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Science News for April 1, 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.

New insights in blood vessel formation

Research suggests that haemodynamic forces play a critical role in shaping endothelial cells during angiogenesis, leading to the expansion and maintenance of vascular lumens. The study's findings challenge previous ideas about blood flow's impact on vascular development.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 1, 2016

Lifting the veil on sex: Can males be less expensive?

A Kyoto University research team found that males can 'cost' less when there are more females, increasing the competitiveness of sexual reproduction. This discovery may have implications for studies on the evolution and sustainability of sex in nature.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 1, 2016

Scientists divide magnetic vortices into collectivists and individualists

Researchers at MIPT and Prokhorov General Physics Institute divide magnetic vortices into two types, one with isotropic resistance and another with anisotropic behavior. This discovery could lead to the development of faster and more compact processors and non-volatile memory.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 1, 2016
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.

Penn research reveals brain region crucial for using boundaries to navigate

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that the occipital place area (OPA) plays a key role in perceiving boundaries during navigation. By using transcranial magnetic stimulation to disrupt normal processing, the team found that participants made more errors navigating around boundaries but not landmarks.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 1, 2016

NIH awards $1.7 million to UTA professor to fight chronic kidney disease

UTA professor Paul Fadel receives a four-year NIH grant to study high sympathetic nerve activity in patients with chronic kidney disease and its link to ADMA, a natural occurring chemical in the body. The goal is to develop a treatment to lower sympathetic nerve activity and prevent dialysis, improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateApr 1, 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.

How to control chlamydia

Chlamydia infection rates have increased across Europe, with young people particularly affected. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control recommends developing national strategies for prevention and effective treatment of those infected and their partners to control the disease.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateApr 1, 2016

Researchers demonstrate a new way to characterize twisted light

Twisted light has been characterized using a new method that involves obtaining the Wigner distribution, which completely describes a system in terms of two conjugate variables. This technique is suitable for quantum information applications involving a large number of orbital angular momentum states.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 1, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Asthma is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and excess weight

A new study suggests that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with asthma and excess weight in reproductive-age women. The research found a higher prevalence of asthma among PCOS patients compared to those without the condition, as well as an increased risk of asthma among overweight and obese individuals.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateApr 1, 2016

Brain processes social information at high priority

Researchers found that the brain automatically pays attention to social context in everyday actions, suggesting a high level of sensitivity for absorbing social information. The study used hypnosis to switch off top-down attention processes and showed that mu-suppression was stronger in hypnotised participants.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateApr 1, 2016

Heart rate variability predicts epileptic seizure

Researchers at Kumamoto University developed a method to predict epileptic seizures with high accuracy using electrocardiogram data. Heart rate variability analysis produced accurate predictions (91%) and allowed patients to ensure their safety before seizures. A wearable device is planned for development.

SourceKumamoto University·DateApr 1, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Some sunscreen ingredients may disrupt sperm cell function

A new study by The Endocrine Society found that 13 out of 29 UV filters tested disrupted sperm cell function in human sperm cells, interfering with normal sperm functions necessary for fertilization. Some UV filters mimic the effect of female hormone progesterone, causing a temporary influx of calcium ions into the sperm cell.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateApr 1, 2016

Researchers identify candidate biomarker of accelerated onset diabetic retinopathy

A study by Mass. Eye and Ear researchers describes an association between a defective myogenic response in blood vessels of the retina and early development of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 1 diabetes. The findings provide a potential target for therapies to delay or prevent accelerated onset diabetic retinopathy.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateApr 1, 2016

California drought patterns becoming more common

Researchers found that atmospheric circulation patterns, including the Ridiculously Resilient Ridge, are more frequent in recent decades, increasing the risk of drought. The study also showed that temperature plays a significant role in drought development.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 1, 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.

More Latinas screened for breast cancer after 'Promotora' visits

A Kaiser Permanente study found that Latina women who received 'Promotora' visits had nearly twice the screening rate of those who did not receive visits. The study showed a modest but significant increase in screening rates, with over 19% of participants completing a mammogram within a year.

SourceKaiser Permanente·DateApr 1, 2016

Ancient Southwest marked by repeated periods of boom and bust

Researchers at WSU analyzed data from 1,000+ archaeological sites and 30,000 tree-ring dates to understand the impact of droughts on Pueblo societies. They found four periods of boom and bust over five centuries, with each period marked by significant cultural changes and social upheaval.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 1, 2016

Monetary incentives for healthy behavior can pay off, says CU-Boulder study

A CU-Boulder study found that daily monetary incentives increased fruit and vegetable consumption among participants. Internal motivation to eat such produce also increased over time, suggesting a potential direction for future incentive research in terms of psychological factors related to changing behavior.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateApr 1, 2016

New plasma source favorable for hydrogen negative ion beam is developed

The team discovered a new plasma wave phenomenon leading to the development of a negative ion source for fusion plasma heating. The newly developed plasma source utilizes a helicon wave to produce high-temperature electrons, which are then neutralized and injected into the magnetically-confined plasma core.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 1, 2016
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.

