Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 6, 2015


WSU study proposes first nationwide wildlife conservation network

A WSU study suggests linking isolated wildlife sanctuaries by a national network of protected river corridors to provide animals with connected habitats. The research builds on existing environmental policies, including the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateOct 6, 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.

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.

Treatment for heparin-induced blood disorder revealed in structure of antibody complex

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has elucidated the structure of a protein complex at its root, which may hold therapeutic potential for treating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The study found that an antibody called RTO disrupts this complex, preventing platelet activation and clot ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015

Knee-deep in spider leg evolution

A new study reveals that spiders' knees evolved from a duplicated gene called dac, allowing for a unique leg structure. The research team discovered that the dac2 gene is specific to spider development and plays a crucial role in forming the kneecap.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 6, 2015

Chile to create Patagonia Marine Protected Area network

The Government of Chile has announced a plan to design a network of Marine Protected Areas for Patagonia's unique wildlife and ecosystems. With funding from the Waitt Foundation, the new MPA network will protect over 100,000 square kilometers of oceanic waters, meeting Chile's goal of 10% ecosystem protection by 2020.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·DateOct 6, 2015

The predator survives -- but the ecosystem crashes

Researchers find overexploitation of resources by adaptable predators can cause long-term negative effects on food webs. The change in prey can trigger an extinction cascade where species are wiped out in a domino effect.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015

Double the (quantum) fun

A team of researchers has developed a detailed analysis of the electrical characteristics of double-quantum-dot transistors, which could help design better devices for manipulating single electrons. The device's stability and geometry were found to be crucial in determining its electrical parameters.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 6, 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.

New species discovered: Hog-nose rat

Scientists have discovered a new genus and species of shrew rat on Sulawesi Island in Indonesia, featuring an extremely large nose, long hind legs, and unusual dental characteristics. The Hog-nosed rat is genetically distinct from other rodents and has a weak jaw musculature, indicating a diet that does not require vigorous chewing.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateOct 6, 2015

More women may have option to get IUD minutes after giving birth

A growing number of state Medicaid agencies cover contraceptive devices immediately after delivery, improving maternal and child health outcomes. IUDs inserted postpartum have a slightly higher risk of falling out than delayed placement, but the risk of complications is low.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalContraception·DateOct 6, 2015

Study finds considerable differences in bowel cancer deaths across Europe

A study published in The BMJ reveals significant disparities in bowel cancer mortality rates across Europe, with notable variations between men and women and different regions. Colorectal cancer mortality has decreased in many European countries over the past two decades, but important differences remain.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 6, 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.

Of skin and teeth: Identifying key differences in Asians

A study identified significant DNA differences in the human kallikrein cluster among Eastern Asian populations, including those related to KLK4 gene activity. These findings may contribute to unique dental traits and a lower risk of skin conditions like eczema.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 6, 2015

NASA gets Hurricane Oho by the tail

Hurricane Oho intensified into a hurricane on October 6, with extremely cold cloud top temperatures of -63F (-53C), indicating powerful storms capable of generating heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to turn towards the northeast and speed up late in the day.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 6, 2015

Now anyone can run a climate model

Researchers at University of New South Wales have developed a simple online climate model that allows anyone to explore Earth's atmosphere and environment. The model enables users to compare how the world would change with different climate scenarios, making complex concepts clearer for students and the general public.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateOct 6, 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.

Vaginal microbes influence whether mucus can trap HIV virus

Research reveals that certain vaginal bacteria species can trap HIV particles, while others allow them to diffuse freely. The study suggests that altering a woman's vaginal microbiota could improve protection against STIs by increasing the barrier properties of cervicovaginal mucus.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateOct 6, 2015

UC Davis granted $15.5 million to build world's first total-body PET scanner

A UC Davis research team has been awarded $15.5 million to develop the world's first total-body PET scanner, which could revolutionize cancer tracking and treatment. The new technology allows for simultaneous imaging of the entire body, reducing radiation dose by a factor of 40 and scanning time from 20 minutes to just 30 seconds.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateOct 6, 2015

Study: Burnout impacts transplant nurses

A recent study by Henry Ford Hospital found that over half of transplant nurses in the US suffer from emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment. The researchers suggest that organizations must create environments that nurture both patients and caregivers to prevent burnout.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalProgress in Transplantation·DateOct 6, 2015

Study shows how dominant parents affect kids' self-worth

A new study suggests that a parent's behavior plays a significant role in shaping their child's self-esteem. The research found that English children whose mothers displayed negative parenting traits reported lower self-esteem, while Indian children were more affected by their fathers' behavior.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology·DateOct 6, 2015

Researchers uncover new genetic markers for wheat improvement

Researchers have identified three agronomically important genes in a wild wheat relative that can help breeders develop resistant varieties of wheat. The study provides a breakthrough in exploring wheat wild relatives for future crop improvement.

