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Science News for September 21, 2015


Satellites see Tropical Depression 16E's landfall in northwestern Mexico

Tropical Depression 16E made landfall in northwestern Mexico on September 21, bringing heavy rainfall and threatening life-threatening flash floods. The depression is expected to produce 3-5 inches of rain across the northern Baja California peninsula and Sonora, with isolated amounts of up to 12 inches possible.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 21, 2015

4-D technology allows self-folding of complex objects

Researchers developed a four-dimensional printing technology using smart shape-memory materials to create complex self-folding structures. The technology enables sequential folding and unfolding of 3-D objects in response to stimuli like temperature, moisture, or light.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 21, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

El Niño and La Niña will exacerbate coastal hazards across entire Pacific

A multi-agency study found that severe El Niño and La Niña events will cause an increase in storm events leading to extreme coastal flooding and erosion. The research analyzed coastal data from across the Pacific Ocean basin and determined that all Pacific regions were affected during either an El Niño or La Niña year.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 21, 2015

Ontario shift to family health teams leads to improved diabetes care for patients

A new study by researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that patients in Ontario who received primary care from a family health team had improved diabetes care, including increased monitoring and management. However, the impact on cancer screening was mixed, with some areas showing improvement while others did not.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 21, 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.

Building a biofuel-boosting Swiss Army knife

A team of researchers at Michigan State University has created a synthetic protein that improves the assembly of carbon-fixing factories in cyanobacteria, enabling more efficient biofuel production. The new protein also provides a proof of concept for improving plant photosynthesis or installing new metabolic pathways in bacteria.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateSep 21, 2015

Cattle disease spread by vets, not cows, suggests new study

A virulent strain of BVDV-2c virus affected over 5,000 cattle in Germany, causing severe symptoms and significant economic losses. The study suggests that farmers and people who visit farms should take biosecurity measures to prevent disease transmission.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateSep 21, 2015

Could aspirin treat breast cancer?

A randomized trial will recruit 3,000 women with Stage II and III breast cancer to receive either aspirin or a placebo. The study aims to determine if aspirin can prevent breast cancer recurrence and death, with potential benefits including enhanced survival and reduced costs in developing nations.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateSep 21, 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.

Scientists sequence genome of worm that can regrow body parts, seeking stem cell insights

Researchers have sequenced the genome of Macrostomum lignano, a flatworm that can regrow its body parts, to gain insights into its regenerative abilities and advance stem cell biology. The genome's complex structure holds promise for studying developmental pathways and gene expression involved in regeneration.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 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.

Changing clinical practice: Too fast or too slow?

A Mayo Clinic study examines the adoption and cessation of calcium magnesium (CaMg) use for oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy, highlighting the challenges of translating research into clinical practice. The study reveals a decade-long cycle of rapid changes in treatment, driven by emerging evidence and public perception.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateSep 21, 2015

Pregnancy complications may signal later risk of heart disease death

Researchers found that women with pre-eclampsia, pre-term delivery, and small-for-gestational-age delivery are at increased risk of CVD death. High blood pressure, glycosuria, and hemoglobin decline during pregnancy also predict CVD risk. Early detection and preventive care can help prevent heart disease deaths.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateSep 21, 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.

Sex does not increase heart attack risk

Research suggests that sexual activity does not increase the risk of heart attack and can be resumed after a heart attack. Most patients are safe to engage in sex again, with less than half of men and one-third of women receiving information on this topic from their doctors.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 21, 2015

Even mild depression puts a burden on Alzheimer's family caregivers

A recent University of Eastern Finland study found that spousal and family caregivers experiencing depressive symptoms after an Alzheimer's diagnosis experience greater psychological stress. The study suggests it is essential to consider the caregiver's mental health at diagnosis time for providing adequate support.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology·DateSep 21, 2015

A thermal invisibility cloak actively redirects heat

A new thermal cloak developed by researchers in Singapore can render objects thermally invisible by redirecting incident heat. The active thermal cloaking system has the potential to fine-tune temperature distribution and heat flow in electronic and semiconductor systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 21, 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.

