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Science News for May 12, 2015


Drug perks up old muscles and aging brains

Researchers at UC Berkeley discover a small-molecule drug that perks up old stem cells in the brains and muscles of mice, potentially leading to multi-tissue rejuvenation. The drug inhibits TGF-beta1, a growth factor that depresses stem cell activity with age.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMay 12, 2015

Bacteria shown to suppress their antibiotic-resistant cousins

Researchers discovered that certain bacteria can block their own growth and that of resistant mutants, providing a potential new strategy to combat antibiotic resistance. This finding could lead to improved treatments for infections caused by resistant bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalInterface·DateMay 12, 2015

A metal composite that will (literally) float your boat

Researchers have developed a new metal matrix composite that is so light it can float on water, with potential applications in boat flooring, automobile parts, and buoyancy modules. The composite's high density and strength make it suitable for withstanding rigorous marine conditions.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalInternational Journal of Impact Engineering·DateMay 12, 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.

MRI shows potential to improve breast cancer risk prediction

A new study suggests that background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on MRI scans may help tailor screening and management strategies to individual breast cancer risk. Women with elevated BPE levels were nine times more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, while mammographic density showed no significant relationship.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 12, 2015

Brazilian beef industry moves to reduce its destruction of rain forests

Market-driven 'zero deforestation agreements' have significantly influenced the behavior of ranchers and slaughterhouses, leading to lower deforestation rates among supplying ranches. However, challenges remain to achieve zero-deforestation for beef production, with many ranchers able to bypass the agreements.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalConservation Letters·DateMay 12, 2015

Mining pollution alters fish genetics in southwest England

New research reveals that mining pollution has led to a significant reduction in the genetic diversity of brown trout populations in southwest England. The study found that these fish have adapted to live in water with high levels of metal contaminants, but this adaptation comes at the cost of reduced genetic variation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateMay 12, 2015

Baby talk: Babies prefer listening to their own kind

Researchers found that 6-month-old infants prefer listening to infant sounds over adult sounds, which could aid in learning how to talk. This preference may also help infants develop their own voice, a crucial step in speech production.

SourceMcGill University·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateMay 12, 2015

Seven in 10 take early pension payout

A Michigan State University study found that 71% of Croatian retirees chose smaller, earlier pension payouts when given the option, with those who were poor or distrusted the government more likely to make this choice. The study provides crucial insight into individuals' preferences and reasoning when early payouts may be offered

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateMay 12, 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.

Family genetics study reveals new clues to autism risk

Researchers found that genetic mutations passed from mothers to sons are more likely to increase autism risk. The study provides a comprehensive genetic picture of autism and may lead to the discovery of biomarkers for diagnosis and targeted treatments.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 12, 2015

CU Anschutz researchers create microscope allowing deep brain exploration

Researchers have developed a miniature fiber-optic microscope that can penetrate deeply into the brain of a living mouse. This breakthrough technology allows scientists to study brain function in unprecedented detail and has potential human applications in understanding brain disease and developing new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalOptics Letters·DateMay 12, 2015

College readiness declines when school's focus is improving test scores, study finds

A new study found that accountability sanctions in Texas led to a decline in college readiness, as schools focused on improving test scores rather than academic rigor. The researchers discovered that students were stigmatized by their school's negative reputation and faced limited social support from inexperienced teachers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe High School Journal·DateMay 12, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

All NASA eyes on Tropical Storm Dolphin

Tropical Storm Dolphin is developing into a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 50-65 knots (54-74 mph) and wave heights of up to 18 feet. The storm is predicted to reach Guam by Friday with winds of 80 knots (92 mph), prompting a tropical storm watch for Fananu, Chuuk State.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 12, 2015

Shifting winds: An early warning for reduced energy

Researchers found that Chinook winds precede significant shifts in wind power output, allowing grid operators to better manage energy supply. The study's findings have implications for wind energy's success on a massive scale.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateMay 12, 2015

A gap year does not weaken study success

A gap year between high school and university studies does not negatively impact motivation or performance. In fact, those who take a break show improved resilience in their studies and are more committed to achieving goals.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateMay 12, 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.

