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Science News for November 2, 2015


Selective media coverage may cause us to forget certain health facts

Research suggests that personal anxiety and mass media coverage interact to determine what people remember about a disease. The study found that selective media coverage can cause people to forget certain health facts, particularly those related to symptoms.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 2, 2015

Scientists discover how to better map brain tumors

Researchers have identified a protein inside blood vessels at the invasive edge of brain tumours, enabling more accurate mapping and potentially improving treatment outcomes. The new imaging technique could lead to better surgery and radiotherapy for patients with brain tumours.

SourceCancer Research UK·DateNov 2, 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.

Smoking more common in films produced outside of Hollywood

A new study reveals that internationally produced films are more likely to depict characters smoking on screen compared to those made in Hollywood. The research found that up to 97% of films worldwide showed some level of tobacco or alcohol consumption, with a higher prevalence in European and Latin American productions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateNov 2, 2015

Increasing vitamin D supplementation

A study by ETH Zurich researchers found that a serum concentration of around 40 micrograms of vitamin D per litre of serum is ideal for slowing or preventing bone degeneration in postmenopausal women. The study showed that daily vitamin D supplements can increase calcium absorption and reduce bone degeneration.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateNov 2, 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.

Improvements in US diet lower premature deaths

Recent improvements in US diet have helped reduce disease and premature death, but the overall American diet remains poor. Researchers found that healthier eating habits can cumulatively prevent 1.1 million premature deaths over 14 years.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 2, 2015

Ice-age lesson: Large mammals need room to roam

A 20-year study in Arctic Alaska examines how woolly mammoths and other ice-age animals handled climate change. The study found that rapid climate changes during the ice age were beneficial for megafauna when rapid warming allowed grasses and forbs to spread.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

In-house test kits help motivate parents to reduce allergens in their homes

The study found that households using the test kits had a consistent reduction in dust mite allergens over the course of the 12-month study period. A significant number of parents reported adopting behaviors to reduce dust mites after seeing their test kit results, such as using special pillow covers and vacuuming with HEPA filters.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Asthma·DateNov 2, 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.

Researcher develops material to create sustainable energy source

A Florida State University researcher has discovered an artificial material that efficiently captures sunlight and breaks it down into oxygen and hydrogen. This process could be used to forge new energy sources in a carbon-neutral way.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateNov 2, 2015

INFORMS presents 8 new Fellow Awards, inducts analytics leaders

The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences has presented eight new recipients of the INFORMS Fellow Award, recognizing their outstanding achievements in various areas. The awards are given to individuals who have made significant contributions to education, management, practice, research, and service in the field...

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

Duke obesity experts in special issue on food and health

Researchers found that specific food items like potato chips, butter, and sugary drinks contribute to weight gain in children. Policy experts suggest labeling unhealthy products, changing food marketing, and increasing access to healthy options to promote healthier choices.

SourceDuke University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 2, 2015

Cancer cells hijack glucose, alter immune cells

Researchers found that cancer cells hijack glucose to alter immune cells, leading to reduced T cell effectiveness. However, they also discovered a potential metabolic pathway to make T cells resistant to glucose restriction, which could improve cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 2, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Conventional heart drug stops the progression of cancer

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that a common heart medication can stop the progression of angiosarcoma, a highly lethal blood vessel cancer. The treatment used propranolol, which costs significantly less than current therapies.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateNov 2, 2015

Quiet 'epidemic' has killed half a million middle-aged white Americans

Researchers found that middle-aged white Americans have seen a sharp increase in death rates after 1998, primarily caused by drug and alcohol poisoning, chronic liver disease, and cirrhosis. This trend reverses decades of progress and is not seen in other rich countries or minority groups.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

Find way to focus on dietary supplement safety, experts say

A former FDA principal deputy commissioner proposes a solution to the dietary supplement regulation gridlock by focusing on improving safety rather than efficacy. The proposed framework includes pre-market registration, clearer disclaimers, and better standards for identifying substances to protect consumers from unsafe products.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalDrug Testing and Analysis·DateNov 2, 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.

O'Neill Institute launches Hepatitis Policy Project

The O'Neill Institute's new Hepatitis Policy Project aims to address issues and barriers of access to hepatitis C treatment, particularly among baby boomers who often don't know they're infected. The project seeks to support hepatitis C consumer education and advocacy organizations through policy research.

