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Science News for September 24, 2015


Stem cell research hints at evolution of human brain

Researchers have identified a unique group of stem cells in the human brain that generate most neurons, expanding the cortex by 1,000-fold. These stem cells, called outer radial glia (oRGs), exhibit remarkable generative capacity and self-renewal properties.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateSep 24, 2015

New theory of stealth dark matter may explain universe's missing mass

A new theory suggests that dark matter could be composed of electrically charged constituents that interact with ordinary matter in the early universe. This 'stealthy' dark matter would have been easy to detect at high temperatures but is now difficult to see due to its compositeness and confinement.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 24, 2015

Arteries better than veins for liquid biopsy

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that arterial blood contains a higher number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) than venous blood in uveal melanoma patients. This discovery raises concerns about the effectiveness of current detection techniques, which often rely on venous blood samples.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateSep 24, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hope against disease targeting children

Harvard Stem Cell Institute researchers discovered molecular changes in SMA that explain why motor neurons are affected, diverging from other neurodegenerative diseases. The findings suggest a stress response pathway convergence between SMA and ALS, potentially leading to a single treatment.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 24, 2015

Purdue study: Climate change consensus extends beyond climate scientists

A Purdue University-led survey of nearly 700 scientists from non-climate disciplines found that an overwhelming majority believe in anthropogenic climate change and are highly certain of their beliefs. The study suggests that cultural values, political ideologies, and personal identity influence scientists' views on climate change.

SourcePurdue University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 24, 2015

In the dark polar winter, the animals aren't sleeping

Researchers discovered a world of biological activity beneath the Arctic's polar night, with diverse species reproducing and thriving in the darkness. The findings raise questions about how marine species adapt to the changing climate and highlight the importance of this period for ecosystem reproduction.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 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.

Sticky gel helps stem cells heal rat hearts

Researchers have developed a sticky gel that helps stem cells adhere to and restore their metabolism in rat hearts, improving cardiac function after simulated heart attacks. The gel, which combines serum and hyaluronic acid, has been shown to retain up to 73% of transplanted cells in the heart.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBiomaterials·DateSep 24, 2015

INRS professor Jasmin Raymond recognized by the Canadian Geotechnical Society

Professor Raymond received the Canadian Geotechnical Society's 2016 Colloquium Lecture honour for his proposed talk on precise measurement of thermal properties in geological materials. He is a scientific leader in geothermal energy, advancing knowledge of analysis and energy modelling for geothermal applications.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateSep 24, 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.

Telecommuting works best in moderation, science shows

A comprehensive report finds telecommuting can boost job satisfaction and productivity, but only when implemented carefully. Key moderating factors include employee choice, scheduling control, relationships with supervisors and coworkers, and work dependency.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateSep 24, 2015

Promising drugs turn immune system on cancer

Researchers have discovered that a class of experimental drugs already in clinical trials can help the body's immune system fight cancer. The drugs target a protein called Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), which is often overproduced in tumors and enables them to evade the immune system.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalCell·DateSep 24, 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.

How fossil corals can shed light on the Earth's past climate

Researchers used radiocarbon in deep-sea fossil corals to reconstruct CO2 levels and ocean circulation during the last deglaciation. The study found two massive transient events that flushed out respired carbon, causing rapid CO2 rise and abrupt warming in the North Atlantic region.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2015

Mobile app records our erratic eating habits

A mobile app collected data from over 150 participants, showing that a majority of people eat for 15 hours or longer. The study aimed to test whether reducing daily food intake duration impacts health and found that time-restricted feeding can lead to weight loss and improved energy levels.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 24, 2015

Scientists win $6.4 million to probe smell navigation

Researchers aim to create a 'smellscape' to understand how critters navigate by scent and convert odors into spatial information. They will use computational modeling to simulate odor navigation processes and test their models on diverse species.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateSep 24, 2015

DNA-based nanodevices for molecular medicine

Researchers from Aalto University have developed DNA nanostructures for smart drug-delivery vehicles and molecular devices. These structures provide new applications in molecular medicine, such as targeting cancer cells with tailored payloads.

SourceAalto University·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateSep 24, 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.

Flower declines shrink bee tongues

A new study finds that climate-related changes in flower diversity are causing a significant shortening of alpine bumble bees' tongues, making them poorly suited to feed from deep flowers they were adapted to. This loss of mutualism highlights how climate change can decouple well-established relationships between bees and plants.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2015

If it's not a norm, why practice female genital cutting?

