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Science News for May 20, 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.

Toward 'green' paper-thin, flexible electronics

Scientists have created a light-emitting, transparent and flexible paper out of biocompatible materials, a significant step towards bendable electronics. The innovation uses wood flour and quantum dots made from zinc and selenium, offering a 'greener' alternative to traditional plastics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 20, 2015

One simple molecule regulates sexual behavior in Drosophila

Researchers have identified a relatively simple molecule called methyl laurate that regulates complex mating behavior in vinegar flies. Methyl laurate is detected by specific neurons and triggers courtship behavior in males, while also activating circuits involved in aggregation.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2015

Supernova hits star, results shocking

A team of astronomers witnessed a supernova smashing into a nearby star, creating an ultraviolet glow that reveals the size of the companion. The study provides new insights into the origin of type Ia supernovae.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Robotic sonar system inspired by bats

Engineers at Virginia Tech have created a novel dynamic sonar system inspired by horseshoe bats that can navigate complex environments with ease. The system uses two receiving channels and one emitting channel to replicate the key motions in the bat's ears and nose, reducing power consumption and computing resources.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 20, 2015

Measuring air quality effects of natural gas extraction in Marcellus Shale region

A Drexel University team conducted a mobile air quality monitoring campaign to assess the impact of natural gas extraction on air quality in the Marcellus Shale region. The study found relatively small increases in air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic chemicals, with elevated ultrafine particles from compressor s...

SourceDrexel University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 20, 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.

New portable device could test how 'squishy' cancerous tumors are

Researchers at USC have developed a portable device to measure a tumor's squishiness, which may help personalize cancer care. The device uses fiber optics and can accurately quantify the Young's modulus of various materials without damaging them.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 20, 2015

Researchers develop new way to manufacture nanofibers

The University of Georgia has developed a new, affordable way to create nanofibers by using magnetospinning. This process allows the production of high-quality nanofibers with various materials embedded within them, such as live cells, drugs, and proteins.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 20, 2015

Public not being informed about dangers of medical overdiagnosis

A national survey found that only one in ten Australians report being told about the risk of overdiagnosis by their doctors, while over 90% believe people should be informed. Overdiagnosis occurs when someone is diagnosed with a disease that will never cause harm due to unnecessary labelling and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 20, 2015

Study: Include men in osteoporosis screening guidelines

A recent study found that one in four men over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis, surpassing prostate cancer incidence rates. The research suggests adding men to osteoporosis screening guidelines to address the high likelihood of vertebral fractures and low bone density.

SourceMediaSource·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateMay 20, 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.

Kidney failure impacts survival of sepsis patients

Duke University researchers identified physiological changes affecting patients with acute kidney injury during sepsis treatment, potentially improving patient survival rates after kidney failure. The study showed that kidney function is a critical determinant of how patients respond to treatment.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalKidney International·DateMay 20, 2015

Uncovering the mysteries of cosmic explosions

The team discovered supernova iPTF 14atg using an automated software system that separates real astronomical transients from false detections. The system uses machine learning technology to identify events of astrophysical origin.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 2015

Regrets? Opting out of clinical trials may prompt more than a few

Women who participate in clinical trials are more likely to experience positive emotions and fewer negative emotions than those who do not. The study suggests that recruiters should disclose the potential for regret and other negative feelings when participants opt out, to increase enrollment.

SourcePenn State·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateMay 20, 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.

Paracetamol in pregnancy may lower testosterone in unborn boys

Research suggests that prolonged paracetamol use during pregnancy may reduce testosterone production in unborn baby boys, potentially linked to reproductive health problems later in life. The study found a 45% decrease in testosterone levels after seven days of exposure.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 20, 2015

New studies contradict earlier findings on Rett syndrome

Researchers at the University of Iowa found no benefit from bone marrow transplantation in mice models of Rett syndrome, contradicting earlier findings. The study suggests that the initial results were due to factors other than those considered in the new experiment.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 2015

Scientists tackle mystery of thunderstorms that strike at night

Researchers will use lab-equipped aircraft, ground-based instruments, and weather balloons to understand nighttime storm formation and evolution. The goal is to improve forecasts of damaging storms and provide insights into atmospheric conditions that lead to storm clustering and organization.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateMay 20, 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.

