A lab-based study led by University of Leicester researchers has found a way to 'reverse' symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's using genetic and pharmacological approaches. The study utilized fruit flies to explore the role of specific metabolites in the kynurenine pathway, which can help alleviate sy...
SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2016
Researchers found that observing a person in pain can lead to nocebo hyperalgesia, while unexplained interventions also elevate pain experience. The study suggests taking these factors into account in medical practice and research to better understand nocebo hyperalgesia.
SourceDove Medical Press·JournalJournal of Pain Research·DateApr 25, 2016
The critically endangered Himalayan wolf is distinct from its European cousin and has a separate lineage that diverged thousands of years ago. Local herders view the wolves as a threat to their livelihoods, leading to persecution and killing.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers identified a compound that reverses symptoms of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases in genetically altered fruit flies. The study suggests that the treatment could work for humans by targeting a specific enzyme involved in disease progression.
SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2016
A new film series by Sarah Betcher explores Alaskan indigenous uses of wild plants for food, medicine and construction materials. The 'Ties to Alaska's Wild Plants' project documents Iñupiat traditions and aims to preserve traditional knowledge in the face of climate change.
A study published in Nature Communications found that visceral fat is strongly linked to metabolic disease and insulin resistance. Researchers identified the regulatory molecule TRIP-Br2 as a key player in this process, which could lead to potential therapeutic agents against obesity.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 25, 2016
A gene known as OSMR plays a key role in driving the growth of glioblastoma tumors, according to a new study. Researchers discovered that by disabling OSMR, glioblastoma cells lose their ability to form tumors in mice, suggesting a potential target for treatments.
SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 25, 2016
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.
Tropical forests depend on animals for seed dispersal to store carbon, but this role differs across regions. Large animal losses lead to fewer large trees and increased carbon loss in some forests.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 25, 2016
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) awarded prizes to the top three winners of its 2016 National DNA Day essay contest. Stella Ma's winning essay described testing for hereditary breast cancer and won her $1000 prize, while Jillian Pesce won $600 with an essay on Huntington disease.
A study using a custom-built 'shark-eye' camera reveals that biofluorescence makes catsharks more visible to neighbors of the same species at depths where they live. The researchers found that the contrast of patterns on the biofluorescent sharks increases with depth, suggesting they may use it to communicate with one another.
SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 25, 2016
Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that children whose mothers were nurturing during the preschool years have more robust growth in brain structures associated with learning, memory and stress response. The study suggests there is a sensitive period when the brain responds more to maternal support.
SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2016
A recent study published in Nature Climate Change reveals significant greening of a quarter to one-half of the Earth's vegetated lands due to CO2 fertilization. The increase in leaves on plants and trees has the potential to fundamentally change the cycling of water and carbon in the climate system.
SourceBoston University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 25, 2016
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.
A new catheter infection alert system could prevent serious infections in millions of hospital patients and elderly people. The system changes the color of urine to detect bacterial blockages before they cause kidney failure and death.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateApr 25, 2016
Scientists propose aerosol generation and exposure tools to predict nanomaterial toxicity in human lungs. These non-animal tools use human lung cells grown in a petri dish, reducing the need for animal testing.
SourcePeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)·JournalParticle and Fibre Toxicology·DateApr 25, 2016
Alexandre Pouget, a renowned expert in neural coding and spatial representations, will receive the prize for his work on probabilistic inference and its applications. Pouget's research focuses on general theories of representation and computation in neural circuits, with a strong emphasis on neural theories of probabilistic inference.
Researchers used network theory to depict dinosaur movement worldwide, finding some regions, like Europe, had extensive fossil records. The study also showed that all connections between Europe and other continents during the Early Cretaceous period were out-going.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateApr 24, 2016
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.
A Mediterranean diet high in fruit, vegetables, and unrefined foods is associated with a lower risk of heart attack and stroke in people with existing heart disease. The study found that eating more healthy foods was more important than avoiding unhealthy foods.
SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateApr 24, 2016
Researchers found fossils in Japan that suggest tritylodontids co-existed with early mammals for millions of years, overturning the widely accepted theory about their extinction. The discovery sheds new light on the ecological dynamics of these animal families.
SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateApr 24, 2016
A study by Aparna Sundar of the University of Oregon found that consumers are less likely to accept sensory mismatches from sincere brands, but can tolerate them from exciting brands. The research suggests that marketers should consider how sensory innovation aids their brand narrative.
SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 24, 2016
The Alzheimer's Association has awarded $4.3 million to accelerate the testing of new potential therapies and diagnostic approaches for Alzheimer's disease. The funding will support innovative trial designs, including tau PET imaging and home-based cognitive testing, to improve early detection and treatment options.
Tropical Cyclone Amos is affecting the Southwestern Pacific Islands, particularly Wallis and Futuna and American Samoa. The storm's maximum sustained winds have increased to 90 knots, with forecasters predicting intensification before a weakening trend begins.
