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Science News for September 15, 2015


Equity gap

A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that women are nearly 13% less likely to be full professors than their male peers with identical age, experience, and research productivity. Despite efforts to increase equity, the proportion of women at this rank has remained unchanged since 1980.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA·DateSep 15, 2015

Making a smart material smarter

A team of researchers from Michigan State University has manipulated vanadium dioxide to make it usable in small devices, allowing for smart antennas with tunable properties. This technology could enable applications such as switching between communication bands or precise microsurgery.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalIEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters·DateSep 15, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The saying 'It never rains but it pours' is truer than ever in Scotland

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters has identified changes in the shape of rainfall across Europe, making it challenging to determine local climate change. In Scotland, researchers found that heavy rainfall days have increased by over 50%, leading to more intense rain events.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 15, 2015

New mouse brain map may illuminate origins of mental illnesses

A highly detailed model of mouse brain connections may provide new insights into mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia. The study used diffusion MRI scans to create a 3D digital map of the brain's circuitry, exceeding previous resolution by 1,000 times.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateSep 15, 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.

Bond gene in fruit flies controls fertility of rival males

A single gene in fruit flies, named 'bond', controls male pheromone production and affects fertility. It also influences the fertility of rival males, suggesting that males need a sense of competition to ensure reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 15, 2015

ESA/NASA Solar Observatory discovers its 3,000th comet

The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory has discovered its 3,000th comet, thanks to a volunteer astronomer in Thailand. This milestone marks a significant achievement for SOHO's comet project, with over 200 comets found annually by citizen scientists.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 15, 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.

Popular hypertension drugs linked to worse heart health in blacks compared to whites

A new comparative effectiveness research study found that African Americans with high blood pressure have poorer cardiovascular outcomes when treated with ACE inhibitors compared to white patients. The study analyzed data from nearly 60,000 patients and found a significant racial disparity in the effectiveness of these drugs.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 15, 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.

Forest-mapping instrument for space station passes major milestone

The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) has successfully transitioned to Phase B, paving the way for the deployment of a laser-based instrument on the International Space Station. This mission aims to provide high-resolution measurements of Earth's forest vertical structure, enabling scientists to better understand the globa...

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 15, 2015

In first, Salk scientists use sound waves to control brain cells

Salk scientists use ultrasonic waves to selectively activate brain, heart, muscle and other cells, offering an alternative to optogenetics for human therapeutics. The technique, dubbed sonogenetics, has the potential to noninvasively reach any tissue of interest in the body.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 15, 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.

New efficiency record for solar hydrogen production is 14 percent

A team of researchers has achieved an unprecedented 14% efficiency in solar hydrogen production, breaking a 17-year-old record. The breakthrough involves a patented photo-electrochemical process that enhances long-term stability and boosts energy output.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 15, 2015

Research breakthrough in fight against muscle wasting diseases

A new study identifies USP19 as a potential drug target for muscle wasting diseases in cancer patients, improving quality of life and longevity. The research team discovered that inhibiting the USP19 gene could protect against muscle wasting in mice models.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 15, 2015

One step closer to a new kind of computer

Researchers found that the sample's resistance changes nonlinearly with an increasing magnetic field, suggesting a liquid-to-gas-like transition. This discovery could lead to the creation of faster and more compact electronics using Mott transition.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScience·DateSep 15, 2015

The black box at the beginning of life

Researchers at Kyoto University have created a lab-based human germ cell development model, revealing specific key elements and events that occur at the beginning of human life. This breakthrough provides insight into how epigenetic marks are erased during early germ cell development, shedding light on conditions such as infertility.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 15, 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.

