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Science News for April 15, 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.

WiFi capacity doubled at less than half the size

Researchers at Columbia University have developed the first on-chip RF circulator that doubles WiFi speeds with a single antenna, transforming telecommunications. The technology enables full-duplex communications, where transmitter and receiver operate simultaneously, doubling network capacity.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2016

Plasma genotyping to predict treatment benefit in patients with NSCLC

Researchers confirmed plasma genotyping's benefit in predicting treatment benefit for NSCLC patients, particularly those with higher tumor burden and younger age. However, tissue biopsies remain the gold standard due to low sensitivity of plasma tests, which may not fully replace them.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateApr 15, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mayo clinic: Long-term benefits to the liver-kidney transplant

A new study from Mayo Clinic found that patients with high and low levels of donor-specific alloantibodies who received simultaneous liver-kidney transplants showed a lower incidence of cellular and antibody-mediated rejection, chronic injury to the kidney, and better overall kidney function compared to those who received a kidney tran...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalKidney International·DateApr 15, 2016

New tool reveals role of ancestry in soil communities of bacteria

A new tool has shown that evolutionary history plays a significant role in the activity of bacteria in soil communities. The study found that related bacteria exhibit similar growth rates and carbon use patterns, contradicting the idea of functional redundancy.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateApr 15, 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.

A laser for your eyes

Researchers created an efficient diode-pumped eye-safe laser using GdAl3 single crystals co-doped with Er and Yb. The laser emits safe wavelengths for human eyes and has advantages in telecoms due to low atmospheric losses.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalOptics Letters·DateApr 15, 2016

'Wrong' scale used to evaluate results of brain surgery

Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that the modified Rankin Scale is poorly suited to evaluating neurosurgical treatment results. A one-year follow-up study revealed that 24% of patients with no complications showed decreased function on the scale, while 28% with complications received identical or better scores.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·DateApr 15, 2016

Pollutants in fish inhibit human's natural defense system

Researchers found that pollutants in seafood, including DDT and flame retardants, can interfere with the body's P-gp protein, which protects against foreign chemicals. The study suggests a risk assessment for protecting human health when eating contaminated seafood.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 15, 2016

Study shows cloud patterns reveal species habitat

Scientists used NASA satellite data to study cloud cover, finding it helps identify the size and location of important animal and plant habitats. The study found that variations in cloud cover sharply delineate the boundaries of ecological biomes relevant to many unique species.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 15, 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.

Record Balkan floods linked to jamming of giant airstreams

Record Balkan floods of 2014 were likely caused by the temporary slowdown of giant airstreams and planetary wave resonance. The study found that extreme rainfall events are strongly increasing in the region, even more than globally observed.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 15, 2016

First-ever nivolumab study to treat aggressive anal cancer appears promising

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center reported encouraging correlations between immunologic biomarkers and responses to treatment with nivolumab in the first-ever phase II clinical trial for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal. Five patients treated with nivolumab experienced significant tumor size reductions.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 15, 2016

Why education doesn't bring women equal pay

A global study reveals that despite closing the education gap with men, women still face significant barriers to accessing quality jobs and government representation. Women have reached 91% of men's education levels but only 70% of their employment rate and 25% of political representation.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of African Development·DateApr 15, 2016

Fish-eyed lens cuts through the dark

University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers developed a biologically inspired artificial eye that can see in the dark using a lobster-inspired fish-eye design. The system improves image-taking through lenses rather than sensor components, resulting in fourfold sensitivity improvement.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2016
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.

Allergen immunotherapy found to pose no risk of infection

A Massachusetts General Hospital study confirms the safety of allergy immunotherapy with no evidence of infections related to administration. The study analyzed 10 years of data from over 135,000 patients and found no soft-tissue or systemic infections attributed to AIT.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateApr 15, 2016

Steve Elgar named National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellow

Steve Elgar, a physical oceanographer at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, has been awarded a National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellowship to study surf zone processes. His research aims to develop numerical models that simulate wave dynamics and predict coastal flooding, beach erosion, and rip currents.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·DateApr 15, 2016

New guidance on preventing sudden cardiac death in athletes published

The American College of Cardiology published a consensus statement recommending pre-participation screenings for college athletes and establishing emergency action plans for responding to sudden cardiac arrests. The plan should include training responders, emergency communications systems, and protocols for automated external defibrill...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 15, 2016

Generation of tailored magnetic materials

Scientists at Université de Genève successfully manipulate the magnetic properties of LaNiO3 and LaMnO3 oxides to create tailored materials. By controlling the interactions between these materials, they can now develop artificial structures with specific magnetic properties.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 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.

Fossil fuels could be phased out worldwide in a decade, says new study

A new study published by the University of Sussex suggests that the world could transition away from fossil fuels in just a decade. Professor Benjamin Sovacool's analysis of past energy transitions highlights the potential for accelerated change driven by technological innovation, policy intervention, and shifting consumer behavior.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateApr 15, 2016

Physicists build engine consisting of one atom

Researchers create single-particle engine that can store and generate energy, operating at 0.3% efficiency with a power output of 10^-22 watts. The device has potential applications in quantum thermodynamics and nano engineering.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience·DateApr 15, 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.

Greenness around homes linked to lower mortality

A study of 108,630 women found that living near areas with high levels of green vegetation was associated with lower mortality rates, particularly from kidney disease, respiratory disease, and cancer. The researchers attributed this to improved mental health, social engagement, physical activity, and reduced air pollution.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 15, 2016

Fred Hutch research highlights at AACR Annual Meeting 2016

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center made significant progress in immunotherapy for advanced Merkel cell carcinoma, with longer response times than standard chemotherapy. Precision prevention of colorectal cancer showed that preventing diseases may not be 'one size fits all', highlighting the need for tailored approaches. Addit...