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.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients are at risk of developing hearing impairment due to various factors such as synovial destruction and environmental exposures. Regular audiometric tests and TEOAEs can detect early stages of the disease, and treatment options include oral steroids and intensifying Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs.
SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Rheumatology Journal·DateApr 22, 2016
A mobility assessment tool may help predict early postoperative outcomes for older adults by identifying those at risk of complications. The study found that preoperative scores on the Mobility Assessment Tool: Short Form (MAT-sf) were predictive of early postoperative complications, longer hospital stays and discharges to nursing homes.
SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAnesthesiology·DateApr 22, 2016
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have derived a structural model of the Mfsd2a transporter, which could help treat neurological disorders like glioblastoma by bypassing the blood-brain barrier. The study identifies new binding features and provides insight into the transport mechanism of Mfsd2a.
SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 22, 2016
A large trial of over 8000 participants found no significant increase in neuropsychiatric side effects with varenicline or bupropion. Varenicline was shown to be more effective in helping people stop smoking than other treatments, with similar efficacy across smokers with and without psychiatric disorders.
Researchers found that old-growth forests can reduce maximum spring and summer air temperatures by as much as 2.5 degrees Celsius compared to plantation forests. This cooling effect is due to the dense canopy and complex understory vegetation of old-growth forests, which create microclimates for temperature-sensitive species.
SourceOregon State University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 22, 2016
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.
A team of researchers has developed a new technology that can stitch together DNA barcodes inside cells, allowing scientists to search amongst millions of protein pairs for protein interactions. This breakthrough increases the rate of discovery without increasing costs.
SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateApr 22, 2016
A new reef system has been found at the mouth of the Amazon River, providing scientists with a wider view of the reef community and its variation. The discovery offers insights into how the reef community changes as it moves north along the shelf break in response to seasonal light exposure.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 22, 2016
Researchers at UNSW Australia have demonstrated that individual atoms placed precisely in silicon can act as a quantum simulator, mimicking the weird interactions of electrons in materials. The study allows for the simulation of complex quantum systems and has the potential to design new exotic materials and test fundamental aspects of...
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2016
The study found that Acropora corals, responsible for modern reef growth, are experiencing sharp declines in abundance worldwide. However, by managing local anthropogenic stressors such as pollution and over-fishing, it is possible to increase their resistance to climate change and preserve these corals.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 22, 2016
Researchers found that orchestrated cell death mechanisms in pancreatic cancer can induce the growth of tumor cells by suppressing the immune system. Inhibiting these pathways may reverse immunosuppressive environments and enable T lymphocytes to attack tumors.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2016
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.
Researchers successfully killed and removed invasive plants using specific herbicides during late winter, allowing native plant species to regrow in southwestern Ohio. This approach has shown positive results in controlling aggressive invasive species such as Wintercreeper, English ivy, and lesser periwinkle.
SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEcological Restoration·DateApr 22, 2016
Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have uncovered a crucial mechanism behind rich milk production in lactation. Breast cells develop two nuclei during pregnancy, allowing for optimal milk production, which is essential for newborn survival. This discovery sheds new light on the intricate processes involved in lactation.
SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2016
Physicists at UTA are developing a global simulation model combining knowledge and experience from seven leading research universities to predict space weather effects with higher accuracy and detail. The project aims to reduce errors in GPS and communication systems by up to 30%.
A team of researchers from Drexel University and two Chinese universities discovered a way to grow thin sheets of conductive metal oxides using salt crystals as a template. This method produces larger and more chemically pure materials, which are better suited for storing energy in devices like batteries and capacitors.
SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2016
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.
A team of Danish investigators manipulated the metabolic properties of yogurt-producing bacteria to create a sweeter, less-sweetened yogurt. They achieved this by modifying the bacteria to consume galactose instead of glucose, resulting in a product with reduced lactose and increased natural sweetness.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 22, 2016
Scientists at LMU and MPQ create a technique for controlling ultrafast electron pulses, enabling the visualization of atoms and electrons in motion. This breakthrough could lead to new photonic and electronic materials and devices.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateApr 22, 2016
Researchers identified specific measures of low blood oxygenation associated with impaired kidney function and diabetic nephropathy. The study highlights the association between sleep apnea and microvascular disease linked to diabetes.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateApr 22, 2016
Research published in Pediatrics found that a high body mass index (BMI) at 2 months is a strong predictor of obesity at age 2. The study, which analyzed nearly 74,000 infants, showed that BMI outperformed weight-for-length measurements in predicting early childhood obesity.
SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 22, 2016
Researchers studied animal puncturing methods, including snakes' venom-injecting strikes, mantis shrimp's harpooning prey, and stinging sea creatures' microscopic nematocysts. The study found kinetic energy was the best predictor of penetration depth, with smaller animals often being faster to achieve this
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInterface Focus·DateApr 22, 2016
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.
