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Science News for March 19, 2015


Microscope technique reveals for first time when and where proteins are made

Researchers have developed a new fluorescence microscopy technique that shows where and when proteins are produced in individual cells. The technique allows direct observation of messenger RNA molecules being translated into proteins, shedding light on protein synthesis irregularities contributing to human diseases.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2015

New lead against HIV could finally hobble the virus's edge

Researchers have identified a compound that blocks HIV entry by targeting both CCR5 and CXCR4, reducing the risk of resistance and making treatment more effective. This finding has significant implications for the development of new HIV treatments and could potentially keep treatment affordable for millions in the developing world.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 19, 2015

Fewer multiple births could reduce autism risk in ART children

A large study found twice as many diagnosed autisms among ART births compared to non-ART births, but most of the association was explained by maternal age and education. After accounting for these factors, an elevated risk was only seen in mothers aged 20-34, with no significant increase in singletons.

SourceColumbia University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 19, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Educated women choosing to be mothers without marrying their spouses

A study led by Benoît Laplante finds that consensual unions have become increasingly popular among higher-income groups in Latin America. University-educated women are no longer limited to having children out of wedlock, as fertility rates correlate with living in a conjugal relationship rather than its legal nature.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateMar 19, 2015

Scientists pinpoint molecule that switches on stem cell genes

Researchers at Rockefeller University identified Sox9 as a key molecule controlling stem cell plasticity in hair follicles. Sox9 enables hair follicle stem cells to regain their ability to produce new tissue and heal wounds by amplifying genes associated with stemness.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateMar 19, 2015

Healthy grain fiber helps barley resist pests

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that resistant barley varieties accumulate beta-glucan in their cell walls, which may influence nutrient flow and natural defense strategies against cereal cyst nematode. This finding could lead to new targets for resistance strategies in barley and other cereal crops.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 19, 2015

The taming of the shrew

Researchers from University of Cologne measured vibrational transitions in CH5+ ions with high accuracy, revealing the molecule's structure. The findings confirm a simple model of five hydrogen nuclei moving freely around the carbon nucleus.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 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.

Robotic materials: Changing with the world around them

Researchers develop robotic materials that can sense their environment and change their properties in response. Inspired by nature, these materials aim to create prosthetics, self-healing bridges, and adaptive vehicles. However, manufacturing techniques remain a challenge, and an education gap must be addressed.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2015

MDC researchers uncover regulatory network in the kidney

Researchers from MDC have discovered a novel molecular signaling pathway in the kidney that regulates epithelial barrier function and lumen expansion. The Grhl2 transcription factor teams up with Ovol2 to control genes essential for forming an impermeable barrier.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 19, 2015

First stem cell-based approach to treat type 2 diabetes effective in mice

A stem cell-based approach using human embryonic stem cells proved effective in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in mice. The combination of stem cell transplantation and antidiabetic drugs resulted in rapid weight loss and significant improvements in glucose control compared to individual treatments.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 19, 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.

UCSF team finds key to making neurons from stem cells

A research team at UCSF has discovered a noncoding RNA molecule called Pnky that can be manipulated to increase the production of neurons from neural stem cells. The study suggests that Pnky may have broad applications in regenerative medicine, including treatments for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 19, 2015

Study reports excellent outcomes among HIV+ kidney transplant recipients

HIV+ kidney transplant recipients who are not infected with HCV have similar 5-year and 10-year kidney survival rates as uninfected recipients. Patient survival among mono-infected HIV+ recipients is also comparable to uninfected recipients, while co-infected patients experience inferior outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 19, 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.

Breast implants could become safer thanks to cell-friendly surface

Scientists at the University of Manchester have created an enhanced surface for silicone breast implants that mimics the body's own skin cells. This new surface reduces foreign body reactions and may help lower the risk of capsular contracture, a common complication after breast implant surgery. The study suggests that this biomimetic ...

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBiomaterials·DateMar 19, 2015

Milky Way's center unveils supernova 'dust factory'

Researchers made direct observations of cosmic dust resulting from an ancient supernova at the Milky Way's center, supporting the theory that supernovae produce dust in galaxies of the early universe. The study provides new insights into the origins of dust, a crucial component in star and planet formation.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 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.

Text message reminders boost breast cancer screening attendance

A Cancer Research UK study found that text message reminders increased breast cancer screening attendance by 20% among women aged 47-53. The trial, which sent text messages to over 450 women, showed that 72% of those who received the reminders attended their appointments compared to 60% of those who did not.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateMar 19, 2015

Our eyes multi-task even when we don't want them to, researchers find

A study by New York University and the University of Pennsylvania found that humans have difficulty ignoring visual dimensions even when it harms performance. This ability to combine multiple components of an item while underscoring the challenge faced by medical practitioners and airport screeners is a result of our automatic multi-ta...

