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Science News for March 6, 2015


The green lungs of our planet are changing

Satellite data shows that growing periods worldwide are changing, with earlier springs and later autumns, impacting agriculture, species interactions, and ecosystem functioning.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 6, 2015

ASU researchers explore longer life cycle for batteries

Researchers at Arizona State University explore a new type of battery formulation that could give batteries an even longer life cycle, making them suitable for grid storage and electric vehicles. The study demonstrates highly energy-dense lithium-ion cells with impressive cycling lives.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2015

A new tool for detecting and destroying norovirus

Researchers have discovered a nanobody called Nano-85 that can bind to intact norovirus-like particles, detecting virus in one-third of stool samples. This finding could lead to the development of an antiviral therapy for norovirus infections, particularly beneficial for immunosuppressed individuals.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMar 6, 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.

Teenage TV audiences and energy drink advertisements

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that nearly half of energy drink advertisements aired on networks with themes likely to appeal to adolescents. The study highlights the potential dangers of energy drink consumption among teenagers, particularly due to high caffeine content.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 6, 2015

M-MDSCs shut down arthritis in mouse model of the disease

Researchers found that M-MDSCs can inhibit both T cell and B cell proliferation, leading to improved symptoms in arthritic mice. The study suggests a potential role for M-MDSCs in treating autoimmune diseases like arthritis.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateMar 6, 2015

Review article provides new insights on how tumors metastasize

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine shed new light on tumor metastasis, proposing a hypothesis that reversible epigenetic events regulate different types of metastatic cancers. Epigenetics enables cancer progenitor cells to differentiate into metastatic tumors.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·DateMar 6, 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.

Sap-feeding butterflies join ranks of natural phenomenon, the Golden Ratio

Researchers found sap-feeding butterflies have proboscis conformations closely resembling the Golden Ratio, suggesting a connection between feeding habits and substrate type. The study suggests this discovery can be used to predict the feeding habits of unstudied lepidopteran species.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalAmerican Entomologist·DateMar 6, 2015

UK must invest in science for a successful nation

The UK needs to invest in science and engineering research to sustain its knowledge economy and drive economic growth. The country's engineering-related sectors contribute £280 billion to GDP, creating jobs and exporting goods worth £239 billion.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateMar 6, 2015

Popular antioxidant likely ineffective, study finds

A recent study by McGill University researchers has found that ubiquinone, a widely believed antioxidant, is unlikely to provide benefits for cell protection. The study used mice with controlled ubiquinone biosynthesis levels and discovered no signs of oxidative damage despite the loss of the substance.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 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.

IUPUI study: How alcohol hijacks brain's reward system

Researchers at IUPUI are conducting a study on how alcohol affects the brain's reward system, using a unique blend of mathematical modeling and experimental neuroscience. The goal is to gain a better understanding of how alcohol hijacks dopamine release, a key factor in addiction.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·DateMar 6, 2015

Race/ethnicity sometimes associated with overuse of medical care

A systematic review of studies on racial/ethnic variations in overuse of health care found that a substantial proportion (43%) suggests white patients receive excessive testing and treatment. Researchers emphasize the need for carefully designed interventions to minimize unintended consequences.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateMar 6, 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.

Experimental herpes vaccine upends traditional approach and shows promise

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a new type of vaccine that prevents both active and latent infections caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The vaccine, dubbed "delta-gD-2," provides complete protection against subsequent infection in mice, suggesting it could be effective in humans.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateMar 6, 2015

Most men with borderline testosterone levels may have depression

A study of 200 adult men with borderline testosterone levels found that 56% had significant depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for clinicians to manage comorbidities like depression and obesity in this population. The researchers also noted a high prevalence of overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity among participants.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 6, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Federal agencies award UT Arlington's TMAC $6.7 million to bolster manufacturing

The University of Texas at Arlington's Technology Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Center (TMAC) has received a $6.7 million federal award to support small and mid-sized manufacturers in the state. The funding will be matched with customer fees to provide services such as network of field engineers, consultants, and experts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateMar 6, 2015

Is the tasty blue crab's natural range creeping north?

