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Science News for November 4, 2015


Backswimmers use buoyancy aid like a gill

Researchers discovered that backswimmers can extract oxygen from the surrounding water using their air bubbles, extending dives by up to 20%. The insects adjust the buoyancy of their bubble by replacing nitrogen with gases like helium and sulphur hexafluoride.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 4, 2015

Researchers want to turn acid-loving microbes into safe drug-carriers

Researchers have successfully used microbe S. islandicus to construct nano-capsules that can transport drugs safely through the stomach, offering a potential solution for oral drug delivery. The liposomes, made from cell membrane molecules of S. islandicus, survived in acidic environments, retaining their content and showing promise fo...

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateNov 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.

A step toward understanding how hibernation protects hearts

A team studied the proteins and genes that allow squirrels' hearts to stay healthy during winter hibernation, a phenomenon that could help researchers develop better treatments for people with cardiac disease. The study found dozens of proteins and protein signaling pathways that are expressed differently during hibernation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateNov 4, 2015

Researchers create a worm model to investigate a rare subtype of blindness

A team of researchers has developed a C. elegans worm model with mutations that cause Retinitis pigmentosa, a rare blindness subtype affecting over 1 million people worldwide. The study reveals the disease's specificity in the retina and proposes a new hypothesis based on genomic instability.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalRNA·DateNov 4, 2015

Researchers discover size gene for salmon

Researchers have discovered a single gene regulating salmon age at maturity, which also influences human puberty timing. The VGLL3 gene affects body fat accumulation and balances out sex-specific traits to maintain population stability.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature·DateNov 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.

Graphene could take night-vision technology beyond 'Predator'

Researchers have developed a graphene-integrated device that detects heat signatures at room temperature without cryogenic cooling. This breakthrough could lead to a more versatile thermal sensor, potentially based on a single layer of graphene, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 4, 2015

Estrogen drug may not benefit women with Alzheimer's dementia

A study published in Neurology found that raloxifene, an estrogen-like drug, had no demonstrated benefit on memory and thinking skills for women with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest that the drug may not be effective as a treatment for this condition.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 4, 2015

Supervolcanoes likely triggered externally, study finds

A new study suggests that massive magma chambers in supervolcanoes may erupt when the roof above them cracks or collapses, rather than building up internal pressure. The researchers found that the size of the magma chamber is a key factor in triggering eruptions, and that external forces such as earthquakes or faults may play a role.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research·DateNov 4, 2015

Scarlet fever making a comeback

A recent study by University of Queensland researchers has tracked the re-emergence of scarlet fever-causing bacteria, resulting in a significant increase in cases worldwide. The rise in scarlet fever could pre-empt a future rise in rheumatic heart disease, highlighting the need for swift identification and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 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.

Growing pains in a cluster of protostars

Researchers have found that young stars in Serpens South form through distinct, episodic growth spurts. CARMA-7 experienced 22 episodes of gravitational push-pull during star formation, indicating a chaotic environment common for star birth.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2015

OU collaborating in NSF South Big Data Regional Innovation Hub

The University of Oklahoma is collaborating with the National Science Foundation's South Big Data Regional Innovation Hub to tackle regional challenges using big data analysis. The hub aims to develop new approaches for integrating data from disparate sources, enabling effective decision-making in areas like healthcare, coastal hazards...

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateNov 4, 2015

Physicists measure force that makes antimatter stick together

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have measured the attractive force between pairs of antiprotons for the first time, shedding light on antimatter's existence and symmetry. The study's findings may help explain why the universe is dominated by ordinary matter and not antimatter.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 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.

Mooving manure beyond drug-resistant bacteria

Research found that composting is most reliable to kill bacteria with resistance genes in cow manure. Composting speeds up decomposition and reduces volume of manure. Manure management practices like composting and stockpiling can make it difficult for resistant bacteria to travel from farm to environment.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateNov 4, 2015

Illegal marijuana farms continue to threaten fishers in California

A study published in PLOS One reveals that fishers in California are being poisoned by rat poisons used on illegal marijuana farms, leading to a 233% increase in poisoning-related deaths. The toxicants are particularly deadly for male fishers, which are five times more likely to die from poisoning than predation compared to females.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 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.