'Our chairs are killing us,' say researchers

A large study of middle-aged Koreans reveals that both sedentary behavior and reduced physical activity contribute to the prevalence of NAFLD. The findings support increasing physical activity and reducing sitting time as crucial in reducing the risk of NAFLD.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateSep 15, 2015

Link between air pollution and increased deaths from heart disease affirmed

A large US study confirms that tiny chemical particles in the air are linked to an increased risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease. Fine particles can be absorbed deep into the lungs and bloodstream, contributing to potentially fatal heart and lung diseases.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateSep 15, 2015

Yoga improves arthritis symptoms and mood, study finds

A randomized trial found that yoga improved physical health, pain, energy, mood, and daily activities in people with arthritis. The study also showed long-term improvements in physical function and walking speed.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Rheumatology·DateSep 15, 2015

Scientists discover how cells overpower cancer drug

Cancer Research UK scientists found that some cancer cells can survive gene damage caused by HDAC inhibitor drugs, triggering a 'survival' response. This mechanism rebalances tags and maintains normal gene activity, making it harder for the drug to kill cancer cells.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalEpigenetics & Chromatin·DateSep 15, 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.

Immune cells may help fight against obesity

A new study found that mice lacking certain immune cells gained excess weight and developed metabolic abnormalities even on a standard diet. Removing these cells prevented weight gain and metabolic issues. The study indicates that immune cells may help control fat tissue's energy storage and reduce inflammation.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateSep 15, 2015

Specific fatty acids may worsen Crohn's disease

Researchers found that palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid found in olive oil and meat, worsened inflammation in Crohn's disease. Omega-6 fatty acid, present in vegetable oils, actually reduced inflammation in the condition.

SourceDuke University·JournalGenome Biology·DateSep 15, 2015

New perspectives for long-term climate predictions?

A new study reveals that solar activity affects the development of large-scale pressure systems in the Northern Hemisphere, influencing long-term climate predictions. The researchers found a time lag between solar irradiance and atmospheric pressure patterns, which can be used to improve predictability of decadal climate variability.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 15, 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.

Dealing with climate change and local beliefs in Africa

Research in Malawi and Zambia highlights the importance of considering local knowledge and beliefs when addressing climate change. In two rural communities, differing responses to changing climates were observed depending on co-existing traditional and Christian beliefs.

SourceSpringer·JournalClimatic Change·DateSep 15, 2015

Dew helps ground cloud computing

A new cloud-dew architecture offers a way to counteract cloud downtime and communication difficulties by providing a buffer between the local user and cloud servers. This lightweight local server retains a copy of the given user's data, making it available with or without an internet connection.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Cloud Computing·DateSep 15, 2015

Previously unknown flea genus and species discovered in fossilized dominican amber

Entomologist Dr. George Poinar Jr. discovers a previously unknown flea genus and species in fossilized Dominican amber, characterized by unique features such as five-segmented maxillary palps. The discovery also reveals the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria similar to plague-causing pathogens and trypanosomes.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateSep 15, 2015

New synthetic route to potential medicines for type 2 diabetes

Researchers at Toyohashi Tech have successfully demonstrated the enantioselective phenoxylation of β-keto esters, allowing for the synthesis of α-aryloxy-β-keto esters with high enantioselectivity. This method enables the creation of biologically active compounds for potential treatment of type 2 diabetes.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateSep 15, 2015

A small, inexpensive high frequency comb signal generator

Researchers from Italy have devised a novel method to convert low-frequency signals into higher frequencies using Nobel Prize-winning Josephson junctions. The approach produces voltage pulses containing hundreds of harmonics, enabling the creation of smaller and more efficient signal generators.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 15, 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.

Electronic reminders can help tuberculosis patients stay on medication

A cluster randomized controlled trial found that electronic reminders via medication monitors and text messages improved tuberculosis treatment adherence, with non-adherent rates decreasing from 29.9% to 17.0%. The study suggests innovative approaches to improve TB treatment outcomes in remote areas.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 15, 2015

Students in credit crisis

Despite being aware of their financial responsibilities, many college students accumulate excessive debt due to a lack of self-control and limited expertise. The researchers suggest that education on financial management should be integrated into the curriculum at an early stage.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioural Accounting and Finance·DateSep 15, 2015

Scientists report earlier date of shift in human ancestors' diet

Scientists have discovered that the shift from a tree-based diet to one based on grass occurred around 3.8 million years ago, allowing early humans to be more mobile and adaptable. This finding provides new insights into the interactions between morphology and behavior among Pliocene primates.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 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.

