Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 4, 2015


From brittle to plastic in 1 breath

Researchers at Rice University have found ways to make 2D molybdenum disulfide exhibit superplasticity by manipulating its gas environment, allowing it to deform without breaking. This breakthrough opens the possibility of tailoring the plastic properties of these materials for specific applications.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 4, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ocean currents disturb methane-eating bacteria

Researchers found that ocean currents strongly affect methane-consuming bacterial populations in Arctic cold seeps, controlling their prevalence and methane consumption rates. Fluctuations in these communities were linked to changes in water temperature and salinity.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 4, 2015

Duke study uncovers foundations of heart regeneration

A recent study by Duke University researchers has shed light on the epicardium, a mysterious outer layer of the heart known to regrow cardiac tissue in zebrafish. The findings suggest that this layer is critical for regeneration and may hold key to repairing damaged hearts in humans.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateMay 4, 2015

Detecting knee-cushion problems early could lead to better treatments

New research from the University of Missouri reveals that even small changes in menisci can hinder knee function, providing clues to understanding osteoarthritis. The study suggests repairing meniscal tears might be worthwhile to prevent osteoarthritis.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateMay 4, 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.

These gigantic whales have nerves like bungee cords

Researchers discovered that rorqual whale nerves can double in length without damage, supporting their extreme lunge feeding mechanism. This discovery highlights the importance of flexible nervous systems in accommodating body deformation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 4, 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.

Virginia Tech researcher shines light on origin of bioluminescence

A Virginia Tech researcher has made a groundbreaking discovery about the origins of bioluminescence in millipedes. By studying a rare species that glows in the dark, he found that its early evolutionary role may have been related to antioxidant properties, not warning predators.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2015

'Freezing a bullet' to find clues to ribosome assembly process

Scientists have identified a new chaperone protein, Acl4, that helps assemble ribosomal protein L4 into a developing ribosome. This discovery provides insights into the stepwise process of ribosome assembly and has potential applications in antifungal agents and disease research.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 4, 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.

3-D printed trachea among key Mount Sinai research presented at AATS meeting

Researchers from Mount Sinai presented a first successful 3D printed trachea, as well as studies on increased mortality in black patients after esophageal cancer surgery and the potential benefits of surgical resection for myasthenia gravis. These findings highlight the importance of personalized medicine and access to specialized care.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateMay 4, 2015

India drift

MIT researchers explain India's rapid move toward Eurasia 80 million years ago by the combination of two subduction zones. The team found relics of what may have been two subduction zones in rocks from the Himalayan region, which led them to develop a model for a double subduction system.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 4, 2015

Study finds inhibitor for COPD lung destruction

Researchers at Brown and Yale implicates a specific mitochondrial protein, NLRX1, in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from exposure to cigarette smoke. The study shows that suppression of NLRX1 is a major cigarette-induced signature of lung destruction.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 4, 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.

Malarial parasites dodge the kill

Researchers have identified a way for malaria parasites to dodge anti-malarial drugs, surviving inside immature red blood cells and remaining sensitive to certain treatments. This finding may help guide future research and lead to the development of new anti-malarial drugs for refractory patients.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 4, 2015

Scientists find new link between diabetes and Alzheimer's

Researchers found that elevated blood sugar can rapidly increase amyloid beta levels in the brain, contributing to Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a new connection between diabetes and Alzheimer's, providing a potential therapeutic target for treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 4, 2015

Lab test commonly used to assess water toxicity

Researchers found that H. azteca from polluted sites are less sensitive to pyrethroid insecticides than lab-grown ones. This suggests standard testing methods may not accurately reflect environmental health

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMay 4, 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.

Bystander CPR helps cardiac arrest survivors return to work

A Danish study found that more than 75% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors returned to work, with a significant increase in return-to-work rates among those who received bystander CPR. The study also revealed that survivors spent an average of three years back at work and earned the same salary after arrest.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 4, 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.

Real stereotypes continue to exist in virtual worlds

Researchers found that women in online games received less help from fellow players when operating unattractive avatars or male avatars. The study supports the idea that gender and appearance stereotypes follow us into virtual environments.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateMay 4, 2015

Researchers 'un-can' the HIV virus

A new approach to fighting HIV has been discovered by researchers at the University of Montreal, who identified a way to use a tiny molecule to 'open up' the virus and expose its vulnerable parts. This breakthrough could lead to the design of a vaccine to prevent transmission and potentially one day eradicate the virus.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2015

Carrying a little extra weight decreases mortality from type 2 diabetes

Research found that patients with type 2 diabetes who are overweight but not obese live longer than those who are underweight or normal-weight. The 'obesity paradox' suggests that excess weight may be beneficial for survival in these patients, contrary to previous expectations. Meanwhile, daily low-molecular-weight heparin injections w...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 4, 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.