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 19, 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.

Citizen scientists discover new plant species in the Cape Floral Kingdom

Two new plant species, Psoralea diturnerae and P. vanberkelae, have been discovered by citizen scientists in the Cape Floral Kingdom of South Africa. The discovery was made possible through the efforts of a group of amateur botanists known as the Outramps, who have been conducting regular expeditions to monitor and conserve rare species.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateMar 19, 2015

New PET image analysis technique tracks amyloid changes with greater power

Researchers developed a new brain image analysis method to track beta-amyloid plaque deposition in Alzheimer's disease, using positron emission topography (PET). The new approach, which uses cerebral white matter as a reference region, improves the tracking of amyloid changes and evaluates investigational treatments.

SourceThe Reis Group·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 19, 2015

Hidden benefits of electric vehicles revealed

Researchers at Michigan State University reveal two hidden benefits of electric vehicles: reduced heat emission and potential cooling effect on city dwellers. The study finds that replacing gas-powered vehicles with electric ones could reduce urban heat intensity by nearly 1 degree Celsius, saving energy and carbon emissions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 19, 2015

You can't play checkers with charge ordering

Researchers at CIFAR discover that charge ordering creates a stripy pattern, not a checkerboard, and competes with superconductivity along one direction. This discovery sheds light on the role of charge ordering in propelling electrons into tight pairs, allowing for free movement.

SourceCIFAR·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2015

Flight control breakthrough could lead to safer air travel

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed an adaptive control technology that can override failures and maintain safe handling in aircraft. The L1 system has been tested on a manned aircraft and shown consistent performance across varying flight conditions, making it a promising solution for improving air travel safety.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateMar 19, 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.

Bright new hope for beating deadly hereditary stomach and breast cancers

Researchers at the University of Otago have identified key genetic mutations underlying deadly hereditary stomach and lobular breast cancers. The team found that these mutations also create vulnerabilities in cancer cells, making them susceptible to existing drug therapies targeting other cellular mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateMar 19, 2015

Scientists trace genomic evolution of high-risk leukemia

Researchers discovered that minor clones present at low levels in leukemia cells often drive relapse, contradicting the assumption that mutated cells with more mutations are more likely to survive therapy. The study's findings have implications for monitoring patients in remission and detecting signs of relapse.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2015

New technologies for getting the most out of semen

Researchers are developing microfluidic solutions for easy-to-use, disposable, inexpensive, and high-throughput sperm selection. These methods offer promising results for single-sperm genomics, in-home male fertility testing, and wildlife conservation efforts.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateMar 19, 2015

A thoroughly urban new millipede

A new millipede species has been found in Launceston's city parks and reserves, with a known range of less than 12 square kilometers. The species, Tasmaniosoma anubis, does not appear to be threatened despite its small range.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateMar 19, 2015

Strengthening the immune system's fight against brain cancer

Researchers have discovered a way to boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating glioblastoma by enhancing dendritic cell migration. This approach increased patient survival rates by over 36 months compared to traditional dendritic cell-based therapy alone.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateMar 19, 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.

New genetic method promises to advance gene research and control insect pests

A new genetic method called MCR enables biologists to rapidly generate mutations in both copies of a gene, accelerating genetic research on diverse species. This method has the potential to control insect-borne diseases such as malaria and animal/plant pests by disseminating genetic elements with high efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2015

Some mushrooms glow, and here's why

Researchers discovered that bioluminescent fungi produce light to attract insects that disperse their spores. The circadian control of bioluminescence makes the process more efficient and helps the mushrooms save energy. Studying these organisms is crucial for understanding forest ecosystems and the carbon cycle.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 19, 2015

Using tablets to screen new, expecting moms for perinatal depression

A new project at the University of Illinois is using tablet computers to provide perinatal depression screenings to low-income mothers. The mHealth technology allows women to complete the screening in their preferred language and provides a paperless alternative to traditional screenings.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGeneral Hospital Psychiatry·DateMar 19, 2015

Rutgers University chemistry research holds great promise for advancing sustainable energy

Rutgers University chemists have developed a patent-pending HER catalyst Ni5P4 that has the potential to replace platinum in electrolyzers and fuel cells, lowering material costs while maintaining efficiency. The researchers aim to test the compound's operating stability and efficiency over extended time periods in commercial devices.

SourceYankee Public Relations·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 19, 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.