Social media data could contribute to conservation science

Using social media data can provide comprehensive information for conservation decisions, revealing species sightings and landscape preferences. Social media data may also be used to track mobile populations of species at higher accuracy than traditional sources.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·DateSep 15, 2015

Number of people at high risk of fracture set to double by 2040

A study projects that over 319 million people will be at high risk of fracture by 2040, doubling the current number. This increase is expected in all regions, but particularly marked in Africa and Latin America, with Asia bearing the highest proportion of the global burden.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateSep 15, 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.

A better look at religion's influence on political attitudes

University of Cincinnati researchers have developed a new method to measure the influence of Biblical interpretation on political attitudes, providing more nuanced insights into religion's impact on politics. The study found that respondents' opinions about biblical error were the strongest predictor of political conservatism.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateSep 15, 2015

Electronic reminders keep TB patients on track with medication in China

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that electronic reminders can significantly improve tuberculosis treatment adherence in China. Patients who received electronic medication monitors missed only 17% of their doses, compared to 29.9% for those with no reminders and 27.3% for those receiving text message reminders.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 15, 2015

Scan may identify best candidates for fetal spina bifida surgery

A recent NIH-funded study found that fetuses with enlarged ventricles may be less likely to benefit from in-utero surgery for spina bifida, suggesting a wait-and-watch approach may be better. Enlarged brain cavities are associated with a higher risk of needing a second surgery after birth.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateSep 15, 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.

Virus in cattle linked to human breast cancer

Researchers analyzed breast tissue from 239 women, comparing samples with and without breast cancer for the presence of bovine leukemia virus. They found a significant association between BLV infection and an increased risk of breast cancer, with odds ratio higher than obesity, alcohol consumption, and post-menopausal hormone use.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 15, 2015

NASA's LRO discovers Earth's pull is 'massaging' our moon

Researchers using NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter images discovered thousands of faults on the lunar surface influenced by Earth's gravity, reshaping them. The moon is shrinking due to cooling interior, but tidal forces from Earth also play a role in forming and realigning these faults.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeology·DateSep 15, 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.

Tracking slow nanolight in natural hyperbolic metamaterial slabs

Researchers have imaged ultraslow pulse propagation and backward propagating waves in deep subwavelength-scale thick slabs of boron nitride, a natural hyperbolic material. The study provides insights into the behavior of light inside these materials, laying the foundations for future nanophotonic devices.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 15, 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.

Cohort study explores association between SSRI use and violent crime

A cohort study found a modest association between SSRI use and violent crime among individuals aged 15-24, with increased risks of violent arrests and non-fatal injuries. In contrast, no significant associations were found for older adults, suggesting potential age-related differences in the link between SSRI use and violent behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 15, 2015

Teen marijuana use down despite greater availability

According to a new study, teen marijuana use has decreased significantly since 1999, from 47% to 37%, but is still higher than other illicit drugs. The study found a narrowing gender gap and increased usage among black teens, with rates of marijuana use surpassing those of methamphetamine.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateSep 15, 2015

New school-evaluation method fails to affect housing prices

A new school-evaluation method called value-added has been found not to affect housing prices, according to research by economists at Michigan State University and Cornell University. The public release of such data did not influence property values in Los Angeles, contradicting previous research that linked test scores to housing pric...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Urban Economics·DateSep 15, 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 glimpse into the nanoworld of lymphocyte cell membranes

Scientists have discovered compartmentalized protein islands for IgM and IgD receptors on resting B cells, which change upon activation. This study provides direct evidence for the nanoscale organization of the lymphocyte membrane and may aid in vaccine design and treatment development.

