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Science News for May 14, 2015


Earthquakes reveal deep secrets beneath East Asia

Scientists used seismic data from 227 East Asia earthquakes to image depths up to 900 kilometers, revealing hidden structures like a high velocity colossus beneath the Tibetan plateau and a deep mantle upwelling in Mongolia. The study could help find hidden hydrocarbon resources and explore the Earth's interior.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateMay 14, 2015

New form of inherited blindness discovered

Researchers found that DRAM2 gene mutations lead to loss of central vision and peripheral vision loss in older individuals, likely due to reduced autophagy and photoreceptor renewal. The discovery sheds new light on the condition and highlights the importance of collaboration between institutions.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 14, 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.

Do fruit flies have emotions?

A new Caltech study reports that fruit flies display emotion primitives analogous to fear, including valence, persistence, scalability, trans-situationality, and context generalization. The researchers used a fear-inducing stimulus to track the flies' responses, finding that they exhibited these primitive states in their behavior.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 14, 2015

Why modern hunter-gatherers live with so few kin

A new study reveals that allowing both males and females in hunter-gatherer groups to choose their living companions reduces relatedness among camp members. This increases the number of camps where an individual has one or more kin, facilitating cooperation and information exchange.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 14, 2015

PolyU develops novel computer intelligence system for acute stroke detection

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has developed a novel computer-aided detection system for acute stroke using computer intelligence technology. The system detects ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes with 90% accuracy, providing timely treatment within the golden hour of stroke onset.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·DateMay 14, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bees follow separate but similar paths in social evolution

A genome analysis of ten bee species reveals that eusociality evolves differently each time, but shares common trends in gene regulation and complexity. Natural selection relaxes for key genes after complex social forms emerge, as seen in honeybees.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 14, 2015

New research reveals first warm-blooded fish

The opah's unique design allows its entire body to maintain an elevated temperature through counter-current heat exchange in its gills. This adaptation enables the fish to swim faster, react more quickly, and see better, making it a high-performance predator in cold waters.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalScience·DateMay 14, 2015

Love your Mother Earth

A new paper published in Biogeosciences confirms that the Earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere has increased with rising carbon emissions. This is a positive development, as it suggests that without this increased absorption, CO2 levels would be twice what they are today.

SourceWoodwell Climate Research Center·JournalBiogeosciences·DateMay 14, 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.

Video game could transform middle school students' online learning

The $3.1 million project, supported by the US Department of Education, aims to develop an educational video game that engages students in learning about water systems and practicing scientific argumentation. Teachers can monitor progress and intervene to support individual needs, using data to adjust the course of the game.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateMay 14, 2015

Link between vitamin E and exposure to air pollution

A new study has found an association between vitamin E concentrations and exposure to fine particulate pollution in the general population. Higher levels of alpha-tocopherol, a form of Vitamin E, were linked to lower lung function and reduced exposure to PM2.5.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 14, 2015

Deep-water fish has a warm heart

A new study found that a deep-water fish called the opah harnesses heat generated by flapping its pectoral fins to warm its body. This unique adaptation enables the opah to operate in cold and deep water with high-performance capabilities.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 14, 2015

Campaign increases mouth and throat cancer screenings among low-income rural Floridians

A five-month media campaign in Florida's poorest counties increased black men's awareness of mouth and throat cancer, leading to a 13% rise in first-time screenings. The campaign, designed by UF Health researchers, aimed to reverse the health inequity faced by black men, who have lower survival rates due to delayed diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 14, 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.

How healthcare is organized may affect how well blood pressure is controlled

A study published in Medical Care found that higher numbers of unique doctors on staff and increased patient appointments were associated with lower rates of blood pressure normalization. The researchers suggest that busier practices may lead to compromised care due to reduced time and attention for patients.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateMay 14, 2015

Study: Gene regulation underlies the evolution of social complexity in bees

A new genomic study of bee species found that gene regulation and network complexity are linked to the evolution of social complexity. The research revealed changes in gene activity and DNA methylation as social behavior increased, indicating a 'collective genome' less vulnerable to environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateMay 14, 2015

Giving HOPE: US has nearly 400 HIV-positive potential organ donors

A study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that there are nearly 400 HIV-positive potential organ donors in the US who could provide life-saving organs for HIV-positive patients. The study estimates that these donors could reduce the waiting time for transplants, but the quality of their organs is a concern.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateMay 14, 2015

New release of Glioblastoma Atlas sheds light on deadly disease

The Ivy Glioblastoma Atlas Project provides valuable resources for researchers to find cures for aggressive brain cancers, offering detailed information about genes and tumor formation. The atlas aims to advance understanding of glioblastoma biology and lead to novel approaches to improve treatment and survival.