New test can predict death in patients with serious liver disease

Researchers have found that CD163 can predict mortality in blood samples from patients with acute on chronic liver failure, a condition with a high four-week mortality rate of 20-30%. Measuring this biomarker may lead to improved diagnostics and treatment towards macrophages via CD163.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateApr 1, 2016

UH pharmacology student to present research on Fragile X April 3

Luis Martinez, a PhD candidate at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy, has made significant breakthroughs in understanding Fragile X Syndrome. His research suggests that pharmacologically inhibiting Rac1 can rescue cognitive deficits and improve learning and memory skills in FXS models.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 1, 2016

BC scientists engineer immune cells to protect organs from transplant rejection

Researchers developed a gene therapy that programs T regulatory cells to protect transplanted tissues from rejection by the patient's immune system. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and open up possibilities for building genes for any disease where the immune system is overactive.

SourceChild & Family Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 1, 2016

Global study finds neighborhood design helps put best foot forward for health

A global study found that people living in densely populated and walkable neighborhoods with interconnected streets got up to 90 minutes of physical activity weekly. Four environmental attributes stood out as having the most impact on physical activity: net residential density, intersection density, number of parks and public transit d...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 1, 2016

Ruthenium nanoframes open the doors to better catalysts

A team of chemists has developed a new method to make metal nanoframe catalysts, which could lead to improved hydrogen fuel production and reduced usage of precious materials. The breakthrough involves creating ruthenium nanocrystals with a unique crystal structure, increasing their surface area and catalytic activity.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 1, 2016
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.

Massive deforestation found in Brazil's Cerrado

The study found that agricultural land has doubled within the Cerrado region, replacing native vegetation and altering the water cycle. Continued agricultural growth could reduce rainfall or delay critical rainy periods, threatening both natural vegetation and agricultural production.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 1, 2016

New toolkit can improve primary healthcare for people with developmental disabilities

A new evidence-based toolkit will help family health teams in Ontario provide more proactive care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The toolkit includes a four-step process to implement health checks, resources for clinicians and patients, and examples of how to embed the tools into Electronic Medical Records.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalIntellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateApr 1, 2016

Ancient DNA shows European wipe-out of early Americans

A recent study published in Science Advances found a striking absence of pre-Columbian genetic lineages in modern Indigenous Americans, suggesting extinction with the arrival of Europeans. The research reconstructed ancient DNA from 92 pre-Columbian mummies and skeletons, revealing a separation that appeared as early as 9000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 1, 2016

Artificial molecules

Scientists at ETH Zurich and IBM Research have developed a new method to manufacture micro-objects with precisely defined magnetic, non-magnetic and differently charged areas. The technique enables the creation of small rods, tiny triangles and basic three-dimensional objects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 1, 2016

Rise of the ridiculously resilient ridge: California drought patterns becoming more common

Recent decades have seen increased frequency of large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns associated with California's precipitation and temperature extremes. The researchers found that the 'Ridiculously Resilient Ridge' pattern, which diverts winter storms northward, has become more common, leading to increased dry conditions.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 1, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Is there a link between oral health and the rate of cognitive decline?

A systematic review of studies found associations between poor oral health and increased risk of cognitive decline, particularly among those with dementia. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential causal link between oral health and cognitive status.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 1, 2016

Autism diagnosis taking too long, experts say

A study found that autism diagnoses are still being made at an average age of 4.5 years, with some children not diagnosed until 30 months old. Early intervention can improve social and communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateApr 1, 2016

Confronting diseases in Africa

Chronic diseases like hypertension and heart disease are rising in Africa due to infectious disease spread, healthcare worker shortage, and lack of investment. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to address the growing epidemic and promote health equity.

SourceSAGE·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateApr 1, 2016

Engineered ovary implant restores fertility in mice

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a prosthetic ovary implant using 3D printing technology that restored fertility in mice. The bioprosthesis was made from gelatin and supported hormone-producing cells and immature egg cells, enabling oocyte growth and ovulation.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateApr 1, 2016
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.

Engineered monomeric streptavidin

Researchers have engineered a novel variant of streptavidin that forms a stable monomer and binds biotin without crosslinking, allowing for efficient biotinylation of targets. The optimized monomeric streptavidin (mSA) can be fused to proteins to create a bi-functional molecule, enabling proximity-dependent biotinylation techniques.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateApr 1, 2016

Obesity can be predicted as early as 6 months of age, says study

A new study predicts severe obesity can be identified at 6 months of age using a simple BMI measurement. Pediatricians are advised to measure BMI during infant well-child visits to identify high-risk children and provide targeted education on healthy lifestyles.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·DateApr 1, 2016
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.