Ants' movements hide mathematical patterns

Researchers have discovered that ants' movements follow Gaussian and Pareto distributions, dictating their turns and direction. These findings have implications for coordinating micro-robots and optimizing cleaning processes.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalMathematical Biosciences·DateMay 12, 2015

Scientists unravel the mystery of the tubulin code

A study published in Cell reveals the 3D structure of tubulin tyrosine ligase-7 (TTLL7) bound to microtubules, providing insights into how chemical markers influence cell functions. The findings also shed light on how disruptions in these patterns can lead to neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalCell·DateMay 12, 2015

Survival from rare bone cancer remains low

A Loyola University Medical Center study found that among 205 cases of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, more than half survived at least five years and 43 percent survived at least 10 years. Survival rates varied depending on tumor location, with axial tumors showing worse outcomes.

SourceLoyola Medicine·DateMay 12, 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.

How do neurons and blood vessels 'talk' to each other?

Amparo Acker-Palmer aims to decipher molecular signaling pathways regulating the neurovascular interface, which could lead to new approaches for treating dementia and mental illness. Her team uses genetically altered mice and zebrafish to visualize dynamic events of cell-to-cell communication at the neurovascular interface.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateMay 12, 2015

NASA funds SwRI instrument to date moon and Mars rocks

The CODEX device will allow unmanned rovers to determine the age of rocks on the Moon and Mars by analyzing radioactive elements. This technology has major implications for understanding the history of the inner solar system, including the duration of bombardment and volcanism.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateMay 12, 2015

Prenatal exercise lowers risks of C-sections, higher birth weights

A University of Alberta study found that prenatal exercise lowers the risk of Caesarean sections and larger-than-average babies. Women who exercised had a 31% lower risk of giving birth to an oversized baby without increasing the risk of smaller or earlier births.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 12, 2015

New research will help forecast bad ozone days over the western US

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals a strong connection between high ozone days in the western US during late spring and La Niña events. This connection can be used to forecast ozone levels several months in advance, improving public education and air quality management in these regions.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 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.

Can diet and exercise prevent muscle loss in old age?

A recent review of combined diet and exercise training trials found that the effects differ across studies, suggesting more research is needed to determine their benefits for older people. Exercise training and diet supplementation have been shown to be effective in preventing muscle loss, but little is known about their combined effects.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalClinical Interventions in Aging·DateMay 12, 2015

siRNA-toting nanoparticles inhibit breast cancer metastasis

Researchers have developed nanoparticles carrying siRNA to silence the β3 integrin gene, which regulates cancer cell spread. The treatment significantly inhibited metastasis in mouse models, including five mice with human triple-negative breast cancer.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 12, 2015

UNSW researchers discover how the brain balances hearing between our ears

The UNSW research provides new insight into hearing loss and improves cochlear implant functionality, enabling better sound localisation in noisy conditions and protecting against noise damage. The study's findings suggest a potential link to age-related hearing loss and aim to develop more accurate soundscapes.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2015

A trigger that likely unleashes autoimmune disease

Australian researchers have discovered a group of rogue germinal centre B cells that trigger autoimmune disease. The molecular 'trigger guard' FAS prevents their development, but mutations can lead to autoantibody production and severe immune responses. High levels of IgE antibodies are found in patients with Autoimmune Lymphoprolifera...

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalImmunity·DateMay 12, 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.

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.

Debate: Is the long term use of psychiatric drugs harmful?