SourceAllen Institute·DateMay 14, 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.

CLAIRE brings electron microscopy to soft materials

Researchers at Berkeley Lab develop CLAIRE, a technique for noninvasive nanoscale imaging of soft matter. This allows for high-resolution observation of dynamics behind nano-sized components in biomolecules, accelerating the development of technologies such as artificial photosynthesis and photovoltaic cells.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 14, 2015

New analytics model predicts readmission of congestive heart failure patients

Researchers at UT Dallas developed a predictive analytics model to identify congestive heart failure patients with high readmission risk. The study found that health IT systems can reduce readmissions, with hospitals implementing cardiology and administrative information systems exhibiting lower readmission rates.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateMay 14, 2015

A 'graduation' from poverty

A study published in Science found that an anti-poverty program providing productive assets, job training, and life-skills coaching increased income by 5%, food consumption by 8%, and savings by 96% among participants over a three-year period. The results demonstrate sustained gains in well-being, with improved mental health and reduce...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 14, 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.

Revealing kidney cancer's secret

A study published in Cancer Research reveals how renal cell carcinoma reprogrammes its environment to suppress the immune response. The research found that cancer grade significantly impacts this process, with higher-grade cancers exhibiting more aggressive remodelling.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 14, 2015

Frontline immune cells can travel for help

Researchers found that neutrophils can travel to lymph nodes within 8 hours of infection and prime other immune cells for attack. This collaboration between innate and adaptive arms may improve anti-microbial responses and prevent microbial spread.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 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.

Educating the immune system to prevent allergies

A research team at McGill University Health Centre has developed a potential vaccine that nudges the immune response away from developing allergies, offering hope for Canadians with seasonal allergies. The study uses a molecule called STAT6-IP to redirect the immune system's response, teaching it to tolerate allergens.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateMay 14, 2015

The World Bank Group and PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases launch APOC collection

The APOC collection documents the success of the Onchocerciasis Control Program (OCP) and its transition to African Program for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC). The partnership has reached over 100 million people across Africa, controlling river blindness, a debilitating disease that causes disfiguring skin disease and eventual blindness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 14, 2015

Climate scientists find elusive tropospheric hot spot

Researchers confirm strong warming in the upper troposphere, known as the tropospheric hotspot, using publicly available temperature and wind data set. The study reveals a 10% increase in winds over the Southern Ocean, suggesting ozone depletion may be responsible.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 14, 2015

Three perspectives on 'The Dress'

Scientists Bevil Conway and his team found impressive individual differences in color perception, with people falling into three main camps. The survey also revealed that perception differed by age and sex, suggesting the influence of light on visual systems. These findings shed light on how different brains interpret colors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 14, 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.

Program brings lasting progress for world's poorest

A multifaceted program combining direct aid and training helps ultra-poor households accumulate assets and increase food consumption, with lasting impacts up to a year after the program ended.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 14, 2015

Researchers hone technique for finding signs of life on the Red Planet

Researchers at the University of Kansas are working to improve the detection of life on Mars by combining Raman spectroscopy with gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. They aim to analyze rocks from Earth similar to those found on Mars to strengthen evidence collection, as conditions on the Martian surface are inhospitable.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateMay 14, 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.

Safety switch preserves beneficial effects of cell therapy

Researchers have found a molecular 'switch' that safely controls severe side effects associated with haploidentical stem cell transplantation. The switch, inducible caspase 9 (iC9), is activated by a single dose of bio-inert chemical and clears symptoms without jeopardizing graft function.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalBlood·DateMay 14, 2015

Smoking induces early signs of cancer in cheek swabs

Research published in JAMA Oncology finds that smoking induces epigenetic changes in cheek cells, which can also be seen in non-smoking related cancers. This discovery provides a potential tool for early detection of breast and gynaecological cancers.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMay 14, 2015

Breakthrough opens door to safer lupus drugs

Researchers have discovered a way to stop lupus without suppressing the immune system by focusing on the TACI receptor. Deleting this receptor eliminates lupus in high BAFF levels, leaving natural immunity intact.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Autoimmunity·DateMay 14, 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.

Mayo Clinic: New mouse model for ALS and frontotemporal dementia gene

Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a mouse model exhibiting neuropathological and behavioral features associated with C9ORF72 mutation. The study suggests a link between the repeat expansion in C9ORF72 and TDP-43 pathology, potentially leading to therapeutic agents targeting RNA foci and c9RAN proteins.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalScience·DateMay 14, 2015

Contraceptive and cholesterol-lowering drugs used to treat cancer

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have found a combination of a cholesterol-lowering drug and a contraceptive steroid to be effective in treating various cancers. The treatment, known as BaP, blocks an enzyme crucial to cancer cell growth and has shown promising results in early stage clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 14, 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.