Scientists observe blue crabs, commercially important species, in the Gulf of Maine, north of their native Cape Cod. Warming ocean temperatures allow them to move further north, expanding their range.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalJournal of Crustacean Biology·DateMar 6, 2015

Stress reduction may reduce fasting glucose in overweight and obese women

A new study suggests that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can decrease fasting glucose levels and improve quality of life in overweight and obese women. MBSR significantly reduces perceived stress and improves sleep, depression, anxiety, and psychological distress without changing body weight or insulin resistance.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 6, 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.

Quitting smoking has favorable metabolic effects

A recent study found that quitting smoking has favorable metabolic effects, with reduced central fat distribution and improved hepatic glucose output. The study also showed a correlation between weight loss and increased glucose uptake and utilization of carbohydrate substrates.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 6, 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.

New tool aids US conservation and management of whales, dolphins and porpoises

Researchers identified over 100 biologically important areas (BIAs) in U.S. waters to inform conservation and management decisions for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. BIAs cover 24 species, stocks, or populations in seven regions and include reproductive, feeding, migratory, and population-concentrated areas.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalAquatic Mammals·DateMar 6, 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.

Workplace lifestyle intervention program improves health

A workplace lifestyle intervention program developed by the University of Pittsburgh significantly reduces risk factors for diabetes and heart disease. Participants lost an average of 5% of their body weight and increased physical activity, with 96% saying it was beneficial to offer the program.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMar 6, 2015

Feeling sleepy? Might be the melatonin

Researchers found that zebrafish larvae with a mutation unable to produce melatonin slept half as long as normal fish. When the mutation was 'cured' by killing pineal gland cells, the fish returned to a normal sleep pattern. The study suggests naturally occurring melatonin plays an important role in regulating sleep.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateMar 6, 2015

Squeezing out new science from material interfaces

Scientists at the University of Illinois have determined the physical process dominating heat flow between metals and diamond, challenging previous theories. By applying extreme pressure to metal films on diamond, researchers found that phonons can 'feed' a higher frequency diamond phonon, regardless of metal stiffness.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2015

Have a sense of purpose in life? It may protect your heart

A new study by Mount Sinai St. Luke's and Mount Sinai Roosevelt found that having a high sense of purpose in life is associated with a 23% reduced risk of death from all causes and a 19% lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or coronary artery bypass surgery. Developing a sense of purpose could protect heart health.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateMar 6, 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.

Graphene meets heat waves

Researchers at EPFL have demonstrated that graphene exhibits quasi-lossless heat transfer, allowing it to propagate heat without significant losses even at room temperature. This discovery has valuable implications for the design of future electronic components.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 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.

Infant growth affected by exposure to environmental pollutants

A Norwegian Institute of Public Health study finds that maternal levels of DDE associated with rapid infant growth, while PCB153 in milk linked to decreased growth. The study highlights the need to reduce environmental pollutants to protect children's development.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMar 6, 2015

Parasite infection poses a greater risk for African under-fives

Children under five in sub-Saharan Africa are at higher risk of developing schistosomiasis due to increased exposure to contaminated water, a study suggests. The research highlights the need for mass administration of anti-parasite medication to include preschool-age children in treatment programs.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 6, 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.

New findings on 'key players' in brain inflammation

Researchers have found that the receptor TLR4 and protein galectin-3 are crucial in amplifying brain inflammation. Galectin-3 is secreted by microglial cells and binds to TLR4, intensifying the inflammatory response.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 6, 2015

Endocrine disruptors cause fatty liver

A new study presents evidence that brief exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in infancy can lead to fatty liver disease in adulthood. The researchers found that bisphenol A (BPA) and tributyltin caused liver damage consistent with human nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis, and altered gene expression patterns that may drive obesity.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 6, 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.

Risk of breast cancer in transgender persons -- a study of veterans

A study published in LGBT Health found that transgender veterans are at higher risk of developing breast cancer, with ten new cases identified. The study also highlights the importance of sensitively discussing screening methods with transgender individuals, regardless of hormone use.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalLGBT Health·DateMar 6, 2015