SourceKansas State University·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateOct 6, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lack of D1 receptor leads to slowness of movements in Parkinson's disease

Research reveals dopamine transmission via D1 receptors is essential for information flow through the basal ganglia to control movements. Lack of D1 receptor-mediated dopamine transmission disrupts 'direct pathway' and results in slowness of movements in Parkinson's disease.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateOct 6, 2015

From trees to power: McMaster engineers build better energy storage device

Researchers develop lightweight and high-power density capacitors using nanocellulose-based materials, paving the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly electronics. The new devices offer faster charging abilities and can accumulate energy during braking to release it during acceleration.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 6, 2015

Cell's waste disposal system regulates body clock proteins

A new study has identified partner molecules of cell-waste disposal proteins, which regulate the body's clock. The researchers found that ligase Fbxl3 regulates Cry proteins and Seven in absentia 2 (Siah2) targets RevErbα on a 24-hour cycle.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 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.

Rebates a cost-effective way to boost healthy eating among low-income people, study finds

A new study suggests that providing low-income households with financial incentives to buy fruits and vegetables can encourage them to purchase and consume more healthy food. According to the study, these incentives, in the form of rebates, are unlikely to prompt consumers to increase their spending on junk food.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateOct 6, 2015

Flu vaccine helps reduce hospitalizations due to influenza pneumonia

A study published in JAMA found that more than half of hospitalizations due to influenza pneumonia could be prevented by influenza vaccination. The study used data from 2,767 patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia during three consecutive influenza seasons.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateOct 6, 2015

Our brain's response to others' good news depends on empathy

A new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) responds differently to others' good fortune depending on an individual's level of empathy. Participants with high empathy scores showed a specialized ACC response only when another person was likely to win, while those with low empathy ...

SourceUniversity College London·DateOct 6, 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.

Artificial intelligence uncovers clues to why embryos develop abnormally

Scientists at Tufts University developed an AI approach to illuminate cellular processes and suggest possible targets for aberrant development. The method was applied to tadpoles, where melanoma-like cells deviated from normal development, indicating a group dynamic rather than single-cell decisions.

SourceTufts University·JournalScience Signaling·DateOct 6, 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.

Catching cancers when they are small still makes a difference to survival

A study of 173,797 female breast cancer patients found that catching cancers when they are small makes a difference to survival, even with modern therapies. Traditional factors such as tumour size and lymph node status have a significant influence on overall mortality independent of age and tumour biology.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 6, 2015

Older patients recover more slowly from concussion

A recent study published in Radiology found that older adults recover more slowly from concussions, exhibiting reduced neural plasticity and persistent hypoactivation. This suggests that mild traumatic brain injuries may have a more profound effect on older patients, highlighting the need for age-specific management strategies.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateOct 6, 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.

Binghamton University professor fights cancer with hedgehogs

A Binghamton University biochemist has discovered a method to fight cancer by attacking only cancer cells and potentially reducing side effects. Hedgehogs, which normally turn off in mature cells, somehow re-activate in certain cancers, leading to uncontrolled cell growth.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 6, 2015

Physicists shrink particle accelerator

Researchers have built the first prototype of a miniature particle accelerator that uses terahertz radiation, demonstrating feasibility and potential for miniaturizing entire setups. The technology holds promise for various applications, including materials science, medicine, and particle physics.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015

Edible love gifts may influence female behavior, suggests cricket study

Researchers found that edible gifts given by male crickets to their female partners during mating contain unique proteins that could affect the females' behavior. The proteins in the nuptial gift may promote cell growth and development in target tissue, influencing female reproductive behavior.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 6, 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.

Should women consume alcohol during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should abstain from alcohol due to the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome and developmental abnormalities. Current guidance is inconsistent and often misleading, leaving women uncertain about safe levels of consumption.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 6, 2015

Predicting which soldiers will commit severe, violent crimes

A study published in Psychological Medicine suggests that predictive analytics can pinpoint soldiers at highest violence risk for preventive interventions. The model, developed from administrative data, identifies 5% of soldiers as having the highest predicted risk, accounting for a significant proportion of violent crimes.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateOct 6, 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.

Chest CT scans often can be avoided in blunt trauma ER cases, study finds

A new study led by UC San Francisco physician Robert Rodriguez demonstrates that nearly all major and minor injuries from blunt trauma can be detected with fewer chest CT scans. The study developed decision-making tools based on clinical criteria to avoid unnecessary diagnostic imaging, reducing radiation exposure and medical costs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 6, 2015

Detecting HIV diagnostic antibodies with DNA nanomachines

A new approach using DNA nanomachines can detect specific antibodies in five minutes, enabling rapid and affordable point-of-care diagnostics for infectious diseases like HIV. This technology promises to reduce healthcare costs and treatment initiation delays.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 6, 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.

