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Science News for May 11, 2015


Separating rare earth metals with UV light

Researchers at KU Leuven have developed a new method to separate rare earth metals europium and yttrium using UV light. This process recovers over 95% of the europium from a liquid mixture, making it an efficient alternative to traditional methods.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateMay 11, 2015

Vying for seats in the C-suite: Marketing and PR's focus is too narrow, Baylor study finds

A Baylor University study found that marketing and PR teams often compete for limited C-suite spots due to perceived similarities in their roles. The research highlights distinct contributions of corporate communications and marketing, suggesting both groups need to build internal relationships to educate colleagues on their value.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal of Communication Management·DateMay 11, 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.

Survey finds miscarriage widely misunderstood

A survey of over 1,000 U.S. adults found that miscarriages are common, affecting one in four pregnancies, yet many believe them to be rare. Participants also incorrectly perceived causes of miscarriage, including genetics, stress, and lifestyle choices, highlighting the need for better education about this topic.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 11, 2015

Robot pets to rise in an overpopulated world

As the global population is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, robotic pets are becoming increasingly popular, offering alternatives for those who cannot have live pets. However, concerns arise about the ethics of relying on robots for companionship and potential impacts on human relationships with real animals.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateMay 11, 2015

Ease of weight loss influenced by individual biology

A new NIH study reveals that people with certain physiologies lose less weight when limiting calories. Those with a 'thrifty' metabolism, characterized by decreased energy expenditure during fasting, tend to lose less weight during calorie-reduced periods.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalDiabetes·DateMay 11, 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.

Vineyard habitats help butterflies return

Researchers at Washington State University found that vineyards with native plant habitats have three times the number of butterfly species and four times more butterflies than conventional vineyards. This conservation method helps reduce pesticide usage and promotes a sustainable agricultural industry.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Insect Conservation·DateMay 11, 2015

TSRI scientists link brain protein to binge-drinking behavior

Scientists at TSRI discovered that deleting the gene for a brain protein called GIRK3 in mice increased alcohol consumption and prevented the brain from signaling the rewarding properties of alcohol. In contrast, reintroducing GIRK3 reduced binge drinking.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2015

Starved T cells allow hepatitis B to silently infect liver

Researchers at University College London have found that hepatitis B virus can persist in the liver by exploiting starved T cells. The study suggests that boosting the immune system and counteracting the liver's suppressive effect could potentially clear the infection.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 11, 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.

Patients more likely to get HPV vaccine after electronic health record prompts

Patients aged 9-26 are more likely to get HPV vaccinated after receiving reminders via electronic health records during appointments. The study found that these prompts significantly increased vaccination rates, especially among young African-American women.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateMay 11, 2015

Computer simulation accurately replicated real-life trauma outcomes, says Pitt team

A study published in Science Translational Medicine uses a computer simulation to replicate known individual outcomes and predict population results for traumatic injury. The model accurately predicted hospital length of stay and multi-organ dysfunction, but found limitations in extrapolating from single mechanisms to outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 11, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A turning point in the physics of blood

Researchers have developed a new equation that predicts the behavior of blood cells during flow, shedding light on mechanisms behind blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia. This theory could lead to innovative solutions for blood transfusions and disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 11, 2015

Team approach to cardiovascular practice addresses challenges

The American College of Cardiology promotes team-based care for cardiovascular patients, valuing honesty, discipline, and creativity. Teams should receive feedback on shared goals and have flexible leaders who prioritize patient care.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 11, 2015

A tale of two roads into protein unfolding

Researchers used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering to study the effects of high pressure and urea on protein unfolding. They found that while both methods cause proteins to unfold, they do so through different mechanisms, leading to distinct intermediate proteins.

SourcePublicase International·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2015

Massive southern invasions by northern birds linked to climate shifts

Researchers found a teeter-tottering climate pattern behind boreal bird irruptions, driven by boom-and-bust cycles in forest seed production. Persistent shifts in rainfall and temperature drive mass migrations of pine siskins and other species.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 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.