Medical expansion has led people worldwide to feel less healthy

A study by Ohio State University researcher Hui Zheng found that medical expansion in 28 countries led to people feeling less healthy over time. Despite increased access to medicine and medical care, self-rated health decreased, with percentages dropping from 39% to 28% in the US between 1982 and 2006.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateMar 19, 2015

Life-saving treatments learned from war being missed

Institutions like King's College London are reviewing military medical advancements to improve civilian healthcare, focusing on low-resource regions where life-saving treatments can be adapted and implemented. The review calls for research and policy changes to transfer these innovations.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateMar 19, 2015

TGAC's take on the first portable DNA sequencing 'laboratory'

The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) successfully trialled the MinION portable DNA sequencing device for real-time analysis of environmental samples. The team sequenced complex metagenomic samples, identifying species in real-time using bioinformatics tools Kontaminant and NanoOK.

SourceEarlham Institute·DateMar 19, 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.

Crocodile ancestor was top predator before dinosaurs roamed North America

A newly discovered crocodilian ancestor, Carnufex carolinensis, filled one of North America's top predator roles before dinosaurs arrived on the continent. The 9-foot long land-dwelling crocodylomorph likely preyed upon smaller inhabitants like armored reptiles and early mammal relatives.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 19, 2015

Thinking of drinking and driving? What if your car won't let you?

Researchers estimate that installing alcohol ignition interlock devices in all new cars could prevent up to 85% of crash deaths attributable to alcohol-involved motor vehicle crashes. This would save over 59,000 lives and prevent 1.25 million non-fatal injuries. The estimated cost savings would be $343 billion over 15 years.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 19, 2015

Racial, ethnic differences in picking surgeons, hospitals for breast cancer care

A study of 500 women in California found that black and Hispanic patients were less likely to choose their surgeon based on reputation compared to white women. Health plans played a significant role in hospital selection for all groups. These findings suggest minority patients have less involvement in choosing their healthcare providers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMar 19, 2015

Altering brain chemistry makes us more sensitive to inequality

Researchers at UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco found that giving participants a drug that changes brain chemistry makes them more willing to divide resources equally. The study may lead to better understanding of mental illnesses like schizophrenia or addiction, and potentially diagnostic tools or treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 19, 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.

Better season-long nutrient supply in soybean a 'low-hanging fruit' to improve upon

A recent study by the University of Illinois has identified specific nutritional needs for soybeans to improve yield and seasonal nutrient supply. The researchers found that nutrients such as phosphate, potassium, nitrogen, sulfur, and copper are critical for high-yielding success.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMar 19, 2015

Kidney cancer detected early with urine test

Researchers developed a non-invasive method to screen for kidney cancer by measuring protein biomarkers in urine, achieving over 95% accuracy. The findings suggest the potential for an easy-to-use screening test, similar to mammograms or colonoscopies, to identify patients with kidney cancer at early stages.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMar 19, 2015

New strategy to protect healthy gut microbes from antibiotics

A study published in Cell Reports reveals a potential strategy for promoting the right balance of gut microbes in antibiotic-treated mice by manipulating the autoinducer-2 (AI-2) chemical signal. The researchers found that high levels of AI-2 increased the expansion of Firmicutes phylum, leading to a healthy state of the gut microbiota.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 19, 2015

World Heritage Sites risk collapse without stronger local management

Researchers warn that localized issues like nutrient pollution and deforestation can exacerbate climate change impacts on ecosystems. Strengthening local management is crucial to expand the 'safe operating space' for these ecosystems, which are critical to global biodiversity. Local actions can be well understood and not too expensive.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 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.

Protecting against memory loss with olives

A three-year project at Goethe University Frankfurt is investigating olive polyphenols to develop new functional food for the ageing society. The researchers aim to test whether these substances can protect against Alzheimer's disease and improve brain function.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateMar 19, 2015

Spreading the seeds of big data

MSU researchers are using big data analytics to help farmers adapt to climate variability, reducing nitrous oxide emissions and algal blooms. The project aims to integrate crop models with satellite imagery and UAVs to promote water-, nutrient- and climate-smart technologies.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMar 19, 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.

Spinal cord neurons that control pain and itch

Research reveals spinal cord neurons in the dorsal horn use glycine to inhibit pain signals, while also controlling various forms of itch. The discovery offers new insights into the Gate Control Theory and potential therapeutic targets for pain management.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNeuron·DateMar 19, 2015

Click! That's how modern chemistry bonds nanoparticles to a substrate

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of Poland use click chemistry to bond nanoparticles to a glassy carbon substrate, creating covalent bonds and forming stable structures. The method has advantages such as low temperatures, high yield and versatility.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalElectrochemistry Communications·DateMar 19, 2015

New research investigates potential probiotic benefits of a pear-enriched diet

A new study found that pears, rich in phenolics and antioxidants, can support beneficial probiotic bacterial response while controlling stomach-related diseases. The results suggest a pear-enriched diet may provide efficient management options for diet-linked non-communicable diseases.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalFood Research International·DateMar 19, 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.