SourceO'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law·DateNov 2, 2015

Global study in November Health Affairs

A global study in Health Affairs found no significant differences in the health, nutrition, and educational outcomes of left-behind children and rural children living with their parents. The research suggests that programs specifically targeting left-behind children may be misdirected and should focus on all rural children instead.

SourceHealth Affairs·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 2, 2015

Local destabilization can cause complete loss of West Antarctica's ice masses

The West Antarctic ice sheet could collapse completely if the Amundsen Basin is destabilized, resulting in a 3-meter sea-level rise. This process would be triggered by decades of ocean warming and would lead to centuries or millennia of continued ice loss.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

Severe obesity costs Medicaid $8 billion annually and rising

Severe obesity costs Medicaid nearly $8 billion annually, with research predicting continued growth due to expanded eligibility. States can slow the rise in obesity-related healthcare costs by identifying effective prevention and treatment services.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 2, 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.

West Nile virus killing millions more birds than previously thought, UCLA researchers find

West Nile virus is killing millions more birds and affecting many more species than initially thought. Survival estimates dropped dramatically in nearly half of the 49 studied species, highlighting the long-term effects of the disease. The research provides a warning for future infectious diseases that may affect humans as well.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

Aedes japonicus mosquitoes found in western Canada

The invasive Aedes japonicus mosquito has been found in western Canada, carrying diseases like La Crosse encephalitis and dengue. The discovery was made in a suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia, in February 2015.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateNov 2, 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.

Opening supermarket in food desert changes diet, study finds

A study by RAND Corporation found that opening a full-service grocery store in a food desert improves residents' diet and perceived access to healthy foods, yet the changes are not related to the store's use. Despite this, researchers observed positive improvements in multiple components of residents' diet.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 2, 2015

Severity of combat injury linked to future chronic diseases

Research links combat injuries to increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease in US veterans. The more severe the injury, the higher the risk of developing these conditions due to inflammation and other factors.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateNov 2, 2015

Does healthier food help low-income people control their diabetes?

Researchers at UCSF and Feeding America found that providing nutritious food and education to low-income individuals with diabetes improved glycemic control and medication adherence. The intervention also encouraged the consumption of healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 2, 2015

High-intensity exercise changes how muscle cells manage calcium

Researchers found that three minutes of high-intensity exercise changes how muscle cells manage calcium, leading to improved endurance. Antioxidants may undermine this effect by removing the breakdown of calcium channels.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 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.

Traveling through space? Don't forget your sleeping pills and skin cream

A new study published in the FASEB Journal found that NASA astronauts' medication usage in space is more similar to Earth-based groups than expected. The most common issues were sleep problems and skin rashes, which highlights the need for better understanding of how medicines work in microgravity environments.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 2, 2015

Pineapple genome offers insight into photosynthesis in drought-tolerant plants

Scientists sequenced the pineapple genome to understand its unique photosynthetic pathways, such as crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), which allows it to thrive in water-limited environments. The study also sheds light on the evolutionary history of grasses and their ability to survive drought.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 2, 2015

NIH awards 2 Georgia State biologists $2.4 million

Researchers at Georgia State University have been awarded a $2.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the impact of diabetes on cardiovascular health. The team aims to develop new therapies targeting damaged mitochondria to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateNov 2, 2015

Bat disease fungus found to be widespread in northeast China

A team of researchers has discovered the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in caves where bats hibernate in northeast China. The finding greatly expands the known distribution of the fungus, which has decimated bat populations in North America since its appearance in upstate New York in 2006.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateNov 2, 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.

Acupuncture and Alexander Technique ease chronic neck pain better than usual care

A randomized, controlled trial found both acupuncture and the Alexander Technique led to significant long-term reductions in neck pain and associated disability compared with usual care. The interventions also showed high acceptability rates and greater adherence, leading to improved self-efficacy and outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 2, 2015

Children's self-esteem already established by age 5, new study finds

A new study found that children as young as 5 years old have a strong sense of self-esteem, comparable to adults. Researchers developed a test to assess implicit self-esteem in preschoolers and discovered that they associate themselves more with positive words.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateNov 2, 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.

Buying a new furnace: Will you use your savings or assume more debt?