PPPL physicist wins Early Career Research Program grant

Delgado-Aparicio's research aims to eliminate impurities that cool plasma and halt fusion reactions, crucial for ITER and NSTX-U experiments. His $2.6M grant will fund development of a complex diagnostic tool to analyze impurity reactions with plasma.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateMay 11, 2015

Water fleas genetically adapt to climate change

Biologists from KU Leuven found that water flea populations can rapidly adapt to rising temperatures and increased heat wave frequencies. The study, using 'resurrected' eggs, showed a 3.6°C increase in critical temperature for activity.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 11, 2015

New Harvard research finds walnuts may help slow colon cancer growth

A new animal study from Harvard Medical School suggests that a walnut-enriched diet may slow colorectal tumor growth by altering gene expression. The study found that walnuts caused significant changes in the expression profile of micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in localized colorectal cancer tissue.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, Seattle·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateMay 11, 2015

Personal microbiomes shown to contain unique 'fingerprints'

Researchers found that individual microbial communities are surprisingly unique and can be used to identify people over time. The study suggests that these microbiome 'fingerprints' could potentially expose sensitive information, but also offer new insights into human health and ecology.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 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.

Study may suggest new strategies for myelodysplastic syndromes treatment

Researchers discovered a direct link between telomere degeneration and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a group of blood cell disorders. The study found that DNA damage caused by dysfunctional telomeres resulted in repressed expression of the RNA splicing gene SRSF2, affecting CMPs' ability to differentiate.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateMay 11, 2015

Out with heavy metal

Researchers have developed a new friction stir welding process that can join aluminum sheets of varying thicknesses, yielding car doors that are 62% lighter and 25% cheaper. The process is ten times faster than current techniques, meeting high-volume assembly requirements.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJOM·DateMay 11, 2015

Tortoise approach works best -- even for evolution

A team of researchers found that limiting migrations among populations of bacteria produced better adaptations and allowed for a wider variety of peaks, enabling the organisms to adapt to their environment more effectively. This 'tortoise-hare' pattern highlights the importance of slow and steady evolution in achieving long-term success.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2015

Healing plants inspire new compounds for psychiatric drugs

Scientists at Northwestern University have synthesized four new chemical compounds with antipsychotic properties using natural products from plant species used in traditional healing practices in Nigeria. These compounds show promise in improving cognitive impairment in animal models, a partially effective treatment for schizophrenia.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 11, 2015

Ana makes landfall in South Carolina on Mother's Day

Ana made landfall north of Myrtle Beach, SC with sustained winds of 45 mph, transitioning to a tropical depression as it moves northward. Heavy rain and storm surges are expected in the storm's wake, posing dangers for beachgoers.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 11, 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.

Mass murder, mental illness, and men

The article examines the link between mass murder and mental illness among perpetrators, who are predominantly men. Dr. Michael Stone discusses how a paranoid personality disorder contributes to this phenomenon and highlights the role of semiautomatic weapons in increasing random mass shootings in the US.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalViolence and Gender·DateMay 11, 2015

Institutional factors play role in cardiac rehab referral rates after angioplasty

Hospitals in the Midwest were more likely to refer patients for guideline-recommended cardiac rehabilitation following angioplasty, possibly due to a greater concentration of local rehabilitation centers. On average, about 60% of all patients undergoing angioplasty were referred for cardiac rehabilitation.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 11, 2015

The origins and future of Lake Eyre and the Murray-Darling Basin

Researchers from Monash University discovered the origins of Australia's two largest basins by reconstructing geological evolution and using seismic tomography models. The study found that both basins are located above a deep mantle slab, which is sinking into the Earth's interior.

