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Science News for September 23, 2015


Taking blood pressure drugs at bedtime lowers diabetes risk

A new study published in Diabetologia shows that taking blood pressure medications at bedtime halves the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in hypertensive patients. The research found a 57% decrease in risk with nighttime treatment compared to morning treatment.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateSep 23, 2015

Calorie consumption: Do numbers or graphics encourage diners to eat less?

A new study in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing suggests that both numeric calorie labels and traffic lights are effective ways to encourage consumers to make low-calorie choices. The research found that employees who received either type of label made food selections with 10% fewer calories.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateSep 23, 2015

Frontline treatments show best results for unexplained infertility

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that letrozole did not improve pregnancy rates and live birth rates for women with unexplained infertility, but clomiphene remained the best option. Clomiphene enabled production of more eggs and hormones, while gonadotropin had the highest rate of pregnancy and live births.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 23, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Babies time their smiles to make their moms smile in return

A team of researchers used a toddler-like robot to study infant-parent interaction, finding that babies intentionally smile to elicit a response from their caregivers. By analyzing the timing of these smiles, they discovered a statistically strong correlation between intentional smiling and mutual smiling in both humans and robots.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 23, 2015

Frustrated magnets point towards new memory

Frustrated magnets can produce tiny magnetic vortices, known as skyrmions, that may be used in memory storage. The discovery opens up a new class of materials for scientists working on skyrmionics, which aims to build logic devices based on skyrmions.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 23, 2015

The world's nitrogen fixation, explained

Yale University scientists have designed a new chemical compound that mimics the properties of nitrogenase, an enzyme responsible for natural nitrogen fixation. The findings could lead to the development of synthetic catalysts that turn nitrogen into ammonia, reducing transportation and production costs.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 2015

Message to Starbucks: Consumer idea generation is not one-size-fits-all

A new study in the Journal of Marketing suggests that online idea-generating platforms should customize their design based on consumers' domain-specific knowledge. Consumers with extensive industry knowledge generate better ideas when not shown other users' ideas, while those with little knowledge benefit from concrete cues.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 23, 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.

NASA, NOAA satellites show wind shear affecting Tropical Storm Ida

Tropical Storm Ida's wind shear is pushing clouds and strongest storms to the east and northeast of its center, with coldest cloud tops reaching -63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm remains over open ocean, with forecasters predicting a slow eastward motion followed by a turn towards the north later on September 24.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 23, 2015

Southampton chemists create switchable gold catalyst

Researchers developed a rotaxane gold catalyst with enhanced properties, which can be controlled by adding acid or metal ion cofactors. The catalyst's shape changes with different ions, leading to varied reaction products and suggesting a potential method for tailoring catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 23, 2015

Metastatic breast cancer cells turn on stem cell genes

Scientists from UC San Francisco capture and study individual metastatic breast cancer cells, finding they express genes similar to mammary stem cells, which could lead to targeted therapies. The research suggests a new approach to understanding how cancer spreads and developing effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 2015

Digital textbook analytics can predict student outcomes, Iowa State study finds

A study by Iowa State University found that digital textbook analytics can accurately predict student outcomes, offering a more individualized measure than traditional GPA-based assessments. By tracking students' reading time and engagement, instructors can tailor their instruction to better support struggling learners.

SourceIowa State University·JournalThe Internet and Higher Education·DateSep 23, 2015

Taming hot flashes without hormones: What works, what doesn't

A NAMS panel recommends behavioral approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy and clinical hypnosis as effective in reducing hot flash symptoms. Nonhormonal prescription medications, such as SSRIs and gabapentinoids, are also recommended for their mild to moderate improvements.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateSep 23, 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.

