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Science News for August 11, 2016


Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Safer air travel: Existing navigation data can help pilots avoid turbulence

Scientists from the University of Warsaw have demonstrated that turbulence can be detected using existing navigation data, which could allow pilots to avoid turbulence and forecast its occurrences. The new method uses flight parameters broadcast by commercial aircraft and has shown accuracy of only 20 km.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateAug 11, 2016

Two Zika proteins responsible for microcephaly identified

Researchers have identified two Zika proteins responsible for thousands of microcephaly cases in Brazil and elsewhere. These proteins stunt brain development and promote autophagy, leading to reduced neural stem cell differentiation and growth.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 11, 2016

Self-shading windows switch from clear to opaque

A new system has been developed at MIT that allows glass to rapidly switch from transparent to dark, and vice versa, using electrochromic materials. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption by blocking sunlight on hot days.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalChem·DateAug 11, 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.

Much ado about nothing: Astronomers use empty space to study the universe

Researchers have developed a new strategy to probe the nature of gravity and dark energy by studying the empty spaces in between galaxies. The study found that analyzing cosmic voids improves measurements of how visible matter clusters together, bringing astronomers closer to testing Einstein's general theory of relativity.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 11, 2016

NASA climate modeling suggests Venus may have been habitable

Ancient Venus may have had a shallow liquid-water ocean and a habitable surface due to its slow spin, which exposed the dayside to sunlight for almost two months at a time. This warmed the surface and created rain, leading to a thick layer of clouds that shielded the surface from solar heating.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 11, 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.

Discovery of sunlight-driven organic chemistry on water surfaces

A new study has discovered that fatty acids on water droplets react with sunlight to form organic molecules, challenging conventional wisdom. This process could significantly impact local ozone and particle formation, affecting climate, air quality, and health.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2016

Crown gall disease: A tumor home to a varied bacterial community

Researchers found that crown gall tumors host a unique bacterial community with varying compositions compared to healthy vines. Some bacteria inhibit tumor growth while others provide protection and nutrients, helping control the disease.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 11, 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.

Structural images shed new light on a cancer-linked potassium channel

Researchers at Rockefeller University have determined the structure of Eag1, a cancer-linked potassium channel, using cryo-electron microscopy. The study reveals key differences between Eag1 and other potassium channels, shedding light on its molecular mechanisms and potential role in cancer.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2016

Targeting the gut-brain connection can impact immunity

A study by Duke University researchers found that manipulating dopamine signaling can control inflammation in the gut, providing a proof of principle for using drugs originally designed to target the nervous system to treat immune system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disease.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 11, 2016

Research shows backup plans may keep you from achieving your goal

New research challenges conventional wisdom on backup plans, finding they can cause people to work less hard and achieve primary goals less successfully. Researchers suggest understanding potential costs, but also encourage strategic planning to mitigate these effects.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateAug 11, 2016

RetroScope opens doors to the past in smart phone investigations

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new technique called RetroScope, which can recover multiple previous screens of an Android app from the phone's memory image. The technique uses the device's graphical rendering code to obtain and bring up several previous screens shown by an app.

SourcePurdue University·DateAug 11, 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.

Burnout is caused by mismatch between unconscious needs and job demands

Research finds that mismatch between unconscious needs and job demands can cause burnout. A new study reveals that employees with unmet affiliation or power motives are at risk of burnout. The study's findings suggest that interventions targeting these mismatches could increase well-being at work.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateAug 11, 2016

Health behaviors and management critical for spinal cord injury patients

Two-part series of studies examines health behaviors and management challenges in spinal cord injury patients, highlighting strategies for overcoming obstacles and improving quality of life. Recent research findings emphasize the importance of proactive health management and resilience after a spinal cord injury.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalTopics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation·DateAug 11, 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.

Study: Paying terrorist kidnappers doesn't pay off for countries

A study published in the European Journal of Political Economy found that countries negotiating with terrorists faced up to 87% more kidnappings. Dr. Todd Sandler's research analyzed politically motivated kidnappings worldwide between 1978 and 2013, concluding that concessions lead to more abductions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalEuropean Journal of Political Economy·DateAug 11, 2016

Male and female cats respond differently to distressed kittens

Female domestic cats distinguish between kitten calls conveying different levels of urgency and react accordingly, researchers found. In contrast, male cats do not exhibit a similar response to kitten calls regardless of the level of urgency.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateAug 11, 2016

Paraplegics regain some feeling, movement after using brain-machine interfaces

Eight people with spinal cord injuries regained partial sensation and muscle control in their lower limbs after training with brain-controlled robotics. The research, led by Miguel Nicolelis, offers promise for regaining strength, mobility, and independence for those with spinal cord injury, stroke, and other conditions.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 11, 2016
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.