New research questions prevailing theory on female genital cutting as a social norm, finding no correlation between community norms and cutting practices. Alternative forces like sexual fidelity benefits may sustain the practice, highlighting the need for more effective policy interventions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 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.

Computer scientist seeks stronger security shroud for the cloud

Dr. Zhiqiang Lin has developed a technique that allows monitoring of virtual machines for invasions and viruses, bridging the semantic gap in data structures. This breakthrough has the potential to improve cloud security and protect online services from malicious intruders.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateSep 24, 2015

Geneticists launch Matchmaker Exchange for rare disease gene discovery

The Matchmaker Exchange platform harnesses collective data from across rare disease repositories to uncover similar symptoms and genetic profiles. By protecting patient data privacy while connecting databases through APIs, researchers can identify the genetic causes of rare diseases more efficiently.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalHuman Mutation·DateSep 24, 2015

The life and times of domesticated cheese-making fungi

Researchers have identified crucial metabolic genes that enable cheese-making fungi to thrive on cheese, while also raising concerns about food safety. The study provides insights into the evolutionary history of these fungi and their ability to adapt to domesticated environments.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 2015

Women with moderate beer consumption run lower risk of heart attack

A Swedish study found that women with moderate beer consumption have a 30% lower risk of heart attack compared to those who drink heavily or not at all. The study also reveals an increased risk of cancer among high spirit consumers, while moderate wine consumption had no protective effect.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care·DateSep 24, 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.

Australian researchers unlock secrets of a cellular nanomachine

Monash University researchers have discovered the mechanism behind how proteins enter mitochondria, a crucial step in cellular energy production. The breakthrough uses novel technology to visualize the process at an atomic level, enabling scientists to study fundamental biological pathways.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2015

Researchers uncover genetic basis for kin recognition in mice

A study published in Current Biology identified a species-specific genetic marker called MUP used by female house mice to select closely related females as nest partners. The researchers also found that the vertebrate-wide MHC is not involved in kin recognition, contrary to previous assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 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.

Vaccination on the horizon for severe viral infection of the brain

Researchers at University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich develop new treatment methods for rare brain disease PML. A vaccine against the disease could be developed using specific antibodies that recognize the most important mutants of the JC virus.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 24, 2015

Lower sperm motility in men exposed to common chemical

A Lund University study found that men with higher exposure to the chemical DEHP have lower sperm motility. This could lead to difficulties conceiving children. The study analyzed metabolite levels of DEHP in urine and semen quality among 300 young men.

SourceLund University·JournalEnvironment International·DateSep 24, 2015

Hubble zooms in on shrapnel from an exploded star

The Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled a small section of the expanding remains of a massive star that exploded about 8,000 years ago. The Veil Nebula, covering six full moons on the sky, is composed of wisps of gas that were once a star 20 times more massive than our sun.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 24, 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.

Principals express satisfaction with Teach For America teachers

A RAND Corporation study found that more than 80 percent of school principals expressed satisfaction with Teach For America teachers, particularly those with experience. Principals rated corps members' abilities to improve student performance and develop positive relationships with colleagues and administrators. However, alumni were mo...

SourceRAND Corporation·DateSep 24, 2015

Green storage for green energy

Harvard scientists have developed a rechargeable battery that can store electricity from renewable sources like solar and wind power. The new technology uses non-toxic, abundant elements dissolved in water solution, making it safer and cheaper than traditional batteries.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 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.

Rapidly assessing the next influenza pandemic

A recent study by international researchers has developed a predictive tool to assess the likely impact of a new influenza pandemic. By analyzing clinical episode data from military personnel, they estimated key parameters such as transmissibility and severity, enabling early mitigation strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 24, 2015

Fungi may lead to cheaper cancer treatment: University of Guelph study

Beneficial fungi in yew trees serve as a combination bandage-immune system, producing taxol to protect against pathogenic fungi while allowing the tree's own tissues to heal. Researchers hope this discovery could lead to cheaper and more efficient production of cancer-fighting drug Taxol.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 2015

Nano-mechanical study offers new assessment of silicon for next-gen batteries

Researchers have reported surprisingly high damage tolerance in electrochemically-lithiated silicon materials, suggesting all-silicon anodes may be commercially viable. The study found that above a certain concentration of lithium, the material becomes more tolerant to damage, making it possible to design durable silicon-based batteries.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 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.