Leadership: 10 tips for choosing an academic chair

The article provides ten key criteria for top-level appointments, emphasizing the importance of clear expectations and emotional intelligence. Leading experts recommend establishing a balanced set of job requirements to find successful candidates.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateMar 19, 2015

Spot treatment

Acne sufferers may benefit from a new therapy that reduces breakout frequency and intensity using ultrasound, gold-covered particles, and lasers. The treatment works by deactivating sebaceous glands, reducing sebum production and preventing bacterial growth.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateMar 19, 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.

Color-morphing reef fish is a 'wolf in sheep's clothing'

A new study reveals that dottyback reef fish can change color to imitate various damselfish species, allowing it to sneak up on unsuspecting young and avoid detection by larger predators. This unique ability makes it harder for prey to develop strategies to evade the dottyback.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 19, 2015

Even at a molecular level, taking it slow helps us cope with stress

Researchers have identified a critical molecular pathway in blood stem cells that can be manipulated to enhance their regenerative capacity and reduce the signs of aging. By slowing down mitochondrial activity, they found that levels of SIRT7 can help cope with stress caused by misfolded proteins.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2015

New tobacco atlas details scale, harms of tobacco epidemic

The Tobacco Atlas details the scale of the tobacco epidemic, its harmful influence on health, poverty, social justice, and the environment. The report highlights the tobacco industry's expanding array of tactics to preserve profits, including aggressive marketing and legal action, which cause economic, social, and environmental harm.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateMar 19, 2015

Jewish-Christian encounters outside Europe

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum analyze interactions between Oriental-Orthodox Churches and Jewish communities in the post-Late Antiquity period. The project aims to close a research gap, exploring manuscripts, inscriptions, and archaeological artefacts in different languages.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateMar 19, 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.

Men's preference for certain body types has evolutionary roots

A study found that men are attracted to women with a specific angle of lumbar curvature, which would have supported pregnant women during childbirth. This preference has evolutionary roots and is not related to buttock size.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateMar 19, 2015

Prehistoric stone tools bear 500,000-year-old animal residue

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered the first direct evidence of prehistoric humans using stone tools to butcher animal carcasses. The analysis of 500,000-year-old flint tools found at a site in Israel revealed signs of animal residue and use-wear patterns consistent with butchering activities.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 19, 2015

IUPUI mathematician modeling human motor movements in Huntington's disease

Researchers are developing a biologically plausible model of the whole system to predict outcomes of future experiments and provide more information about the brain's ability to learn new motor movements. The goal is to understand how people execute, control and learn movements to lead to new treatments for Huntington's disease.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·DateMar 19, 2015

Atlas of thoughts

A research group at Aarhus University developed a computer game called Quantum Moves, played 400,000 times by ordinary people, providing unique insight into the human brain's ability to solve problems. The results show females outperform males in solving problems, highlighting an unexploited capacity for ingenuity in the human brain.

SourceAarhus University·JournalHuman Computation·DateMar 19, 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.

Sharper nanoscopy

Researchers have developed a new approach to sharpen nanoscale microscopy by precisely determining the light source's location, overcoming diffraction limit challenges. This innovation enables super-resolution imaging with accuracy, correcting for image-dipole distortions and improving spatial resolution.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2015

The cost of dominance

A series of University of Utah studies found that hostile-dominant personality styles are associated with increased vulnerability to cardiovascular disease, including higher blood pressure and severe atherosclerosis. In contrast, warm-dominant styles are linked to lower blood pressure and more support in marriages.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateMar 19, 2015

Scientists grow 'mini-lungs' to aid the study of cystic fibrosis

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully grown 'mini-lungs' using induced pluripotent stem cells derived from skin cells of patients with cystic fibrosis. These mini-lungs can be used to test potential new drugs and provide a more reliable alternative to traditional animal models.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateMar 19, 2015

Total body iron balance: Liver MRI better than biopsy

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have found that liver MRI is more accurate than biopsy in determining total body iron balance. The study suggests that liver MRI can be a safer and less painful alternative to liver biopsy, which has high sampling variability and can cause bleeding.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalMagnetic Resonance Imaging·DateMar 19, 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.

