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Science News for September 29, 2015


Researchers disguise drugs as platelets to target cancer

Researchers have developed a technique to coat anticancer drugs in membranes made from a patient's own platelets, allowing the drugs to target both primary tumors and circulating tumor cells. This method can prolong drug circulation time up to 30 hours, increasing effectiveness.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 29, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reading the weather from inside a seashell

A study analyzing fossil brachiopod shells from West Virginia and Ohio found minimal seasonal variation in temperature and rainfall during the latest Pennsylvanian (~300 million years ago). The findings may help resolve a paleoclimate debate about monsoonality and sea level, providing insights into ancient mega-continent climates.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateSep 29, 2015

Study sheds light on powerful process that turns food into energy

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh built complex computer models to understand why cells developed pathways to convert sugar into energy. The study suggests that these metabolic systems evolved to produce more energy compared to alternative pathways.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2015

Primary healthcare providers urged to screen teens for depression and suicide risk

A new study by UT Arlington researchers recommends that primary care providers screen teenagers for depression and suicide risk during well visits. The paper highlights the importance of screening tools, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A), to detect mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalThe Nurse Practitioner·DateSep 29, 2015

New method reveals real-time death risk of Korean MERS outbreak

Researchers developed a method to estimate real-time death risk during outbreaks, revealing that older patients and those with pre-existing illnesses had significantly higher mortality rates. The study applied this method to the 2015 Korean MERS epidemic, showing an estimated 20% overall mortality rate.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalBMC Medicine·DateSep 29, 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.

How do atoms alter during a supernova explosion?

Researchers from Osaka University successfully created highly unusual plasma composed of hollow atoms using ultra-bright X-ray sources. This discovery sheds light on extreme state atoms and may lead to industrial applications such as non-destructive x-ray testing and new material construction.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 29, 2015

Grants fund efforts by UC Santa Cruz scientists to fight deadly bat disease

Researchers at UCSC are conducting field trials of two strategies to protect bats from white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that has devastated bat populations in eastern North America. The team aims to understand how some populations are surviving and develop effective treatments to improve their chances of survival.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·DateSep 29, 2015

Large trees -- key climate influencers -- die first in drought

A global review of forest ecosystems found that large trees are more susceptible to drought, releasing stored carbon and disrupting the atmosphere. Understory trees fare better in response to drought, with increased growth rates in some seasonal tropical forests.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Plants·DateSep 29, 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.

MRI technique could reduce need for breast biopsies

A new MRI technique, DWIBS-MRM, has been shown to provide accurate results for breast cancer detection without the need for ionizing radiation or contrast agents. The technique achieved a high negative predictive value of 92% and may potentially reduce unnecessary biopsies.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateSep 29, 2015

US has fallen behind in offshore wind power, researchers say

The US lags behind Europe in offshore wind power deployment, with only land-based wind and solar reaching new heights since 2005. Researchers from the University of Delaware urge policy changes, tax incentives, and research focus on U.S.-specific barriers to overcome current obstacles.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 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.

Modeling tool IDs genes that control stress response in plants

A new modeling algorithm helps plant biologists target individual genes controlling stress responses in plants. The tool narrows the field from thousands of genes to fewer than 10, making it easier to understand how to develop drought-resistant crops.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 29, 2015

The genetics of intelligence: Ethics and the conduct of trustworthy research

The Hastings Center special report explores controversies in genetics of intelligence research, recommending ways to avoid classicism and racism. The report concludes that gene variants influencing intelligence involve complex interactions between genes and environment, making it difficult to identify specific genetic variants.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateSep 29, 2015

Air quality and ozone pollution models for forested areas may be too simple

A new study suggests that atmospheric chemistry models in use now may not capture the right mix of compounds emitted from trees and their oxidation products. The researchers found that representing the forest as a single dominant tree species or a blend of a few can lead to inaccurate ozone pollution predictions.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateSep 29, 2015

Sniffing out cancer with improved 'electronic nose' sensors

Researchers developed a small array of flexible sensors to analyze breath samples for specific compounds indicative of ovarian cancer. The system showed an 82% accuracy rate in detecting these compounds, paving the way for a potential less invasive cancer diagnosis method.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 29, 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.

