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Science News for October 13, 2015


Tulane researchers working on new tuberculosis vaccine

Researchers at Tulane National Primate Research Center are working on a new tuberculosis vaccine by modifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis to lose stress response gene SigmaH. Monkeys vaccinated with the modified strain showed better resistance to infection and protective immune responses in their lungs.

SourceTulane University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 13, 2015

Chalmers researchers extend the lifetime of atoms using a mirror

Chalmers researchers have extended the lifetime of artificial atoms by up to ten times by positioning them in front of a mirror. By controlling the distance between the atom and the mirror, they can manipulate the vacuum fluctuations that cause the atom to decay. This breakthrough could lead to more precise control over quantum systems.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 13, 2015

Young women less likely to be prescribed or take post-heart attack meds

Research published in the American Heart Association journal found that young women are less likely to be prescribed or fill their medication after a heart attack. Despite being eligible for the same treatment as men, only 65% of women under 55 initiated treatment on all appropriate drugs, similar to men.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateOct 13, 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.

Breast cancer drug beats superbug

Researchers found that tamoxifen enhances clearance of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogen MRSA and reduces mortality in mice. The study suggests that tamoxifen's immune-boosting effect could aid the immune system in cases where traditional antibiotics have failed.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 13, 2015

Measurements of dinosaur body temperatures shed new light on 150-year debate

Researchers from UCLA report that some dinosaurs had the ability to warm themselves by drawing heat from the sun, contradicting previous theories. The study found that these dinosaurs had higher body temperatures than modern alligators and crocodiles, suggesting they were more active.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 13, 2015

Intra-uterine surgery for at-risk fetuses

Advanced laser surgery and echocardiography predict fetal development and survival in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies. Dr. Audibert presents results from 115 treated cases, exploring the usefulness of these techniques to improve outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateOct 13, 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.

Imaging study demonstrates how the 'social brain' is functionally impaired in autism

Youths with high-functioning ASD exhibit underdeveloped and insufficiently networked social brain areas, with increased blood flow in frontal regions important for navigating social interactions. Reduced long-range connectivity between default mode network nodes may explain impairment in social responsiveness.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBrain and Behavior·DateOct 13, 2015

A particle purely made of nuclear force

Researchers employed new theoretical approach to calculate glueball decay, achieving agreement with experimental data. The f0(1710) resonance is now considered a prime candidate for the long-sought-after glueball, composed of pure gluons.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 13, 2015

Belief in climate change not linked to wildfire mitigation actions

A recent study by University of Colorado Boulder and U.S. Forest Service found that people who believe climate change increases wildfire risk are not more likely to take mitigation actions on their property. However, those who reject climate science are more likely to engage in risk-reducing behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Hazards·DateOct 13, 2015

Safety concerns over new female sterilization device

A large study published in The BMJ found that women who underwent hysteroscopic sterilization using the Essure device had a significantly higher risk of reoperation following complications. The study analyzed data from over 8,000 and 44,000 women who underwent laparoscopic sterilization.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 13, 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.

Temple doctors find insulin dose not a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality

A post-hoc analysis of the ACCORD study found that higher doses of insulin were not associated with increased cardiovascular death. The study's findings provide reassurance for physicians and patients with diabetes, but underscore the need for further research to clarify the potential risks of insulin use.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalDiabetes Care·DateOct 13, 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.

Drop off feared in the number of physicians conducting research

The number of physician-scientists is expected to decline unless steps are taken to increase recruitment and mentoring. Physician-scientists make critical contributions to medical research and discoveries.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 13, 2015

Benefit of early physical therapy for low-back pain appears modest

A study found that early physical therapy for recent-onset low back pain resulted in statistically significant improvement in disability compared to usual care. However, the improvement was modest and did not achieve a clinically important difference at the individual patient level.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 13, 2015

Climbing plants disturb carbon storage in tropical forests

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that climbing vines are significantly reducing carbon storage in tropical forests by crowding out and killing trees. The researchers discovered that woody climbing plants, or lianas, substantially reduce forest-level carbon uptake and storage.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 13, 2015

Poor children will be hit hardest by government welfare cuts, warn experts

Recent reports from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Resolution Foundation reveal that poor children will see their income substantially reduced, potentially leading to more poverty. Experts warn that these changes will have serious implications for child health, with potentially 600,000 children in poverty by 2016.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 13, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Malaria vaccine provides hope for a general cure for cancer