A way to target the Achilles heel of neuroblastoma

Australian scientists identified a critical molecular feedback loop in neuroblastoma that accelerates cancer development. Experimental drug CBL0137 has the potential to interrupt this loop and halt tumour progression, showing promising results in laboratory models.

SourceChildren's Cancer Institute Australia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 4, 2015

'JEDI' technology awakens new understanding of how immune system works

Scientists developed JEDI T-cells to visualize immune responses and model disease states, enabling targeted cell depletion and advancing immunotherapy in cancer care. This breakthrough has implications for autoimmune diseases and brain malignancies like glioblastoma.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 4, 2015

Can scientists agree on a definition of curiosity?

Researchers propose a working definition of curiosity as a drive state for information, which can be observed in organisms as simple as nematode worms. They also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of curiosity, including its role in learning and decision-making, and how it relates to attentional disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 4, 2015

Urban environments boost pathogen pressure on honey bees

Researchers found that urban areas have higher pathogen abundance and lower honey bee survival rates compared to rural environments. The study suggests that increased transmission rates in urban areas may be the primary cause of this effect.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 4, 2015

Research suggests business leaders should re-think how they treat team members

Researchers found that treating team members differently can have negative effects on performance, but also that over-treating or under-treating them can be detrimental. The study suggests that business leaders need to find a moderate level of differentiation to avoid harming team performance.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPersonnel Psychology·DateNov 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.

NIH grant helps SMU, U-Maryland combat pediatric asthma

A team of psychologists and engineers from SMU and the University of Maryland have received a $2 million NIH grant to create a wearable device for pediatric asthma patients that monitors air quality and identifies individual triggers. The device aims to alert patients before an attack, improving treatment outcomes.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·DateNov 4, 2015

Study shows some 3-D printed objects are toxic

Researchers found that parts from both types of 3D printers were toxic to zebrafish embryos, with liquid-based printer parts being the most toxic. A post-printing treatment using ultraviolet light reduced toxicity levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateNov 4, 2015

Relapsing infections could challenge malaria eradication

A new study reveals that relapsed malaria infections are a significant obstacle to malaria eradication in the Asia-Pacific region. Most childhood infections in Papua New Guinea are caused by relapsed P. vivax infections, which can hide in the liver and re-emerge after treatment.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 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.

Student scientists, dusty data, and dirty discoveries

Undergraduate and graduate students in Arizona and Michigan used open-access data to discover the influence of soil composition on microbial life. The students, part of a revolutionary virtual class, used social media and online forums to collaborate and analyze large-scale datasets.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 4, 2015

Novel 'crumpling' of hybrid nanostructures increases SERS sensitivity

By 'crumpling' hybrid nanostructures, researchers increased surface area and improved SERS detection sensitivity. The new design enables enhanced nanoplasmonic sensing applications for environmental analysis, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical research.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 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.

Higher physician spending linked with fewer malpractice claims, finds US study

A US study found that physicians who spend more resources are less likely to face malpractice claims, regardless of whether it's for defensive or non-defensive reasons. The study analyzed data from nearly 19 million hospital admissions and found associations across seven specialties, with family medicine physicians being the exception.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 4, 2015

System automatically converts 2-D video to 3-D

A team of researchers from MIT and QCRI developed a system that can automatically convert 2-D video of soccer games into 3-D. The system uses detailed 3-D maps stored in video games to create broadcast-quality 3-D video, achieving real-time processing without visual artifacts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 4, 2015

Strong marketing department drives firm performance, Iowa State researcher finds

Strong marketing departments contribute to both short-term and long-term shareholder returns by building brand equity and customer relationships. Researchers found that marketing departments' power increased over a 16-year period, with firms that didn't have one before creating it later benefiting the most.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 4, 2015

The Ministry of Silly Walks? In each of your cells!