How oxidizing a heart 'brake' causes heart damage

Researchers found that oxidation in cardiac cells disrupts PKG's ability to shield the heart from stress. Oxidation-resistant forms of PKG, however, allow for better protection against disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 4, 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.

Established a psychological technique to helps smokers quite tobacco

A new psychological technique called Motivational Interviewing has been shown to help smokers change their behavior and see tobacco as unpleasant. This technique, which takes just 20 minutes, increases self-efficiency and reduces resistance, allowing smokers to overcome motivation barriers.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalBehaviour Research and Therapy·DateMay 4, 2015

An unexpected role for calcium in controlling inflammation during chronic lung infection

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center identified a crucial role for calcium signaling in controlling inflammation during chronic lung infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Calcium channels play a key role in shutting down the immune response and preventing injurious inflammation.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 4, 2015

Pitch for support, in Spanish and offering recognition, scores for nonprofit

A University of Oregon study found that Spanish-speaking residents responded at a 32-percent higher rate than English-speaking residents when receiving letters written in their primary language. The study suggests that communicating with supporters in a culturally competent way can lead to increased response rates and potentially more ...

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly·DateMay 4, 2015

Study shows dietary supplements are good for coral health

Researchers found that Staghorn coral species can increase feeding rates to buffer the effects of climate change and ocean acidification. This breakthrough has implications for reef conservation and resilience strategies.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 4, 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.

May 2015 Gastrointestinal Endoscopy highlights

A meta-analysis found intragastric injection of botulinum toxin A effective for treating obesity, with significant weight loss in treated patients compared to placebo. Additionally, a study concluded that flexible endoscopes can be stored for up to 21 days after reprocessing without microbial colonization

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateMay 4, 2015

Are scare tactics off the table for public health campaigns targeting HIV?

Scholars at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health explore the implications of fear-based campaigns in public health, highlighting successes and failures. While fear-based campaigns have been effective in reducing smoking rates, they may be counterproductive for HIV prevention, stigmatizing affected populations.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 4, 2015

Emergency department opioid prescribing

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that emergency physicians prescribe opioids with caution, aligning with short-term use goals and limiting prescriptions to 3-5 days. The majority of opioid prescriptions had a low pill count and were immediate-release formulations.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMay 4, 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.

Decoding DNA's phonebook

Researchers create genomic interactions catalogue to study promoter interactions, identifying genes involved in inflammatory bowel disorders. The catalogue captures over 1 million interactions, revealing new elements for turning genes on or off.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 4, 2015

NASA sees Tropical Storm Noul strengthening, organizing

Tropical Storm Noul has strengthened and become more organized, with sustained winds reaching up to 65 knots (74.8 mph) north of its low-level center. The storm is now moving west-southwest at a slow pace and is expected to reach typhoon strength near Yap on May 6.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 4, 2015

Pitt team follows zinc to uncover pathway that fine-tunes brain signaling

A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has uncovered a previously unknown pathway that fine-tunes neural signaling by modulating glutamate NMDA-type receptors. This discovery could lead to new research avenues in understanding neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2015

Racial differences in male breast cancer outcomes

Researchers found that black men under 65 diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer had a 76% higher risk of death than white men, despite similar treatment. The study suggests that poverty may play an important role in racial disparities in breast cancer mortality.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 4, 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.

How our view of what makes us happy has changed in 80 years

A study recreated from a 1938 survey found that people's perception of what brings happiness has changed over time. Security, knowledge, and religion were once considered key factors, but today good humour and leisure are ranked first and second respectively.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·DateMay 4, 2015

Scientists identify tissue-degrading enzyme in white-nose syndrome

Researchers at UCSF-Brown have discovered an enzyme that breaks down bat tissue, exacerbating the spread of white-nose syndrome. They identified Destructin-1, a collagen-digesting enzyme, and found potential inhibitors, paving the way for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2015

Nature paper describes revolutionary method of making RNAs

A new method for making RNAs has been developed by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, allowing for increased chemical diversity and efficiency. This breakthrough could accelerate the development of diagnostics and therapeutics using RNAs.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature·DateMay 4, 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.