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·DateApr 15, 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.

Protein-trapped sugar compounds nourish infant gut microbes

Researchers at UC Davis discovered that oligosaccharides, not protein compounds, are key to nourishing beneficial microbes in infants' guts. These findings suggest cow's milk could be used to create therapeutic prebiotics for infants.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 15, 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.

Mothers' milk and the infant gut microbiota: An ancient symbiosis

A team of researchers has identified the compound in mothers' milk that supplies nourishment to infants' gut microbiota. This compound can be obtained from cow's milk and may be used as a prebiotic for infants, potentially improving their formula.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 15, 2016

New debugger finds security flaws in popular web apps

MIT researchers developed a system that can quickly analyze tens of thousands of lines of code to find security flaws in popular web apps. The new debugger, called Space, evaluates data access procedures and identifies seven common ways web applications control access to data.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 15, 2016

Study demonstrates benefits of existing treatment for hepatitis D patients

A recent study re-affirms the use of interferon alpha as an effective treatment for patients with Hepatitis delta virus, a severe form of viral hepatitis. The research found that 35% of patients who responded to this therapy achieved sustained suppression of the virus and had favorable outcomes.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 15, 2016

EMBL scientists reveal structure of nuclear pore's inner ring

Researchers at EMBL have determined the structure of the nuclear pore complex's inner ring, a crucial component in controlling molecular traffic to the cell's nucleus. The discovery brings the nuclear pore into focus and holds potential implications for understanding its role in cancer and aging.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 15, 2016
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.

Atomically thin sensor detects harmful air pollution in the home

A graphene-based sensor and switch have been developed to detect individual CO2 molecules and VOC gas molecules, which are difficult to detect due to their low concentrations. The technology has the potential to improve air quality in homes with good insulation, reducing health problems such as sick building syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 15, 2016

Numerical simulations of tensile tests of red blood cells

Researchers used numerical simulations to investigate the effect of red blood cell hold position on strain field during tensile testing. The results show significant variations in deformed geometry and strain distribution, highlighting the importance of considering hold position in RBC tensile test interpretation.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalMicro and Nanosystems·DateApr 15, 2016

Additional benefits of type 2 diabetes treatment found for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients

A study found that acute exenatide administration enhances glucose uptake and reduces insulin resistance in the liver and adipose tissue of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This treatment also improves glucose control in the liver and fatty cells, offering promising benefits for individuals with this condition.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 15, 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 scientific evidence of sexual transmission of the Zika virus

Researchers from Inserm and Aix-Marseille University have confirmed that the ZIKA virus can be transmitted sexually. Genetic analysis showed a 100% correlation between the virus forms present in a man who contracted the virus in Brazil and a woman who had never traveled to an epidemic area but had sexual relations with him.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 15, 2016

A better nutritional facts panel

A new study suggests that improving the nutritional facts panel on food packages could lead to better consumer choices and reduced obesity rates. The research found that adding key nutrients and using a traffic light system improved consumers' ability to make informed decisions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalFood Policy·DateApr 15, 2016

'Odd couple' monolayer semiconductors align to advance optoelectronics

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory synthesized a stack of monolayers of two lattice-mismatched semiconductors, gallium selenide and molybdenum diselenide. The achievement demonstrates the promise of synthesizing mismatched layers to enable new families of functional two-dimensional materials.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 15, 2016

In these microbes, iron works like oxygen

Researchers discovered bacteria capable of using iron as an electron acceptor, enabling them to process energy and potentially leading to the origins of life. The studies also have implications for the search for life on Mars, where iron metabolism could be a crucial component.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 15, 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.

UC Davis study says logos make a group seem real

A UC Davis study found that group symbols like logos and flags create the impression of a unified, effective, and cohesive group, even among diverse members. However, this can come at the cost of appearing less inclusive and warm. The research suggests using symbols strategically to achieve desired impressions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 15, 2016

Bioscience initiative speeds new technologies to consumers

Two UConn projects, a light imaging system for rapid ovarian cancer detection and an artificial salivary gland for dry mouth relief, are developed with the help of the BioScience Pipeline Program. A bone scaffold system that can replace bone grafts is also being created.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut School of Engineering·DateApr 15, 2016

The genetic evolution of Zika virus

A recent study analyzing 40 Zika virus strains identifies significant changes in amino acid and nucleotide sequences, diverging between Asian and African lineages. The data suggests the strains evolved from a common ancestor, with human isolates more closely related to the French Polynesia/2013 strain.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 15, 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.

Too much 'noise' can affect brain development

Researchers found that uncontrolled fluctuations in Retinoic acid levels can lead to disruptions in brain organization during development. Identifying the protein that interacts with RA to reduce noise may improve understanding of developmental disorders and guide future studies.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateApr 15, 2016

'Weirdest martensite': Century-old smectic riddle finally solved

Physicists at Cornell University have finally solved a puzzle that baffled researchers for over a century. Using computer game technology, they discovered the connection between smectics - liquid crystals forming ellipses and hyperbolas - and martensites, a crystalline structure of steel.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 15, 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.

Ultrathin organic material enhances e-skin display

Researchers at the University of Tokyo developed an ultrathin, ultraflexible, protective layer that enables creation of electronic skin displays. The technology allows for wearable electronic devices to be attached to the body without damaging them.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 15, 2016

Shorter treatment course potentially on the horizon for hep C patients

Researchers found that an investigational injectable treatment, RG-101, combined with direct-acting antivirals resulted in high virologic response rates among patients with genotype 1 and 4. The four-week treatment course showed promise in reducing Hepatitis C treatment time.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 15, 2016