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Science News for March 17, 2015


Viewers vs. doers

A new study by the Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that women who watch cooking shows for entertainment and don't often cook tend to weigh less than those who watch for inspiration and cook from scratch. The researchers surveyed 501 women aged 20-35 and discovered a significant association between TV viewing habits and weight.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalAppetite·DateMar 17, 2015

How we became nature -- Anthropocene

The Anthropocene epoch is characterized by human impact on the environment, including climate disruption, overpopulation, and pollution. The authors present evidence of a new geological era where human activities determine the planet's behavior.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalChemistry-Didactics-Ecology-Metrology·DateMar 17, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Graphene 'gateway' discovery opens possibilities for improved energy technologies

Researchers have created a new basis for streamlined and more efficient energy technologies by discovering graphene's ability to serve as a proton-selective permeable membrane. This breakthrough could facilitate improvements in fuel cell production, transportation, and use, addressing key issues like size and efficiency.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 2015

The need for a more open attitude towards invasive alien species data

Recent research emphasizes the need for open data to effectively manage and control invasive alien species. Despite various initiatives, access to suitable data remains patchy due to restrictive licensing, technical barriers, and cultural attitudes of organizations.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalManagement of Biological Invasions·DateMar 17, 2015

Imperfect graphene opens door to better fuel cells

Researchers discovered that slightly imperfect single-layer graphene can shuttle protons from one side to the other in mere seconds, outperforming conventional membranes. This new mechanism could lead to improved fuel cell design and fast-charging batteries for transportation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 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.

Emerging diseases likely to be more harmful in similar species

A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that closely-related fruit fly species show similar levels of virulence when infected with an RNA virus. The team's findings suggest a simple rule of thumb: if a pathogen causes high levels of mortality in one host, it may also be deadly in closely-related hosts.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 17, 2015

Scientists unknowingly tweak experiments: ANU media release

A new study by ANU scientists found widespread p-hacking, a type of publication bias where researchers manipulate data to get desired results. This can lead to exaggerated conclusions and misleading information, especially when combining results from multiple studies.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 17, 2015

UTSW neuroscientists identify cell type in the brain that controls body clock circadian rhythms

Researchers have identified a group of SCN neurons expressing neuromedin S that are necessary and sufficient for controlling circadian rhythms. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms by which light synchronizes body clock rhythms, offering potential targets for future treatments of diseases related to circadian dysfunction.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateMar 17, 2015

Diet soda linked to increases in belly fat in older adults

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that diet soda intake is directly linked to greater abdominal obesity in adults 65 years of age and older. Increasing waist circumference was associated with escalating cardiometabolic risk in older adults.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 17, 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.

A pinch of baking soda for better vision?

A new study suggests that bicarbonate modifies the visual signal generated by rod and cone photoreceptors, leading to improved tracking of moving objects while slightly reducing sensitivity to light. The researchers hope to explore the potential of controlling bicarbonate levels in the eye to slow or prevent eye diseases.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalBiological Chemistry·DateMar 17, 2015

The secret to an effortless, split-second slime attack

Researchers at Harvard University have discovered the secret to the velvet worm's rapid and perfectly aimed slime attack, which could inspire new microfluidic devices. The unique anatomy of the worm's papillae and elasticity of its slime allow for a wide-spraying jet that entraps prey with great speed.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 2015

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Bavi losing steam

Tropical Cyclone Bavi is losing steam due to moderate to strong southwesterly vertical wind shear, resulting in waning convection and developing thunderstorms. The storm is expected to dissipate in the next day or two as it tracks along the southern edge of a sub-tropical ridge.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 17, 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.

Hormones with statins may help women's hearts after menopause

A Swedish population study found that hormone therapy combined with statins significantly lowered the risk of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. The study compared over 40,000 women who took statins with those who used hormone therapy alone or had no treatment.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateMar 17, 2015

First in human nanotherapy brain cancer trial launched at CTRC

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have launched a groundbreaking clinical trial using tiny radioactive liposomes to treat brain cancer. The technology has shown promising results with minimal side effects in the first patient, and the team expects to start the second patient soon.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·DateMar 17, 2015

Research uncovers flawed IQ scoring system

A study by Queen's University professor Allyson Harrison found significant differences between Canadian and American IQ scores from postsecondary students. The research revealed that using Canadian norms resulted in lower scores for Canadian young adults, leading to incorrect classifications of intellectual abilities.

SourceQueen's University·JournalJournal of Psychoeducational Assessment·DateMar 17, 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.