Research suggests that psychiatric drugs may be harming more people than helping them, with experts arguing that the benefits are minimal and the risks are immense. The BMJ says that more than half a million people die from psychiatric drug use every year in Western countries.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 12, 2015

Political talk on Facebook mirrors political talk offline

A study published in Political Research Quarterly found that social media platforms don't break new ground among political discussion forums. Users with strong social connections tend to prefer like-minded discussions and tailor their privacy settings accordingly. In contrast, users who facilitate connections between different groups a...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateMay 12, 2015

Wetlands continue to reduce nitrates

Researchers found that wetlands created between tile-drained agricultural fields and rivers can remove 62% of nitrates from water. The slow flow of water through the wetland allows microbes to eliminate nitrate, reducing its emission as a greenhouse gas. Building a wetland is an effective long-term solution for reducing nitrate runoff.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMay 12, 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.

Using decisional bias as an implicit measure of moral judgment

The study found that decisional bias is more lenient for younger children when highlighting bad intent or damage, and changes with age as they develop their understanding of the task. The research suggests a moral development framework to examine developmental changes in eyewitness identification.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalArchives of Scientific Psychology·DateMay 12, 2015

French researchers develop new device to collect bed bugs

A new device developed by French researchers can efficiently collect bed bugs without damaging them. The modified Dyson hand vacuum is effective in collecting adults, larvae, and eggs, and has the potential to increase monitoring and control levels of this pest insect.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateMay 12, 2015

Psychotic hallucinations, delusions rarely precede violence

A new study from UC Berkeley shows hallucinations and delusions associated with psychiatric disorders seldom foreshadow acts of aggression. Only 12% of violent incidents were preceded by psychosis, contradicting the media-fueled stereotype of homicidal mayhem.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMay 12, 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.

The £6.5 million Track to the Future rail project underway

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield are working on a £6.5 million project to develop new switch designs that can withstand heavy loads and reduce wear and tear. The goal is to make drastic reductions in track maintenance costs and improve the overall efficiency of rail networks.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateMay 12, 2015

No lotions needed: Many animal species produce their own sunscreen

Researchers discovered that many fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds can naturally produce gadusol, a compound providing protection from ultraviolet sunlight. This ability may have been obtained through prehistoric genetic engineering, with the gene found in algae transferring it to vertebrate animals.

SourceOregon State University·DateMay 12, 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.

Malaria testing yet to reach its potential

A new model systematically evaluates malaria treatment programs in multiple countries, finding no country shows reductions in malaria treatment associated with testing as hypothesized. Contextual factors such as access to care and stockouts largely explain the variation in program experiences.

SourceUppsala University·JournalMalaria Journal·DateMay 12, 2015

Nerve cells in the fast lane

Dopamine-producing neurons play a crucial role in signal transmission, influencing motor control, reward behaviour, motivation, and impulse control. The discovery reveals that glutamate facilitates rapid signal transmission, enabling the brain to respond quickly to stimuli.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 12, 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.

Wearing red can make you appear angry and dominant

A study by Durham University found that men wearing red are perceived as more aggressive and dominant than those in blue or grey. The results suggest that the colour red is a warning signal in nature and may influence social perceptions of dominance and aggression.

SourceDurham University·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 12, 2015

Cause of regression in individuals with Down syndrome identified

A study published in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment found that Catatonia is a treatable cause of regression in individuals with Down syndrome. Patients treated for Catatonia showed improvement, regaining baseline functioning.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNeuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment·DateMay 12, 2015

Fracking may affect air quality and human health

A recent study found that hydraulic fracturing emits pollutants like PAHs, linked to cancer and respiratory ailments, at higher levels than safe for lifetime exposure. The risk is highest near wells, but decreases with distance.

SourceOregon State University·DateMay 12, 2015

Bragging: Researchers find self-promotion often backfires

A new study from City University London, Carnegie Mellon University, and Bocconi University found that self-promotion or humblebragging often elicits a negative response. Self-pro promoters tend to overestimate others' positivity and underestimate their negativity, leading to excessive bragging with the opposite effect.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 12, 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.