Male Java sparrows may 'drum' to their songs

Researchers found that male Java sparrows synchronize their bill-clicking sounds with the melody of their song, similar to human percussionists. This behavior suggests that birds may have an innate ability to produce and coordinate non-vocal sounds with vocalizations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 20, 2015

New technology could fundamentally change future wireless communications

Researchers from the University of Bristol have developed a new technique to estimate and cancel out interference in radio transmission, allowing for full-duplex communication on a single channel. This innovation has the potential to double Wi-Fi capacity and increase data rates in cellular systems.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalIEEE Communications Magazine·DateMay 20, 2015

Mothers of sons more likely to develop diabetes during pregnancy

Women who were having sons were more likely to develop gestational diabetes than women who were pregnant with daughters. Women who developed gestational diabetes while pregnant with daughters were at higher risk of being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes after pregnancy.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 20, 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.

Natural plant chemicals could help fight tooth decay, study shows

A study published in Chemical Communications suggests that a natural plant chemical called trans-chalcone can help prevent tooth decay. By blocking the action of an enzyme that allows bacteria to thrive, researchers found that trans-chalcone prevents the formation of plaque and biofilms around teeth.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalChemical Communications·DateMay 20, 2015

Study shows Colorado's biggest storms can happen any time

A new study shows that Colorado's extreme precipitation events can happen in any season and at all elevations across the state. The research found that high-elevation intense precipitation events have occurred in all months of the year, including summer, when that precipitation is more likely to be rain and therefore more of a flood risk.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·DateMay 20, 2015

Resolving a lymphatic riddle

Weizmann Institute researchers resolved the debate on lymphatic system origins, discovering that lymphatic cells grow from a niche within embryonic veins. They also identified a key gene, WNT5B, which prompts stem cells to differentiate into lymphatic cells.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 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.

Scientists discover world's oldest stone tools

The discovery of stone tools in northwestern Kenya pushes the known date back by 700,000 years and may challenge the notion that modern humans' ancestors were the first to create such tools. The tools suggest an earlier group of proto-humans may have had the thinking abilities needed to figure out how to make sharp-edged tools.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 2015

Galaxy's snacking habits revealed

A team of astronomers discovered a spiral galaxy devouring a nearby compact dwarf galaxy and found remnants of previous galactic snacks. The study used ground and space-based telescopes to measure chemical enrichment in the gas across the entire face of NGC 1512.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 20, 2015

Taking control of light emission

By pairing graphene and hexagonal boron nitride, researchers can control light waves and create unique optical materials. This enables the development of tiny optical waveguides and new applications in infrared spectroscopy and imaging devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 20, 2015

Gun violence restraining orders: A promising strategy to reduce gun violence in the US

A new report suggests that gun violence restraining orders can be a promising strategy for reducing firearm homicide and suicide in the US. GVROs allow family members or intimate partners to request an order from a civil court, authorizing law enforcement to remove guns from the individual's possession and prohibiting new purchases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalBehavioral Sciences & the Law·DateMay 20, 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.

New class of swelling magnets have the potential to energize the world

Researchers at Temple University and the University of Maryland have discovered a new class of non-Joulian magnets that expand their volume when placed in a magnetic field. These magnets can generate negligible amounts of wasteful heat during energy harvesting, making them ideal for creating compact omnidirectional actuators.

SourceTemple University·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 2015

Study finds biomarker may boost ovarian cancer chemotherapy response

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a biomarker that may boost the response to chemotherapy in patients with ovarian cancer. The study found that miR-506 was associated with improved responses to chemotherapy drugs cisplatin and olaparib, leading to better overall survival.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 20, 2015

Seeing without eyes

Researchers found that octopus skin can sense light changes without central nervous system input, using the same opsin proteins as its eyes. This allows for a response to brightness and color, enabling camouflage and communication. The discovery has implications for understanding cephalopod behavior and evolution.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 20, 2015

New music strategy shows 70 percent increase in exercise adherence

A new study shows that personalized music playlists with tempo-pace synchronization can significantly increase exercise adherence in cardiac rehabilitation patients, with an average of 105.4 minutes more exercise per week. This approach has the potential to improve long-term survival and life expectancy for these patients.

