found that racehorse speeds have improved greatly since 1850, with increases in speed greatest in shorter distance races. The researchers used a large data set of racing records to analyze thoroughbred performance at the elite level and found that horses are getting faster.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 23, 2015

When inflammation occurs, kidneys work to protect themselves, researchers find

Inflamed kidney cells produce an enzyme that consumes tryptophan, activating a stress response and inducing autophagy to clear damaged protein. The IDO-GCN2 pathway provides natural protection against inflammation-induced kidney damage, offering new potential treatment targets.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJun 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.

Rare neurons enable mental flexibility

Researchers at OIST have confirmed that specific cholinergic interneurons play a key role in maintaining behavioral flexibility by inhibiting old rules and encouraging exploration. Rats with damaged neurons had difficulty adapting to rule changes, highlighting the importance of these neurons in decision-making.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·DateJun 23, 2015

The true cost of fueling conflict

A recent study by Concordia University researchers found that the US Department of Defense overspends on fuel costs by $1-9 billion annually, with a volatile crude oil market exacerbating the issue. Improving planning and budgeting practices could help mitigate these risks, according to the study.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPublic Budgeting &amp Finance·DateJun 23, 2015

Road traffic noise linked to deaths and increased strokes

Living in areas with high road traffic noise may reduce life expectancy due to an increased risk of heart or blood vessel disease. Adults and the elderly living in noisy areas were found to be more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and experience strokes.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 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.

Dietary guidelines for Americans shouldn't place limits on total fat intake

Researchers argue that restrictive guidelines on total fat consumption have led to unhealthy choices and neglect the importance of healthy fats like nuts, vegetable oils, and fish. They advocate for a focus on adopting a healthier food-based dietary pattern with more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJAMA·DateJun 23, 2015

Disabled people pilot a robot remotely with their thoughts

A team of researchers has successfully developed a brain-machine interface that allows paralyzed individuals to remotely control robots with their thoughts. The technology has shown excellent results, enabling users to interact with the robot's surroundings and avoid obstacles without requiring any physical movement.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateJun 23, 2015

Holding on to the blues: Depressed individuals may fail to decrease sadness

New research suggests that depressed people often choose to increase rather than decrease their sadness in daily life. Studies found that depressed participants preferred sad music and re-watched sad images more frequently than non-depressed individuals. The findings highlight the importance of motivation in regulating emotions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 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.

Astronomers explain why a star is so hot right now

Astronomers have solved a mystery over blue hook stars, which form when a star's outer layers are destroyed by rapid rotation. The international team found that these stars consume hydrogen fuel more slowly due to their high spin rates.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature·DateJun 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.

Robust new process forms 3-D shapes from flat sheets of graphene

The researchers have developed a robust approach to integrate graphene onto 3D microstructured surfaces, maintaining the structural integrity of graphene. The process incorporates three sequential steps: substrate swelling, shrinking, and adaptation, allowing for damage-free integration of graphene on 3D microstructures.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 23, 2015

Smoking may impact survival after a breast cancer diagnosis

Pre-menopausal smokers with breast cancer are at a higher risk of dying from the disease and any cause, according to a new study. The research found that smoking can impact breast cancer survival rates, especially among women whose cancers express estrogen receptors.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer Science·DateJun 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.

CT allows nonsurgical management of some lung nodules

A new study published in Radiology found that annual low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening can safely monitor people with nonsolid lung nodules, reducing the need for unnecessary surgery and additional imaging. Nonsolid nodules are visible on CT scans of the chest and management is challenging.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 23, 2015

Darwin's finches have reached their limits on the Galápagos

The study reveals that Darwin's finches have reached an equilibrium due to increased diversity, with no room for new species unless one existing species becomes extinct. Other species like mockingbirds are still diversifying and evolving more slowly.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalEcology Letters·DateJun 23, 2015

SwRI, UTSA invest in 2 new joint research projects

The institutions have selected two new research projects to receive funding through the Connecting through Research Partnerships Program. These projects aim to develop a supply chain model for biofuels and test a nasal delivery formulation of an encapsulated vaccine to prevent chlamydia.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateJun 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.

Getting children to embrace healthy food

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that primary school children preferred snacks with enticing packaging designs over those with health information or standard labels. The researchers used a handgrip dynamometer to measure the children's motivation and taste test to determine their preferences.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 23, 2015

New colon cancer culprit found in gut microbiome

Researchers have identified a new potential culprit in colon cancer, Providencia, and found a single signature of colon cancer in the gut microbiome. This discovery could help doctors predict prognosis and identify bacterial changes that affect patient health.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Medicine·DateJun 23, 2015

Cocktail of chemicals may trigger cancer -- global taskforce calls for research into how everyday chemicals in our environment may cause cancer

A global taskforce of 174 scientists has found 50 chemicals that may trigger cancer when combined, citing the need for increased research into everyday chemical exposures. The study suggests that long-term exposure to low-dose mixtures of environmental chemicals could be responsible for a significant proportion of cancers.

SourceBrunel University·JournalCarcinogenesis·DateJun 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.