Plants' defensive responses have downstream effects on nearby ecosystems

A recent study by University of Chicago researchers found that trees' defensive responses to insect attacks have downstream effects on nearby streams, impacting aquatic ecosystems. The simulation showed that stressed trees funneled valuable nutrients away from leaves, affecting leaf chemistry and decomposition rates.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateMar 17, 2015

Greater-than-additive management effects key in reducing corn yield gaps

Researchers at the University of Illinois found that an intensified management system increased corn yields by 28%, primarily due to the combined effects of Bt trait, strobilurin-containing fungicide, and balanced nutrition. The study suggests that no single factor is crucial, but rather the synergistic effect of all five management fa...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMar 17, 2015

Interdisciplinary, OA journal launched by the Ecological Societies of American and China

The new journal, Ecosystem Health and Sustainability, aims to publish research applying ecological science to sustainable development at local, national, and international scales. It encourages integration of natural, social, and behavioral studies and seeks research with implications for strategic planning and governance.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcosystem Health and Sustainability·DateMar 17, 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.

Clean energy future: New cheap and efficient electrode for splitting water

UNSW Australia scientists have developed a highly efficient oxygen-producing electrode for splitting water that has the potential to be scaled up for industrial production of clean energy fuel, hydrogen. The new technology is based on an inexpensive, specially coated foam material that lets the bubbles of oxygen escape quickly.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 2015

Study reveals previously unknown site of anesthetic action

Anesthetics bind to and interfere with certain proteins in excitatory neurons, which are necessary for signal transmission involved in anesthesia and pain perception. This discovery may lead to more targeted and safer concentration levels of anesthetics.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnesthesiology·DateMar 17, 2015

Finding a new test for children with concussions

Researchers at McGill University have developed a new diagnostic tool for concussions in children, utilizing brain activation study findings. The spatial memory task has the potential to aid in assessing recovery and determining safe return to activities.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateMar 17, 2015

'Smart bandage' detects bed sores before they are visible to doctors

The smart bandage detects early tissue damage from pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, by exploiting electrical changes that occur when a healthy cell starts dying. It uses impedance spectroscopy to create a spatial map of the underlying tissue based on the flow of electricity at different frequencies.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 2015

Better breakfast, better grades

A new study from the University of Iowa found that schools participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's School Breakfast Program have higher achievement scores in math, science, and reading than non-participating schools. This is particularly true for students from low-income families.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Public Economics·DateMar 17, 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.

Women retain insulin sensitivity better than men

Researchers at McMaster University found that women's muscle appears more efficient in neutralizing the protein PTEN, which reduces insulin resistance and increases protection against type 2 diabetes. This discovery provides a potential therapeutic target for improving muscle responses to insulin and treating the disease.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 17, 2015

The future of 'bioprocessing' for medical therapies

Continuous bioprocessing is gaining consideration as a method of industrial bioprocessing, with potential advantages including lower costs and increased efficiency. Dr. Konstantin Konstantinov and Dr. Charles Cooney emphasize the need for methods to evolve around this new platform.

SourceWiley·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateMar 17, 2015

Teaching science to the brain: How the brain learns the way things work

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have traced the brain processes that occur during learning of technical concepts. They found that new knowledge is built up in the brain through multiple stages, involving different parts of the brain, and that appropriate instruction can bring out fundamental understanding at a deep level.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMar 17, 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.

Duration of antiplatelet therapy following PCI, risk of adverse events

A study of 11,648 patients found that extended dual antiplatelet therapy after bare metal stent placement did not significantly increase rates of stent thrombosis or major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events. However, the sample size limitations may have impacted the results, suggesting further trials are needed.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 17, 2015

New cystic fibrosis research takes aim at deadly pathogen

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new method to test the most common cause of life-threatening infection in people with cystic fibrosis. The approach allows scientists to identify several genes necessary for Pseudomonas aeruginosa survival, improving efforts to study and combat the illness.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 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.

First global review on the status, future of Arctic marine mammals

A multinational study reviews the current state of knowledge and recommends conservation measures for Arctic marine mammals due to climate change. The study finds profound reductions in sea ice cover and its impact on species such as polar bears and seals.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalConservation Biology·DateMar 17, 2015

3-D snapshot of protein highlights potential drug target for breast cancer

A study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology reveals that human DNA polymerase theta may be a promising drug therapy target for inhibiting breast cancer. The researchers used X-ray crystallography to determine the first crystal structures of POLQ, providing insights into its role in DNA repair and genomic instability.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 17, 2015

'Distracted driving' at an all-time high; new approaches needed

A new study of 3,000 teenage drivers found that interactive presentations can raise awareness of the dangers of distractions while driving. The research also highlights the importance of educating young drivers about the risks associated with cell phones and other distractions.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Transportation Safety & Security·DateMar 17, 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.