A study by Abigail B. Sussman and Rourke L. O'Brien found that earmarking savings for 'responsible' purposes can lead to preserving those funds even at high interest rates. Participants were more likely to borrow money to meet emergency expenses if maintaining their savings was important to their sense of responsibility.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateNov 2, 2015

New findings rock long-held assumptions about ancient mass extinction

Researchers have found datable volcanic ash deposits in the Karoo Basin that suggest two phases of the extinction event occurred at least 1 million years apart, rather than concurrently. The study provides new insights into the timing and impact of the Great Dying, one of Earth's largest mass extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalGeology·DateNov 2, 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.

Working on your tot's memory now can help his high school success

A study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that preschoolers' working memory skills can predict their risk of dropping out of high school. Parents can help their children develop strong working memory skills through activities like pretend play, mindfulness, and limited screen time.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalIntelligence·DateNov 2, 2015

Penn-led research elucidates genetics behind Salmonella's host specificity

A Penn-led team discovered that variations in Salmonella proteins determine their host specificity in cows, poultry, and humans. By analyzing genome-wide association studies, the researchers found a link between specific protein variants and host species, validating their findings with laboratory experiments.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2015

Treetop leaves of tall trees store extra water

Researchers found that treetop leaves in tall trees like coast redwood and Japanese cedar act as a water supply tank, storing water to help maintain physiological functions. This discovery helps predict future changes in forest function and CO2 absorption in the face of climate change.

SourceKobe University·DateNov 2, 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.

Cracking the problem of river growth

A new study at MIT applies the fracture mechanics theory of local symmetry to predict river network evolution. The research found that rivers grow in a direction consistent with symmetry, driven by groundwater pressure and water table height.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 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.

Immune cells that fight obesity

Researchers at Weizmann Institute discovered a subtype of immune cells that prevent metabolic syndrome by regulating inflammation-causing T cells. Mice lacking these cells became overweight and developed symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalImmunity·DateNov 2, 2015

MagLab research paves way for flu treatments

Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding how the flu virus works by studying its M2 proton channel. Using advanced MRI technology, researchers gained insight into the virus's replication process, which could lead to the development of new prescription drugs.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalStructure·DateNov 2, 2015

Substantial differences in obstetric care for First Nations women in Canada: BC study

A Canadian study found significant disparities in obstetric care between First Nations and non-First Nations women, with First Nations mothers being less likely to undergo labour induction, epidural, or cesarean delivery. These differences may contribute to higher infant mortality rates among First Nations populations.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 2, 2015

Less ice, more water in Arctic Ocean by 2050s

A new study predicts that parts of the Arctic Ocean will see at least 60 days a year of open water by the 2050s. Researchers used climate simulations to investigate local impacts of open water expansion patterns in the Arctic, finding that many sites will have more than 100 additional days of open water by then.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 2, 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.

Study reveals the architecture of the molecular machine that copies DNA

A team of researchers has revealed the molecular architecture of the replisome, a complex responsible for unwinding and replicating DNA in eukaryotic organisms. The findings show that the replisome has a unique structure, with one polymerase sitting above the helicase, challenging decades-old textbook drawings.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 2, 2015

Tissue cartography

Two postdoctoral scholars from UC Santa Barbara's Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics developed a method called ImSAnE, which constructs an atlas of two-dimensional maps for dynamic tissue surfaces. This allows scientists to analyze layered tissues with relative ease and reduces data size and processing time.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 2, 2015

EU funds design study for European plasma accelerator

The EU has allocated €3 million for a design study on a European plasma research accelerator, which aims to develop a new technology for particle acceleration. The EuPRAXIA project will produce a conceptual design report for the world's first five Giga-Electronvolts plasma-based accelerator.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·DateNov 2, 2015

CU researchers find one in five pediatricians dismiss families for refusing vaccines

Research by University of Colorado School of Medicine faculty found that one in five pediatricians dismiss families who refuse vaccines. The study suggests that states with philosophical exemption laws and easier exemption processes have lower vaccination rates and higher rates of vaccine-preventable diseases.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 2, 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.

Columbia to lead Northeast Big Data Innovation Hub

The Northeast Big Data Innovation Hub aims to address health, energy, finance, urbanization, natural science, and education challenges using data analytics and collaboration between experts. The hub will focus on extracting insights from large datasets to bring about tangible results.