Recent research by IPC PAS reveals how kinesin transports large molecules within cells, utilizing a unique 'silly walk' mechanism. By controlling the movement of kinesin, researchers confirmed one of earlier-known proposals of its mechanism.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 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.

GVSU nursing faculty member to present findings on 2 older adult studies

A Grand Valley State University nursing faculty member is presenting research on the effectiveness of text messaging for medication adherence among older adults. The study found that enrolling patients through a specialty pharmacy resulted in higher enrollment rates, and that adults over 60 were more likely to participate.

SourceGrand Valley State University·DateNov 4, 2015

Newly discovered fossil sea urchin is the oldest of its kind

A newly discovered fossil sea urchin has been found in Texas, pushing the evolution of this type of sea urchin back by 10 million years to the Roadian age. The discovery provides valuable insights into the processes that occur during major evolutionary changes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateNov 4, 2015

Study: Brain's immune system could be harnessed to fight Alzheimer's

A new study suggests that the brain's immune system can be harnessed to clear amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Microglia, native brain cells, play a key role in this process, and manipulating their activation may accelerate plaque removal.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·DateNov 4, 2015

More than skin deep

Researchers at LSU have identified a new gene regulation pathway that prevents inflammation and speeds up the skin's healing process. A nanoparticle-carried small interference RNA blocks the Nax sodium sensor, enabling faster healing.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 4, 2015

Teenage exposure to pesticides may lead to abnormal sperm, new study says

A new study found that teenage exposure to organochlorine pesticides may lead to defective sperm and fertility problems later in life. Researchers analyzed sperm and blood samples from 90 men living in an island community with high pesticide exposure.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 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.

Does defensive medicine work?

A new study published in The BMJ found that higher-spending physicians face significantly fewer malpractice claims, with malpractice rates ranging from 1.6% to 4.1% per physician-year across specialties. This suggests that increased spending may signal defensive practice and reduce errors or liability.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 4, 2015

New low-cost battery could help store renewable energy

Researchers have developed a new battery that uses low-cost materials to store renewable energy, potentially making it more affordable for homes. The battery's energy density is close to that of lithium-ion batteries, but with the potential for an additional two- to three-fold boost.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 4, 2015

'Liquid biopsy' promotes precision medicine by tracking patient's cancer

Researchers found that analyzing circulating tumor DNA can track a patient's cancer evolution and identify the best treatments. The liquid biopsy test is less invasive and less costly than conventional tissue biopsies, providing up-to-date information on how a patient's cancer is changing.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2015

GME squeeze for US med school graduates unlikely, commentary says

Researchers at George Washington University Health Workforce Institute analyze data on US medical graduates and residency positions, finding a surplus of slots for the next decade. The study suggests that despite increased competition, US medical students will have ample training opportunities.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 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.

O'Neill Institute, WOLA to examine public health approaches to legalizing marijuana

The O'Neill Institute and WOLA are developing guidelines for public health approaches to legalizing marijuana, drawing from research and experience in regulating other products like tobacco and alcohol. The project aims to minimize public health harms and maximize benefits, with a focus on expert input from the public health community.

SourceO'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law·DateNov 4, 2015

Should psychiatric hospitals ban smoking completely?

Experts argue that banning smoking in all areas of psychiatric hospitals can lead to better patient engagement with treatment and improved mental health. Studies show that patients with serious mental health problems are more likely to die prematurely due to smoking-related diseases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 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.

Warning over online access to sleeping tablets

Experts warn that easily accessible online prescription sleeping tablets pose a significant risk of addiction and misuse, particularly for vulnerable individuals. The BMJ report highlights the need for regulatory authorities to ensure websites comply with medicines regulations.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 4, 2015

Study of cloud cover in tropical Pacific reveals future climate changes

A study by University of Miami researchers found a weakening of the Walker circulation due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, leading to changes in rainfall patterns. The analysis used historical cloud cover observations as a proxy for wind velocity in climate models.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 4, 2015

UBC researchers transform humble blood cells into 'Franken-platelets'

Researchers at UBC created a supercharged blood cell called a 'Franken-platelet' by injecting platelets with DNA and other ingredients. The resulting cells produced RNA, which performed as predicted and showed promise for treating bleeding disorders and inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 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.