9,000-year-old ritualized decapitation found in Brazil

A 9,000-year-old case of human decapitation has been discovered in Lapa do Santo, Brazil, featuring amputated hands and v-shaped cut marks on the jaw and vertebrae. The remains are believed to demonstrate sophisticated mortuary rituals among hunter-gatherers in the Americas.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 23, 2015

New cancer genes identified, opening door to targeted treatments

Researchers at University of Virginia Health System identify two new cancer-causing gene mutations in MCM8 and MCM9 genes, which may be particularly susceptible to cancer-fighting drugs like cisplatin and olaparib. These mutations could lead to more targeted and effective treatments for lung and prostate cancers.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 23, 2015

Titanium and gold based compound fights kidney cancer cells

A new metal-based compound, Compound 5, has been developed to destroy kidney cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. The compound, which incorporates both titanium and gold, has shown excellent promise in pre-clinical models, outperforming the FDA-approved drug Cisplatin.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii Cancer Center·JournalChemical Science·DateSep 23, 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.

How the brain encodes time and place

A brain circuit has been identified that processes the 'when' and 'where' components of memory, separating location and timing into two streams of information. This discovery sheds light on how the brain represents time and place in episodic memories.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateSep 23, 2015

Discovery of potential gravitational lenses shows citizen science value

A team of researchers used an online classification system, Space Warps, to identify 29 new gravitational lens candidates. The citizen scientists analyzed 430,000 images and helped the researchers uncover potential lenses that algorithms may have missed.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 23, 2015

Nearly half of US seafood supply is wasted

Researchers estimate that 47% of edible US seafood supply is lost annually, mainly from consumer waste. The study suggests that reducing waste can support increased seafood consumption without stressing aquatic resources.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateSep 23, 2015

How flu viruses gain the ability to spread

Researchers discovered that flu viruses gain ability to spread through air by adapting to bind to specific human receptors, with the soft palate playing a key role in this process. The findings provide insight into how flu viruses evolve airborne transmissibility and can help identify viruses with potential to cause global outbreaks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 2015

Antimicrobial film for future implants

A biofilm with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties has been developed to prevent or control post-operative infections on medical devices. The film reduces inflammation and prevents bacterial and fungal infections, offering a promising alternative to antibiotics.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateSep 23, 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.

New cathode material creates possibilities for sodium-ion batteries

A new safe and sustainable cathode material has been identified for low-cost sodium-ion batteries, addressing instability issues and paving the way for commercialization. The material's structure allows for sodium to be inserted and removed while retaining its integrity, enabling further development of sodium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateSep 23, 2015

'Demarketing': What makes consumers more or less materialistic?

A new study reveals that demarketing can be an effective way to reduce carbon footprint by altering consumer values. Materialistic individuals tend to decrease their consumption after reading a report about overconsumption, whereas those with low materialism may increase their consumption in response to social norms.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateSep 23, 2015

Twisting neutrons

Scientists at Joint Quantum Institute successfully control orbital angular momentum of neutron waves, a fundamental property of matter waves. The achievement uses a counterintuitive property of neutrons to twist the phase of their wavefunction, enabling potential applications in neutron imaging and quantum information processing.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 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 study highlights valuable tool for studying living and extinct animals

A mathematical analytical tool developed by University of Cincinnati scientists can predict strontium ratios in surface water, soil, vegetation, fish, and mammal skeletal tissues with high accuracy. The tool is most successful when applied to mammals, making it a valuable tool for ecological and paleoecological research.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalBiological Reviews·DateSep 23, 2015

Method could make hydrogen fuel cells more efficient

Scientists have developed a method to produce a palladium-based nanomaterial that can efficiently break down formic acid into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The new process surpasses existing heterogeneous catalysts in efficiency, also eliminating the production of carbon monoxide.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 23, 2015

Physicists find new explanation for key experiment

Researchers have found an explanation for the key experiment in Japan's spin caloritronics field. They applied measurement methods to generate pure spin currents in magnetic isolators, differing from original expectations.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 23, 2015

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP peers into Tropical Storm Dujuan

The Suomi NPP satellite observed a large and elongated circulation of Tropical Storm Dujuan, with cloud top temperatures as cold as -63F/-53C indicating strong storms. The storm is expected to intensify and reach peak winds of 110 knots on September 27-28.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 23, 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.