SourceColumbia University·DateNov 2, 2015

The battle for informational self-determination

ETH Zurich researchers Prof. Dirk Helbing and Dr. Evangelos Pournaras propose a citizen-led platform called Nervousnet to enable self-determination and sustainability. The platform allows users to measure, analyze, and share data in real-time, promoting participatory governance and environmental awareness.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateNov 2, 2015

With help from pharmacists, better blood pressure costs $22

A collaborative effort between pharmacists and physicians improved blood pressure control among a diverse group of patients. The study found that the intervention resulted in lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures and higher hypertension control rates, with costs mostly due to prescription drug expenses.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateNov 2, 2015

Dental health of professional footballers is 'poor' and affects performance

A large study of UK professional footballers found that nearly 4 out of 10 have active tooth decay, while 1 in 20 has irreversible gum disease. This poor dental health is affecting performance and wellbeing among players, highlighting the need for regular screening and preventive approaches.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateNov 2, 2015

Predicting cancer's growth from few clues

Mathematicians at Duke University develop a method to compare common tumor growth models using only two time-point measurements of tumor size. The results suggest breast and liver tumors grow exponentially, while neurological tumors follow the two-thirds power law.

SourceDuke University·JournalBulletin of Mathematical Biology·DateNov 2, 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.

UCLA researchers find a wide variation in costs to treat low-risk prostate cancer

A new study by UCLA researchers reveals a wide range of costs for treating low-risk prostate cancer, with active surveillance being the most cost-effective option. The study used time-driven activity-based costing to analyze costs across an entire care process, finding significant variation in prices for different treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer·DateNov 2, 2015

What ever happened to West Nile?

A study analyzing 16 years of mark-recapture data found large-scale declines in roughly half of the species studied, including Swainson's thrush and tufted titmouse. Roughly half of the afflicted species managed to rebound within a year or two, including corvids like crows.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

Study: Small urban corner stores offer increased healthy food options

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that federal policy changes led to an increase in healthy food availability at smaller urban corner stores in Baltimore. The researchers found that stores in neighborhoods with a majority of black residents showed the greatest improvement, suggesting that boosting hea...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 2, 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.

Anti-smoking messages can backfire, research suggests

Research highlights the potential backfire of stigmatizing smoking in public health campaigns, which can lead to increased stress and resistance to quitting. Vulnerable groups may benefit from anti-smoking programs focusing on giving up benefits rather than negative stereotypes.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateNov 2, 2015

Obese people need more vitamin E, but actually get less

A recent study suggests that obese individuals with metabolic syndrome may be chronically deficient in vitamin E, which is crucial for combating oxidative stress and associated diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer's. Experts recommend a balanced diet with daily multivitamins and healthy fats to mitigate this deficiency.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 2, 2015

Restaurants listing calorie counts on the menu offer more lower-calorie items

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that US chain restaurants with voluntary calorie labels have an average of 140 fewer calories per item than those without labels. This trend suggests that menu labeling can encourage restaurants to offer healthier options and reduce population-level obesity.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 2, 2015

Rotting oaks lead to hazardous voids in Indiana's Mount Baldy sand dune

Scientists have discovered that holes in Mount Baldy's sand dunes were formed by entombed oak trees that decomposed into a cementing mineral, creating hazardous voids. The study, presented at the Geological Society of America meeting, sheds light on how these living systems interact between biology and geology.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateNov 2, 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.

First complete pictures of cells' DNA-copying machinery

Researchers have produced the first-ever images of the protein complex that unwinds, splits, and copies double-stranded DNA, revealing a counterintuitive architecture. The helicase coordinates with polymerases to duplicate each strand, suggesting potential molecular quality control and developmental biology implications.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 2, 2015

Body odor sets female rhesus monkeys apart

Rhesus monkeys can distinguish between female group members and those from different social groups using their sense of smell. This ability helps them understand their social environment, with males and older monkeys showing greater interest in distinguishing odors.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateNov 2, 2015

Different types of ovarian cancer have different causes

Studies show that having one child reduces the risk of certain types of ovarian cancer, such as serous, mucinous, endometrioid, and clear cell tumours. Women who have had their fallopian tubes cut or clipped also experience a lower risk of developing these cancers.

SourceCancer Research UK·DateNov 2, 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.