Role of cancer-suppressing gene uncovered

Researchers have identified a key role for the WWOX gene in suppressing cancer development. Lower levels of WWOX are associated with more aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers. The study suggests that targeting the enzyme activity of WWOX could influence cancer cell properties.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 21, 2015

Greening the electric grid with gas turbines

A new Harvard study finds that the supply of wind and solar power could be increased tenfold without additional storage, making gas turbines cost-effective carbon mitigation candidates. Low capital cost and good emissions performance also make them a viable alternative to intermittent renewables.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateSep 21, 2015

BMC reduces emergency wait time, improves care for pediatric sickle cell disease patients

Boston Medical Center (BMC) has significantly reduced the average wait time for pediatric patients experiencing severe pain from sickle cell disease from 56 minutes to 23 minutes. The hospital's quality improvement initiative also improved care by reducing the time to administer pain medication and increase patient-controlled analgesics.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 21, 2015

Guam research reveals complications of conservation decisions

Research on the native ifit tree highlights the trade-off between increasing tree growth and reducing wood density due to insect damage. Conservation efforts may compromise the ecosystem's balance, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalJOURNAL OF TROPICAL FOREST SCIENCE·DateSep 21, 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.

Deforestation can have devastating impacts on frog populations

A new study found that deforestation in Borneo's forests leads to a decline in frog species richness, with only 20% of primary forest species remaining in young oil palm plantations. The study highlights the need for rigorously enforcing riparian buffer zones to mitigate the impact of industrial monocultures on amphibian populations.

SourceWiley·JournalBiotropica·DateSep 21, 2015

'Delayed remembering': Kids can remember tomorrow what they forgot today

A study found that 4- and 5-year-olds who played a video game after a two-day delay scored more than 20 percent higher than kids who re-played it later the same day. The researchers discovered 'delayed remembering,' a phenomenon where children can recall previously forgotten information days later.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 21, 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.

Supermarkets/mom and pops battle in emerging markets: INFORMS journal Marketing Science

A study of early-stage supermarket adoption in India finds that the lower middle class is driving growth and will drive demand for modern grocery retail. Supermarkets are more popular among upper and middle-middle classes, while mom-and-pop 'kirana' stores appeal to lower-income shoppers who value credit and home delivery services.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateSep 21, 2015

Species extinction can doom parasites important for ecosystem health

A new study found that species extinction can lead to secondary extinctions of parasites, compromising ecosystem stability and biodiversity. Researchers identified key host species that contribute to the overall network structure of fish communities and are essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 21, 2015

Over 50 percent don't go for new bowel cancer test

A new bowel cancer screening test has seen low uptake in pilot areas, with only half of those invited taking the opportunity. Despite its potential to reduce cases by up to 33%, more men than women took the test, and people from poorer neighbourhoods were less likely to participate.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalJournal of Medical Screening·DateSep 21, 2015

Digestible batteries needed to power electronic pills

Researchers are exploring how minerals from a healthy diet can be used in bioelectronics to create ingestible devices that power electronic pills. The goal is to reduce the amount of expensive medications needed for each patient, making them more cost-effective.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateSep 21, 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.

University of Houston researchers create fatigue-free, stretchable conductor

Researchers have developed a new stretchable, transparent conductor that can withstand over 10,000 strain cycles without showing signs of fatigue. The material, made by pairing gold nanomesh with a stretchable substrate, has potential applications in foldable electronics and implantable medical devices.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2015

Chronic diseases may increase risk of dementia

A study of 2176 cognitively normal participants found that those with multiple chronic conditions were 38% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Preventing chronic diseases may help maintain mental health in aging adults.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 21, 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.

Experiment confirms fundamental symmetry in nature

The ALICE experiment confirms a fundamental symmetry between nuclei and antinuclei in terms of charge, parity and time. The measurements were made possible by the ALICE experiment's high-precision tracking and identification capabilities.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 21, 2015

Genetic link between being tall and being slim, study shows

A study of nearly 10,000 people from 14 European countries found a strong correlation between genes that increase height and those that produce reduced body mass index. This discovery could help explain why people from northern Europe are often taller and slimmer than others.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 21, 2015

Blue crabs more tolerant of low oxygen than previously thought

New study reveals blue crabs can survive at oxygen levels as low as 1.3mg/L, contrary to previous findings. Rising water temperatures exacerbate the effects of hypoxia on blue crabs, threatening their populations and management.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateSep 21, 2015

Van Andel Research Institute, University of Toledo find way to combat brain cancer

Scientists at Van Andel Research Institute and University of Toledo have discovered a way to stop the spread of glioblastoma multiforme by activating a family of proteins. This innovative approach may lead to a novel treatment for this deadly brain cancer, which affects 22,000 people in the US each year.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateSep 21, 2015

As polar ice melts, seabed life is working against climate change

A recent study reveals that life on the seafloor in Antarctica is acting as an important carbon sink, absorbing nearly 2.9 ? 106 tons of carbon per year. This discovery suggests a new and unexpected way to combat climate change, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 50,000 hectares of tropical rainforest.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 21, 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.