Gulf of Mexico marine food web changes over the decades

A NOAA study found that natural climate cycles and human activities triggered widespread ecosystem changes in the Gulf of Mexico, impacting fish populations and communities. The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) played a significant role in these changes.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 17, 2015

Findings from the BRIGHT trial published in JAMA

The BRIGHT trial demonstrated the superiority of bivalirudin over heparin monotherapy and heparin plus tirofiban in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Bivalirudin reduced bleeding rates while maintaining comparable rates of major adverse cardiac events.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·JournalJAMA·DateMar 17, 2015

NASA eyes Tropical Cyclone Nathan's Australian comeback

Tropical Cyclone Nathan is expected to make landfall in Queensland, Australia on March 20, bringing heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms. NASA's Aqua satellite captured data showing temperatures near -63F/-52C, indicating strong storms with potential for heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 17, 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.

NASA awards UCI $9 million to study underlying mechanisms of 'space brain'

Researchers at UC Irvine will investigate the behavioral impairments of rodents attributed to space radiation exposure, aiming to understand the underlying causes of these deficits. The study aims to inform efforts to minimize the effects of solar and galactic cosmic radiation on the central nervous system.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateMar 17, 2015

Cultivated papaya owes a lot to the ancient Maya, research suggests

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that the hermaphrodite version of the papaya plant, essential for commercial fruit production, arose from human selection by the ancient Maya around 4,000 years ago. This genetic study could lead to the development of a new, more efficient papaya variety.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGenome Research·DateMar 17, 2015

Old blood as good as fresh in patients with life-threatening illnesses

A large clinical trial found no significant difference in mortality between fresh and older blood in critically ill patients. The Age of Blood Evaluation (ABLE) study, conducted across 64 centers, showed that 423 patients died within 90 days with fresh blood compared to 398 with older blood.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 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.

Dairy industry making strides toward reducing its carbon footprint

New study finds that farms with lower carbon footprints and higher-producing cows are more profitable, offering a win-win solution for the dairy industry. By increasing milk production, decreasing herd replacement rates, or improving reproductive efficiency, farmers can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining profitability.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateMar 17, 2015

NASA's SDO sees sun's 2 coronal holes

Scientists have observed two large coronal holes on the sun, with one covering about 6-8% of the total solar surface and another 0.16%. These regions can emit fast solar winds that affect Earth. The unique magnetic fields in these areas extend far into space.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 17, 2015

Joint fluid harbors bacterial clumps after replacement despite pre-surgery antibiotics

Despite pre-surgery antibiotics, bacterial clumps persist in joint fluid, forming protective mesh of proteins that slow growth and make them resistant to treatment. The study identified a key reason for the difficulty in curing joint infections: biofilm-like clumps of bacteria that harbor antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateMar 17, 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 describe 5 new species of marine invertebrates

Brazilian researchers have discovered five new species of marine invertebrates, the ascidians, which are rich in natural compounds with potential uses in medicine. The newly found species contain substances that can eliminate cancer cells but also destroy healthy cells.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalZootaxa·DateMar 17, 2015

Social media training works best for student-athletes, study shows

Researchers found that college athletes are willing to receive social media education as long as it is tailored to their actual habits and includes their input. Athletes perceive excessive monitoring software as overburdensome, highlighting the need for consistent follow-up and athlete feedback integration.

SourceClemson University·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Communication·DateMar 17, 2015

Scientists offer new perspectives on China's long history of reunifications

Historians investigate China's reunifications, arguing that social constructions and institutional structures drove the process. The study analyzes data from the Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han eras, highlighting the role of urbanization, writing systems, and communication technologies.

SourceField Museum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2015

New anti-inflammatory molecule could halt MS progression

Researchers have developed a new drug-like molecule called WEHI-345 that binds to and inhibits a key immune signalling protein, preventing the release of inflammatory cytokines. The molecule showed promise in preventing the progression of multiple sclerosis in 50% of cases.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 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.

Teens' approach to social media risk is different from adults'

Researchers found that teens tend to disclose information first and then seek help to mitigate risks, a different approach than adults who consider risks before taking action. This 'disclose-first-and-then-make-corrections' model may explain the privacy paradox observed in teens.