Cancer cells use secret tunnels to communicate and smuggle cancer signals to their neighbors

Researchers discovered that cancer cells utilize tunneling nanotubes to exchange molecules with neighboring cells, including healthy cells, and a key regulator protein is involved in this process. The findings suggest potential new strategies for cancer treatment by targeting these secret channels.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 2, 2015

Entering the strange world of ultra-cold chemistry

Scientists are exploring the formation of novel molecular aggregates at ultra-cold temperatures, where quantum mechanical principles govern interactions between atoms and molecules. By studying synthetic solids created by optical lattices, researchers aim to develop a new theory describing the chemistry of ultra-cold atoms.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateNov 2, 2015

Ultrasensitive sensors made from boron-doped graphene

Researchers have developed ultrasensitive gas sensors using boron-doped graphene, detecting noxious gas molecules at extremely low concentrations. The sensors outperform current state-of-the-art sensors by six orders of magnitude, opening a path to high-performance detection of toxic gases and other molecules.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 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.

Study led by Temple researchers reveals new link between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's

Researchers at Temple University Health System have identified a regulatory enzyme defect in Down syndrome that also malfunctions in Alzheimer's disease, leading to the formation of toxic amyloid plaques in the brain. This discovery could lead to the development of a targeted therapy to mitigate dementia in Down syndrome.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateNov 2, 2015

Plants keep one foot on the brakes

Researchers discovered the 'off' switch for starch production in plants, which rapidly shuts down production at night to prevent energy waste. The discovery suggests that the seemingly wasteful approach holds a clever adaptation strategy to adjust metabolism in response to fluctuating light intensity.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 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.

Juvenile cowbirds sneak out at night, study finds

Researchers tracked juvenile cowbirds using automated telemetry systems, finding they leave host nests at dusk and spend nights in nearby fields before returning just after daybreak. This behavior helps young birds avoid imprinting on their host parents and learn essential survival skills.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateNov 2, 2015

Protecting plants from stealthy diseases

Researchers have engineered a new receptor that can counter stealthy diseases by boosting plant defense systems. The modified Arabidopsis plants show resistance to both insects and pathogens.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

A cray-active solution for cancer research

Researchers at German Cancer Research Center find that freshwater marbled crayfish exhibit parthenogenesis, a process where animals reproduce without fertilization, and use this as an ideal model for studying epigenetics in cancer. The discovery could lead to new insights into the development of the disease.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalBiology Open·DateNov 2, 2015

Fireworks are fun but can reduce visibility

A study published in Weather found that fireworks on Guy Fawkes' night can reduce visibility by an average of 25% due to the release of hygroscopic particulate matter. This effect is exacerbated when relative humidity is high, posing significant safety risks for motorist and pedestrian safety.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalWeather·DateNov 2, 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.

Griffith University reveals world-first 3-D image of a protein involved in cancer spread

Researchers at Griffith University's Institute for Glycomics have determined the first three-dimensional image of a protein involved in cancer spread using X-ray crystallography. The study reveals the enzyme heparanase, which degrades a sugar molecule and is associated with angiogenesis, inflammation, and increased metastatic potential.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 2, 2015

Chemistry in mold reveals important clue for pharmaceuticals

Researchers have detected how nature produces key chemicals similar to those in drugs that fight malaria, bacterial infections and cancer. The discovery sheds light on a complicated chemical process in nature that synthetic biologists can now borrow to engineer a whole new class of synthetic medicines.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·DateNov 2, 2015

IU Kelley School of Business research uncovers recipe for producing and managing star performers

Research by Herman Aguinis and Kyle Bradley suggests that performance follows a power law distribution, leading to more common star performers. The study recommends transparency, fairness in policies, structuring work, training development interventions, employment decisions, and compensation to effectively manage and produce star perf...

SourceIndiana University·JournalOrganizational Dynamics·DateNov 2, 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.

Studying cancer DNA in blood may help personalize treatment in liver cancer

Researchers at Hiroshima University have discovered that fragments of cancer DNA circulating in the bloodstream can predict the recurrence and spread of liver cancer. This non-invasive method, known as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), provides valuable clinical information about the patient's disease progression.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateNov 2, 2015

Making green fuels, no fossils required

Scientists at the University of South Carolina have created a new catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 into carbon monoxide, a potential fuel source. The nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes are more stable and cost-effective than traditional metal-based catalysts.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 2, 2015

Disk gaps don't always signal planets

A new study suggests that disk gaps may be a cosmic illusion and not necessarily caused by hidden planets. The researchers used models to show that growth, migration, and destruction of small particles can create apparent gaps in the disk.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 2, 2015

Planting in clumps boosts wetland restoration success

A new Duke University study finds that clumping newly planted marsh grasses can spur positive interactions and boost growth, increasing vegetative cover by up to 300% in some test plots. This approach challenges 40-year-old forestry-based practice of dispersed planting.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 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.