SourceUniversity Health Network·DateMay 20, 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.

Common mutation linked to heart disease

A study found that a common mutation in the SCARB1 gene is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, especially among men and African Americans. The mutation was linked to a 49% higher risk of heart disease in African American males compared to white males.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 20, 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.

A statistical study of first-year college rape

A statistical study of first-year college rape found that 18.6% of freshmen women experienced completed or attempted rape, with a significant increase in risk among women who had previously been victimized. The study emphasizes the need for colleges to develop effective prevention and counseling programs.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMay 20, 2015

What happens inside a membrane

Researchers at SISSA have developed a novel method to analyze the structure of biological proteins immersed in their physiological context. This technique allows for excellent spatial resolution and study of molecules in their natural environment, providing new insights into the opening/closing mechanism of major ion channels. The stud...

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2015

Physicians can play key role in preventing foodborne illness

The University of Georgia's Michael Doyle emphasizes the importance of clinicians educating patients on food safety practices to prevent illnesses. The US is facing challenges such as an aging population and imported foods from other countries that may not adhere to sanitary standards, making prevention crucial.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 20, 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.

Defects can 'Hulk-up' materials

A new technique uses high-energy alpha particles to transform thermoelectric materials into more efficient versions, even improving electrical conductivity and thermopower. The research could lead to significant advancements in clean energy and device cooling applications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 20, 2015

Animals' presence may ease social anxiety in kids with autism

A NIH-funded study suggests that the presence of companion animals may reduce social anxiety in children with autism. Children with ASDs showed lower skin conductance levels when interacting with peers and companion animals compared to typically developing children.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateMay 20, 2015

US forest service research team releases bats treated for WNS

A US forest service research team has released bats treated for White-nose Syndrome (WNS), a deadly fungus that has killed an estimated 5-6 million bats. The treatment, developed with native soil bacteria, showed promising results in field trials and could potentially reduce mortality of bats affected by the disease.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·DateMay 20, 2015

Experimental Ebola treatment boosts survival in mice

Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment for Ebola by screening compounds from existing malaria and flu drugs. The treatment showed a high success rate of up to 90% in treating infected mice with no observable side effects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateMay 20, 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.

Online safety: If you want something done right, do it yourself

A recent study published in Computers in Human Behavior suggests that individuals have a crucial role in protecting their own data from cyber threats. Researchers at Michigan State University found that those who acknowledged the importance of personal responsibility were more likely to be motivated to learn and implement safety measures.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMay 20, 2015

Supernova hunting with supercomputers

Using supercomputer simulations, astronomers observed a flash of light caused by a supernova slamming into a nearby star, determining the stellar system from which it was born. This finding confirms one of two competing theories about the birth of Type Ia supernovae and suggests two distinct populations of these objects.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 2015

BMJ investigation reveals how big tobacco is able to woo parliamentarians

An investigation by The BMJ found that 38 MPs have accepted over £60,000 worth of tobacco industry hospitality since 2010. More than half of these MPs are from constituencies with higher rates of smoking-related deaths. The study also revealed that 20 of the 38 who had accepted industry hospitality voted against plain packaging.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 20, 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.

Growing up with smokers doubles risk for adult smoking among Hispanics

A recent study published in Preventive Medicine found that growing up in a home with a regular smoker nearly doubled the chances of becoming an adult smoker among Hispanics. The study, which looked at data from over 13,000 adults, also found that childhood exposure to household smoking was strongest for Cubans and Puerto Ricans.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMay 20, 2015

Nanotherapy effective in mice with multiple myeloma

Researchers have designed a nanoparticle-based therapy that effectively treats mice with multiple myeloma, a cancer of immune cells in the bone marrow. The nanoparticles carry a Myc inhibitor, which blocks a protein active in many types of cancer, and increase survival by 23 days compared to control groups.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateMay 20, 2015

Analysis compares stent expansion achieved with guidance from OCT versus IVUS

A study comparing OCT and IVUS guidance found that OCT-guided stents had greater in-segment percent diameter stenosis but similar major edge dissection and malapposition rates compared to IVUS-guidance. The results suggest that OCT-guidance is a viable alternative to IVUS for guiding percutaneous coronary interventions.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateMay 20, 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.