SourceBIOSS - Centre for Biological Signalling Studies·JournalScience Signaling·DateSep 15, 2015

Hookah tobacco smoking seems to be increasing in both prevalence and frequency

A recent study found that nearly 1 in 5 high school seniors reported hookah smoking in the past year, with a significant proportion being regular users. The increasing prevalence of hookah use among adolescents is a growing public health concern, necessitating targeted interventions and surveillance efforts.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 15, 2015

Twenty-five years ago Professor Thomas Jentsch opened up a new field of research

Professor Thomas Jentsch's discovery of the Torpedo chloride channel in 1990 marked a breakthrough in understanding ion transport processes. He identified nine different CLC chloride channels and transporters, which are essential for human function and contribute to various genetic diseases.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateSep 15, 2015

Elsevier's IGGC publishes special issue on CO2 capture and storage

The special issue marks the 10th year anniversary of IPCC SRCCS and outlines significant progress made in CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS) in the last decade. The reviews suggest that CCS is now a mature technology, ready for large-scale deployment to combat climate change.

SourceElsevier·JournalInternational Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control·DateSep 15, 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.

NASA gets infrared view of new Tropical Storm 20W

NASA's Aqua satellite captures powerful thunderstorms and cloud top temperatures around -63F/-53C in Tropical Depression 20W, indicating potential for heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to strengthen and potentially affect the Northern Marianas Islands and Japan by September 19.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 15, 2015

New tool for studying magnetic, self-propelled bacteria that resemble compass needles

Researchers have developed a simple mechanism to control the swimming direction of magnetotactic bacteria, which can provide insight into the earth's sedimentary layers and potentially be used as indicators of climate change. The new tool uses a rotating permanent magnet to generate a controlled magnetic field.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateSep 15, 2015

How much water does US fracking really use?

A new Duke University study finds that energy companies used nearly 250 billion gallons of water for US fracking between 2005 and 2014, while generating about 210 billion gallons of wastewater. The study's findings highlight the need for better treatment and disposal methods for chemical-laden flowback water and brine-laden wastewater.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateSep 15, 2015

New method could help nurses spot delirium quickly

Researchers have developed a two-item bedside test for detecting delirium, which takes an average of 36 seconds to perform and has a sensitivity of 93 percent. The test uses simple questions to assess cognitive function and can help doctors catch the condition earlier.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateSep 15, 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.

Nearby red dwarves could reveal planet secrets: ANU media release

Astronomers discovered large discs of dust around two young red dwarf stars near our solar system, hinting at potential new planetary systems forming. The discovery challenges current theories on planet formation and suggests a longer lifespan for such discs.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 15, 2015

'Deadly' maths program sees prime future for Indigenous students

QUT's YuMi Deadly Maths program is expanding to reach more Indigenous students, aiming to improve their understanding of mathematics and increase representation in STEM careers. The program, developed by CSIRO and the BHP Billiton Foundation, uses a unique kinaesthetic approach to learning.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateSep 15, 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.

Understanding nature's most striking colors

Plant cellulose can self-assemble into wrinkled surfaces that produce striking optical effects, such as iridescence and color changes. The researchers found that the twisting structure of cellulose creates a pattern of parallel ridges that split light into its colored components, producing an iridescent sheen.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 15, 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.

Skin microbiome influences common sexually transmitted disease

Researchers found that individuals with distinct skin microbiomes can effectively clear chancroid-causing bacteria. The study suggests that specific bacteria in the skin microbiome may help the immune system clear pathogens, paving the way for potential probiotic therapies.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateSep 15, 2015

A study of antidepressants reveals how treatment helps depression management

Researchers discovered that antidepressant amitriptyline increases FGF2 mRNA expression in astrocytes through RTK activation. This signaling cascade could guide the development of novel antidepressants with new mechanisms. The study expands on previous findings, identifying EGR1 as a necessary protein for FGF2 expression.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateSep 15, 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.

Large-scale treatment of parasitic-worm disease cost-effective

A new study suggests that expanding treatment programs to include preschool children and adults is more beneficial, reducing transmission and disability. The study found that a broader scope of treatment would be cost-effective, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $167.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateSep 15, 2015

UT Arlington research will lead to more efficient computer modeling

Researchers at UT Arlington are developing a hybrid software/hardware approach to create highly accurate models of electric motors. The new method aims to reduce the time and expense of modeling prototypes by speeding up model simulations by as much as 1 million times, making it easier to create more efficient motors.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateSep 15, 2015