New in the Hastings Center Report

The Hastings Center Report delves into the impact of patient-satisfaction surveys on healthcare quality, arguing they may compromise care and raise costs. The issue also examines the role of courage in healthcare, highlighting its limitations in certain contexts.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateMay 14, 2015

Georgia State research paves way for early detection of liver cancer

A new class of protein-based contrast agents (PRCAs) has been developed to detect liver cancer at an early stage, providing robust results. The agent, ProCA32, allows for imaging of liver tumors measuring less than 0.25 millimeters with improved sensitivity and accuracy compared to existing methods.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2015

Real and false-color images of Siberia

NASA's Aqua satellite captured false-color images of Siberia's massive wildfires using MODIS instrument. The false color image shows the extent of the burn scars, while the natural-color image highlights actively burning areas outlined in red.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 14, 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.

'Hydrogels' boost ability of stem cells to restore eyesight and heal brains

Scientists at University of Toronto have made breakthroughs in cell transplantation using hydrogel biomaterials, showing potential for partially restoring vision and aiding brain recovery from stroke. The new gel-like material boosts cell survival and integration in the eye and brain, paving the way for stem-cell-based therapies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMay 14, 2015

Which is most valuable: Gold, cocaine or rhino horn?

A study found that rhino horn is more valuable by weight than gold, diamonds, or cocaine, posing a devastating threat to the world's largest herbivores. The loss of these animals would have drastic implications for ecosystems and human societies, with some species expected to become extinct in as little as 80-100 years.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 14, 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.

Study finds those who believe in pure evil support more harsh criminal punishments

A Kansas State University study found that individuals with a strong belief in pure evil are more likely to support harsh sentences, including life in prison without parole and the death penalty. This belief overrides stereotypes about the offender's character, suggesting that perceived retribution and demonization play a significant r...

SourceKansas State University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMay 14, 2015

Diabetes drug may reduce heart attack risk in HIV patients

A new study suggests a diabetes drug may prevent cardiovascular problems in HIV-positive adults by reducing inflammation linked to heart disease and stroke. The drug, sitagliptin, improved metabolism and reduced inflammation in HIV patients taking antiretroviral therapy.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 14, 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.

Growing interest

A new Cornell study found that when school-grown salad greens were incorporated into cafeteria lunches, high school students increased their salad selection by 500% and consumed two-thirds of their salads. However, plate waste also rose, indicating a potential trade-off.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateMay 14, 2015

Medicaid patients need support to use primary care rather than emergency rooms

More than half of Medicaid enrollees opt for hospital emergency departments due to convenience and access to technology, rather than primary care clinics. This finding exposes a gap in healthcare services, as patients may avoid costs associated with travel and time away from work but neglect preventive care and chronic disease management.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMedical Care·DateMay 14, 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.

Study implicates new gene in multiple sclerosis disease activity

A study at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a genetic variant, SLC9A9, associated with patients' likelihood of responding to interferon-beta treatment. The variant may also play a role in regulating immune cells involved in inflammatory diseases like MS.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMay 14, 2015

Recommended levels of activity rarely achieved in busy workplace environment

A study published at the EuroPRevent congress found that employees in busy workplaces often do not meet recommended levels of physical activity, with only 6% achieving 10,000 steps per day. The research highlights the need for workplace health promotion policies to be more effectively applied to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMay 14, 2015

Study estimates prevalence of glaucoma among Singapore Chinese

A study of 3,353 Chinese adults in Singapore found the prevalence of glaucoma to be 3.2%, with primary open-angle glaucoma affecting 1.7% and primary angle-closure glaucoma affecting 1.5%. The study also highlighted the need for increased public awareness of this potentially blinding condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 14, 2015

Typhoon Dolphin closing in on Guam

Typhoon Dolphin is a highly developed and organized storm with strong winds of up to 95 knots (109-132 mph) and wave heights of 32 feet. The typhoon is forecasted to bring damaging winds, torrential rains, and high surf to Guam and surrounding islands.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 14, 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.

Germination can make buckwheat more nutritious

A new study reveals germinated buckwheat has better nutritional value than ungerminated buckwheat due to activated dormant enzymes. This process increases the presence of nutrients and reduces compounds interfering with nutrient absorption.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateMay 14, 2015

Minimal residual disease alone not predictive in T-cell leukemia

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that minimal residual disease alone is not predictive of risk or outcome in children with T-cell leukemia. Despite having few remaining leukemia cells, patients achieved complete remission and had excellent outcomes without intensifying therapy.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer·DateMay 14, 2015

Hazing remains a concern in college marching bands, new study shows

A recent study found that nearly a third of college marching band members surveyed observed hazing in their programs, including public verbal humiliation and degradation, yet few reported the activities due to fears of retribution or social standing. The researchers suggest that education and reporting efforts by band directors may be ...