In a race for Cheetos, magpies win, but crows steal

In a study, magpies won the race for Cheetos, completing tasks faster than crows. However, crows stole food more frequently, suggesting that the smaller birds may not compensate with increased foraging efforts. The findings highlight the complex relationship between competition and cooperation in urban ecosystems.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateAug 11, 2016

Disrupting mitochondrial function could improve treatment of fungal infections

Researchers have identified a potential antifungal mechanism by targeting mitochondrial respiration in pathogenic fungi, which could enable combination therapy with fluconazole and prevent drug resistance. The approach has shown promise in treating severe invasive fungal infections, including those caused by Candida albicans.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateAug 11, 2016

Study finds Hispanic men in California need more screening for colorectal cancer

A recent study by the University of California - Davis Health found that Hispanic men in California have lower rates of screening for colorectal cancer compared to white men. The study suggests that increased screening can help reduce the incidence and mortality rates of the disease among this population.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 11, 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.

Plant response to carbon dioxide emissions depends on their neighbors

A new study found that plants adapt differently to elevated CO2 levels depending on the diversity of surrounding plant species. The research tested Kentucky bluegrasses exposed to high and low CO2 levels in different communities, revealing that adaptation benefits disappear when experiencing a change in neighborhood diversity.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2016

Researchers restore drug sensitivity in breast cancer tumors

A study led by Case Western Reserve University researchers has identified a gene, S100P, that may help tumors evade trastuzumab, a common breast cancer treatment. By blocking S100P, tumor cells became sensitive to the drug again.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateAug 11, 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.

Visualization of newly formed synapses with unprecedented resolution

Researchers from Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience developed a spatiotemporally controlled method to induce and visualize synapse formation in cortical neurons. The study reveals that GABA is the common molecule setting the balance between inhibitory and excitatory synaptic contacts in early postnatal stages.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2016

Autophagy under the microscope as never before

Scientists have dissected the autophagy process in unprecedented molecular detail using live imaging and super resolution microscopy. The study reveals how the first autophagy structure forms and clarifies protein and membrane associations leading to its development into a fully-fledged autophagosome.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2016

Dietary compound linked to heart disease may be influenced by gut microbiome

A recent Cornell University study suggests that circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) may be a biomarker of differences in the gut microbiome rather than a cause of heart disease. Researchers found that healthy men with elevated TMAO levels after consuming eggs and beef also had high counts of firmicutes, a type of bacteria that co...

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateAug 11, 2016

Ecosystems in the southeastern US are vulnerable to climate change

Several southeastern US ecosystems are highly vulnerable to climate change, including Caribbean coastal mangrove, Edwards Plateau limestone shrubland, and southern Appalachian balds. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and rising sea levels pose significant threats to these ecosystems.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateAug 11, 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.

Caught in the act: First videos of a coral's bleaching behavior

Researchers from Queensland University of Technology have captured the first videos of a coral's bleaching behavior, showing how it employs pulsed inflation to expel Symbiodinium algae. The study suggests that this rapid expulsion may increase the coral's chance of survival during abnormally high sea temperatures.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalCoral Reefs·DateAug 11, 2016

Study sheds light on use and effectiveness of sexual assault hotlines

A recent study examined telephone calls received by a regional sexual assault hotline, revealing that 40.7% of callers were victims themselves, with most calls reporting sexual assault with physical contact. The study emphasizes the need for training in handling both immediate and long-term emotional impacts of sexual assault.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalViolence Against Women·DateAug 11, 2016

Your brain on Google Glass

Researchers at Drexel University used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to measure brain activity while participants navigated a college campus with Google Glass. They found that users had higher situation awareness and lower mental workload than those using an iPhone, but also experienced cognitive tunneling.

SourceDrexel University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateAug 11, 2016

Directly reprogramming a cell's identity with gene editing

Duke researchers have successfully converted mouse fibroblasts into neuronal cells using a modified CRISPR technique. This breakthrough could lead to improved models for neurological disorders and personalized medicine. The study's findings suggest that the newly generated neurons retain their properties even after the CRISPR activator...

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 11, 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.

High and low levels of 'good cholesterol' may cause premature death

A large-scale study found that both high and low levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of premature death. Intermediate levels, however, may increase longevity. The research used data from over 1.7 million male veterans and showed a U-shaped curve relationship between HDL cholesterol levels and mortality.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 11, 2016

The next frontier in facial plastic, reconstructive surgery

A review article explores regenerative medicine techniques in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, including stem cells, growth factors, and synthetic scaffolds. The study suggests that these methods may improve outcomes and cost-effectiveness while minimizing risks.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateAug 11, 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.

Brain-machine interface triggers recovery for paraplegic patients

Researchers from the Walk Again Project have reported significant recovery of neurological function in paraplegic patients who trained with a brain-controlled system. Patients regained leg muscle movement, touch sensation, and bladder/bowel control, with some experiencing improved cardiovascular function.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 11, 2016

Extreme rainfall along gulf coast measured by NASA's IMERG

The IMERG data revealed the most extreme rainfall fell over the northern Gulf of Mexico, with estimates suggesting 20-35 inches of precipitation. Heavy rainfall and flooding have affected parts of Florida, Louisiana, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 11, 2016

Unearthed: The cannibal sharks of a forgotten age

Scientists have found fossil evidence of cannibalism among 300-million-year-old Orthacanthus sharks. The ancient predators used coastal swamps as nurseries for their babies before turning on them when resources became scarce.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalPalaeontology·DateAug 11, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Intermediate HDL cholesterol levels may be best for longevity

A large study found that maintaining intermediate levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol may help people live longer. The study, which included 1.7 million US male veterans, discovered a U-shaped relationship between HDL-C and mortality risk, with low and high levels being associated with higher risks.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 11, 2016

How did primate brains get so big?