SourceMonash University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMay 11, 2015

Dying cells can protect their stem cells from destruction

Dying daughter cells release protein Pvf1, binding to nearby mother stem cells' receptors, preventing apoptosis. This allows stem cells to survive until they can regenerate damaged tissue. The discovery may lead to new cancer treatments by targeting protective signals in tumor-initiating cells.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 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 device could greatly improve speech and image recognition

Researchers have developed a magnonic holographic memory device that can recognize patterns and improve speech and image recognition hardware. The device uses spin waves to encode and decode information, allowing for parallel processing and potentially more efficient computation.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 11, 2015

Breaking through the blood-brain barrier

A team of scientists at San Diego State University has identified a molecular process that allows bacteria to bypass the brain's defenses and cause meningitis. The discovery could lead to new treatments for this deadly disease by controlling the expression of a key protein involved in breaking down the blood-brain barrier.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 11, 2015

Ethicists propose solution for US organ shortage crisis in JAMA piece

Medical ethicists propose a solution to the US organ shortage crisis by introducing an 'uncontrolled donation after circulatory determination of death' (UDCDD) approach. This method considers deceased individuals for donation even outside hospitals, allowing families to decide later if they want to preserve organs for potential donation.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateMay 11, 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.

Space technology identifies vulnerable regions in West Africa

Researchers mapped regional droughts and land degradation using satellites, revealing improved land conditions across much of West Africa between 1982-2012. Soil moisture observations provided more accurate results than rainfall data, showing the importance of this factor in understanding vegetation dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalRemote Sensing·DateMay 11, 2015

Magic wavelengths

Researchers at JQI have discovered special wavelengths, known as 'magic wavelengths', that can trap and excite Rydberg atoms without disturbing them. This breakthrough enables the creation of qubits and interaction of atoms in a useful regime.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalPhysical Review A·DateMay 11, 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.

Losing streak: Competitive high-school sports linked to gambling

A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers links competitive high-school sports to problem gambling, particularly among male and female students. The study found that youths involved in intense cardiovascular activity were more likely to engage in regulated lotteries and other forms of gambling.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAmerican Journal on Addictions·DateMay 11, 2015

Group B Streptococcus breaches the blood-brain-barrier

A new study reveals Group B Streptococcus induces a protein that disrupts junctions between brain cells, increasing permeability and allowing the bacteria to breach the blood-brain barrier. Inhibition of this protein increases survival in zebrafish infected with GBS.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 11, 2015

Dopamine signals the value of delayed rewards

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found that dopamine signals the value of delayed rewards, revealing a sophisticated role in guiding decision-making behavior. The research used rodent models to examine the neurotransmitter's dynamic tracking of specific elements of value-based decision making.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 11, 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.

Griffith research sheds new light on cause of CFS

New research from Griffith University uncovers significant genetic changes in receptors associated with immunological and cellular function, potentially shedding light on CFS/ME. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex illness's pathology.

SourceGriffith University·JournalImmunology and Immunogenetics Insights·DateMay 11, 2015

Carbon emissions from peatlands may be less than expected

Duke University scientists have discovered a previously unknown dual mechanism that slows peat decay and reduces CO2 emissions from peatlands. The naturally occurring mechanism was found in 5,000-year-old pocosin bogs and may occur in other regions as well.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 11, 2015

Repurposed anti-cholesterol drug could improve treatment-resistant anemias

Researchers have identified a cell receptor that, when stimulated by a cholesterol-lowering drug, increases red blood cell production in patients with treatment-resistant anemias like DBA. The combination of low amounts of glucocorticoids and the repurposed anti-cholesterol drug shows promising results in clinical trials.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2015

Solution to corrosive ocean mystery reveals future climate

A 55-million-year-old global warming event triggered a highly corrosive deep-water current in the North Atlantic Ocean. Researchers recreated the ocean basins and land masses of that time using a global climate model to understand how this event occurred.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 11, 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.