Brain-region-specific organoids were used to model Zika virus exposure, showing the virus prefers to infect neural stem cells and causing cell death. The technology has potential as a preclinical testing ground for therapies against Zika.
The University of Houston has received a $386,000 grant from the Robert J. Kleberg Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation to develop a model for studying traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Professor Amy Sater aims to create a system that can screen for possible drugs facilitating recovery from brain injury using Xenopus laevis tadpoles.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory discovered a new state of water molecules exhibiting quantum tunneling behavior under ultra-confinement. This phenomenon is unmatched by any known gas, liquid, or solid states, with implications for understanding thermodynamic properties and behavior in confined environments.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 22, 2016
A report by Queen's University political researcher Nathan Andrews finds that EITI countries did not perform better than non-EITI countries, despite disclosure of tax and royalty payments. The researchers speculate that the initiative's limited scope and voluntary nature hindered its effectiveness in reversing the resource curse.
SourceQueen's University·JournalWorld Development·DateApr 22, 2016
A large study published in The Lancet found that varenicline is more effective than bupropion or nicotine patch for quitting smoking. Compared to placebo, the medications showed no significant increase in moderate or severe neuropsychiatric events.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 22, 2016
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.
Researchers found that sleep loss reduces gene expression involved in cholesterol transport, leading to lower levels of good cholesterol. The study also discovered that sleep-deprived individuals have fewer high-density HDL lipoproteins, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 22, 2016
A team at Northwestern University has created a device that can detect different infrared wavebands by varying the applied bias voltage. The breakthrough could enable applications such as three-color infrared imaging and infrared color televisions.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 22, 2016
NASA tracks Tropical Cyclone Fantala's decreasing wind speeds and intensifying rainfall rates, with estimates suggesting maximum sustained winds of 105 knots (121 mph). The storm is expected to encounter adverse conditions that will prompt a weakening trend north of Madagascar as it continues to move west toward the African mainland.
A review of clinical evidence concludes that individualized preventive cardiovascular therapy is crucial for older adults, with cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure-controlling treatments being the most effective. The target systolic blood pressure should be individualized based on frailty and comorbidities.
SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateApr 22, 2016
The University of Texas at Arlington student team won the EPA Campus RainWorks Challenge with their innovative design, Eco-Flow: A Water-Sensitive Placemaking Response to Climate Change. The project aims to reduce stormwater runoff by increasing tree canopy and decreasing non-permeable surfaces.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
The University of Texas at Arlington will develop an online portal for disability history resources with a $40,000 NEH grant. The portal will provide a single point of access to various collections from archives, museums, colleges, and universities featuring historical materials on disability history.
A new study found that organ recipients with a history of cancer are at a higher risk of dying from any cause, dying from cancer, or developing a new cancer. The association between these outcomes did not vary by the type of transplanted organ, according to researchers at St. Michael's Hospital.
SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalTransplantation·DateApr 22, 2016
The ACS-Military Health System Partnership is developing a pre-deployment course for military surgeons to prepare them for combat and disaster scenarios. The goal is to ensure the military's trauma system remains intact between conflicts, building on the successful Joint Trauma Theater System.
SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 22, 2016
A Dartmouth-led study reveals that chimpanzees use advanced manual prehension to evaluate and select figs, demonstrating a significant foraging advantage over other primates. The findings provide new insight into the evolution of skilled forelimb movements and the ecological origins of human hands with fine motor control.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalInterface Focus·DateApr 22, 2016
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.
Researchers have confirmed Zika's toll on fetal cortex using lab-grown mini-brains that mimic human brain development. The study found that Zika infection occurs early in pregnancy leads to severe effects and can affect neurons later on.
Scientists discovered that Cpf1, a CRISPR-associated enzyme, can cut both RNA and DNA. This dual activity enables efficient targeting of multiple sites in parallel, or multiplexing, for sequence-specific genome engineering.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2016
A review paper suggests that estrobolome disparities could help develop microbiome-based biomarkers for mitigating certain cancers. The gut bacterial genes capable of metabolizing estrogens play a crucial role in shaping systemic estrogen levels.
SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 22, 2016
Crowd-sourced information on felt earthquakes is being integrated with data collected by seismometers, providing a more complete picture of an earthquake event. Citizen seismology offers a new window into the aftermath of earthquakes, including infrastructure damage and personal experiences.
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.
A study by UCLA life scientists found that fructose damages brain genes, leading to diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, a diet rich in DHA reversed the harmful effects of fructose, suggesting a potential treatment for these conditions.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalEBioMedicine·DateApr 22, 2016
One third of global food is lost or wasted, causing environmental harm and contributing to global warming. Individual actions, such as checking fridge contents before shopping and adjusting consumer choices, can significantly impact sustainability.