Bugs collected on rooftop for 18 years reveal climate change effects

A long-term study on a rooftop in Copenhagen reveals that climate change is altering the local insect community, with specialized species being more sensitive to temperature increases. The research found that some species are moving northwards in Europe, while others are being squeezed out of their range.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateNov 2, 2015

What the [beep]? Infants link new communicative signals to meaning

Researchers found that infants can identify and link new sounds to meaning, indicating a social capacity for recognizing and learning from novel communicative signals. This ability broadens our understanding of infants' coordination of social, language, and cognitive development.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCognition·DateNov 2, 2015

'Magic' plant discovery could lead to growing food in space

QUT scientists have discovered a gene in the Pitjuri plant that allows it to rapidly grow and survive in harsh conditions, including space. This discovery could lead to growing food in space and has implications for future genetic research.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 2, 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.

Rheumatoid arthritis linked to increased risk of death

Researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis significantly increases participants' overall risk of death, especially due to respiratory or cardiovascular causes. Seropositive RA was associated with a nearly three-fold increased risk of respiratory mortality compared to seronegative RA.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateNov 2, 2015

Online cognitive behavioral therapy benefits people with depression, anxiety

Internet-delivered CBT has been shown to benefit people with depression and anxiety, offering a cost-effective and empowering way of accessing treatment. It allows clinicians to treat more patients effectively in less time, providing patient empowerment and increased clinical efficiency.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 2, 2015

Lack of exercise linked to alcohol misuse

A large-scale survey found that African-Americans who did not exercise frequently had nearly twice the odds of abusing alcohol. Regular physical activity was associated with lower odds of alcohol misuse, suggesting a potential link between exercise and decreased risk.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateNov 2, 2015

Male and female mice respond differently to inflammation

Researchers found that male mice recruit more white blood cells to the site of inflammation than females, highlighting the importance of sex differences in inflammatory responses. This discovery has implications for how we design and interpret experiments and evaluate anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateNov 2, 2015

Researchers show how new hydrogel can facilitate microsurgery

A new peptide-based hydrogel has been developed by University of Delaware researchers to facilitate microsurgery. The hydrogel can be tuned with a specific amino acid to change form several times during a procedure, allowing precise control and reducing damage to tiny blood vessels.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 2, 2015

New recommendations green-light some athletes with heart disease to compete

The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology have updated recommendations for athletes with diagnosed heart disease. New research shows that the risk of sudden cardiac arrest is lower than previously thought for some athletes with irregular heartbeat disorders treated by implanted medical devices. However, patients...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateNov 2, 2015

Molecular 'brake' stifles human lung cancer

Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered a molecule called EphA2 that stifles aggressive growth of common and deadly type of lung cancer in humans. The enzyme normally polices tissue growth but when mutated, cellular systems can run amok, leading to tumors.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

Scientists map source of Northwest's next big quake

A team of scientists has mapped the mantle under the Juan de Fuca plate, a key step in understanding the forces behind large earthquakes and tsunamis. The map reveals segmentation of the subduction zone, which could help explain why Pacific Northwest megaquakes don't always break along the entire length.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 2, 2015

UM researchers document global connections between El Nino events and drought

A recent study by University of Montana researchers found a significant increase in global land evapotranspiration over the past 32 years, driven by vegetation greening and rising atmosphere moisture deficits. This trend exacerbates regional drought-induced disturbances, particularly during strong El Nino events.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalNature·DateNov 2, 2015

Breast cancer: Research IDs obstacles to care in Appalachia

Researchers used a new method to evaluate health-care access in Appalachia, finding that insurance and geospatial access played crucial roles in late-stage diagnosis and adjuvant hormone therapy. The study suggests traditional metrics like travel times may not accurately capture the barriers faced by patients.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalMedical Care·DateNov 2, 2015

Death rates, health problems, rise among middle-aged white Americans

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that deaths among middle-aged white Americans increased significantly between 1999 and 2013. The top causes of death were suicide, drug and alcohol poisoning, and chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

Breeding higher yielding crops by increasing sugar import into seeds

A team of scientists has discovered a gene called SWEET4 that plays a crucial role in increasing seed size and yield by importing sugars into seeds. This breakthrough discovery could lead to the development of new crop varieties with improved nutritional value and resistance to pathogens.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 2, 2015

Historian examines environmental cost of tapping alternate sources for water, oil

A historian examines how Saudi Arabia's quest for fresh drinking water led to the discovery of oil and highlights the country's precarious relationship between oil and water. The expert argues that the U.S. must consider the environmental impact of desalination, a technology used to produce drinking water.