Newly identified mechanism solves enduring mystery of key element of cellular organization

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a mechanism underlying the formation of stress granules in cells under stress, which are linked to degenerative diseases such as ALS. The study reveals that mutations in proteins involved in stress granule assembly can lead to toxic fibrils and disease progression.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell·DateSep 24, 2015

Information handling by some health apps not as secure as it should be

A recent study found that some health apps, despite being clinically-accredited, were transmitting unencrypted personal and health information, compromising user privacy. The study reviewed 79 apps listed on the UK NHS Health Apps Library and found 23 sent identifying info over the internet without encryption.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateSep 24, 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.

Female genital cutting is based on private values rather than social norms

A study of female genital cutting practices in Sudan found tremendous heterogeneity between and within communities, with attitudes and cutting habits varying widely. The research challenges the assumption that cutting is a social norm-based decision, instead suggesting that private values play a significant role.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2015

MS researchers correlate BICAMS and performance of everyday life activities

Researchers found that the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) can predict performance on daily living tasks. The study used Actual Reality technology to assess internet access and ordering tasks, showing poor BICAMS scores correlated with poor task performance.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal·DateSep 24, 2015

'No Child Left Behind' leaves some voters behind

A Duke University study found that assigning public schools failing grades leads to increased turnout among affluent voters, but has little impact on low-income families. The research suggests that providing citizens with information about school performance does not necessarily address imbalances in civic engagement.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateSep 24, 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.

Gel study uncovers unexpected dynamics

Research reveals alginate gel biofilms are highly dynamic and exchangeable, challenging previous assumptions about their structure. The findings may lead to new ways of modifying or disrupting these materials to combat bacterial infections in cystic fibrosis patients.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalSoft Matter·DateSep 24, 2015

DARPA awards $32 million contract to MIT, Broad Institute Foundry

The MIT, Broad Institute Foundry aims to revolutionize genetic engineering by enabling the rapid design, testing, and fabrication of large sequences of genetic information. The facility collaborates with academic and industrial partners to develop innovative pipeline tools for efficient and precise DNA design.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·DateSep 24, 2015

Grant for natural hazards research at UC Davis centrifuge

The National Science Foundation awards UC Davis a five-year, $5 million grant to utilize the large earthquake-simulating centrifuge for natural hazards engineering research. Researchers can build complex models and conduct accurate scale-model studies of soils and soil-structure systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateSep 24, 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.

UCI brain-computer interface enables paralyzed man to walk

A paraplegic man was able to take steps without manual control using an electroencephalogram-based system that bypasses the spinal cord. The study, led by Zoran Nenadic and An Do, used a custom-made system to process brain waves into signals that stimulate leg muscles.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateSep 24, 2015

Research published in NEJM about treatment for unexplained infertility

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) has found that clomiphene citrate is a more effective treatment option than ovarian stimulation with letrozole or gonadotropins for unexplained infertility, reducing multiple gestations without lowering pregnancy rates.

SourceCare New England·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 24, 2015

Do patients with age-related macular degeneration have trouble with touch screens?

A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that patients with age-related macular degeneration can accurately complete touch screen tasks, but their performance is slowed due to difficulties exploring the interface. The research suggests adapting touch screen applications to aid individuals with AMD.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateSep 24, 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.

Researchers propose ecological route to plant disease control

Scientists have discovered a potential ecological route to control plant disease by harnessing the power of soil microbial communities. The study found that increasing competition between resident bacteria and invading pathogens can constrain the spread of bacterial wilt, reducing its devastating impact on global food production.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2015

Blacklists protect the rainforest

The University of Bonn study found that Brazil's 'blacklisting' policy reduced Amazon forest loss by 26% per year. The researchers used data from 2008 to 2012 and compared listed communities with comparable non-listed communities.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 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.

Of brains and bones: How hunger neurons control bone mass

Researchers at Yale University have found that hunger neurons control not only hunger and appetite but also regulate bone mass. The study reveals that lower levels of hunger are associated with lower bone density, highlighting a new mechanism in the regulation of skeletal bone metabolism.

SourceYale University·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 24, 2015

A twist for control of orbital angular momentum of neutron waves

Researchers at University of Waterloo's Institute for Quantum Computing have controlled the orbital angular momentum of neutron waves for the first time. This breakthrough enables probing of material properties like magnetism and crystalline structure, opening doors to deeper studies of superconducting and chiral materials.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature·DateSep 24, 2015

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awards NARSAD Young Investigator grants

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $13.3 million in NARSAD Young Investigator Grants to 191 promising young scientists working on groundbreaking neurobiological research to identify causes, improve treatments and develop prevention strategies for psychiatric disorders affecting one in four people.