Image release: Protostar growth spurts

Astronomers have discovered an adolescent protostar, CARMA-7, exhibiting rapid-fire growth spurts and intermittent jets streaming away from its poles. This finding provides insights into chaotic stellar formation in the densely packed Serpens South star cluster.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2015

A slim by design breakfast

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that healthy-weight individuals tend to eat nutritious breakfasts including fruits and vegetables. The research revealed that egg consumption was higher than expected among slim people, highlighting the importance of breakfast in weight management.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·DateNov 4, 2015

DNA in blood can track cancer development and response in real time

Scientists tracked breast cancer development using tumour DNA shed into bloodstream, reflecting genetic changes and treatment response. The study provides proof-of-principle for real-time monitoring of cancer, potentially reducing need for invasive biopsies.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 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.

Who's the 'enviest' of them all?

A recent study by UC San Diego researchers found that young adults experience envy more frequently than older adults, particularly in regards to physical appearance and academic success. The study also revealed that men and women tend to envy someone of the same age group, with younger participants reporting envy over looks and romance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBasic and Applied Social Psychology·DateNov 4, 2015

Home remediation in low-income housing shows significant effect on childhood asthma

A program combining home repairs, training, and comprehensive care significantly reduces childhood asthma symptoms and emergency department visits in low-income urban public housing. Removing asthma triggers such as mold and pests from these homes helps address the disproportionate impact of childhood asthma on minority communities.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Justice·DateNov 4, 2015

Shape of bird wings depends on ancestors more than flight style

Research challenges scientific beliefs that wing shape is primarily determined by flight style, finding that ancestry plays a more significant role. The study analyzed wing geometry across major bird groups and found varying wing shapes within closely related species.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateNov 4, 2015

Spending more on patients lowers doctors' malpractice risk, study finds

A new study by researchers at USC, Harvard and Stanford universities found that spending more on patients lowers doctors' malpractice risk. The study analyzed Florida physician and claims data and found an inverse correlation between adjusted hospital spending per physician year and malpractice claim rates.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 4, 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.

Vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus shows promise in early trial

Researchers have developed a new RSV vaccine candidate that has shown promising early results in young children, eliciting more antibodies than previous candidates. The vaccine uses a genetically engineered version of the virus with a deleted M2-2 protein to induce a stronger immune response.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 4, 2015

Evidence-based practice model can help hospitals deliver best care, cut costs

A new study suggests that hospital evidence-based practice centers (EPCs) can inform decision-making in medical settings, improving quality, safety, and value of care. EPCs can analyze scientific literature to fill critical knowledge gaps, leading to better outcomes and cost savings.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateNov 4, 2015

Bottle-brush design enhances cellular imaging

Researchers developed bottle-brush nanotags to enhance cellular imaging by containing thousands of fluorophores, overcoming the limit of self-quenching and amplifying signal detection. The design permits the use of different dyes, enabling a wide range of colors for these fluorescent nanotags.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateNov 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.

Requiring drug makers to take back unused pharmaceuticals

Unused prescription drugs contribute to water pollution and drug abuse when flushed down toilets or left in medicine cabinets. Local governments are creating take-back programs to collect pharmaceuticals, requiring drug companies to install containers at pharmacies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 4, 2015

Kangaroos are not super low gas producers

Researchers measured kangaroo methane production and found it was no lower than that of horses. Well-fed animals produced less gas due to faster food passage through the gut, not a unique low-production trait.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 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.