Baboons prefer to spend time with others of the same age, status and even personality

New research shows that chacma baboons associate with others of similar age, dominance rank, and even personality type. This homophily may limit the dissemination of new knowledge to the wider troop. The study tracked two baboon troops over several months and found bolder animals tend to spend more time with like-minded individuals.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 12, 2015

NetSage tool will help us understand big data networks

The NetSage service will help network engineers understand current traffic patterns, identify loss of data and congestion issues. By analyzing large-scale data flows, researchers can optimize performance and improve the overall efficiency of international networks.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateMay 12, 2015

Many fixed-dose drug combinations in India lack central regulatory approval

A study by Queen Mary University of London found that over two-thirds of anti-depressant/benzodiazepine FDC sales and more than a quarter of NSAID FDC sales were from unapproved formulations. The researchers urge the Indian government to overhaul its drug regulatory system to prioritize patient safety.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 12, 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.

Probing the secrets of the universe inside a metal box

Researchers have designed and tested a magnetic shield that provides more than 10 times better shielding than previous state-of-the-art shields. The device enables high precision measurements of fundamental particles, potentially revealing previously hidden physics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 12, 2015

A helping paw for a sinking rat

Researchers found that rats learn to help a distressed cagemate gain access to safety in exchange for rewards, indicating empathy-like feelings. Those with previous water experiences were quicker to learn this skill.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateMay 12, 2015

UTSA geoscientists prepare for October trip to the Arctic

UTSA College of Sciences faculty members Stephen Ackley and Blake Weissling will embark on a 42-day trip to the Arctic Ocean to study the diminishing ice cover. They will join a team of scientists from around the world, including UTSA students who have conducted ice research in the region before.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateMay 12, 2015

Kissing cousins, arranged marriages and genetic diversity

A study examines the effects of arranged marriages on genetic diversity, finding that Rindi people's relaxed compliance with their marriage rules produces a genetic diversity similar to random mating. The researchers developed an open-source tool called SMARTPOP to analyze other marriage rules worldwide.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 12, 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.

Gender difference in vital cell count of HIV patients

Research from the University of Southampton reveals that male HIV patients in rural South Africa reach low immunity levels required for antiretroviral treatment in less than a year, while women take up to three years. The study suggests that nutritional status and use of supplements may contribute to faster disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalHIV Medicine·DateMay 12, 2015

Smoking and angioplasty: Not a good combination

Researchers analyzed 2,765 adults who underwent angioplasty and found that quitting smoking significantly improved quality of life and reduced chest pain. Smoking cessation was associated with a lower risk of chest pain at one year after the procedure.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 12, 2015

Six times more expensive to travel by car than by bicycle: Study

A new study from Lund University reveals that car travel is six times more expensive than cycling. The study found that cars have a greater negative impact on the economy than bicycles, with costs ranging from EUR 0.15 per kilometre for driving versus EUR 0.08 per kilometre for cycling.

SourceLund University·JournalEcological Economics·DateMay 12, 2015

The mighty seed

A new study from NIMBioS suggests that considering a species' selfing rate, seed dispersal distances, and reproductive type can improve seed collection effectiveness. This approach can help conserve genetic diversity and rare species, such as the Trillium tennesseense.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMay 12, 2015

Molecular switch that promotes heart cell maturation discovered

A molecular switch controlling heart cell maturation has been discovered, enabling the creation of adult-like heart cells in a laboratory setting. The discovery may lead to new methods for treating heart disease using stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 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.

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 national database of coastal flooding launched

A new database of coastal flooding in the UK has been launched, providing crucial information to prevent future flooding events. The 'SurgeWatch' database contains data on 96 large storms and their impact on UK coastlines.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Data·DateMay 12, 2015

Significant progress made towards individualized cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have developed a strategy for creating customized cancer vaccines based on the unique genetic blueprint of each tumor. By identifying relevant mutations and using synthetic RNA vaccines, they have shown promising results in animal models, paving the way for targeted treatment of various types of cancer.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2015

Controlling swarms of robots with a finger

The system allows people to control the direction of a red beam of light on a floor, causing the swarm robots to move towards it. The robots divide themselves into teams based on the location of the light and adapt their movements accordingly.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateMay 12, 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.