U-M releases final report on high-volume hydraulic fracturing in Michigan

The University of Michigan released its final report on high-volume hydraulic fracturing in Michigan, providing an analysis of policy options for the state's natural gas and oil extraction process. The report includes recommendations for public participation, water resources, and chemical use related to high-volume hydraulic fracturing.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateSep 23, 2015

Man walks again after years of paralysis

A participant with complete paralysis regained walking ability using a brain-controlled system that utilizes electroencephalogram signals. The study, published in Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, demonstrates the feasibility of non-invasive leg muscle stimulation using direct brain control.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateSep 23, 2015

Most states don't think ignition interlock is severe enough punishment

Most states do not consider ignition interlock devices a severe enough punishment for first-time DUI offenders, despite their effectiveness in reducing arrest rates and fatalities. The study found that only less than half of states mandate the use of these devices for first-time offenders.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPolicy Studies Journal·DateSep 23, 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.

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.

Some forms of dizziness after getting up may signal bigger problems

A study found that people with delayed orthostatic hypotension are at risk of progressing to a more serious condition, Parkinson's disease, or dementia. Over 10 years, 54% of participants with the delayed condition progressed to orthostatic hypotension and 31% developed a degenerative brain disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 23, 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.

Earth's oceans show decline in microscopic plant life

A NASA study found a significant decline in microscopic plant-life, including diatoms, in the world's oceans over the past 15 years. The reduction may impact the ocean's ability to draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it for long-term, leading to climate change.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateSep 23, 2015

New study questions clinical trial data for kidney cancer drugs

A new study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice found that patients participating in stage III renal cell cancer drug trials are often younger and healthier than those who ultimately receive the drugs. The study highlights concerns about the direct applicability of trial data, particularly for patients with more advanced canc...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateSep 23, 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.

Like a foreman, brain region keeps us on task

A study published in Neuron found that the rostrolateral prefrontal cortex (RLPFC) plays a crucial role in internally monitoring and guiding our behavior through sequences of tasks. By disrupting this region, researchers observed an increase in errors, highlighting its importance for cognitive control.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuron·DateSep 23, 2015

Towards a cure for type 1 diabetes: Major funding boost for Garvan researcher

A/Prof Shane Grey's team aims to make significant improvements in islet transplantation therapy, making it a clinically realistic option for more individuals with type 1 diabetes. They focus on calming the immune response of patients to islet transplantation, which could lead to treated individuals living drug-free in the long term.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·DateSep 23, 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.

Marketing: How does business debt affect firm value and consumer satisfaction?

A study in the Journal of Marketing found that higher financial leverage leads to decreased customer satisfaction due to reduced advertising spending. The impact of leverage is economically significant, resulting in a 0.47-point decrease in customer satisfaction equivalent to an estimated $26 million loss in net operating cash flows.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 23, 2015

If you're sitting down, don't sit still, new research suggests

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that increased risk of mortality from long periods of sitting was only associated with very occasional fidgeters. Fidgeting, even for moderately or very active women, may offer enough of a break to counteract adverse health impacts.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 23, 2015

Kids are clumsy runners because they are small

Researchers found that children's short legs struggle to push off the ground during running due to limited muscle contraction time. This discovery led to a new model explaining kids' clumsy movements, which is supported by calculations of muscle activation and gait parameters.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 23, 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.

Ultrafast lasers offer 3-D micropatterning of biocompatible hydrogels

Tufts University researchers developed a new method to create high-resolution, 3D structures in silk protein hydrogels using low-energy ultrafast laser technology. The technique allows for scalable patterning of pores and channels with diameters between 10 and 400 microns.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2015

Oceans in the brain: How we remember different contexts

Ocean cells differentiate environmental contexts, which are then sent to the hippocampus for memory formation. The entorhinal cortex plays a crucial role in context-dependent learning, and understanding Ocean cells' contribution may help diagnose Alzheimer's disease.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNeuron·DateSep 23, 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.

Toward tires that repair themselves (video)

Scientists have created tire-grade rubber that can heal itself, potentially extending the lifespan of tires. The material, developed by Amit Das and colleagues, heals at room temperature and can withstand stresses of up to 754 pounds per square inch.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 23, 2015

A new study predicts a quantum Goldilocks effect

A new study suggests that the universe was 'cooked' at just the right speeds to generate a rich and complex structure. The findings contradict the widespread belief that faster quantum phase transitions generate more structure.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPhysical Review A·DateSep 23, 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.