Underdetection, not overdiagnosis, is the real problem in breast cancer screening

A review article discusses the issues of overdiagnosis and overtreatment in breast cancer screening, highlighting the benefits of newer technologies like breast tomosynthesis. The study finds that this technology reduces false recall rates by 15-30% while increasing cancer detection rates by about 29%.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateSep 29, 2015

How the retina marches to the beat of its own drum

Researchers discovered that the retina employs a separate light-sensitive pigment called neuropsin to regulate its internal rhythms. Neuropsin is distinct from melanopsin, which controls the body's circadian rhythms and synchronizes with the suprachiasmatic nuclei.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 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.

Your gut development during infancy can have lifelong implications

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that infancy's gut development can have lifelong implications on intestinal health. The study discovered that epigenetic changes and the gut microbiome play a crucial role in shaping intestinal stem cells, which control gut physiology throughout life.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenome Biology·DateSep 29, 2015

Plant pest reprograms the roots

Researchers discover nematodes produce plant hormone cytokinin to stimulate root cell growth and create a nurse cell system, essential for the parasite's survival. This discovery opens new avenues in plant breeding to develop resistance against cyst nematode pests.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 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.

Dartmouth Thayer Engineering researchers produce breakthrough for photography

Dartmouth Thayer Engineering researchers Eric Fossum and Jiaju Ma have made a breakthrough in light sensing technology, developing pixels that can significantly enhance low-light sensitivity. The new Quanta Image Sensor (QIS) has the potential to improve applications such as security cameras, astronomy, and life science imaging.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateSep 29, 2015

In Russia, are loggers an owl's best friend?

A recent study in Primorye, Russia, suggests that logging companies can be essential for endangered Blakiston's fish owls. In fact, lands leased to logging companies account for 43% of suitable habitat, while protected areas only cover 19%. This collaboration enables the protection of nearly half of all potential fish owl home ranges.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalBird Conservation International·DateSep 29, 2015

Cheaters sometimes prosper -- on Facebook

Concordia researchers investigate how social media gamers cheat in games like FarmVille, with some defining cheating as breaking social norms. The study found that most respondents admitted to cheating, including purchasing currency or creating multiple accounts.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNew Media & Society·DateSep 29, 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.

Competing mice reveal genetic defects

A new study using competing mice reveals genetic mutations can impair reproduction and territory control, contrary to previous assumptions of redundant gene functions. The mouse barn test provides a sensitive tool for assessing fitness consequences of gene changes in natural environments.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGenetics·DateSep 29, 2015

Study reveals answers for managing Guam's threatened native trees

A study published in HortScience has identified optimal conditions for managing conservation nurseries in Guam, focusing on three endangered tree species. Moderate shade maximizes seedling emergence percentage and velocity for Elaeocarpus joga and Tabernaemontana rotensis, while deep shade enhances growth for Serianthes nelsonii.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 29, 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.

Five genetic regions implicated in cystic fibrosis severity

Researchers have found five genetic regions that play major roles in cystic fibrosis disease severity, which could lead to new therapies. The study analyzed over 6,000 patients and identified genetic variations associated with lung disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2015

Brain activity map reveals how infant vision develops

A new study provides the first direct window into the maturation of vision-related areas in the infant brain, showing that major motion processing areas are operational by 7 weeks. The study found similarities between infants and adults in terms of brain activity patterns, but also notable differences, particularly in the development o...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 29, 2015

Meningitis model shows infection's sci-fi-worthy creep into the brain

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new zebrafish model to study Cryptococcal meningitis, allowing for real-time observation of the infection's spread. This model will enable scientists to test drug compounds and identify potential therapeutic targets, offering hope for disrupting this deadly brain infection.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalmBio·DateSep 29, 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.

Making batteries with portabella mushrooms

A team of engineers at the University of California, Riverside has developed a new type of lithium-ion battery anode made from portabella mushrooms. The mushroom-based material is highly porous and allows for increased electrolyte-active material over time, making it a potential replacement for traditional graphite anodes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 29, 2015

Player's performance in video games can steer attitudes about brands

Researchers discovered that players' performances in video games significantly impact their attitudes towards brands. Players who performed well in games exhibited better recall and more favorable attitudes toward the brand compared to those who experienced difficulties or crashes.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Promotion Management·DateSep 29, 2015

Cooperation advances Alzheimer's disease prevention research

The Collaboration for Alzheimer's Prevention (CAP) brings together researchers from six clinical trials to share information, resources, and expertise. CAP aims to accelerate the evaluation of preclinical Alzheimer disease treatments through data harmonization and standardization.