Even if imprisoned inside a crystal, molecules can still move

Researchers used X-ray crystallography, NMR and simulation to study protein movements in crystals. The results show that proteins continue to produce slight residual movements even when crystallised, which blurs the structures obtained via crystallography.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015

Five things hospitals can do to improve outcomes of weekend surgeries

A study by Loyola University Medical Center found that hospitals with increased nurse-to-bed ratios, full adoption of electronic medical records, inpatient physical rehabilitation, home-health programs, and pain management programs were more likely to overcome the 'weekend effect' and improve patient outcomes. This suggests that improv...

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateOct 6, 2015

High-arctic butterflies shrink with rising temperatures

Researchers at Aarhus University found that butterflies in Greenland have become smaller due to warmer summers, affecting their mobility and population dynamics. The study, published in Biology Letters, is one of the longest known time series on body size variation in butterflies.

SourceAarhus University·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 6, 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.

Commentary: Hospitals may sicken many by withholding food and sleep

A Johns Hopkins surgeon calls on hospitals to end preventable bouts of food and sleep deprivation in emergency rooms and surgical units. The expert argues that acute malnutrition and sleep deprivation have increased with busier hospitals and an aging population, leading to delayed healing and readmissions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·DateOct 6, 2015

American placebo

A new study found that US clinical trials of chronic pain drugs experienced a steady increase in placebo response over time. The analysis revealed that trials conducted only in the US showed this trend, whereas European and Asian trials did not.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPain·DateOct 6, 2015

Restoring vision with stem cells

A new technique using human embryonic stem cells has been developed by Professor Gilbert Bernier, allowing for the production of light-sensitive retina cells. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for currently non-curable eye diseases like Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 6, 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.

Discovery about new battery overturns decades of false assumptions

A new discovery at Oregon State University has shown that potassium can work effectively with graphite in a potassium-ion battery, potentially posing a challenge to the widely-used lithium-ion battery. The findings could lead to a more sustainable and cost-effective energy storage solution.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 6, 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.

New research shows ovarian transplants appear to be safe and effective

A study of 41 Danish women who received ovarian tissue transplants found that the procedure is effective in restoring ovarian function and fertility in up to 10 years. The majority of patients (31%) became pregnant, with some even experiencing full-term pregnancies.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateOct 6, 2015

Researchers discover clues on how giraffe neck evolved

Researchers discovered the evolution of the giraffe's long neck involved two stages, with the first stage elongating only the front portion of the C3 vertebra and the second stage extending the back portion. The study found that modern giraffes are the only species to undergo both stages.

SourceNew York Institute of Technology·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateOct 6, 2015

New surfaces delay ice formation

Researchers create biphilic surface that repels water in some areas and attracts it in others, delaying frost formation even at 6 degrees below freezing. The unique condensation dynamics on the surface cause small droplets to merge and release energy, delaying freezing for over 3 hours.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 6, 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.

Repeating aloud to another person boosts recall

A study by Professor Victor Boucher of the University of Montreal found that repeating aloud boosts verbal memory, especially when done in a context of communication. The research showed that repeating aloud to someone else increased information recall compared to repeating silently or in one's head.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateOct 6, 2015

Preferences for a good end-of-life experience

Researchers found that patients with advanced cancer are willing to pay more for aspects of a good end-of-life experience compared to healthy older adults. Both groups highly value high-quality healthcare experiences, including being treated with respect and receiving coordinated care. The study suggests that health reform efforts shou...

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalHealth Policy·DateOct 6, 2015

New microscopy technology augments surgeon's view for greater accuracy

The new augmented microscopy technology overlays real and computer-generated images to help surgeons visualize blood flow, cancerous tissue, and anatomical structures more accurately. This innovation aims to improve the translation of research into clinical practice, particularly in neurosurgery and laser surgery.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateOct 6, 2015

Super yellow blends for light efficiency

Researchers have developed a polymer blend that significantly improves light output from LEDs by manipulating hole-mobility and exploiting the difference in energy levels of the polymers. The optimized device achieves an ultrahigh efficiency of approximately 27 candelas per amp, outperforming a similar device using only Super Yellow.

SourceElsevier·JournalMaterials Today·DateOct 6, 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.