Trampolining water droplets

Scientists at ETH Zurich create surface designs that allow water droplets to 'trampoline' upwards, leveraging evaporation and microstructure. This phenomenon enables materials to violently repel water and ice, with potential applications in de-icing, power lines, and road surfacing.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2015

Scientists uncover mechanism that propels liver development after birth

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a mechanism that propels liver development after birth through alternative splicing, allowing the liver to acquire new functions tailored for adult needs. The study highlights the importance of an RNA binding protein, ESRP2, in controlling this developmental program.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2015

Expressive writing shows some benefits for returning vets

A study of nearly 1,300 veterans found that those who completed online expressive-writing sessions showed more improvements than peers who didn't write at all or did factual writing. Expressive writing reduced physical complaints, anger, and psychological distress, but had limited impact on PTSD symptoms.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateNov 4, 2015

'Odometer neurons' encode distance traveled and elapsed time

Researchers found that grid cells integrate information about time and distance to support memory and spatial navigation, even without visual landmarks. The discovery suggests a broader role for the medial entorhinal cortex in coding locations, time, and distance.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 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.

NSF-funded research reveals new discoveries on a bug with bifocals

Researchers studied the eye development of Sunburst Diving Beetle larvae, revealing rapid eye growth and transformation between stages. The findings suggest a pre-determined eye growth mechanism, but also allow for adjustments at the level of the lens, which reforms over eight hours.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 4, 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.

Math anxiety doesn't equal poor math performance

Researchers found that high math motivation can buffer the negative effects of math anxiety on math learning, while low motivation is linked to poor math performance. The study used twin data and college student samples to investigate the complex relationship between math anxiety, motivation, and math achievement.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 4, 2015

Study rejects biologic age as limiting factor for stem cell transplants

A phase 2 study found that 42% of older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can remain cancer-free after reduced-intensity stem cell transplantation, challenging traditional age-based exclusion criteria. This approach may offer improved outcomes for AML patients over 60 with otherwise well-tolerated treatments.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 4, 2015

Exploring current state of knowledge about mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease

The article reviews lessons learned from Alzheimer's disease research to advance the development of screening and diagnostic algorithms for Parkinson's disease. It explores MCI-AD research, clinical trials incorporating biomarkers and genetics, and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting specific biological mechanisms.

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalNeurodegenerative Disease Management·DateNov 4, 2015

Used alone, weight loss apps might not help overweight young adults

A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that using a cell phone app to track exercise and calories did not result in significant weight loss for overweight young adults. In contrast, those who received personal coaching lost more weight over time.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalObesity·DateNov 4, 2015

How plant cell compartments 'chat' with each other

Researchers have discovered a central relay station in plant cell communication, controlled by the MICU protein. This protein regulates calcium ion concentration in cellular power stations, enabling plants to respond to environmental stimuli such as water stress and pathogen attacks.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateNov 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.

Antimatter not so different after all

Researchers at Rice University measured the attractive force between antiprotons, revealing a fundamental new way to understand antimatter interactions. The scattering length and effective range of interaction were found to be nearly equivalent to those between protons.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2015

Blood test picks out prostate cancer drug resistance

Researchers have developed a blood test that can identify key mutations driving resistance to a widely used prostate cancer drug. The test predicts which patients will not respond to treatment and can inform personalized treatment options.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 4, 2015

CK5 marks cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer

A recent study published in International Journal of Gynecological Cancer found that protein CK5 marks ovarian cancers likely to be resistant to cisplatin. This marker could help predict and analyze platinum resistance, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecological Cancer·DateNov 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.

Faster digestion in kangaroos reduces methane emissions

Researchers found that kangaroos emit around the same amount of methane as horses or ostriches per body size, but higher when food intake is increased. The study suggests that differences in methane production are more related to bacterial exposure conditions than specific bacteria types.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 4, 2015

Earliest embryonic lethality gene identified

Researchers have identified a single gene, TLE6, responsible for human embryonic lethality at an earlier stage of development than previously documented. The mutation impairs the binding of components of the sub-cortical maternal complex, leading to arrest in early embryonic development.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateNov 4, 2015

Mammography screening: Only 1 in 3 women is well-informed

A new study published by Bielefeld University found that only one in three women participating in Germany's mammography screening programme (MSP) are well-informed about it. The study also showed that women with higher levels of education and those from Turkish migration backgrounds are more likely to make an informed decision.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 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.