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Research in Music Education·DateMay 14, 2015

'This never would have happened with a red dress'

The researchers found that all test subjects perceived similar color shades with varying lightness but not actual colors. The perception of daylight locus is influenced by the position of the sun, causing variations in lighting conditions.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 14, 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.

Who should pay the price?

Researchers devise a replicator dynamics model to analyze the effects of incentives and meta-incentives on resolving social dilemmas. The study finds that allowing a reward-to-reward linkage can resolve the dilemma without any social costs, making it an efficient solution for real-world applications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 14, 2015

Revealing the ocean's hidden fertilizer

A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Columbia University reveals a more complex marine phosphorus cycle than previously thought, with microbes playing a key role in using and breaking down forms of the essential element. In the process, about five percent of phosphate is converted to phosphonates in shallow water samples.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience·DateMay 14, 2015

New research suggests afterlife belief preserves hope when thinking about death

New research from psychologists at the University of Kent found that afterlife beliefs help preserve hope among people with low self-esteem, even when faced with mortality salience. In two studies, participants who believed in immortality showed increased hope levels after reading statements about life after death or gene promises.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalCognition & Emotion·DateMay 14, 2015

Geneticists clock genetic differences between 'larks' and 'owls'

A new study by geneticists from the University of Leicester has identified nearly 80 genes associated with 'morningness' and 'eveningness' in fruit flies. This discovery could lead to better diagnostics and personalized medicine, where individuals receive tailored therapies based on their unique genetic profiles.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateMay 14, 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.

New age of genome editing could lead to cure for sickle cell anemia

Researchers introduce single-letter DNA change into human red blood cells, increasing oxygen-carrying haemoglobin production and alleviating symptoms of sickle cell anaemia. The approach is effective, safe, and non-inherited, offering a promising alternative to conventional gene therapy.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2015

Genome-wide DNA study shows lasting impact of malnutrition in early pregnancy

A genome-wide study found that malnutrition in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy is associated with changes in DNA methylation, which can suppress genes involved in growth, development, and metabolism. These findings have significant implications for understanding the long-term effects of prenatal nutrition on health outcomes.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateMay 14, 2015

Bullying: What we know based on 40 years of research

A comprehensive review of over 40 years of research on bullying reveals its complex nature and negative impact on victims. The study suggests that bullying is a distinct form of interpersonal aggression, with long-term effects that can endure into adulthood.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateMay 14, 2015

Study investigates the quality of organs from potential donors with HIV

A study explores the quality of organs from HIV-positive donors for potential transplant use in the US, finding that donor kidneys may be of reduced quality. The study suggests nearly 400 potential organ donors might be available annually, but long-term viability and hepatitis C virus infection could impact organ health.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateMay 14, 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.

Do flies have fear (or something like it)?

Researchers studied flies' response to shadows, finding that they display persistent defensive behavior, generalizable across contexts. The study suggests that flies may help understand the fundamental neurochemistry of fear and emotions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 14, 2015

Antibody's unusual abilities might inspire vaccine strategies

A novel antibody, Ab926, has been discovered that can prevent E. coli from attaching to human cell surfaces and also dislodge bacteria already attached. This antibody works by binding to the side of the FimH pocket, rather than directly competing with free-floating mannose.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 14, 2015

Unemployment linked to rise in prostate cancer deaths

Rises in unemployment are associated with significant increases in prostate cancer mortality, according to the first study to systematically explore this correlation. The effect continued for at least five years after a 1% rise in unemployment, even after controlling for competing factors.

Sourceecancermedicalscience·Journalecancermedicalscience·DateMay 14, 2015

Definitive tests for irritable bowel syndrome developed at Cedars-Sinai

Cedars-Sinai gastroenterologist Mark Pimentel has developed two simple blood tests that accurately diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in millions of people worldwide. The new blood tests identify specific antibodies reacting to toxins from bacteria, such as salmonella, and confirm IBS diagnosis with greater than 90% certainty.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 14, 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.

Findings reveal clues to functioning of mysterious 'mimivirus'

Researchers have discovered the structure of a key protein on the surface of the mimivirus, aiding efforts to determine its hosts and unknown functions. The R135 protein is similar to an enzyme found in a fungus and may participate in biodegrading lignin, suggesting alternative hosts such as algae.

SourcePurdue University·JournalStructure·DateMay 14, 2015

Unique social structure of hunter-gatherers explained

A new UCL study reveals that sex equality in residential decision-making explains the unique social structure of hunter-gatherers. The research found that when both men and women have influence over camp assortment, group relatedness is much lower due to individuals seeking to live with as many kin as possible.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateMay 14, 2015