Caffeine intake associated with reduced levels of erectile dysfunction

A study published in PLOS ONE found that moderate caffeine consumption is associated with lower rates of erectile dysfunction. Men who consumed 85-170mg or 171-303mg of caffeine per day were 42% and 39% less likely to report ED, respectively, compared to those who drank zero to seven milligrams.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 20, 2015

Ultrasonic production of skimmed milk

Researchers successfully demonstrated cream separation from natural whole milk at liter-scales using ultrasonic standing waves, achieving fractionation outcomes desired for a particular dairy product. The technique allows for high volume throughputs of up to 30 liters per hour and can be used to specifically select milk fat globules of...

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 20, 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.

Study findings linking ovulation, racial bias questioned

A new study from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business failed to replicate earlier research suggesting a connection between ovulation and racial bias. The researchers tested various social groups, including elderly men, physically disabled men, and gay men, but found no evidence of an association.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 20, 2015

Sandia researchers first to measure thermoelectric behavior by 'Tinkertoy' materials

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have made the first measurements of thermoelectric behavior in a nanoporous metal-organic framework (MOF), a discovery that could lead to more efficient cooling and energy harvesting applications. The material, known as TCNQ@MOF, exhibits high Seebeck coefficient and low thermal conductivity.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 20, 2015

Potential new drug target for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

A new class of medications could prevent joint damage and provide relief to patients who don't respond to available treatments. The novel drug target, RPTPσ, inhibits the aggressive invasion of synoviocytes into joint cartilage by acting as an inhibitory signal.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 20, 2015

American College of Cardiology registry aims to improve cardiovascular care in India

A pilot study using the PINNACLE India Quality Improvement Program registry shows that high-quality outpatient cardiovascular care can be achieved in resource-limited environments like India. The registry collected data from 68,196 patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, highlighting areas for imp...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 20, 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.

Supernova ignition surprises scientists

Astronomers captured the early stages of three type 1a supernovae using the Kepler space telescope, revealing initial shockwaves differed from expected patterns. The findings suggest an alternative hypothesis for supernova ignition, contradicting long-held theories about these explosive events.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 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.

Tiny grains of lithium dramatically improve performance of fusion plasma

Scientists have discovered that injecting tiny grains of lithium into a plasma can dramatically improve its temperature and pressure, doubling the pressure at the outer edge and increasing the length of time it remains high. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient fusion reactions and potentially shorten the development timeline.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateMay 20, 2015

Study reveals how eastern US forests came to be

Researchers analyzed DNA of over 250 tree species in southern Appalachians and found that half can trace their ancestry to eastern Asia. The temperate forests of the region are home to more tree species than anywhere else in North America.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateMay 20, 2015

Re-engineered antibiotic shows potential for treatment of drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have created a second-generation antibiotic that effectively combats common bacterial infections resistant to commonly used antibiotics. The spectinomycin analogs block the growth of strains and demonstrate increased antibacterial activity against various pathogens.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 20, 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.

Chinese herbal mixture significantly reduces fatigue in cancer patients

A traditional Chinese medicine herbal mixture called Ren Shen Yangrong Tang (RSYRT) significantly reduced fatigue in cancer patients with moderate to severe symptoms. In a Phase I/II trial, RSYRT was found to be safe and effective in improving Qi deficiency, a key factor contributing to fatigue.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMay 20, 2015

Strong UV pulse reveals supernova's origin story

New research from the Palomar Transient Factory team provides evidence supporting the single degenerate channel theory for type Ia supernovae. The strong UV pulse detected in iPTF14atg indicates a collision between material ejected from the supernova and its companion star.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 2015

Amazing microdroplet structures may lead to new technologies

Scientists have created unexpected shapes of mesoscale atoms using a new method for precise control over placement of tiny segments of liquid. The discovery enhances the ability to form new structures, opening possibilities for innovative microfluidic systems.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 20, 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.