Obamacare saps enthusiasm for government health-care spending

A Johns Hopkins University study found that Obamacare led to a decline in support for government health-care spending among Democrats, Republicans, and independents. Before the law's passage, about two-thirds of independents and Republicans supported increased health spending, but this dropped significantly after its enactment.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalSociological Science·DateSep 21, 2015

Pushing the limits of lensless imaging

Scientists from Friedrich Schiller University Jena have created a custom-built ultrafast laser that can produce extremely high-resolution images of materials in real time. By using extreme ultraviolet light streaming at a 100,000 times per second, the researchers achieved an image resolution of 26 nanometers, surpassing previous limits.

SourceOptica·DateSep 21, 2015

Identifying the 'dimmer switch' of diabetes

A study by University of Alberta researchers discovered a new molecular pathway that manages insulin production, offering hope for restoring the 'dimmer switch' in Type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that this pathway can be revived to control insulin secretion from islet cells.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 21, 2015

GPM sees powerful storms within Tropical Storm Ida

The GPM mission satellite detected extremely high-altitude thunderstorms and heavy rainfall within Tropical Storm Ida. The storm's powerful convective storms reached altitudes above 17 km, indicating potential intensification.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 21, 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.

'SafePay': First anti-fraud system to use existing credit card readers

Researchers at Lehigh University have developed an inexpensive and secure method to prevent mass credit card fraud using existing magnetic card readers. The SafePay system transforms disposable credit card information into electrical current and simulates a physical magnetic card, making it backward compatible with existing readers.

SourceLehigh University·DateSep 21, 2015

Emissions from melting permafrost could cost $43 trillion

The study predicts that increased greenhouse gas emissions from thawing permafrost will result in significant economic losses. Researchers estimate that the total predicted impact of climate change by 2200 could be as high as $369 trillion, with $43 trillion in additional damage expected by end of century.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 21, 2015

UCLA physicists determine 3-D positions of individual atoms for the first time

Scientists at UCLA used a microscope to image the 3D positions of individual atoms with precision of 19 trillionths of a meter. This breakthrough enables researchers to infer macroscopic material properties from atomic arrangements, guiding the development of aircraft components and other applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 21, 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.

Insects passed 'the Turing Test'

Russian scientists confirm Turing reaction-diffusion model's predictions in insect corneas, revealing four main morphological patterns and their universal presence among arthropods. The findings demonstrate a promising future for designing artificial antireflective nanosurfaces.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2015

Selectively logged Amazon forests play important role in climate

Researchers found that sustainably logged tropical Amazonian forests can recover their carbon stocks within a cutting cycle of 20 to 30 years. The study suggests that the time to recover initial carbon stocks depends almost exclusively on logging intensity, providing useful insights for forest managers and policy makers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 21, 2015

Alzheimer's drug could prevent bone fractures

Researchers found that the Alzheimer's drug donepezil increases bone mass in mice by preventing osteoclasts from being made, reducing the risk of bone fractures. The study suggests that treating Alzheimer's disease with donepezil may also be beneficial for patients with osteoporosis.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateSep 21, 2015

Astronomers identify a new mid-size black hole

A team of astronomers at the University of Maryland and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center has found evidence for a new intermediate-mass black hole about 5,000 times the mass of the sun. The discovery adds to the list of potential medium-sized black holes and strengthens the case for their existence.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 21, 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.

Pioneer ACO program sees modest reduction in low-value services

The Medicare Pioneer ACO program saw a modest reduction of 0.8 low-value services per 100 beneficiaries, with a 1.9% decrease in service quantity and a 4.5% reduction in spending on these services. Organizations providing more low-value care saw greater reductions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 21, 2015

Acoustic imaging with outline detection

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new type of acoustic imaging device that extracts contour information during measurement, creating detailed outline images of objects. The method uses evanescent waves and is useful for quickly recording relevant information about objects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 21, 2015

How mercury contamination affects reptiles in the Amazon basin

Researchers found high mercury levels in Amazonian reptiles, with liver concentrations above recommended limits for pregnant women and children. The study suggests using reptiles as indicators of environmental mercury concentrations, shedding light on the region's mercury cycling.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateSep 21, 2015

Secret unlocked to rice seed survival when underwater

A team of scientists identified the AG1 gene, which helps seeds survive under flooded conditions by efficiently moving energy reserves. This finding has implications for direct seeding, a method that allows seeds to be sown directly into fields without pre-germination.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Plants·DateSep 21, 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.