SourceThe Reis Group·JournalNature Reviews Neurology·DateSep 29, 2015

Many nonprofit academic leaders and professors serve on for-profit health-care company boards, Pitt analysis reveals

A Pitt analysis reveals that nearly 1 in 10 U.S. for-profit health care company board positions are held by individuals with an academic affiliation. These board members receive significant compensation and often hold substantial company stock, potentially leading to conflicts of interest with their academic duties.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 29, 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.

New processes in modern ReRAM memory cells decoded

Researchers discovered that valence change memory (VCM) cells use both negatively charged oxygen ions and positively charged metal ions for switching characteristics. This finding opens up new options for designing ReRAMs and could lead to improved performance, energy efficiency, and longevity.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 29, 2015

Frequently discounting maximizes retailer revenues

A study by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business found that frequent discounting is the most optimal strategy for retailers to maximize revenues. This approach balances the trade-off between dynamic and static pricing, allowing retailers to charge high prices when demand is high while maintaining flexibility. By doing so, retailers can...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateSep 29, 2015

Broadleaf trees show reduced sensitivity to global warming

A recent study published in Nature found that broadleaf tree species in Central Europe have shown a significant decline in their sensitivity to climate change. Leaf unfolding phenology, which is the timing of when leaves unfurl in spring, has advanced earlier by four days per degree Celsius increase in temperature between 1980 and 1994...

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateSep 29, 2015

Technology to crowdsource complex triggers of pediatric asthma

Researchers have developed an informatics platform to crowdsource data on pediatric asthma triggers, combining air quality and environmental exposure data with clinical information. The system aims to help doctors tailor recommendations for patients based on real-time pollutant exposure.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·DateSep 29, 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.

Scientists to bypass brain damage by re-encoding memories

Researchers at USC and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a brain prosthesis that mimics how memories are translated from short-term to long-term storage. The device has shown high accuracy in predicting neural signals with about 90% accuracy in hundreds of trials conducted with nine patients.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateSep 29, 2015

Intratumor morphological heterogeneity of cancer is not related to chromosome aberrations

Researchers found no correlation between breast cancer's different structures and chromosomal abnormalities, challenging the idea that genetic mutations drive tumor heterogeneity. Instead, they discovered specific genes contributing to each structure's formation, suggesting alternative mechanisms driving morphological diversity.

SourceNational Research Tomsk State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Pathology·DateSep 29, 2015

Shining a light on polycystic ovary syndrome

Researchers identified genetic variants associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which may inform positive lifestyle and treatment choices. The study also found links between PCOS and increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and fertility problems.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2015

Twitter behavior can predict users' income level, new Penn research shows

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that Twitter behavior can predict users' income level, with lower-income users using the platform more for personal communication and higher-income users using it to disseminate news. The research analyzed over 5,000 tweets and identified strong correlations between online expressio...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 29, 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.

You are what you click

UCSB computer scientists create natural models of user behavior using anonymized clickstream data from popular apps and social media sites. They aim to identify abnormal behaviors that could indicate security risks.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateSep 29, 2015

NASA sees wind shear affecting Tropical Storm Joaquin

Tropical Depression 11 strengthened into Tropical Storm Joaquin despite experiencing vertical wind shear, according to NASA's Aqua satellite data. The storm's elongated shape is attributed to the strong winds, but research suggests that high-level storms can generate heavy rain and strengthen.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 29, 2015

New research about shopping addiction

A new study by Doctor Cecilie Schou Andreassen reveals that shopping addiction is more prevalent among women, typically beginning in late adolescence. The Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale identifies seven warning signs, including an excessive preoccupation with shopping and impaired well-being.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 29, 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.

Rice news release: Smaller is better for nanotube analysis

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for analyzing carbon nanotubes in solution using variance spectroscopy. This technique allows for the rapid analysis of small regions in dilute nanotube solutions, providing insights into the types, numbers, and properties of nanoparticles in the solution. By zooming in on thes...