May/June 2015 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Research finds that family physicians with a broader scope of practice have patients with 10-15% lower costs and fewer hospitalizations. The study suggests comprehensiveness in family medicine is both measurable and important for bending the cost curve and achieving the nation's Triple Aim.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 11, 2015

An important step in artificial intelligence

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara demonstrate a simple artificial neural circuit that performs image classification, using memristor technology to achieve brain-like efficiency. The breakthrough has potential applications in medical imaging, navigation systems, and search technologies.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 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.

UNH scientists show 'breaking waves' perturb Earth's magnetic field

Kelvin-Helmholtz waves frequently occur at Earth's magnetopause, changing radiation belt energy levels and impacting spacecraft technology. Researchers used THEMIS data to find that these waves happen 20% of the time, providing new insights into the magnetosphere's basic physics.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2015

Gene found that is essential to maintaining breast and cancer stem cells

Researchers have discovered a crucial gene, DNMT1, that maintains breast and cancer stem cells. High levels of DNMT1 expression are associated with increased risk of breast cancer, particularly in women over 30. Restoration of the opposing ISL1 gene significantly reduces stem cell populations and cancer growth.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2015

NSF funds a unique program to train graduate STEM students

The NSF-funded COMET program aims to train graduate STEM students to use DFT intelligently, bridging the gap between fundamental assumptions and numerical methods. Students will also receive professional development training and international internship opportunities.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 11, 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.

Researchers examine the dangers bubbling up from hookah steam stones

New research from the University of Cincinnati found residues of chromium, arsenic, and cadmium in simulated hookah/steam stones smoking scenarios, raising concerns about the safety of these alternatives to cigarette smoking. The study suggests that most toxic metals came from charcoal used to heat the apparatus.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalMicrochemical Journal·DateMay 11, 2015

The influence of increased atmospheric CO2 concentration on European trees

A study of European trees found that they have increased their water-use efficiency by 14% for broadleaf and 22% for coniferous species since the 20th century. However, despite this adaptation, forest transpiration rates have still risen by 5% over the same period due to a warmer environment and longer growing seasons.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 11, 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.

ACP calls for policies to support transgender rights, same-sex marriage

The American College of Physicians recommends comprehensive transgender health care services in health benefits plans and civil marriage rights for same-sex couples. The organization also opposes 'conversion' therapy and aims to eliminate disparities in healthcare access for LGBT individuals.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 11, 2015

A climate signal in the global distribution of copper deposits

Researchers found that climate-driven erosion influences the age and abundance of exposed copper porphyry deposits globally. The study used data on the age and number of exposed deposits to compare with climate patterns, revealing a strong connection between erosion rates and deposit distribution.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 11, 2015

A fine-tuned approach improves platelet generation from stem cells

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have successfully generated functional platelets from murine embryonic stems using a fine-tuned approach. This breakthrough could lead to a donor-independent source of platelets, reducing the need for volunteer donors and addressing platelet shortages.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 11, 2015

'Not just a flavoring:' Menthol and nicotine, combined, desensitize airway receptors

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that menthol, often used as a flavoring, has a significant pharmacologic effect when combined with nicotine. The study revealed that menthol slows or prevents the recovery of sensitivity after the first insult, placing receptors in a desensitized state.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalMolecular Pharmacology·DateMay 11, 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.

Antibiotic-resistant typhoid detected in countries around the world

A landmark genomic study reveals a single clade of typhoid bacteria, H58, is driving global spread, displacing other strains and creating a previously underappreciated epidemic. The study highlights the urgent need for global surveillance and coordinated efforts to prevent and control antimicrobial-resistant typhoid.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 11, 2015

Nurses cut stress 40 percent with relaxation steps at work

A workplace mindfulness-based intervention reduced stress levels of ICU nurses by 40%, according to a new Ohio State study. The 8-week program included mindfulness, gentle stretching, yoga, meditation and music, and significantly decreased salivary alpha-amylase levels, a biomarker of sympathetic nervous system activation.

SourceMediaSource·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMay 11, 2015

Scientists obtain precise estimates of the epigenetic mutation rate

Researchers have obtained the first precise estimates of how often epigenetic marks appear or disappear in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The study found that epigenetic mutations are about 100,000 times more likely than DNA sequence mutations and nearly all are neutral, not affecting gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 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.