Public health must be top priority if cannabis is legalized in Canada

If Canada legalizes cannabis, public health must be the top priority to prevent commercialization and potential harms. Experts argue that policy-makers should draw from research on tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis to create a regulatory framework that maximizes benefits and minimizes harm.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 21, 2015

Study: It's not cheating unless a species gets hurt

A review of dozens of ecological studies found little proof of cheating among cooperating species, challenging a commonly held belief. The study's authors provided a scientific definition of cheating that ecologists can use to determine whether one species is cheating its mutualist partner.

SourceRice University·JournalEcology Letters·DateSep 21, 2015

Exercise reduces suicide attempts by 23 percent among bullied teens

A new study finds that regular exercise significantly reduces both suicidal thoughts and attempts among students who are bullied. Being physically active four or more days per week resulted in a 23 percent reduction in suicidal ideation and attempts in bullied students. Exercise is also associated with significant reductions in sadness.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 21, 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.

Eye-tracking glasses reveal the learning process

Researchers developed a method to measure cognitive load in medical assessments using eye-tracking glasses. Novices expend more mental effort than experts when answering medical questions, even when the answers are correct.

SourceQueen's University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateSep 21, 2015

Task force releases recommendations for smoking cessation

The American College of Physicians task force recommends counseling and pharmaceutical interventions to help adults and pregnant women quit smoking. Behavioral therapy or medications with FDA approval are recommended for nonpregnant adults, while pregnant women receive only behavioral interventions.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 21, 2015

Proteins assemble and disassemble on command

Researchers at Duke University have deciphered the genetic code that instructs proteins to assemble or disassemble in response to environmental stimuli. This discovery provides a new platform for designer proteins and investigations into nanotechnology, biotechnology, and medical treatments.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 21, 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.

Printing lightweight, flexible, and functional materials

Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have created a new multimaterial printhead that enables the simultaneous control of composition and geometry during printing, paving the way for entirely 3D-printed wearable devices, soft robots, and electronics.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2015

Five ways individualized medicine is impacting health care

Individualized medicine is revolutionizing patient care through precision diagnostics, such as preventing drug-related adverse effects and identifying disease susceptibility. Whole exome sequencing is also offering new diagnoses for patients with undiagnosed diseases.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateSep 21, 2015

Unemployment takes its toll on young people's mental health

A study of over 2,000 British young people found that those not in education, employment or training (NEET) were more likely to experience mental health problems and substance abuse disorders. However, when interviewed, NEET youths reported higher levels of commitment to work and job searching behaviors compared to their non-NEET peers.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateSep 21, 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.

Stanford team re-engineers virus to deliver therapies to cells

A Stanford team re-engineered a virus to create a smart particle that can deliver therapeutic payloads to specific cells. By adding molecular tags, the particles can target diseased areas while leaving healthy tissue alone.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2015

DNA sequencing improved by slowing down

EPFL scientists have developed a method that improves the accuracy of DNA sequencing up to a thousand times by slowing down the process using nanopores and viscous liquids. This breakthrough paves the way for better and cheaper DNA sequencing, enabling scientists to detect mutations and identify different organisms with greater precision.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 21, 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.

Atomic fractals in metallic glasses

Scientists have discovered a fractal pattern at the atomic level in metallic glasses, contradicting previous assumptions about empty space. This finding enables the study of material properties and has implications for fields like mathematics, physics, and computer science.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateSep 21, 2015

How a frog's molecules 'leaped,' and 'crawled,' to evolve violet vision

The African clawed frog's evolution to violet vision involved rapid and controlled molecular changes, with five classes of opsin genes playing a crucial role. The study identified 12 mutations, including site 113, which shifted from glutamic acid to aspartic acid, leading to the frog's unique visual adaptation.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 21, 2015

Study looks at whether daily limb compressions reduce dementia

Researchers investigate remote conditioning, a technique that uses blood pressure cuffs to restrict blood flow to limbs and activate natural protective mechanisms in the brain, potentially reducing dementia symptoms. The approach has shown promise in improving white matter health and may help prevent dementia.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 21, 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.