Newton Research Collaboration award -- University of Huddersfield

A University of Huddersfield professor has been granted a Newton Research Collaboration Award to develop a Dynamic Behaviour Model (DBM) that accurately predicts the energy usage of non-domestic buildings. The model will take into account various factors, including occupancy level and equipment use, to make a more realistic prediction.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateMay 20, 2015

New antibody insecticide targets malaria mosquito

Researchers have discovered a novel antibody insecticide that targets the African malaria mosquito, offering an alternative control strategy to halt the spread of the disease. The antibodies work by targeting a key component of the mosquito's nervous system, killing over 90% of infected insects within a day.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 20, 2015

Do CEOs deserve all the attention they get? New research from UGA provides answers

A new study by University of Georgia researchers shows that CEOs have a substantial influence on company performance, accounting for around 25% of profits. This increased impact is attributed to advancements in technology and changes in compensation packages, which provide strong incentives for CEOs to make strategic decisions.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateMay 20, 2015

Study: Pressure to expand is crucial key to firms' success

A University of Kansas researcher found that strong corporate culture among employees is only important if the business faces strong pressure from the outside to be successful. Firms like Whole Foods and Apple thrived on competition, while companies with large employee turnover struggled.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Economic Methodology·DateMay 20, 2015

NASA sees Extra-Tropical Storm Dolphin moving toward Sea of Okhotsk

Extra-Tropical Storm Dolphin is moving northeast towards the Sea of Okhotsk, interacting with westerlies that pushed clouds and showers east of its center. The storm has weakened, but still retains hurricane-force winds and is expected to turn northwards, passing south of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 20, 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.

Scripps reports results at first all pencil-beam proton center in US

The Scripps Proton Therapy Center in San Diego is reporting exceptional results in delivering cancer treatment using pencil-beam scanning technology, enabling the treatment of a wide range of tumor sites. The center has treated patients with lung, brain, spinal column, and other tumors, offering greater precision and efficiency in radi...

SourceScripps Health·DateMay 20, 2015

People tend to locate the self in the brain or the heart

A recent study published by Rice University researchers found that individuals generally prefer to locate their sense of self in the brain. This preference is stronger among those with an independent self-construal, who tend to assert autonomous goals and behaviors related to the brain. In contrast, people with an interdependent self-c...

SourceRice University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateMay 20, 2015

New evidence links Arctic warming with severe weather

Research by University of Sheffield scientists links Arctic warming to extreme weather events in the UK and US, suggesting a connection between warmer Arctic temperatures and mid-latitude weather patterns. The study found increased variability in the jet stream and high pressure over Greenland, contributing to variable UK winters.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of Climate·DateMay 20, 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.

Wistar receives $5.6 million grant renewal from Wellcome Trust

The Wistar Institute has secured a $5.6 million grant renewal from the Wellcome Trust to further develop cancer drugs targeting Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The goal is to create a therapeutic that can treat EBV-related cancers by attacking the virus as it remains dormant in patient cells.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·DateMay 20, 2015

People with metabolic syndrome face higher cardiovascular death risk

People with metabolic syndrome face a higher risk of cardiovascular death than those without the condition. The study found that having diabetes or high blood pressure significantly elevates this risk. Women with metabolic syndrome were also at a greater risk of death from any cause compared to their male counterparts.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 20, 2015

Einstein and Hitler, the hero and the villain of world history

A global study involving 6,902 university students found that Einstein and Mandela are consistently ranked as heroes, while Hitler is often considered the worst villain across cultures. The results highlight varying opinions on historical figures and events, reflecting cultural differences in perception.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 20, 2015

Ancient connection between the Americas enhanced extreme biodiversity

A new study by University of Gothenburg researchers shows that species migration across the Isthmus of Panama began about 20 million years ago, contradicting previous assumptions. This early exchange enhanced the region's extreme biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New era of astronomy as gravitational wave hunt begins

Australian scientists are part of the Advanced LIGO project aiming to find gravitational waves, ripples in space-time caused by violent cosmic events. The technology requires high sensitivity and precision, pushing the limits of components like low-noise detectors and high-power lasers.

SourceAustralian National University·DateMay 20, 2015

Mountain gorilla mamas sidestep having inbred offspring

In a study of mountain gorillas, researchers found that females avoid mating with their fathers to curb inbreeding. On average, seven out of ten offspring in groups with multiple males are sired by the dominant male, but none of his daughters' offspring

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMay 20, 2015