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateSep 29, 2015

New test detects all viruses that infect people, animals

A new test called ViroCap can detect viruses at low levels and identify variant strains, making it especially useful in situations where diagnosis remains elusive. The test increases sensitivity by 52% compared to standard testing, providing detailed genetic information about viral subtypes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalGenome Research·DateSep 29, 2015

Eight big questions in cancer research

The article explores eight big questions in cancer research, including the role of genetic mutations, tumor microenvironments, and epigenetics. Researchers discuss the importance of targeted treatments, prevention, and screening, as well as the potential for precision medicine to improve cancer outcomes.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cancer·DateSep 29, 2015

Autoimmune cerebellar ataxia

A Mayo Clinic study found that nearly three-quarters of patients with autoimmune cerebellar ataxia were women. The median duration from symptom onset to last follow-up was 25 months, with 51 patients experiencing physician-reported neurologic improvement with immunotherapy and cancer therapy.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateSep 29, 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.

Kids allowed to be kids make better parents

Research led by Michigan State University scholar Amy K. Nuttall found that mothers who took on too much caregiving role as children tend to be less sensitive to their own children's needs, understanding child development and parenting in a similar harmful manner.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateSep 29, 2015

Controlling evaporative patterning transitions

A team of researchers from Harvard University explored evaporative patterning transitions and discovered a simple mechanism behind drying-induced residue formations. By controlling the dynamics of evaporation, they can obtain specific types of residues while avoiding others.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateSep 29, 2015

Wearable electronic health patches may now be cheaper and easier to make

A team of researchers at the University of Texas at Austin has invented a method for producing inexpensive and high-performing wearable patches that can continuously monitor vital signs. The breakthrough reduces manufacturing time from days to just 20 minutes, enabling mass production of epidermal electronics.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 29, 2015

Risk factors for prostate cancer

New research analyzed data from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify prostate cancer risk factors. The study found that age, race, and family history are significant risk factors for prostate cancer, while obesity, alcohol abuse, and smoking show a protective effect.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics·DateSep 29, 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.

Scientists pioneer 3-D-printed drug delivering micro-needles

Researchers have created a new technique to produce 3D 'micro-printed' arrays of needles capable of drug delivery, offering treatments for melanoma cancers. The arrays are fabricated using microstereolithography and can withstand stresses and strains when inserted into the body.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateSep 29, 2015

The brain perceives motion the same way through both vision and touch

Researchers found that the brain processes motion from both visual and tactile inputs using similar computations, integrating information from individual neurons with a small perspective of the object. This common representation of motion can be seen in experiments using plaid stimuli presented visually or tactilely.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 29, 2015

Iron-gallium alloy shows promise as a power-generation device

Researchers have discovered an iron-gallium alloy called Galfenol that can generate significant amounts of power when subjected to strong impacts. The material converts mechanical energy into magnetic energy with high efficiency and can be used to create wireless impact detectors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 29, 2015

Wrangling proteins gone wild

Researchers at McGill University have developed a suite of computer programs to speed up the process of drug discovery for diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's. The Fibrilizer program analyzes billions of possible genetic mutations to find weak spots in toxic protein strands, potentially leading to new treatments.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBioinformatics·DateSep 29, 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.

People with genetic variant increasing vitamin D metabolism improve blood sugar control with high protein weight loss diet

Research shows that people carrying specific genetic variants of vitamin D metabolism can benefit from a high-protein weight loss diet, leading to improved insulin resistance and blood sugar control. The study found significant interactions between the DHCR7 variant and dietary protein, but not with other genetic variants or dietary fat.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateSep 29, 2015

Cornell, Sloan Kettering partner in $10M cancer center

The new center aims to develop and translate new cancer care applications based on nanotechnology, focusing on melanoma and malignant brain cancers. Researchers will use Cornell dots, silica-organic hybrid nanoparticles, to improve cancer diagnostics, surgery, and targeted drug delivery.

SourceCornell University·DateSep 29, 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.

Hopes of improved brain implants

Researchers at Lund University have developed a new type of brain implant that uses nanowires to stimulate or capture signals from different areas of the brain. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for Parkinson's disease, depression, autism, and paralysis.