Study links father's age and risk of blood cancer as an adult

A recent study found a strong association between paternal age and the risk of hematologic cancers in adults, with those having older fathers being 63% more likely to develop these cancers. The study suggests that exposure to infections in childhood may play a role in immune system development and cancer risk.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateMay 11, 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.

For biofuels and climate, location matters

A new study published in Nature Climate Change shows that growing biofuel crops can have a significant impact on climate depending on the location and crop type. The study found that the most important factor influencing the direct climate impact of biofuels is location, accounting for 90% of the variation in greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 11, 2015

Congress approval rating tanking over poor choice of words

A new study suggests that Congress approval ratings are partly due to a decline in prosocial words used by lawmakers. The study found that the use of warm, agreeable language predicts public approval six months later.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2015

The Lancet: New study reveals 40 million deaths a year go unrecorded

A new study by The Lancet reveals that two-thirds of global deaths and one-third of births go unreported. This lack of data hampers informed policy-making and decision-making, leading to lost opportunities to improve population health. Mobile phone data collection and technology advances are proposed as solutions to crack the problem.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 11, 2015

New report: First compilation of global addictions

The Global Statistics on Addictive Behaviours report found that Australia has lower rates of tobacco use and alcohol abuse compared to the UK. Illicit drug use is significant in Australia, with higher rates of cannabis, ecstasy, and amphetamine-type drug use.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAddiction·DateMay 11, 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.

TSRI researchers investigate an enzyme important for nervous system health

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have mapped the structure of an enzyme important for nervous system development. The new structure provides crucial information on how the protein binds to cellular components, shedding light on its role in neurodegenerative diseases such as retinal dystrophy and Joubert syndrome.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 11, 2015

Noise produces volcanic seismicity, akin to a drumbeat

Researchers found that external noises can induce volcanic activity by inducing stick-slip behavior, causing large-amplitude oscillations and high seismicity. The study used experimental data from Mount St. Helen's eruption to demonstrate the link between noise intensity and drumbeat-type plug movement.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMay 11, 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.

For children with autism, trips to the dentist just got easier

Researchers from USC and CHLA found that adapting dental environments to be more calming for children with autism spectrum disorder significantly reduced psychological anxiety and pain intensity. The study used sensory adaptations such as soothing music, gentle lighting, and deep-pressure hugs to create a comfortable environment.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMay 11, 2015

Toddlers understand sound they make influences others, research shows

Researchers found that toddlers, especially those with siblings, understand the behavioral effects of different types of sound on others. Children made loud noises to wake up the doll and quieter noises to let it sleep, showing they understood how their sounds influenced social interactions.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalJournal of Cognition and Development·DateMay 11, 2015

Cardiovascular risk factors extremely high in people with psychosis

A UK study reveals extremely high rates of cardiovascular risk factors in people with psychosis, including obesity and metabolic syndrome. The research highlights the importance of incorporating weight and cardiovascular risk assessment into routine care, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateMay 11, 2015

Advanced viral gene therapy eradicates prostate cancer in preclinical experiments

Researchers developed a unique approach using microscopic gas bubbles to deliver directly to cancer cells a viral gene therapy in combination with an experimental drug. The treatment strategy used a novel 'cancer terminator virus' and demonstrated enhanced prostate cancer cell death while sparing healthy cells in preclinical experiments.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMay 11, 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.

Did ocean acidification cause marine mollusc extinction?