Researchers have discovered a potential weapon against cancer by harnessing the power of a malaria vaccine. The vaccine targets a specific carbohydrate found in both placenta and cancer cells, resulting in the death of cancer cells. Testing on mice has shown promising results, with over 90% of tumors attacked successfully.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 13, 2015

Nonmedical prescription opioid use disorders, deaths increase in the US

The prevalence of nonmedical use of prescription opioids decreased among adults in the US from 2003 to 2013, while the prevalence of prescription opioid use disorders and related deaths increased. The study highlights the need for coordinated efforts to address nonmedical use of prescription opioids and heroin abuse.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 13, 2015

Listeria can grow on unrefrigerated caramel apples

A study found that Listeria monocytogenes grew rapidly on unrefrigerated caramel apples with sticks, increasing 1,000-fold in just three days. Refrigeration significantly slowed growth, and bacteria were killed by hot caramel, highlighting the need for improved food safety measures.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateOct 13, 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.

Think twice about Android root

A recent study reveals that Android root exploits are easily abused and can be repackaged in malware. The researchers found that few exploits can be detected by mobile antivirus software, making them vulnerable to attacks.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateOct 13, 2015

New deposition technique enhances optoelectronic properties of lasers

Researchers from UC Santa Barbara develop a simple new electron-beam multilayer deposition technique to create high-quality ITO intracavity contacts, yielding significant improvements in optoelectronic properties. The technique paves the way for others to enter this realm of research and provides a critical part of gallium nitride-base...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 13, 2015

Young drivers don't see dangers of driving tired: QUT study

A QUT study found young drivers are more likely to drive sleepy than drunk, with 20% of fatal crashes attributed to drink driving and 15% to fatigued driving in Queensland. Young drivers are also more accepting of enforcement practices for drink driving than sleepy driving.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateOct 13, 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.

Boosting the brain's waste disposal system

A team of researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin found that peripheral macrophages can be repurposed to clean up beta-amyloid deposits in the brain. However, even with stimulation, these cells were ineffective and require further investigation into a missing stimulus.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 13, 2015

Armed malaria protein found to kill cancer cells

Researchers discovered a malaria protein that binds to a common sugar molecule found on both placentas and cancer cells. A novel technology was developed to arm antibodies with high potency toxins to specifically kill cancer cells, showing promising results in clinical trials.

SourceThe Centre for Drug Research and Development·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 13, 2015

Destructive disease shows potential as a cancer treatment

Scientists discovered a malaria protein that targets sugar molecules found in placentas and most cancers, leading to the development of an anti-cancer drug. The new approach halted tumour growth in mice and showed promising results in treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, prostate cancer, and metastatic breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 13, 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.

Research shows diversity can improve stores' sales performance

A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas found that matching levels of racial diversity between store employees and surrounding communities leads to improved sales performance. The research merged opposing views on diversity in the workplace, suggesting that both social identity theory and the information-based perspective ca...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Management·DateOct 13, 2015

Sitting for long periods not bad for health

A 16-year study of over 5,000 participants found no link between sitting time and increased mortality risk. The findings contradict NHS recommendations and challenge previous research on the health risks of sitting.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateOct 13, 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.

Can a 'sense' DNA drug reverse antisense drug to treat blood clots and prevent bleeding?

Scientists create a 'sense' DNA drug that can undo the effects of an antisense drug used to treat blood clots. The new approach reversed the antisense drug's activity and restored normal levels of prothrombin, preventing bleeding. This breakthrough demonstrates the feasibility of using oligonucleotides to target specific genes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateOct 13, 2015

Study finds local government supervisor training can be more efficient

A study found that local government supervisors benefit from training on conceptual leadership skills every 8-9 months, but less frequent training is needed for interpersonal skills. The study suggests that investing in more frequent conceptual skill-building can be a cost-effective way to improve employee performance.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPublic Personnel Management·DateOct 13, 2015

Study: Bacterium that causes Q fever linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma

A study found that patients with persistent Coxiella burnetii infections, which cause Q fever, are at a higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The researchers discovered that these patients often have overproduction of interleukin-10, allowing the cancer cells to evade immune detection.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateOct 13, 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.

Methodology could lead to more sustainable manufacturing systems

Oregon State University researchers developed a new methodology to consider economic, environmental and social impacts of manufacturing processes. The approach uses unit process modeling and life-cycle inventory to analyze factors such as energy consumption, water use, and occupational health and safety.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateOct 13, 2015

Harry Winston Inc. and Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA announce new Fellows

The Harry Winston Fellowships support research to prevent, treat and cure disease in children. The three new Fellows are Dr. Claire Baldauf, studying intra-uterine growth restriction, Dr. Jina Lim examining aortic valve disease, and Dr. Emily Whang investigating inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateOct 13, 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.