SourcePenn State·DateMar 17, 2015

Microenvironment provides growth factor for metastasis

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have identified a new role for VEGFA in the metastasis of neuroblastoma. The study found that an increase in bone deposition occurs when NB cells metastasize to the bone, driven by VEGFA, leading to increased bone resorption and severe bone loss.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateMar 17, 2015

Language of gene switches unchanged across the evolution

A new study by Karolinska Institutet researchers found that the language used to switch genes on and off has remained conserved across millions of years of evolution. The differences between species reside in the content and length of these instructions, with specific transcription factors recognizing unique DNA words.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·DateMar 17, 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.

Graphene membrane could lead to better fuel cells, water filters

Researchers discovered that graphene's naturally occurring defects allow hydrogen protons to cross the barrier at unprecedented speeds, creating water channels. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient separation membranes for desalination and a new design for fuel cells.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 2015

What's on the menu for young African sawflies?

Researchers have discovered the early stages of two African sawfly species, Xenapates braunsi and Xenapates gaullei. These larvae feed on specific grass and day flower species, with potential implications for crop protection and invasive weed control.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalDeutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift·DateMar 17, 2015

Conifers' helicoptering seeds are result of long evolutionary experiment

Researchers found that conifer species that independently evolved whirling, or autorotating, seeds settled on only one optimal single-winged design after millions of years of evolution. This design provides enhanced dispersal efficiency, especially during the Permian Period when seed dispersal by animals was virtually absent.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPaleobiology·DateMar 17, 2015

Study: Prices of cancer drugs have soared since 1995

A study by MIT economist Ernst Berndt and colleagues found that the prices of leading cancer drugs increased by 10% annually from 1995 to 2013, even after adjusting for inflation and incremental health benefits. The researchers suggest that rising prices reflect a greater social tolerance for significant healthcare costs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Economic Perspectives·DateMar 17, 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.

Study suggests precision medicine for adrenal cancer

A new international study has found a small subset of patients with adrenal cancer respond significantly to the investigational drug linsitinib, paving the way for personalized treatment options. The researchers plan to analyze DNA collected from the study to identify possible markers for response.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMar 17, 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.

Data structures influence speed of quantum search in unexpected ways

A new analysis found that highly connected databases don't always support fastest quantum computing, with low connectivity yielding fast search in some cases. Researchers used the properties of superposition to model a quantum particle's movement through a database, demonstrating the unexpected influence of data structure on search speed.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 17, 2015

A better way of scrubbing CO2

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a way to improve the cost-effectiveness of CO2 scrubbing using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). By appending diamine molecules, they were able to more than triple the CO2-scrubbing capacity and reduce parasitic energy.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMar 17, 2015

New study: Food TV a recipe for weight gain

A new study by the University of Vermont found that watching food TV can lead to weight gain, particularly among women who cook from scratch. The study suggests that food networks should use healthier recipes and promote cooking from scratch for optimal health benefits.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalAppetite·DateMar 17, 2015

New compound prevents type 1 diabetes in animal models -- before it begins

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have developed a synthetic compound that prevents type 1 diabetes in animal models by suppressing immune cells. The study suggests Th17 cells play a key role in the disease and that using ROR-specific compounds may be an effective preventative therapy.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalEndocrinology·DateMar 17, 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.

How rocket science may improve kidney dialysis

A team of UK researchers has designed Arterio-Venous Fistulae with reduced failure rates using computational simulation software from the aerospace industry. The new design aims to decrease blockages in dialysis connections, improving clinical outcomes for patients with end-stage renal disease.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 17, 2015

Improving productivity of welding by reducing groove angle

Researchers at LUT reduced welding groove angle from 45 to 30 degrees, increasing productivity and reducing additives and mistakes. The new method results in lighter, thinner, and more durable structures with improved environmental friendliness.

SourceLappeenranta University of Technology·DateMar 17, 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.

HIV not as infectious soon after transmission as thought

Researchers estimate that newly infected individuals with HIV are less likely to spread the virus to others during the acute phase of infection, which may improve strategies to control HIV's spread. This finding bolsters the approach of treating patients with antiretroviral drugs before the onset of AIDS to prevent transmission.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 17, 2015

Winter hack: Textured rubber that grips slick, icy surfaces

Researchers have created a textured rubber material that provides better traction on ice, offering a potential solution for slip-resistant winter boots. The material, made of glass fibers embedded in a compliant rubber, was developed to reduce incidents of pedestrian slips and falls on icy surfaces.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 17, 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.

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.