A new study led by University of Southampton researchers suggests that ocean acidification may not have caused the mass extinction of ammonites and other planktonic calcifiers. The research found that the asteroid impact was the primary cause of the extinctions, but not due to ocean acidification levels being too weak.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2015

Disrupting cancer pathway could enhance new immunotherapies

Researchers at the University of Chicago have identified a cell-intrinsic cancer-causing pathway that disrupts T cell infiltration in melanoma, enabling tumors to evade immune surveillance. Disrupting this signaling pathway could help restore T cell access and enhance the potential of immune-mediated cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2015

Childhood cancer treatment and age influence obesity risk for childhood cancer survivors

A study published by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that childhood cancer survivors are 14% more likely to be obese than their peers, with age and treatment also contributing to the increased risk. The research identified genetic variations associated with an increased likelihood of obesity following brain irradiation.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCancer·DateMay 11, 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.

Solving corrosive ocean mystery reveals future climate

Researchers discovered that a 55 million-year-old ocean current, formed by the North Atlantic's shape and changes in ocean currents, caused more severe acidification than other oceans during the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum. This event may have implications for today's climate sensitivity to increasing carbon dioxide.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 11, 2015

More severe weather in store for middle states in US

NASA predicts more severe weather for the Midwest, including tornadoes, flash flooding, and strong winds. The storm system is expected to bring heavy rain and hail, with cold air masses indicating strong convective storms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 11, 2015

New study finds short-sightedness is becoming more common across Europe

A new study has found that myopia, or short-sightedness, is becoming more common across Europe, affecting around a quarter of the population. The correlation between education levels and short-sightedness has also been identified, with those completing higher education at increased risk.

SourceKing's College London·JournalOphthalmology·DateMay 11, 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.

DNA with self-interest

A transposable element has invaded a new species of fly, Drosophila simulans, through horizontal gene transfer. The P-element's rapid spread suggests that transposable elements can quickly adapt and evolve within species.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2015

Public health approach to reducing traumatic brain injury -- Update from CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a comprehensive public health approach to reduce the impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI). New research highlights four pillars: improving understanding of TBI's public health burden, reducing incidence through primary prevention, enhancing recognition and management o...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateMay 11, 2015

Increased risk of neuropathy in patients with celiac disease

A nationwide sample of patients in Sweden with biopsy-certified celiac disease were examined to identify the risk of developing neuropathy. The study found a significant association between celiac disease and an increased risk of neuropathy, with absolute risks of 64 per 100,000 person-years for those with celiac disease.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMay 11, 2015

Frequent trips to ER are powerful predictor of death from prescription drug overdoses

A new study found that individuals who visited the emergency department four or more times in the past year were 48 times more likely to die from a prescription drug overdose. The research, published in Annals of Epidemiology, highlights the importance of ER visits as a predictor of overdose risk.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateMay 11, 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.

Acute kidney injury linked to pre-existing kidney health, study finds

Researchers analyzed over 1.3 million patient records to find that mildly abnormal results on kidney function tests are the strongest risk factor for acute kidney injury. Physicians can identify high-risk patients by paying close attention to common blood and urine tests for kidney function, potentially preventing the devastating injury.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateMay 11, 2015

Advanced MRI scans could help predict people at risk of schizophrenia

A new study used MRI to identify how brains of young people with schizophrenia symptoms are wired differently. The research found reduced information transmission and rerouted pathways, affecting central hubs that can lead to widespread problems. This technique could provide a valuable tool for predicting future illness.

SourceCardiff University·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateMay 11, 2015

Tropical Storm Dolphin threatening Micronesia

The tropical storm is currently located 464 miles ENE of Chuuk, moving northwest at 9 knots. It is forecasted to reach 120 knots and pass near Guam, with maximum sustained winds of 45 knots.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 11, 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.