SourceLund University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 29, 2015

Resilient personality of cities could help in a recession

A recent study found that cities fared better during the 2008-09 recession in regions with stronger emotional stability and entrepreneurial personality profiles. Cities like San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, Calif., and Jackson, Tenn., exhibited higher scores for entrepreneurial personality and emotional stability, while others struggled.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateSep 29, 2015

Chimpanzee personality linked to anatomy of brain structures, study finds

A recent study by Georgia State University and other institutions reveals that chimpanzees' brain structures are associated with various personality traits. The research found correlations between gray-matter volumes in specific brain regions and personality traits such as openness, extraversion, and dominance.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalNeuroImage·DateSep 29, 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.

NIH study finds racial, ethnic differences in fetal growth

A new NIH study found significant racial and ethnic disparities in fetal growth, with minority fetuses scoring below the 5th percentile due to hereditary and environmental factors. This could lead to unnecessary tests and procedures for healthy pregnant women of color.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateSep 29, 2015

Sleep may strengthen long-term memories in the immune system

Researchers propose that deep sleep strengthens immunological memories of previously encountered pathogens, enabling adaptive responses. Studies show that slow-wave sleep contributes to the formation of long-term memories of abstract information.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateSep 29, 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.

Brain FM: Purkinje cells sing different tunes

Researchers at NCBS discovered that Purkinje cells have two modes of electrical signaling based on voltage: a constant 'up' state and a burst-like 'down' state. This allows the cells to choose whether to respond to instructions or not, and the study suggests that this mechanism may play a role in motor learning.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·DateSep 29, 2015

Satellite view of remnants of post-Tropical Cyclone Niala

The remnants of Tropical Cyclone Niala were captured in a NASA infrared satellite image taken on September 29, 2015. The storm had ceased to qualify as a tropical cyclone by the time it was located approximately 405 miles south of Honolulu, Hawaii and moving west-northwest.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 29, 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.

Scientists control rats' senses of familiarity, novelty

Researchers at Brown University used optogenetics to manipulate the brain's perception of novelty and familiarity in rats. They found that different frequencies of light stimulation could alter the rats' behavior, with 30-40 hertz inducing a sense of novelty and 10-15 hertz inducing a sense of familiarity.

SourceBrown University·DateSep 29, 2015

New water-tracing technology to help protect groundwater

Researchers used new water-tracing technology to determine how groundwater moves in the Sydney Basin, identifying four distinctive layers of rock that control groundwater movement. The study provides a baseline for assessing future impacts from mining operations, climate change, and groundwater abstraction.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateSep 29, 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 irrigation strategies for pecans in humid climates

Researchers found that a reduced early season irrigation schedule improves water efficiency in Georgia's humid climate while maintaining pecan tree health. The study showed a 38% reduction in irrigation water use with no significant impact on pecan quality or yield.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateSep 29, 2015

NASA's GPM analyzes rainfall in Tropical Storm Marty

Tropical Storm Marty is being closely monitored by NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, which has detected substantial areas of rain on the eastern half of the storm. Heavy rainfall is expected to be a major threat to residents in western Mexico, with estimated amounts ranging from 2-12 inches.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 29, 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.

Tools for illuminating brain function make their own light

Researchers at Emory and Georgia Tech have developed inhibitory luminopsins that can modulate neuronal firing in culture and in vivo, enabling the study of ways to halt or prevent seizure activity. The tools use a glowing protein from coral as a light source, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional optogenetics.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 29, 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.

Researchers create first entropy-stabilized complex oxide alloys

North Carolina State University researchers created an entropy-stabilized material made up of five different oxides in roughly equal amounts. The constituent atoms were evenly distributed and their placement in the crystalline lattice structure was random, proving that entropy can stabilize complex oxide alloys.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2015

Reducing our own pain is also reducing empathy for pain in others

Researchers found that manipulating self-experienced pain affects empathy for pain in others through the endogenous opioid system. The study suggests empathy relies on simulation and is grounded in our own experiences, which may explain why feelings of others can affect us so immediately.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2015

Nanomachines: Pirouetting in the spotlight

Researchers have created a new class of molecular motors that rotate unidirectionally at speeds of up to 1 kHz when exposed to sunlight at room temperature. This breakthrough enables the development of more versatile and precise nanomachines with unprecedented control over mechanical motion.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2015