SourceIowa State University·JournalComparative Studies in Society and History·DateNov 2, 2015

Study suggests increased sleep duration and chronic short sleep duration linked to increased diabetes risk in middle-aged and older women

Chronic short sleep duration of 6 hours or less increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and older women. Increasing sleep duration by 2 hours or more also associated with a modest increased risk of diabetes, even after adjusting for other factors such as diet and physical activity.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateNov 2, 2015

Early contact with dogs linked to lower risk of asthma

A Swedish study found that children growing up with dogs have a lower risk of developing asthma, with a 15% reduction compared to those without dogs. The study analyzed over one million children and controlled for confounding factors.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 2, 2015

Do you buy local? Your consumer ethnocentrism may be showing

A new study in the Journal of International Marketing identifies five distinct dimensions of consumer ethnocentrism: prosociality, cognition, insecurity, reflexiveness, and habituation. The study introduces a new scale to measure consumer ethnocentrism, which better predicts preferences for domestic brands.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of International Marketing·DateNov 2, 2015

Peer-to-peer accommodation services change travel patterns in many ways

A recent study found that tourists use peer-to-peer accommodation services for social and financial reasons, leading to broader destination choices and longer stays. The availability of these services also increases tourism demand and revenue for destinations.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Travel Research·DateNov 2, 2015

Cleveland Clinic: New policies would expand pediatric lung transplant access, study shows

A study published in the American Journal of Transplantation shows that new policies could increase pediatric lung transplants by twice as much. The research team tested alternative allocation models to improve pediatric access to donor lungs and found two models resulted in significantly more transplants for pediatric patients.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateNov 2, 2015

Living alone can dent healthy diets

Research by Queensland University of Technology found that people living alone are more likely to have poor dieting habits due to inadequate cooking skills and lack of motivation. The study also found a gender disparity in healthy eating practices, with men living alone having poorer diets than women.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNutrition Reviews·DateNov 2, 2015

Uncovering the secrets of ice that burns

Researchers found that grain size determines methane hydrate behavior under stress, with maximum capacity at 15-20 nm. This discovery has implications for predicting and preventing hydrate failure and exploring their use as a future energy source.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2015

Teen sex talks with parents, especially moms, associated with safer sex

Research suggests that parent-adolescent communication is positively linked to safer sex behavior. The study found a small but significant association between parent communication and contraceptive use, which was stronger for girls than boys. Open communication about sex can help delay sexual debut and reduce the risk of sexually trans...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 2, 2015

Researchers build nanoscale autonomous walking machine from DNA

Researchers at UT Austin developed a nanoscale machine made of DNA that can autonomously walk in any direction, opening doors for cancer detection and therapeutic delivery. The DNA walker, with two legs connected by a torso, moves randomly and avoids re-tracing its steps, demonstrating a new level of complexity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 2, 2015

New research opens door to understanding human tonsil cancer

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to identify and separate human tonsil cancer stem cells, providing new insights into the disease. The study shows that these stem cells are key players in the development of tonsil cancer, with HPV infection being a major risk factor.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 2, 2015

Dartmouth, NSF aim to turn America's rural libraries into STEM centers

A new NSF-funded project aims to develop rural libraries and librarians into informal STEM learning centers, providing access to science education for small towns and rural areas. The initiative builds on a previous Dartmouth-led project that reached over 100 libraries and aims to involve another 110.