SourceBrain & Behavior Research Foundation·DateSep 24, 2015

Antidepressants plus blood-thinners slow down brain cancer

Researchers have discovered that combining tricyclic antidepressants with anticoagulant drugs can slow down glioma tumors in mice by causing excessive autophagy. The study, published in Cancer Cell, found that the combination therapy doubled the lifespan of mice with gliomas.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 24, 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.

Lean and safe industry

Research emphasizes that lean efforts must consider health and safety regulations to maintain quality and productivity without compromising employee well-being. The lean philosophy aims to minimize waste, including non-value adding activities that result in accidents and employee compensation.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Lean Enterprise Research·DateSep 24, 2015

Designed defects in liquid crystals can guide construction of nanomaterials

Engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a method for assembling molecules within liquid crystal defects, creating miniscule tubing that can direct molecular organization. This technique has potential applications in electronics, medicine, and designing selective membranes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 24, 2015

FAU receives $1.2 million grant from US Department of Education

Florida Atlantic University has received a $1.2 million grant to develop a graduate program preparing teachers to work with students with autism spectrum disorder. The program will provide tuition support and state endorsement for teachers earning a master's degree in ASD.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·DateSep 24, 2015

UAF model used to estimate Antarctic ice sheet melting

Scientists used UAF's Parallel Ice Sheet Model to estimate the impact of fossil fuels on Antarctica's ice sheet. The study found that releasing 10,000 gigatons of carbon could raise global temps by 20 degrees Fahrenheit, melting the Antarctic ice sheet and causing sea levels to rise by over 160 feet.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 24, 2015

Weight loss, exercise improve fertility in women with PCOS

A clinical trial found that weight loss and exercise improve ovulation in women with PCOS, increasing pregnancy rates. The study also showed benefits for insulin sensitivity and triglyceride levels.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 24, 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.

Tumor necrosis factor in colitis -- bad actor or hero?

Investigators found that inhibiting TNFR2 can alleviate intestinal inflammation in mice, suggesting a new therapeutic approach for patients with IBD who do not respond to anti-TNF medications. This discovery could lead to new treatment options for the 65% of individuals with IBD who do not respond or become resistant to current therapies.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateSep 24, 2015

Scientists build wrench 1.7 nanometers wide

Researchers at University of Vermont invent a new way to use chirality to make a nanoscale wrench, allowing for precise control over the shape of molecules. The discovery holds promise as a highly accurate and fast method of creating customized molecules.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 24, 2015

MD Anderson study identifies leukemia tumor suppressor

A protein-coding gene called hnRNP K has been identified as a potential target for treating acute myeloid leukemia. The study found that expression of hnRNP K is significantly reduced in AML patients who carry a specific genetic deletion, suggesting it acts as a tumor suppressor.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 24, 2015

Tiny plankton can play a major role in CO2 storage in the oceans

Research reveals that tiny plankton can store large amounts of CO2, potentially doubling estimates of ocean carbon absorption. The copepod lipid pump mechanism is a significant discovery, as it was not previously considered in climate models.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 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.

'SMART Cougars Plus' expands HIV, HCV testing for students

The University of Houston will provide free, rapid-HIV testing and counseling to UH students and young people in the surrounding community, with a focus on minority groups. The new grant expands testing to other minority youth and veterans, aiming to increase awareness and early detection of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateSep 24, 2015

100 years to find a cure: Can the process be accelerated?

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes mapped the discovery path to two FDA-approved drugs, revealing that a large network of scientists contributed over decades. The study proposes new metrics to quantify the influence of individual scientists in accelerating future cures.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateSep 24, 2015

Shooting lightning out of the sky

Researchers from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have demonstrated new techniques that bring lasers as lighting rods closer to reality. They created a channel of plasma by firing a powerful laser, extending the lifetime of the plasma channel by more than a factor of 10.

SourceOptica·DateSep 24, 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.

From brain, to fat, to weight loss

A breakthrough study has identified a neural mechanism responsible for fat breakdown, allowing researchers to develop novel anti-obesity therapies. The study found that fat tissue is innervated and direct stimulation of neurons in fat can induce fat breakdown, providing new hopes for treating central leptin resistance.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalCell·DateSep 24, 2015

Female gamers a new risk group for overweight

A Swedish study found that young women who play computer games for over an hour a day are more likely to develop overweight. The researchers calculated that this would result in an additional weight gain of 3.7 kilos, taking other risk factors into account.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMC Public Health·DateSep 24, 2015

Curbing short-lived pollutants -- a win-win for climate and air quality

A new study finds that reducing short-lived pollutants like methane and aerosols can substantially improve air quality while also mitigating climate change. The measures, which target the oil and gas industry, could lower global temperatures by up to 0.22°C by 2050 and reduce life expectancy losses due to air pollution.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateSep 24, 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.