Number of addicted rises, but percentage in drug treatment remains stagnant

A recent study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that the percentage of people getting treatment for opioid abuse and dependence has remained stagnant, despite a significant rise in overdose deaths. The researchers found that only 20% of individuals with a drug use disorder were in treatment during this period.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateOct 13, 2015

Disparities in breast cancer persist across all subtypes and stages

African-American women are more likely to develop aggressive breast cancer subtypes and receive substandard care compared to non-Hispanic white women. Minority women also experience disparities in treatment across all breast cancer stages, with significant differences in diagnosis timing and treatment approaches.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateOct 13, 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.

Re-thinking plant and insect diversity

Biologists at the University of York have found that there is no simple relationship between insect diet and diversity, with some plant-feeding groups being incredibly rich while others are not. The study suggests that other factors play a greater role in explaining diversity.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateOct 13, 2015

Lower systolic blood pressure reduces risk of hypertension complication

A new study found that lowering systolic blood pressure to 120mmHg can reduce the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy by 39%, compared to the standard target of 140mmHg. This reduction in blood pressure was associated with a lower risk of heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac death.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateOct 13, 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.

Finance: Belief in higher returns from private equity may be misplaced

Research by Dr Roman Kräussl and colleagues suggests that private equity fund performance is not significantly better than traditional stock market investments. The study found that expected returns from private equity investments are similar to those of listed securities, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalReview of Financial Studies·DateOct 13, 2015

Lack of referrals for suspected cancer leads to more deaths

A study by Cancer Research UK and King's College London found that cancers diagnosed at a later stage have higher mortality rates, with death rates increasing by seven per cent in practices using the two-week referral route least often. Increasing GP cancer awareness could help reduce deaths.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 13, 2015

With this new universal wireless charger, compatibility won't be an issue

Researchers at UC San Diego developed a dual frequency wireless charging platform that can charge multiple devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, and tablets, simultaneously using different wireless standards. The new technology addresses the issue of incompatibility between competing wireless standards, enabling univer...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·DateOct 13, 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.

Research sheds new light on the Great Recession

Corporate bond 'fire sales' rippled through the economy, causing a prolonged recession. Capital expenditures dropped by 14.5% and research and development declined by 17.2%. The study highlights the interconnectedness of financial markets with the real economy.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 13, 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.

TAK-733 shows challenge of using a promising drug in the human body

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found TAK-733 to be highly active against colorectal cancer cells and tumors, with 42 of 54 cell lines sensitive to the drug. However, inconsistent absorption and bioavailability were observed, raising concerns about safety and tolerability.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateOct 13, 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.

Just a touch of skyrmions

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science have found a way to create and delete skyrmions using mechanical energy, which could lead to inexpensive and low-energy-consuming memory devices. The discovery uses a specially designed stress probe to apply mechanical stress to the surface of manganese-silicide material.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 13, 2015

Straight up, with a twist: New model derives homochirality from basic life requirements

A new mathematical model developed by University of Illinois physicists suggests that homochirality can be used as a universal biosignature. The model, based on self-replication and disequilibrium, shows that homochirality appears when self-replication is efficient enough.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 13, 2015

UI Cancer Center, Governors State to address cancer disparities in south suburbs

The UI Cancer Center and Governors State University have received a joint grant to conduct community-based research on reducing cancer-related health disparities in the region's south suburbs. The program will provide training for GSU junior faculty and support minority undergraduate and graduate students in health disparities research.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateOct 13, 2015

Cultural blunders make people better thinkers

Research found that people who experience cultural disfluency, such as encountering wrong holiday plates or non-traditional wedding photos, perform better on cognitive reasoning tests and are less likely to engage in mindless consumption. This shift to systematic thinking reduces stress levels and increases brainpower.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalSocial Cognition·DateOct 13, 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.

Study shows social media content may hold keys to important health information

Researchers found that social media content can be linked to health outcomes, with shared data comprising nearly 1.4 million posts and tweets from over 1,000 participants. The study suggests that social media data can provide insights into health trends and behaviors, potentially informing education campaigns and interventions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·DateOct 13, 2015

Schizophrenia symptoms linked to features of brain's anatomy?