Fungi enhances crop roots and could be a future 'bio-fertilizer'

New research found that mycorrhizal fungus triggers additional root growth in rice crops, allowing them to absorb more nutrients. The fungus also enmeshes itself within plant cells, providing a direct mineral boost.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2015

Gigantic whales have stretchy 'bungee cord' nerves

Researchers at the University of British Columbia discovered stretchy nerves in rorqual whales that can double in length like a bungee cord. This unique structure allows the whales to create a large pocket between their body wall and blubber to capture prey during feeding dives.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 4, 2015

Primary care visits available to most uninsured, but at a high price

A study found that nearly 80% of uninsured callers could schedule primary care visits, but the average cost was $160, which is unaffordable for many. Only 18% were told they could pay later, with a median payment plan of 61%. Expanding Medicaid would enable more people to afford basic healthcare.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 4, 2015

Juvenile shale gas in Sweden

A new hydrogeochemical modelling approach reveals the specific methane generation process in Europe for the first time. The formation of biogenic shale gas in Sweden's crust is relatively young, dating back to deglaciation around 12,000 years ago.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalAAPG Bulletin·DateMay 4, 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.

Defects in atomically thin semiconductor emit single photons

Researchers at the University of Rochester have created optically active quantum dots in a 2D semiconductor, which could enable nanophotonics applications and integrated photonics. The defects on the atomically thin semiconductor emit single photons with correlated color and spin.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 4, 2015

Study IDs collagen-damaging protein in White Nose syndrome

Scientists have discovered a protease enzyme secreted by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans that damages collagen in bats. A protease inhibitor showed a 77% reduction in collagen damage after 54 hours, offering hope for treating White Nose syndrome.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2015

Patients with AIDS at increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration

A new study found that patients with AIDS have a four-fold increase in the risk of developing intermediate-stage age-related macular degeneration, compared to those without HIV. The study suggests that chronic immune activation and systemic inflammation may contribute to this increased risk.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateMay 4, 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.

Chicxulub and the Deccan eruptions: Just a coincidence?

Researchers argue that the Chicxulub impact likely triggered most of the immense Deccan Traps flood basalt eruptions in India, changing the narrative on the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. The study suggests a cause-and-effect relationship between the two events, citing geological evidence and historical data.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateMay 4, 2015

Pollen and clouds: April flowers bring May showers?

A new study from the University of Michigan and Texas A¼M reveals that pollen can break down into tiny particles that act as cloud condensation nuclei, forming clouds. This discovery has significant implications for climate science and public health.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 4, 2015

Proteomics identifies DNA repair toolbox

Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry have analyzed the protein composition of the DNA replication machinery in response to damaged DNA. They found that over 90 proteins are recruited to aid in repair, including many known factors as well as new proteins with unknown functions.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Biochemistry·JournalScience·DateMay 4, 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.

Warm oceans caused hottest Dust Bowl years in 1934/36

Researchers found two specific ocean hot spots responsible for the record-breaking heat of 1934/36, a decade marked by devastating dust storms. This study may help predict extreme summers over the central US with months-long forecasts.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateMay 4, 2015

Enhancing emergency medical care for seniors could reduce hospital admissions

A three-year analysis by Mount Sinai researchers found that early palliative care interventions can improve geriatric emergency care, decreasing hospital lengths-of-stay and costs. The approach is shown to have reduced ICU admissions for patients aged 65 and older by 1.4%.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 4, 2015

Discovered the sixth DNA base?

Researchers have found evidence of a potential sixth DNA base, methyl-adenine (mA), in complex organisms including humans, algae and worms. This discovery could have significant implications for our understanding of epigenetics and gene regulation.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 4, 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 random raman laser: A new light source for the microcosmos

Researchers at Texas A&M University demonstrate a bright, speckle-free strobe light source using random Raman lasing emission, enabling rapid imaging of microscopic forms of life. The new laser-like light source has a low level of spatial coherence and can produce high-speed images with improved quality.

SourceOptica·DateMay 4, 2015

'Performance enhancing' drugs decrease performance

Research from the University of Adelaide analyzed sporting records from 1886 to 2012 and found that doping era times, distances, and results did not improve as expected. The study suggests that doping may be more widespread than thought and has a detrimental effect on performance in some areas.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Human Sport and Exercise·DateMay 4, 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.

Electronic health records may not improve outcomes in ischemic stroke patients

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that electronic health records (EHRs) did not demonstrate better quality of care or clinical outcomes for ischemic stroke patients. Despite their potential benefits, EHRs were associated with only a slightly lower risk of prolonged hospital stays.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 4, 2015

INFORMS journal study finds double-digit growth for firms creating own online communities

A new study published in Marketing Science finds that firms creating their own brand-specific online communities experience significant revenue growth, with social engagement being a key driver. The study reveals that enabling customer social interactions can generate substantial direct revenue benefits to the firm.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateMay 4, 2015

Rumors have it

A study by MIT researcher Adam Berinsky found that correcting political rumors can sometimes increase their strength. Attempts to debunk myths often rely on partisan sources, which can lead to increased belief in the myth. The study suggests that finding neutral sources of information is crucial for combating political misinformation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBritish Journal of Political Science·DateMay 4, 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.