Risk of stroke at time of carotid occlusion

A study published in JAMA Neurology found that patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis are not significantly harmed by medical therapy and may even benefit from more intensive treatment. The study's findings suggest that preventing carotid occlusion may not be a valid indication for stenting or endarterectomy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateSep 21, 2015

Study: Fukushima disaster was preventable

The study found that critical backup generators were built in low-lying areas at risk for tsunami damage despite warnings from scientists. The researchers identified arrogance, ignorance, design flaws, and regulatory failures as key factors leading to the disaster.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateSep 21, 2015

Study examines gun control policies and effect on youth gun carrying

A study found that more restrictive gun laws were associated with lower rates of youth gun carrying in the US. The analysis of state-level gun law scores and adult gun ownership levels revealed a 10-point increase in gun law score was linked to 9% lower odds of youth gun carrying.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 21, 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.

Mice exposed to environmental chemicals may show decreased physical activity in offspring

A University of Missouri study found that female mice exposed to endocrine disruptors like BPA and EE showed decreased physical activity in their daughters, which can predispose them to obesity and other metabolic disorders. The chemicals can affect metabolism, energy expenditure, and voluntary exercise patterns.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease·DateSep 21, 2015

Reduced conflict-related brain activity may indicate risk for psychosis

A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found lower conflict-related brain activity in adolescents at high risk for psychosis, indicating a potential predictor of psychotic disorders. The researchers used fMRI scans to measure cognitive flexibility and detected reduced activation in key brain regions.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateSep 21, 2015

Study: Social responsibility promotes conservative risk behavior

A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas found that social responsibility leads to more conservative risk behavior in group decision-making. This means individuals become more cautious when making decisions that affect others, as they consider the potential impact on their reputation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalEuropean Economic Review·DateSep 21, 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.

Targeting DNA

A modular system of proteins can detect a specific DNA sequence in a cell and trigger a response, such as cell death. The system can be customized to detect any DNA sequence and trigger a desired response, including killing cancer cells or cells infected with a virus.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 21, 2015

Low dose beta-blockers as effective as high dose after a heart attack

A new study found that patients on one-fourth the suggested dose of beta-blockers survived at the same rate or even better than those on higher doses, increasing survival by 20-25%. The research suggests that beta-blocker dosing needs to be personalized for individual patients.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 21, 2015

Laser pulses for ultrahigh molecular sensitivity, in Nature Photonics

Researchers at ICFO have developed a new light source that detects minute changes in spectral features, ideal for identifying DNA mutations and cellular malfunctions. The mid-wave infrared range is crucial for resonantly exciting molecular vibrations, leaving fingerprints in the spectrum for identification.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 21, 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.

El Niño and La Niña will exacerbate coastal hazards across Pacific

A multi-agency study found that severe El Niño and La Niña events will cause an increase in storm events leading to extreme coastal flooding and erosion across the Pacific. The research analyzed data from 48 beaches across three continents, suggesting the predicted increase will exacerbate coastal erosion irrespective of sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 21, 2015

Malaria: Multi-drug resistance more alarming than ever

Researchers have found that parasites resistant to artemisinin-based therapies can also resist other antimalarial drugs, making combination therapies less effective. This new multi-drug resistance is a serious threat to malaria treatments in Southeast Asia.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateSep 21, 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.

Connecting phytobiomes with soil and plant health symposium planned

The upcoming Connecting Phytobiomes with Soil and Plant Health symposium aims to understand the interactions between plants and soils as they relate to crops, agronomy, and entomology. This research focuses on the importance of the microbiome in enhancing soil and water sustainability.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateSep 21, 2015

ACO model associated with reduction in use of low-value services

A new study found that a Medicare payment model reduced the number of low-value services used by patients, with a 4.5% reduction in spending on these services. Providers targeted low-value services to lower spending, and those who previously used more of these services saw the greatest reductions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 21, 2015

Stem cell-derived 'organoids' help predict neural toxicity

A team of scientists developed a new system using stem cells to model features of the developing human brain that could be targeted by toxic chemicals or drugs. The approach, described in PNAS, uses machine learning to build a predictive model from RNA sequencing data collected from neural tissue constructs exposed to different chemicals.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2015

Childhood kidney stones associated with atherosclerosis, study shows

A recent study identified a significant association between childhood kidney stones and thickened arteries, a precursor to cardiovascular diseases. The research found that children with kidney stones showed increased thickness of key arteries, potentially leading to future cardiovascular complications.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateSep 21, 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.

Earliest evidence of ancient North American salmon fishing verified

Researchers at University of Alaska Fairbanks discovered 11,500-year-old chum salmon bones indicating Ice Age humans in North America used salmon as a food source. The findings suggest ancient Beringian diets were broader and human colonization of North America may have been influenced by salmon fishing.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2015