Researchers matched behavioral symptoms to specific brain abnormalities, providing a new way of thinking about schizophrenia. The study found distinct subgroups of patients with schizophrenia that correlate with symptoms, offering a step toward improving diagnosis and treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuroImage·DateOct 13, 2015

New field of application for versatile helper

Researchers at TUM have identified how small heat shock proteins interact with other proteins in Alzheimer's disease. They found that these proteins can bind to both amorphous and amyloid forms of beta-amyloid, preventing clumping and potentially developing new agents.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 13, 2015

Greater neighborhood access to fast-food outlets linked to lower bone mass in infants

A study found that greater neighborhood access to fast-food outlets is associated with poorer bone development in early childhood, while increased exposure to healthy specialty stores is linked to higher bone mass. The research suggests that improving the food environment could optimize childhood bone development.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateOct 13, 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.

Virally cleansing the pig genome

Researchers have successfully used the CRISPR-Cas9 system to eliminate porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) from pig epithelial cells. The study found that PERV infectivity was reduced by up to a thousand fold, making genetically modified pigs for human transplantation a promising option.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 13, 2015

Enterovirus D68 not associated with higher death rate in children

A new study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that EV-D68, a respiratory virus affecting young children, does not lead to an increased risk of death or critical care admission. Children with EV-D68 were more likely to present with respiratory distress and have a family history of atopy.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 13, 2015

What does it take to escape the water? Plankton have clues

A new study on plankton's jumping behavior shows that velocity is the primary factor determining whether an animal can break the water's surface. Only certain species of copepods with high impact speeds of around one meter per second can jump out of the water, suggesting they may be the smallest animals capable of this feat.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalInterface·DateOct 13, 2015

Comet Encke: A solar windsock observed by NASA's STEREO

A new study using NASA's Solar and Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) revealed that the solar wind's turbulence explains its hot temperatures and variable behavior. Scientists tracked hundreds of ionized gas clumps in Comet Encke's tail to reconstruct the solar wind's motion, catching an unprecedented look at turbulence.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 13, 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.

Fast track referral for suspected cancer is saving lives

A recent study by researchers at King's College London found that general practices using the urgent referral pathway (two-week wait system) have lower cancer mortality rates compared to those that rarely use this pathway. Increasing its use could improve patient survival, especially for patients from low-referring practices.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 13, 2015

A dominant evolutionary theme emerges to better predict clinical outcomes for cancer

A dominant evolutionary theme emerges to predict cancer clinical outcomes, with tumors trending toward a more primitive ESC state having a worse prognosis. This study analyzed global gene expression profiles from 107 cells types and over 3,000 tumors, demonstrating the robustness of this pattern across various solid tumor cancers.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 13, 2015

RIT receives 2 cyber-security funding awards

Rochester Institute of Technology has received two significant cyber security funding awards from the National Science Foundation and National Security Agency. The awarded projects focus on developing novel attack strategies to predict cyber threats and create preemptive systems for enterprise networks. Led by Shanchieh Yang, the resea...

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateOct 13, 2015

Noninvasive imaging method looks deeper inside the body to study living brain

Researchers have developed a new noninvasive light-based imaging technology that can see inside the living brain, providing a tool to study how diseases change brain tissue over time. The method doubles the image depth range, enabling examination of acute and chronic morphological or functional vascular changes in the deep brain.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateOct 13, 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.

On the precision frontier: A new calculation holds promise for new physics

A team of physicists has published a new calculation that could significantly advance the indirect search for physics beyond the Standard Model. The calculation applies to rare B meson decays, which are being studied for potential clues about undiscovered subatomic particles.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 13, 2015

Drug-resistant E. coli bacteria increasingly found in community hospitals

A recent study found that ESBL-producing E. coli infections are on the rise in community hospitals, posing a significant risk to patient safety and quality of care. The incidence of these infections increased by 100%, with nearly three-quarters occurring after exposure to the healthcare system.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateOct 13, 2015

In a negative emotional climate, romantic partners may miss attempts to warm things up!

A new University of Illinois study reveals that conflict in romantic relationships can hinder a person's ability to recognize their partner's efforts to reconcile. Couples who use constructive communication styles tend to form healthier relationships with good communicators.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateOct 13, 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.