SourceDartmouth College·DateNov 2, 2015

Study: Blood vessels store, secrete key blood-clotting protein

A study by Rice University researchers has solved a long-standing mystery about the storage and secretion of blood-clotting factor VIII. The protein is both stored and secreted from a specialized organelle in endothelial cells, which line the walls of blood vessels.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 2, 2015

University of the Pacific researchers give peptides a longer life

Researchers at University of the Pacific have developed a method to significantly extend the lifespan of peptides. By tagging peptides with a compound, they enable it to survive in the bloodstream longer and avoid degradation. This breakthrough technology has the potential to improve peptide therapies for cancer and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of the Pacific·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 2, 2015

Engineers design magnetic cell sensors

Researchers have created genetically encoded magnetic protein nanoparticles that can be produced within cells, allowing for non-invasive tracking and monitoring of cell signals. This technology has the potential to observe communication between neurons, activation of immune cells, and stem cell differentiation, among other phenomena.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2015

Adjusting to less food availability can impact kids negatively

A new study by Rice University sociologists finds that adjusting to less food availability can negatively impact kids, resulting in behavioral problems and poorer health. The study looked at transitions in food insecurity among kindergarteners and first-graders between 2011 and 2012.

SourceRice University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 2, 2015

Chemo-resistant tumors targeted by BU School of Medicine researcher

A BU School of Medicine researcher has identified a small molecule that selectively kills ALT-positive cancer cells, offering a potential therapeutic approach to deadly forms of human cancer. The discovery targets the ALT pathway, frequently reactivated in aggressive cancers such as osteosarcoma and glioblastoma.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateNov 2, 2015

Does cheering affect the outcome of college hockey games?

A study conducted by a University of Nebraska student found that cheering crowd noise levels in college hockey stadiums have no strong correlation with goals scored. The study measured noise levels during four games and found the loudest sections to be around 95 decibels, which is equivalent to hearing a jackhammer from 50 feet away.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 2, 2015

Trial reveals evidence of long-term benefits for people with chronic neck pain

Researchers found that acupuncture and Alexander Technique lessons significantly reduced chronic neck pain by 32% and 31%, respectively, at 12 months. These interventions provided clinically relevant reductions in pain levels without medication use, offering new hope for patients with chronic neck pain.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 2, 2015

How to convince people to wash their hands during flu season

Researchers found that praising with an assertive tone and scolding with a non-assertive tone were the most effective ways to persuade people to wash their hands during flu season. The study, published in the Journal of Marketing Research, suggests that using an assertive tone can intensify the message and promote desired behavior.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateNov 2, 2015

Internet too slow? You may be paying too much to save a few seconds

A new study in the Journal of Marketing Research found that consumers often misjudge the benefits of increased productivity, leading to wasted spending. Researchers Bart de Langhe and Stefano Puntoni discovered that consumers tend to overestimate time savings at high-productivity levels compared to low-level increases.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateNov 2, 2015

Eavesdropping on Bering Strait marine mammals

A team of researchers is using 'passive acoustic monitoring' to document the use of the Bering Strait by species previously excluded by sea ice. They are eavesdropping on marine mammals within the Arctic to monitor their presence year-round and study the impacts of climate change on the ecosystem.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 2, 2015

Learning more about the link between PCOS and mental health

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified a hormonal mechanism explaining why women with PCOS are more likely to develop mental health issues. The study found that excessive testosterone exposure during fetal development can lead to anxiety-like behavior in both male and female offspring.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

The innate immune system modulates the severity of multiple sclerosis

Researchers discovered that macrophages and monocytes actively participate in multiple sclerosis progression, exacerbating disease severity through stress signals. The study highlights the significance of the crosstalk between the peripheral immune system and brain, opening new avenues for potential therapies.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 2, 2015

Calcium-48's 'neutron skin' thinner than previously thought

Researchers used America's most powerful supercomputer, Titan, to compute the neutron distribution of calcium-48, finding a smaller difference between neutron and proton distributions. This calculation impacts the size of neutron stars, connecting objects with a 18-order magnitude size difference.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 2, 2015

Risk assessment, for the birds

Researchers studied three species of songbirds crossing the Gulf of Mexico, finding they use weather and body fat to assess migration risk. The findings can help protect migrating birds by identifying high-quality habitats along their routes.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

New study suggests fair division of chores leads to better sex life

A new study from the University of Alberta suggests that men's fair contribution to housework is linked to more frequent and satisfying sex in their relationships. The research found no correlation between the amount of housework completed and sexual functioning, contradicting previous studies.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateNov 2, 2015

Off-label prescription drug use and adverse drug events

A study of Canadian patients found that off-label prescription drug use was associated with a higher incidence of adverse drug events (ADEs), particularly when the use lacked strong scientific evidence. The study also found that patients using multiple medications had a significantly increased risk for ADEs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 2, 2015