Using microbial communities to assess environmental contamination

A multi-institutional team has discovered that statistical analysis of DNA from natural microbial communities can accurately identify environmental contaminants. The study, sponsored by the US Department of Energy, found that changes in microbial community structure persist long after contaminants are undetectable.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalmBio·DateMay 12, 2015

Peter Lodahl receives prestigious ERC Advanced Grant

Peter Lodahl, professor at the University of Copenhagen, has received a 18.6 million kroner grant from the European Research Council to develop technology for quantum communication based on photonics. The project aims to create scalable quantum photonic networks.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·DateMay 12, 2015

Delta Cephei's hidden companion

A team of researchers has discovered a hidden companion to Delta Cephei, a key variable star used for measuring cosmic distances. The companion, with a mass around 10 times lower than Delta Cephei's, was detected using high-precision Doppler spectroscopy and is likely to impact the accuracy of distance measurements.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMay 12, 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.

Quantum 'gruyères' for spintronics of the future

Researchers at SISSA propose a new family of materials whose topological state can be directly observed, simplifying the development of spintronics and quantum computing. The discovery uses mathematical models and simulations to identify materials with 'spectacular' features that are easily detected.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 12, 2015

New insights into the male bias of autism

Research published in Molecular Autism found that male toddlers with autism have distinct brain structure changes compared to females, suggesting separate evaluation and early developmental markers. Additionally, studies suggest a 'female protective effect' through sex differences in genes and prenatal hormones.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMolecular Autism·DateMay 12, 2015

How the presence of conservation researchers affects wildlife

The presence of conservation research projects limits chimpanzee and gorilla poaching, while community involvement boosts the value of apes and forests to local people. This study highlights the effectiveness of small-scale conservation efforts in protecting wildlife.

SourceWiley·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateMay 12, 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.

New device provides chikungunya test results in an hour

A new device has been developed that can detect the presence of chikungunya virus in mosquitoes within an hour, revolutionizing the field of public health. This fast and easy-to-use test has the potential to save lives by enabling swift detection and control of disease outbreaks.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateMay 12, 2015

Male hormones help lemur females rule

Researchers found that female lemurs have higher testosterone levels in some species, leading to dominant behavior and challenging traditional gender roles. This discovery suggests that hormones play a role in female dominance in these animals.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 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.

Rethinking the rebound: Unexpected effects of rejection

A new study found that rejection by an attractive man led women to derogate and reject unattractive men, highlighting the importance of assurance in social connections. The researchers replicated the effect, suggesting that immediate acceptance may not be the primary goal after rejection.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMay 12, 2015

Finding should enhance treatments that stop immune system attack

Scientists at the University of Manchester have identified crucial molecules that allow regulatory T cells to function and cure active inflammation. This discovery could lead to improved therapies for autoimmune diseases such as type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalImmunity·DateMay 12, 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.

Artificial photosynthesis: New, stable photocathode with great potential

Researchers have developed a novel photoelectrode that solves the problems of inefficient hydrogen generation in acidic electrolytes. The new composite presents high photovoltage and photocurrent densities, as well as chemical protection against corrosion.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 12, 2015

Bacteria the newest tool in detecting environmental damage

Researchers have developed a method using bacteria to test for pollutants in water and soil, detecting uranium and nitrate pollution. The test can be done overnight for up to 100 samples and is showing promise in predicting oil spills.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalmBio·DateMay 12, 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.

The weakest magnetic field in the solar system

Researchers at Technical University of Munich develop record-breaking magnetic shielding to dampen low frequency magnetic fields, creating the weakest magnetic field in the solar system. This breakthrough enables high-precision experiments, such as measuring the electric dipole moment of neutrons.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 12, 2015