NASA sees birth of Tropical Storm Koppu in Northwestern Pacific

Tropical Storm Koppu formed in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean on October 13, strengthening into a tropical storm within hours. The storm's maximum sustained winds reached near 40 knots (46 mph/74 kph) and is expected to intensify steadily towards the Philippines.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 13, 2015

New research maps areas most vulnerable to ocean acidification

Ocean acidification is affecting global marine ecosystems, with the Arctic and Antarctic oceans being particularly vulnerable. The study reveals that waters with lower aragonite saturation state are more corrosive to shellfish and coral species.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateOct 13, 2015

Four in 10 older adults burdened by demands of health-care system

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that nearly four in ten older adults struggle with managing their health care needs, with many delaying or avoiding treatments. Despite this, the majority prefer to play an active role in making decisions about their healthcare.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 13, 2015

Building a better liposome

Computational models suggest a new design for nanoparticles used in targeted drug delivery. The researchers proposed making more stable liposomes by incorporating a nanoparticle core and polymer tethers, which acts as a hub-and-spoke-like scaffold that helps the liposome to weather stresses and strains.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 13, 2015

Pebbles on Mars likely traveled tens of miles down a riverbed, Penn study finds

A new method developed by Penn researchers can quantify the transport distance of river pebbles from their shape alone, providing evidence for an extensive river system on Mars. The study suggests that Martian pebbles traveled around 30 miles from their source, offering insights into the planet's geological history and potential for life.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 13, 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.

For one researcher, a love for science is in the blood

Bingbang Xiang discovered that platelets play a protective role in severe sepsis by producing anti-inflammatory agents to prevent immune cells from becoming too active. His findings suggest that platelet transfusions may be effective for treating severely septic patients.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateOct 13, 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.

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP gets an infrared look at Tropical Storm Nora

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captures infrared imagery of Tropical Storm Nora, revealing warming cloud top temperatures indicating less uplift in the air and a weaker storm. The storm is expected to continue moving northwestward at 7 mph, with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 13, 2015

Animal study suggests treatment that may improve heart function in heart failure

A new animal study published in the American Journal of Physiology found that a low dose of thyroid hormone improved cardiac tissue and function in female rats with high blood pressure. The treatment safely restored normal thyroid hormone levels and prevented scar tissue accumulation, leading to overall improvement in heart function.

SourceNew York Institute of Technology·DateOct 13, 2015

U researchers create light emitting diodes from food and beverage waste

Researchers at the University of Utah have successfully created LEDs from food and beverage waste, reducing toxic waste and offering a cost-effective alternative. The development utilizes carbon dots made from discarded pieces of tortilla and soft drinks, eliminating concerns over toxic elements.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateOct 13, 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.

VLA reveals spectacular 'halos' of spiral galaxies

A study of edge-on spiral galaxies has revealed that halos of cosmic rays and magnetic fields are much more common than previously thought. Researchers used the VLA to detect faint radio emission, providing valuable information on star formation, winds from exploding stars, and galaxy magnetic fields.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateOct 13, 2015

A resonator for electrons

Researchers at ETH Zurich have successfully built an electron resonator, focusing electrons between two mirrors. The resonator's spin-coherent coupling could enable long-distance communication between quantum dots, solving a key challenge in quantum computing.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 13, 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.

Toward clearer, cheaper imaging of ultrafast phenomena

A new technique can help record better images of ultrafast phenomena by compressing narrow electron pulses to a billionth of a billionth of a second. This allows scientists to observe real-time molecular interactions and material structure changes in chemical reactions.

SourceOptica·DateOct 13, 2015

Gene therapy staves off blindness from retinitis pigmentosa in canine model

A study funded by the NIH has shown that gene therapy can preserve vision in dogs with late-stage retinitis pigmentosa. The treatment halted disease-associated cell death and preserved photoreceptor structure, improving visual performance under dim light conditions. Further research is needed to assess its safety and potential toxicity...

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 13, 2015

Possible new treatment for neurodegenerative diseases found

Researchers at University of Liverpool discover that ethosuximide can protect against progressive nerve damage and loss in Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases. The study suggests the potential for repurposing ethosuximide as a treatment for multiple neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalMolecular Neurodegeneration·DateOct 13, 2015

Kessler study underscores need to assess behavioral sequelae of TBI

Researchers found that adding the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale to neuropsychological assessment provides valuable information about the behavioral consequences of TBI. The study suggests that addressing cognitive and behavioral symptoms after brain injury is crucial for improving outcomes, but more comprehensive assessments are needed.

SourceKessler Foundation·DateOct 13, 2015

Spring to come 3 weeks earlier to the United States

Scientists project a median 3-week shift in spring plant growth onset due to global warming, with significant impacts on animal migration and ecosystems. The study's findings have long-term implications for the growing season of plants and their relationships with animals.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 13, 2015