Surgical trainees retain information, master skills better when honed beyond proficiency

A new study found that surgical trainees who continue to practice beyond achieving initial proficiency retain information longer and master surgical skills better. The study, presented at the American College of Surgeons Annual Clinical Congress, showed that overlearning can decrease the learning curve and improve overall scores.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateOct 6, 2015

Understanding others' thoughts enables young kids to lie

Teaching children theory of mind enables them to engage in deception, suggesting a causal link between the cognitive ability and lying behavior. Children who received ToM training were more likely to lie in hide-and-seek tasks compared to those in control groups.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 6, 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.

Long-term contraception in a single shot

A team of Caltech biologists has created a non-surgical approach to deliver long-term contraception using a single shot, rendering animals infertile for up to two months. The technique targets the 'master regulator of reproduction,' gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), neutralizing its effects and preventing conception.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 6, 2015

Nutritional needs for skeletal health change as you age, says new scientific review

A new review emphasizes the significance of nutrition throughout life for maintaining a healthy skeleton, particularly in children and seniors who are at risk of osteoporosis. The study finds that adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and protein can help prevent premature bone loss and fractures.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateOct 6, 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.

MIT Deshpande Center announces fall 2015 research grants

The MIT Deshpande Center has awarded grants to 15 research teams working on emerging technologies with potential impact in disease monitoring, cancer treatment, and more. The center provides support and guidance to innovators as they develop viable technologies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 6, 2015

Tolerant immune system increases cancer risk

Researchers found that a tolerant immune system, characterized by high levels of regulatory T cells, increases the risk of certain types of cancer. The study analyzed blood samples from EPIC participants with cancer and controls, revealing a strong link between immunotolerance and increased lung and colon cancer risks.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 6, 2015

Back to the future: Science fiction turns science fact

Researchers at TU Wien and TriLite Technologies have developed a 3D display technology using micro optics and moving micro mirrors. This innovation enables the creation of 3D images without 3D glasses, marking a significant advancement in the field.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 6, 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.

The hand and foot of Homo naledi

The discovery of Homo naledi reveals a unique combination of anatomy in its hand and foot, indicating adaptation for both tree climbing and walking. The hand shows powerful grasping abilities and use of stone tools, while the foot shares features with modern humans but has more curved toe bones.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015

Bowel screening kit with extras could help save more lives

A study by Cancer Research UK found that adding extras like gloves and 'poo catchers' to the bowel cancer screening kit can increase participation rates. The London study saw a rise in uptake from around 43% to 54% among 60-74 year olds, with nearly 26,000 extra people taking up screening in London alone.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBioMed Research International·DateOct 6, 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.

Ancient rocks record first evidence for photosynthesis that made oxygen

Scientists have discovered unmistakable signs of oxygen in ancient iron-bearing rocks from the ocean floor, dating back 3.23 billion years. The findings suggest that cyanobacteria, primitive photosynthetic organisms, were responsible for liberating oxygen, marking a significant milestone in Earth's history.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateOct 6, 2015

Sugar governs how antibodies work in the immune system

A team of researchers found that sialic acid reduces antibody-induced cell killing, offering potential treatment for autoimmune diseases. Antibodies with this sugar structure are detectable more frequently in healthy individuals than those with autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 6, 2015

Project aims to help brain fix itself

Rice University researchers are combining experiments and computational analysis to learn how the brain organizes itself after injury. They aim to direct the growth of new neurons to treat stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceRice University·DateOct 6, 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.

How the brain's wiring leads to cognitive control

Research reveals fundamental rules governing brain regions' ability to exert control over thoughts and actions, using structural imaging techniques and network science. The frontal cortex's role in cognitive control is mechanistically explained, shedding light on its dynamic control of trillions of individual neurons.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015

New test predicts teens' future risk of heart disease

Researchers develop diagnostic test to assess adolescents' risk of cardiovascular disease based on metabolic syndrome severity score, which considers factors like blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The test has the potential to encourage healthy behaviors in teenagers to prevent future heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 6, 2015

Protein reactions identified with subatomic resolution

Scientists have gained insights into the dynamic behavior of two switch proteins using subatomic resolution. The study reveals that an amino acid in one protein prevents a water molecule from dissociating the phosphate group from GTP, leading to slower switch-off.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 6, 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.

Embrace the chaos: Predictable ecosystems may be more fragile

A new study suggests that managing resources to minimize variability can lead to unintended consequences, such as fish stocks collapsing and grasslands being replaced by shrubs. By allowing for some degree of natural variability, adaptive management approaches can help sustain ecosystems over time.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2015

Studies suggest new ways to inhibit oncogenes, enhance tumor-suppressor activity

Researchers at Ohio State University suggest new ways to treat cancer by inhibiting overactive cancer-promoting genes and enhancing sluggish tumor-suppressor genes. The findings, published in Nature Communications and Nature Genetics, provide insights into the role of glucocorticoid receptors and epigenetic marks in cancer development.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015