The rise of X-ray beam chemistry

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory create a new surface microscope that allows them to control the chemical environment and image minerals as they react under extreme conditions. The technique, called X-ray reflection interface microscopy (XRIM), enables scientists to study reaction front instabilities in real-time.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2015

New treatment may help overcome common pregnancy-related complication

A new treatment involving the removal of a protein called sFlt-1 from the blood has shown promise in prolonging pregnancy in women with preeclampsia. Pregnancy continued for an average of 8 days and 15 days in treated women, compared to just 3 days in untreated women.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 24, 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.

Ticks carrying Lyme disease found in South London parks

Researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found Ixodes ricinus ticks in Richmond and Bushy parks, carrying the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterial pathogen that causes Lyme disease. The risk is low but caution is advised as most humans are infected through nymphs' bites.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalMedical and Veterinary Entomology·DateSep 24, 2015

Fewer patients die at fully accredited hospitals

A new study published in International Journal of Quality in Health Care found an association between hospital accreditation and mortality rate among patients. Hospitals that fully met the requirements of the Danish Healthcare Quality Programme had a significantly lower mortality rate compared to those that only partially met the stand...

SourceAarhus University·JournalInternational Journal for Quality in Health Care·DateSep 24, 2015

Key control mechanism of cellular deterioration identified

Researchers have identified GATA4 as a key transcription factor that activates cellular senescence. This process is characterized by a pro-inflammatory response and the production of secreted inflammatory cytokines. The study reveals that GATA4 is normally suppressed by autophagy, but its accumulation promotes senescence.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2015

Newly discovered metabolism certifies evolutionary advantage for yeast

Researchers at Austrian Research Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB) have elucidated a new pathway that makes yeast Pichia pastoris unique. The study reveals the utilization of methanol as a nutrient, similar to plants using CO2, and demonstrates the leading role of Vienna researchers in biotech yeast research.

SourceAustrian Research Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB)·JournalBMC Biology·DateSep 24, 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.

Future of HIV cure research points to combination approach

Researchers argue that single therapies are unlikely to achieve long-term HIV remission, and propose a data-driven approach to combination therapy trials. The proposed method involves parallel animal and human studies, with combinations selected based on in vitro and existing data, accelerating the research process.

SourceThe U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP)·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateSep 24, 2015

New method to better understand atomic nuclei

Physicists at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a new approach to carry out precision calculations of the forces acting between protons and neutrons in atomic nuclei. This method uses effective field theory and a new method for analyzing theoretical uncertainties, allowing for a more accurate description of nuclear systems.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 24, 2015

Los Alamos explores hybrid ultrasmall gold nanocluster for enzymatic fuel cells

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a new DNA-templated gold nanocluster that enhances electron transfer in enzymatic fuel cells. The AuNC facilitates oxygen reduction reactions, lowering overpotential and increasing electrocatalytic current densities.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 24, 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.

Protein conjugation method offers new possibilities for biomaterials

Researchers have demonstrated a novel method to create protein polymers that can display new functionalities, including temperature responsiveness. By changing the decoration points on the protein, they found that the functional properties of the polymer were influenced.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalBioconjugate Chemistry·DateSep 24, 2015

Study shows new forests cannot take in as much carbon as predicted

A new study finds that many forests cannot absorb as much carbon dioxide as projected because of a shortage in vital nutrient nitrogen. This limits the ability of plants to fix carbon, leading to higher net carbon emissions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateSep 24, 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.

11-year cosmic search leads to black hole rethink

Scientists used Parkes telescope for 11 years to detect gravitational waves but found nothing, suggesting that black holes may merge quickly without generating waves. The lack of detection has implications for astronomers who want to use pulsar timing techniques to spot gravitational waves.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2015

Newly identified biochemical pathway could be target for insulin control

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center and the University of Alberta have discovered a new biochemical pathway that controls insulin secretion from islet beta cells in the pancreas. The study found that impairing this pathway, known as S-AMP production, disrupts normal glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 24, 2015

Dining technology use is no measure of value, Clemson researchers find

Researchers found that heavy use of technology doesn't necessarily mean it's valued by customers. Instead, they suggest considering non-traditional customer segments based on a technology's attributes that are most beneficial to them. This approach will improve the overall customer experience.

SourceClemson University·JournalService Science·DateSep 24, 2015