Chromosome shattering may be a hidden cause of birth defects

Chromothripsis, a hidden genetic disorder, can cause severe birth defects in children despite its absence in healthy parents. The condition affects multiple genes and leads to difficulties getting pregnant, miscarriages, and intellectual disability.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 19, 2015

Suspension leads to more pot use among teens, study finds

A new study found that suspending students for marijuana use can lead to more pot use among their classmates, but counseling is a more effective means of combating marijuana use. Schools with suspension policies had a 1.6 times higher rate of marijuana use among students compared to those without such policies.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 19, 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.

NC State researchers create 'nanofiber gusher'

Engineers at North Carolina State University and Xanofi developed a simple process to fabricate mass quantities of polymer nanofibers, with potential applications in filtration, batteries and cell scaffolding. The method uses liquid solution and spinning cylinder, producing nanofibers on a massive scale.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 19, 2015

NIH-funded researchers find off-patent antibiotics effectively combat MRSA skin infections

Researchers have found that clindamycin and TMP-SMX are equally effective in treating uncomplicated skin infections caused by community-associated MRSA. The study's findings suggest that these off-patent antibiotics can be used successfully to combat MRSA skin infections acquired outside of hospitals.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 19, 2015

£70 million boost for UK science research

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is investing £70 million in science research projects across the UK. The funding will support equipment and projects at 18 universities, including ultra-bright lasers, electron microscopes, and advanced x-ray imaging.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateMar 19, 2015

Penn Medicine study finds being near greened vacant lots lowers heart rates

Residents who walked near newly greened vacant lots had significantly lower heart rates compared to walking near blighted, or neglected, vacant lots. The average heart rate reduction was over 5 beats per minute lower when near greened lots versus non-greened lots.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 19, 2015

Stem cells show promise for reversing type 2 diabetes

Researchers at University of British Columbia found a new approach to treating Type 2 diabetes using stem cell transplants and conventional drugs. The study showed mice became glucose tolerant after receiving the transplants, while those without received only drugs, resulting in unexpected weight loss.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 19, 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.

Government action needed on iconic World Heritage ecosystems

Researchers warn that localised issues such as water pollution and deforestation can exacerbate the effects of climatic extremes, reducing an ecosystem's capacity to cope with climate change. The authors call for enhanced local action to protect globally important ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef and Amazon rainforest.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2015

World-first cancer drugs could work in larger group of patients

A pioneering class of drugs targeting BRCA breast cancer genes may also work against tumours with CLBC gene defects. Researchers found that CLBC-defective cancer cells are vulnerable to PARP inhibitor drugs, opening up new treatment possibilities for a broader group of patients.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMar 19, 2015

The dissemination of staph infections in hospitals

Research by Thomas Obadia and colleagues found that frequent contact between patients and healthcare workers increased the risk of Staphylococcus aureus transmission. The study analyzed 85,025 daily interactions over four months and validated the use of wireless sensors for infection control.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 19, 2015

Explosive Destruction System begins first stockpile project

The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) has begun destroying chemical munitions at the US Army Pueblo Chemical Depot, preparing for a larger operation to destroy 780,000 munitions containing 2,600 tons of mustard agent. The new system is designed to process stockpile munitions more efficiently than previous versions.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateMar 19, 2015

Lack of knowledge about new foreign markets hampers international success

A study of 91 German-owned multinationals found that companies lose profit due to geographical, cultural, or administrative challenges in new international markets. Companies should gather and exchange knowledge before entering challenging markets, recommends Associate Professor Ingo Kleindienst.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of International Management·DateMar 19, 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.

Superconductivity breakthroughs

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the microscopic electronic structure of cuprate superconductors, a key step towards achieving room-temperature superconductivity. The study reveals a stripe-like pattern in the static electron configuration, which differs from previous theoretical models.

SourceCanadian Light Source, Inc.·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2015

Steroid links fat accumulation with egg development

Research by Carnegie Institution scientists links steroid hormone ecdysone with fat accumulation and egg development in fruit flies. The findings suggest that increased stored body fat and sugars support healthy oocyte production and fertility.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 19, 2015

'Attract and kill:' Trapping malaria mosquito mums before they lay eggs

Researchers have discovered a naturally occurring chemical, cedrol, that attracts pregnant malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, offering a new way to control mosquitoes. The team found that the chemical increased the likelihood of female mosquitoes laying eggs in treated water by two to three times.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalMalaria Journal·DateMar 19, 2015

Physician practices need help to adopt new payment models, study finds

A study by RAND Corporation and American Medical Association found that physician practices need help adapting to new payment models, which can improve quality and reduce costs. The report suggests that operational details of alternative payment models can either support or hinder practices' efforts to improve their processes.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateMar 19, 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.