Keeping legalized marijuana out of hands of kids

Researchers suggest four strategies to prevent marijuana use among minors: increasing prices through tax policy, regulating retail availability, preventing accidental ingestion by children, and restricting marketing. These measures can help minimize youth access to marijuana.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 4, 2015

Combining computer vision and brain computer interface for faster mine detection

Computer scientists developed a new method combining computer vision algorithms and brain-computer interface to detect mines in sonar images, outperforming existing methods. The system uses classifiers to capture changes in pixel intensity and improves accuracy by detecting 99.5% of true positives and reducing false positives.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalIEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering·DateMay 4, 2015

Researchers get a closer look at how the Huntington's gene works

A closer look at the DNA surrounding the Huntington's disease (HD) gene reveals critical regions controlling its expression. Changes in these regions can delay or accelerate the disease, with some individuals receiving protection from the mutant gene.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 4, 2015

Fjords are 'hotspots' in global carbon cycling

Researchers estimate that fjords bury about 18 million tonnes of organic carbon annually, equivalent to 11% of global marine carbon burial. Fjords are 'hotspots' for carbon burial due to their deep and stable environments.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 4, 2015

Joining the genomic dots

A new technique called Promoter Capture Hi-C was used to connect regulatory elements in the mouse and human genomes, providing insight into how genes are regulated. The analysis identified long-range interactions between promoters and enhancers, shedding light on the genetic basis of disease.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 4, 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.

Insight into how we protect ourselves from certain bacteria and fungi

Researchers discovered a key gene that shields us from fungal and bacterial infections, and found it affects two crucial cell types involved in our immune response. STAT3 helps regulate the development and function of natural killer T and mucosal-associated invariant T cells, which play a vital role in fighting off pathogens.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 4, 2015

Kids likely to sleepwalk if parents have history of nocturnal strolls

A study found that over 60% of children developed sleepwalking when both parents were sleepwalkers, highlighting a strong genetic influence on the disorder. The research also showed that parental history of sleepwalking is a significant risk factor for children to develop sleepwalking.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 2015

UH researchers create lens to turn smartphone into microscope

A team of University of Houston researchers has developed a lens that turns smartphones into microscopes, achieving 120x magnification at an affordable cost. The lens uses a polydimethylsiloxane material and can be attached directly to the smartphone camera, making it ideal for educational purposes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateMay 4, 2015

New screening technique could pick up twice as many women with ovarian cancer

A new screening method can detect twice as many women with ovarian cancer as conventional strategies, according to the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS). The method uses a statistical calculation to interpret changing CA125 levels in women's blood, providing a more accurate prediction of individual risk.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 4, 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.

Premature birth alters brain connections

A new study by King's College London found that premature birth alters the connections between key areas of the brain. This can lead to difficulties in learning, concentration, and social skills later in childhood.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2015

Carnegie Mellon's Krzysztof Matyjaszewski wins Dreyfus Prize

Carnegie Mellon University's Krzysztof Matyjaszewski has won the 2015 Dreyfus Prize in Chemical Sciences for his pioneering work in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), a process that enables precise control over polymer size and architecture. This breakthrough has led to the creation of thousands of new materials, valued at ov...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 4, 2015

New climate projections paint bleak future for tropical coral reefs

Climate model projections show that conditions are likely to increase the frequency and severity of coral disease outbreaks. The research team also compares their model outputs with expected future changes in the more widely publicized impact of coral bleaching.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 4, 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.

Digoxin increases the risk of death in patients with heart problems

A systematic review of over 320,000 patients found digoxin associated with a 21% increased risk of death from any cause. High levels of digoxin in the blood correlate with an increased death rate in patients. The authors call for randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMay 4, 2015

Recurrence of prostate cancer detected earlier with innovative PSMA-ligand PET/CT

A recent study found that the Ga-68-PSMA-ligand PET/CT detected a large number of positive findings in patients with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy, particularly at low PSA-values. The tracer's higher detection rates compared to other imaging methods suggest an early detection advantage for further clinical management.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMay 4, 2015

New technique shows shale-drilling additives in drinking-water taps near leak

Scientists have discovered chemical compounds, including 2-BE and organic contaminants, in the drinking water of three Pennsylvania homes near a reported well-pad leak. The new technique, GCxGC-TOFMS, was used to characterize the contamination, which is believed to have originated from fracking fluids or drilling additives.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 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.

Scientists reconcile three unrelated theories of schizophrenia

Researchers have reconciled three unrelated hypotheses about schizophrenia's causes by studying mice with a genetic deletion. The findings suggest that faulty neural connections, excess dopamine, and brain pruning are linked to the disease. The study aims to develop treatment strategies targeting these underlying causes.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 4, 2015