Horse owners can manage flies with wasps instead of pesticides

Researchers found that two wasp species preferred different types of manure, highlighting the importance of identifying fly species for effective control. The study provides guidance on releasing wasps at the right time and frequency to manage horse flies sustainably.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateSep 23, 2015

The final word on STAP

A group of scientists from seven international laboratories failed to replicate the STAP study, which claimed to turn ordinary cells into pluripotent stem cells. Computational analysis revealed significant genomic inconsistencies, including different genders and mixtures of embryonic and placental stem cells in some experiments.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 2015

Enamel evolved in the skin and colonized the teeth much later

Researchers from Uppsala University and IVPP in Beijing combined palaeontological and genomic data to determine that enamel originated in the skin and colonized the teeth much later. The study found that ganoine, an enamel-like tissue, is expressed in the skin of certain fish species, suggesting a possible connection between the two.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 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.

Seeking a better way to design drugs

A new chemical process developed by WPI's Marion Emmert may significantly improve pharmaceuticals' ability to bind with biological targets, producing therapeutic effects. The team aims to streamline production of existing drugs like Asacol, shortening its manufacturing time.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·DateSep 23, 2015

PolyU develops novel eco high performance energy storage device

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has developed a novel eco-friendly manganese dioxide ink for energy storage devices, which exhibits high capacity and power density. The MnO2 ink can be used to produce light, thin, flexible energy storage devices with improved performance and lower production cost.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 23, 2015

NASA to fly parallel science campaigns at both poles

The NASA Operation IceBridge campaign is conducting overlapping flights in Antarctica and the Arctic to track changes in polar ice conditions. The team aims to compare measurements taken during spring and summer campaigns, providing insight into ice thickness variations within the year.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 23, 2015

Small Business Innovation Research grants for aquaculture

NOAA has awarded grants to three companies to develop ocean acidification-resistant abalone strains, genetics-based selective breeding protocols for mussels, and sustainable multi-species marine algal aquaculture in Maine. These projects aim to tackle significant obstacles in US aquaculture and explore novel solutions.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·DateSep 23, 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.

Ringing in the ears and chronic pain enter by the same gate

Researchers at TUM and Georgetown University have discovered a common gatekeeping system for tinnitus and chronic pain, which may play a central role in the development of both conditions. The study found significant loss of gray matter and compromised circuit function in regions important for emotional experiences.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateSep 23, 2015

Challenges mount for common herbicide Roundup

The WHO classified glyphosate as a probable carcinogen, but a German review found it unlikely to pose a carcinogenic risk. Roundup's diminishing effectiveness has led to the development of resistance by weeds, prompting farmers to seek alternative methods and products.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 23, 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.

Many patients prefer online postoperative care to in-person care

A new study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that 76% of patients accepted online postoperative care as the only form of follow-up, while 68% reported equal effectiveness between online and in-person visits. The researchers believe designing tools for online care is key to determining when in-person care is needed.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateSep 23, 2015

Gender quotas in academia -- challenges and opportunities

A report by EMBO examines the potential benefits and challenges of using gender quotas to achieve better gender balance in academia. The study suggests that quota systems, such as cascade models, can be effective in increasing female representation in higher academic positions.

SourceEMBO·DateSep 23, 2015

Color-coding sensor: Nanostructures for contactless control

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have developed a novel photonic crystal that changes color in response to moisture, enabling humidity-sensitive contactless control. The nanosheet-based material displays unparalleled sensitivity and response time, making it ideal for next-generation touchless navigation systems.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 23, 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.

Viruses join fight against harmful bacteria

Researchers have engineered viruses to target specific bacteria, offering a new approach to combatting human disease. The customizable viruses could be used to treat various infections, including those caused by E. coli, Yersinia, and Klebsiella bacteria.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Systems·DateSep 23, 2015

Standard treatment better than proposed alternative for unexplained infertility

A new study published by the NIH finds that clomiphene is more effective than letrozole for treating unexplained infertility, resulting in more live births. The study compared over 900 couples undergoing fertility treatment and found that clomiphene resulted in higher pregnancy rates and fewer multiple pregnancies.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 23, 2015