Professional burnout associated with physicians limiting practice

A Mayo Clinic study found a strong association between physician burnout and reducing clinical practice hours, particularly among primary care specialties. The research suggests that increased emotional exhaustion predicts physicians cutting back on work hours, exacerbating the existing US physician shortage.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateApr 1, 2016
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.

Invited review: Artisanal Mexican cheeses

Experts warn of disappearing artisanal Mexican cheese varieties due to lack of documentation and standardized production processes. Standardization and preservation efforts aim to protect these unique cheeses and secure protected designation of origin (PDO) status.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateApr 1, 2016

Study raises online golf tutorials to above par

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that watching online tutorials with prior knowledge of the demonstrator's skill level can lead to improved performance. The researchers found that this approach enables students to better detect technical errors and imitate expert-level shots.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateApr 1, 2016

X-rays reveal how a solar cell gets its silver stripes

Researchers used X-rays to observe exactly how silver electrical contacts form during manufacturing, shedding light on the complex process. The results show that lead oxide plays a key role in forming the contact, etching away the solar cell's antireflective coating and allowing silver to move through and harden.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 1, 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.

Breakthrough in cybersecurity is no phish story

A University at Buffalo researcher has developed a comprehensive model to explain why people fall for spear phishing attacks, accounting for user vulnerabilities and behavior patterns. The model proposes a new approach to training and education, using individual profiles to identify specific weaknesses, and enables organizations to dev...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCommunication Research·DateApr 1, 2016
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.

NASA's GPM satellite examines tornadic thunderstorms

The GPM core observatory satellite measured heavy rainfall rates of over 3.6 inches per hour in a powerful storm east of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The satellite also revealed the three-dimensional structure of precipitation in storms beneath it, showing storm tops reaching heights above 7.4 miles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 1, 2016

An overfed fetus may become an overweight adolescent

A new study found that higher levels of cord-blood leptin and adiponectin at birth were associated with greater fat in the child at ages 9 and 17. This suggests that fetal overnutrition may program greater adiposity in the child, extending into childhood and adolescence.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateApr 1, 2016

Call them spare tires or love handles -- belly fat is bad

A new meta-analysis reveals a clear correlation between higher BMI, waist circumference, and the risk of heart failure. Overweight individuals had a 35% increased risk of heart failure compared to normal weight individuals.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCirculation·DateApr 1, 2016
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 cause of exceptional Greenland melt revealed

A new study found that exceptionally warm weather episodes, rather than radiant energy, cause significant melting of the Greenland ice sheet. The research revealed that climate models tend to underestimate the impact of these events, which are expected to occur more frequently in the future due to climate change.

SourceYork University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 1, 2016

Growing skin in the lab

Researchers successfully grew skin tissue with hair follicles and sebaceous glands in the laboratory using reprogrammed iPS cells. The tissues formed normal connections with surrounding nerves and muscle fibers, paving the way for potential functional skin transplants.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 1, 2016

Light helps develop programmable materials

Researchers at Lund University have developed a method to control the movement of active particles using light, which can be used to create programmable materials. This technology has potential applications in environmental science, such as locating oil spills, and medicine, including delivering pharmaceutical substances.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 1, 2016

Brain changes seen in veterans with PTSD after mindfulness training

A new study in veterans with PTSD finds that mindfulness training can enhance the ability to manage thoughts and emotions, leading to reduced symptoms. Brain scans reveal stronger connections between brain networks involved in attention and inner thoughts, suggesting a potential tool for emotional regulation and trauma processing.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateApr 1, 2016
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.

Low-cost and lightweight

Researchers at PNNL have developed a stronger titanium alloy using a novel nanostructure, with potential applications in lightweight vehicle parts. The alloy achieved a 10-15% increase in strength, making it suitable for high-strength-to-cost ratio and greater fuel economy.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 1, 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.

Vaccine adjuvant protects against post-burn infection

Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) has shown protective effects in mice with burn injuries, stimulating G-CSF production to bolster immune cells' ability to fight bacteria. Increased neutrophil levels mediate this protection.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateApr 1, 2016

Your viruses could reveal your travel history, and more

Researchers identify two distinct HSV-1 virus strains in an individual, revealing their European/North American and Asian origins. The discovery opens doors to tracing a person's life history using genetic fingerprinting of viral genomes.

SourcePenn State·JournalVirology·DateApr 1, 2016

For rechargeable batteries that crush the competition, crush this material

Scientists at NIST have made significant advances in creating safe and efficient solid-state rechargeable batteries. By modifying the chemical makeup of promising compounds, they increased their current-carrying capacity and enabled them to operate within a wider temperature range.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·DateApr 1, 2016