Do you do more than run in your Nikes? If so, you might not like them

Researchers found that when people perceive more variety in a product's usage situations, they like the product less. Lower variety situations led to customers feeling they were getting value from their sneakers, while higher variety situations made them feel they used the sneakers less often.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateJun 23, 2015

Consciousness has less control than believed, according to new theory

A new theory proposes that consciousness is a passive interpreter rather than an active force, contradicting intuitive beliefs about human consciousness. According to the Passive Frame Theory, consciousness relays information to control voluntary action, but does not exert control over thoughts and feelings.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalBehavioral and Brain Sciences·DateJun 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.

New light in terahertz window

Scientists at Jülich have developed a new concept for compact terahertz sources with tunable wavelengths using short-pulse lasers and strong external magnetic fields. This technology has the potential to revolutionize various applications, including non-invasive cancer screening and ultrafast wireless connections.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 23, 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.

Shining a stochastic spotlight on Ebola

Engineers at Lehigh University are developing stochastic models to study the dynamics of Ebola virus infection in bats and its potential human transmission. The goal is to quantify the risk associated with the virus's spread and provide a basis for resource allocation and epidemic response strategies.

SourceLehigh University·DateJun 23, 2015

Brain scans of passengers who experienced nightmare flight

A group of eight passengers who experienced a terrifying plane scare in 2001 had their brains scanned while recalling the event to study trauma memories. The study found that the passengers showed a remarkably similar pattern of heightened brain activity when recalling both the Air Transat incident and the 9/11 terrorist attacks, sugge...

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateJun 23, 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.

Justice system chips away at women's rights

A new study finds that arrest rates for women have surged, while domestic abuse laws have led to more women being charged for defending themselves. The authors argue that the justice system is 'chipping away' at women's rights and need to be treated seriously.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalWomen & Criminal Justice·DateJun 23, 2015

Sweeping lasers snap together nanoscale geometric grids

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a new technique to create multi-layered, self-assembled grids with fully customizable shapes and compositions. The result enables the production of high-tech coatings, improved solar cells, and touchscreen electronics.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2015

National identity: Does buying local mean shunning global?

A new study suggests that positive feelings for one's own country play a stronger role in consumer behavior than negative feelings toward other countries. The findings contradict the idea that 'buying local' means shunning global products.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of International Marketing·DateJun 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.

Early detection of highly pathogenic influenza viruses

A multidisciplinary research team has developed a tool to predict the pandemic risk of avian influenza viruses, including H5N1-type viruses. The tool uses a combination of computational techniques and experimental molecular virology methods to identify candidate pandemic influenza viruses.

SourceJustus Liebig University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 23, 2015

Stem cell injections improve diabetic neuropathy in animal models

Diabetic neuropathy, a condition affecting up to 60% of diabetes patients, can be reversed by stem cell injections that promote angiogenesis and nerve re-myelination. Researchers have identified new mechanisms by which mesenchymal stem cells can improve the condition.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateJun 23, 2015

Daughter sees Taylor Swift poster, begs mom to buy her a nearby pencil box

A recent study published in the Journal of Marketing Research found that marketing emotions can significantly impact consumer spending on school supplies and shoe brands. The research revealed that exposure to positive or negative celebrity posters led to increased or decreased spending, respectively, on unrelated products.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateJun 23, 2015

Generic heart disease medications offer promise for Ebola treatment

Researchers report that statins and angiotensin receptor blockers, commonly used for heart disease, can stabilize endothelial cells lining blood vessels in Ebola patients. This approach may improve survival rates in infected individuals by bolstering the immune system.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJun 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.

Medication may stop drug and alcohol addiction

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin used an FDA-approved antihypertensive drug to erase memories associated with cocaine and alcohol addiction in rats. The treatment reversed rewired brain circuits involved in reward learning, suggesting a potential breakthrough in preventing relapses.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 23, 2015

No need for sophisticated hunting techniques: Equatorial bats live the easy life

Researchers found that equatorial bats in Panama do not employ the sophisticated echolocation technique used by other bat families, instead using a simpler method to locate prey. This lack of refinement may be due to the abundance of food at the equator, making advanced hunting techniques unnecessary.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2015

Proximity to bike-sharing stations augments property values

A study by McGill University researchers found that homes near BIXI bike-sharing stations in central Montreal saw an average increase of 2.7% in sales price, with each station valued at $700 more in property value. The study suggests that other cities with similar systems may also experience similar effects on housing prices.

SourceMcGill University·JournalTransport Policy·DateJun 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.

Not drunk driving is often against the lore: QUT study

A QUT study found that Indigenous drivers in regional and remote communities often drink drive to meet cultural obligations, rather than disregard for criminal law. The study's findings highlight the need for community-focused approach to address this serious public health issue.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateJun 23, 2015

In Beijing, does a desire for status mean Chevrolets over Senovas?

A new study by American Marketing Association researchers reveals Chevrolet outperforms local brand Senova in Beijing sales, driven by cultural factors and the desire for prestige. The study found that global brands like Chevrolet have a significant market share advantage over single-country brands.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of International Marketing·DateJun 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.