Space lab to elucidate how liquid cocktails mix

Experimental data from zero-gravity experiments on the International Space Station provides insights into thermodiffusion effects in ternary liquid mixtures. The results, published in the European Physical Journal E, offer a benchmark for future theoretical and numerical models.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 11, 2015

Narrow misses can propel us toward other rewards and goals

Researchers discovered that near wins, such as coming close to winning a game or scratch-off lottery ticket, can intensify motivational energy and lead individuals to pursue unrelated goals. This 'near win' effect is thought to extend motivation beyond the original goal, resulting in faster completion of tasks.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 11, 2015

Examination of nondisclosure agreements in medical malpractice settlements

A study found that nondisclosure agreements in medical malpractice settlements are often used with little standardization or consistency, selectively binding patients and making them hard to justify on privacy grounds. The use of these agreements may be subject to review and could potentially restrict reporting to regulatory bodies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 11, 2015

New research implicates immune system in Rett syndrome

Researchers discovered that macrophages play an unexpected role in Rett syndrome, amplifying the disease instead of helping it. The study suggests modulating the immune system could delay symptom onset and slow disease progression.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalImmunity·DateMay 11, 2015

Brain cells capable of 'early-career' switch

Researchers found that inactivating Lhx2 in mature neurons can reprogram them to process different senses, expanding one region at the expense of another. This discovery provides proof of brain plasticity and may lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating human disorders such as autism.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2015

New population genetics model could explain Finn, European differences

A new population genetics model reveals a previously unknown bottleneck in the Finnish population between 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. This event likely reduced the population size significantly and resulted in fewer genetic differences among its offspring.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 11, 2015

A new chapter in Earth history

A team of scientists proposes using nuclear weapons fallout to mark the beginning of a new geological age, the Anthropocene. The proposal is based on the significant geochemical signatures left by human activities in sediments accumulating across the planet.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalBulletin of the Atomic Scientists·DateMay 11, 2015

UK-China collaboration for data sharing in metabolomics

A UK-China consortium, funded by the BBSRC, will host training workshops to support scientists in managing and sharing their metabolomics data and analyses. The partnership, involving EMBL-EBI, universities, and GigaScience, aims to improve data sharing in metabolomics, promoting better quality data and efficient research.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·DateMay 11, 2015

Harmful algal blooms in the Chesapeake Bay are becoming more frequent

A recent study documents a significant increase in harmful algal blooms in the Chesapeake Bay over the past 20 years, fueled by excessive nitrogen runoff. The findings highlight the need for continued efforts to reduce nutrient pollution and restore a healthy ecosystem in the Bay.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalHarmful Algae·DateMay 11, 2015

Study shows increased cardiorespiratory fitness may delay onset of high cholesterol

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness can delay the onset of high cholesterol by up to 15 years. Men with lower fitness levels were more likely to develop high cholesterol in their early 30s, while those with higher fitness did not experience this un...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 11, 2015

Study: World population-food supply balance is becoming increasingly unstable

A study finds that the global food system is becoming more fragile and susceptible to crisis as population growth increases and international trade expands. Countries heavily reliant on imports face greater instability and food insecurity, exacerbating existing challenges.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2015

ORNL superhydrophobic glass coating offers clear benefits

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a superhydrophobic glass coating that can be customized to repel water, fog, and dirt, while also suppressing light reflection from glass surfaces. The coating has potential applications in solar panels, lenses, optical instruments, and other products.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateMay 11, 2015

Certain immigrants, refugees at higher risk of psychotic disorders

A new study found that immigrants from the Caribbean, Bermuda, East Africa, and South Asia are at a higher risk of psychotic disorders, with a 1.5 to 2 times increased risk compared to the general population. In contrast, immigrants from Northern Europe, Southern Europe, and East Asia had about half the risk.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalCMAJ Open·DateMay 11, 2015

First beef with the goodness of fish

Researchers have successfully introduced a gene into foetal cells from Luxi Yellow cattle to increase the levels of beneficial omega-3 oils in beef. The study found that introducing the fat1 gene resulted in over five times higher levels of these fatty acids.

SourceSpringer·JournalBiotechnology Letters·DateMay 11, 2015

Children exposed to multiple languages may be better natural communicators

A new study from the University of Chicago has found that children exposed to multiple languages are better at interpreting others' meaning and taking their perspectives. The researchers discovered that even partial exposure to another language can improve social communication skills, not just full bilingualism.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 11, 2015