A new study reconstructs virtual brains from ancient primate skulls, showing that early primates developed larger brains after specialization in vision and neurological functions. The findings suggest that modern primates' large brains are a result of evolutionary adaptations rather than innate traits.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateAug 11, 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.

Wildlife-friendly farming shown to benefit UK moths

Wildlife-friendly farming schemes have been shown to boost UK moth populations by 40% on wide grass margins and up to 40% for specialized chalk grassland moths when habitats are created close to existing chalk grasslands. These findings support the conservation benefits of agri-environment schemes.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 11, 2016

More gorilla than chimp

A recent study on the internal anatomy of a fossil human relative's heel bone reveals greater similarities with gorillas than chimpanzees. The researchers discovered that this fossil, from the StW 352 Australopithecus africanus, exhibited gorilla-like levels of joint mobility and structural reinforcement.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateAug 11, 2016

Does marriage affect drinking? A new study provides insights

A University of Virginia study found that married individuals tend to drink less frequently and in fewer drinks than single or divorced people. In contrast, singles are more likely to drink more often and in larger quantities. The researchers suggest that intimate relationships may provide a protective effect against excessive drinking.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateAug 11, 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.

Disregarded plant molecule actually a treasure

Research by Salk Institute scientists reveals phaseic acid's unexpected role as a plant hormone crucial for drought resistance and survival traits. The study suggests that phaseic acid may inform the development of new, hardier crops to weather climate change-induced natural disasters.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateAug 11, 2016

Bilirubin contributes to immune suppression after islet transplants

Researchers found that bilirubin supplementation significantly decreased islet cell death after isolation and nutrient deprivation. The study also showed that bilirubin suppressed the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which are foreign cell-fighting immune cells.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateAug 11, 2016

Treatment option for Alzheimer's disease possible

Researchers have successfully treated an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease with mefenamic acid, a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug. The study found complete reversal of memory loss and brain inflammation in mice, paving the way for human trials.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 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.

Gaming using a stretchy touchpad

A team of researchers created a highly stretchable touchpad made of hydrogel, enabling users to write words and play electronic games. The device was tested with users placing it on their arms, demonstrating its potential applications in wearable technology.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2016

The fourth state of matter, plasma: A technology to improve bone healing?

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that cold plasma can promote bone formation by enhancing cell/matrix attachments and increasing focal adhesion kinase activation. The study suggests that the technology could be used to improve bone healing in various medical applications.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine·DateAug 11, 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.

Austerity linked to rise of the 'spornosexual'

Young men in Britain are turning to gym culture as a way to feel valuable, as traditional routes to success have been eroded by austerity. This phenomenon, known as 'spornosexuality', is marked by the sharing of worked-out bodies on social media platforms.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Gender Studies·DateAug 11, 2016

The Aztec treasure unearthed: New earth snake species discovered in Mexico

Scientists have described a new species of earth snake from the mountains of Puebla and Veracruz in east-central Mexico. Genetic data and anatomical examination reveal that these snakes are remarkably similar to each other, but molecular analyses and rigorous specimen examination have come close to understanding their diversity.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateAug 11, 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.

Five ways bioengineers want to use 3-D printing

Researchers are developing 3D printed tissues, including skin, bone, cartilage, and bladder models. Organs-on-a-chip systems mimic human tissue structure and function, allowing for the study of physiological differences and drug screening.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateAug 11, 2016

Bug collecting

Researchers analyzed thousands of insect species records to find areas of endemism, where unique animals and plants reside. The study highlights the importance of considering smaller organisms like insects when categorizing ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCladistics·DateAug 11, 2016

Sequencing of fungal disease genomes may help prevent banana armageddon

Researchers have discovered the DNA of a fungus that causes black Sigatoka disease in bananas, which could lead to more effective disease control methods. The findings provide insights into the interaction between the fungus and banana plants, offering opportunities for developing resistant banana crops.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 11, 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.

A new tool to determine cost-effective control of rheumatic heart disease

A new cost-effectiveness tool provides guidance on preventing and treating rheumatic heart disease, recommending prioritization of primary prevention services. The tool suggests that prevention is more cost-effective than treatment, with primary prevention being likely to be cost-saving in the long-term.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateAug 11, 2016

Virus attracts bumblebees to infected plants by changing scent

Plant scientists found that the cucumber mosaic virus alters gene expression in tomato plants, changing their scent to attract bumblebees. This indirect manipulation may help the virus spread pollen of susceptible plants, benefiting both the plant and the virus.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 11, 2016

Global warming's next surprise: Saltier beaches

A new study reveals that beach salinity is increasing due to evaporation, affecting invertebrates such as mussels and crabs. The findings suggest that temperature rise and relative humidity are the primary drivers of this change, with implications for animal migration and survival.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 11, 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.