Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 16, 2016


UNIST students honored with 2016 Global Ph.D. Fellowship

Recent UNIST graduate, JongCheol Pyo, has been awarded a 2016 Global Ph.D. Fellowship for his innovative research on preventing severe algal blooms in water systems. His work focuses on using hyperspectral image data to detect and predict harmful algal blooms.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalKorean Society of Hazard Mitigation·DateAug 16, 2016

CDC study identifies patients with mild traumatic brain injury at increased risk of PTSD

A new CDC study found that about 27% of patients with mild traumatic brain injury who returned for follow-up care were positive for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study identified risk factors, including functional disability, psychiatric symptoms, and performance on measures of visual processing and mental flexibility.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateAug 16, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study reveals a novel protein linked to type 2 diabetes

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discover a novel protein called PTRF linked to type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. The study finds that most obese individuals develop insulin resistance despite having normal fat cells.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateAug 16, 2016

Researchers identify the secret genetic weapon of Clostridium difficile

A trio of researchers identified the agr1 gene locus controlling toxin production in C. difficile bacteria, suggesting a new approach to treat the life-threatening infection. The study found that jamming the signaling communication system can stop toxin production, providing hope for non-antibiotic therapy.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateAug 16, 2016

Energy Department to invest $16 million in computer design of materials

The US Department of Energy is investing $16 million in two four-year projects to develop software for designing new functional materials. The research teams will use supercomputers to model and simulate material behavior, with the goal of revolutionizing alternative energy, electronics, and other fields.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateAug 16, 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.

Female fish can favor sperm from preferred males despite external fertilization

Researchers have discovered that female ocellated wrasses prefer sperm from nesting males over sneaker males, even when fertilization occurs externally. This phenomenon, known as cryptic female choice, is driven by the ovarian fluid released during spawning, which enhances sperm velocity and attraction to the egg.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2016

Can we economically outgrow climate change damages? Not for hurricanes we can't

Researchers warn that economic growth will not be able to counterbalance hurricane losses under unchecked global warming. Historical losses due to tropical cyclones have been found to increase less than linearly with a nation's affected GDP, but per capita income does not protect against hurricane losses.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 16, 2016

Big fish -- and their pee -- are key parts of coral reef ecosystems

A recent study found that coral reefs with fewer large, predator fish have nearly half of their key nutrients absent. Fish play a crucial role in recycling nutrients in the reef's tight nutrient cycle. The researchers suggest that curbing fishing practices targeting large predator fish could help reefs recover.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2016

And one root said to the other root, 'Don't I know you from somewhere?'

Researchers at University of Guam discovered that cycad roots can identify close relatives, leading to cooperative behaviors and improved management decisions. This finding has valuable implications for conservation settings, such as optimizing seed sowing practices and positioning plants in botanic gardens.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalTropical Conservation Science·DateAug 16, 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.

It's true: Latinos age slower than other ethnicities

A UCLA study finds that Latinos age more slowly at the molecular level, with an epigenetic clock measuring their age as 2.4 years younger than non-Latino women of the same age after menopause. This discovery may help scientists understand how to slow the aging process for everyone.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGenome Biology·DateAug 16, 2016

Genetic and environmental risk factors for chronic pain

A new study found that genetic factors account for 38.4% of the variation in chronic pain risk, while shared environment with spouses contributes to 18.7%. The research also discovered a correlation between chronic pain and depression, highlighting the importance of identifying shared causal mechanisms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 16, 2016

Study suggests ways to block hypertension in those with sleep apnea

Researchers identify the signaling cascade leading to apnea-associated hypertension and propose a new treatment method by inhibiting cystathionine-y-lyase enzyme. Blocking hydrogen sulfide synthesis can prevent carotid body activation and hypertension in sleep apnea patients.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 16, 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.

Boys more accurate at spotting offside, but not because they understand it better

Research from London Metropolitan University found that boys are more accurate at identifying players in offside positions than girls, despite having similar theoretical understanding of the rule. The study suggests that everyday experience playing football is a key factor in successful identification.

SourceIOS Press·JournalInternational Journal of Developmental Science Biopsychosocial Mechanisms of Change Human Development and Psychopathology - Perspectives from Psychology Neuroscience and Genetics·DateAug 16, 2016

Study shows wood windows are cooler than glass

A new study reveals that transparent wood windows provide better thermal insulation and consistent natural lighting than glass, eliminating glare. The material's channels direct sunlight through the wood, creating a uniform indoor lighting experience.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateAug 16, 2016

Birds fly faster in large flocks

Researchers at Lund University found that larger flocks of birds travel significantly faster than smaller ones, with wind direction and turbulence playing a crucial role. This discovery provides new understanding of the complex factors influencing bird flight speeds.

SourceLund University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateAug 16, 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.

Mix of marine zones matters most for prey fish

A recent study found that a mix of marine zones, including protected reserves and fished areas, is crucial for the health of prey fish. The research discovered that depleting predators on the Great Barrier Reef had negative effects on prey species, such as reduced growth and reproduction.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalCoral Reefs·DateAug 16, 2016

Using the outside world to save on brainpower

Researchers explore the role of 'cognitive offloading' in managing information and retention, finding that people use physical actions to reduce mental effort when performing tasks. This strategy can have both benefits, such as increased confidence and ability, and drawbacks, including reduced memory for stored information.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateAug 16, 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.

Down to the wire: ONR researchers and new bacteria

Scientists have engineered Geobacter bacteria to produce extremely thin nanowires that are thousands of times thinner than a human hair, and are made from non-toxic natural proteins. The resulting wires can be used in medical sensors, military applications, and other electronic devices.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·JournalSmall·DateAug 16, 2016

International Society for Burn Injuries issues new guidelines on burn care

The International Society for Burn Injuries has issued new practice guidelines for burn care in resource-limited settings, addressing the need for standardized care globally. The guidelines provide recommendations for initial assessment, resuscitation, wound care, and rehabilitation, aiming to reduce costs and improve outcomes.

SourceElsevier·JournalBurns·DateAug 16, 2016

Alaska's 'Sleeping Lady'

Scientists have overturned traditional interpretations of the Susitna basin in Alaska, discovering that it was formed by a southwest-dipping thrust fault. This finding changes our understanding of the region's geologic evolution and the formation of iconic landmarks like Mount Susitna.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateAug 16, 2016

Study casts doubt on claim that people are over-optimistic

A new study by King's College London casts doubt on claims of inherent optimism bias about the future. Researchers found that people learn more from negative news than positive news, contradicting prior studies' conclusions.

SourceKing's College London·JournalCognitive Psychology·DateAug 16, 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.

Scientists find a salty way to kill MRSA

Researchers at Imperial College London have found a way to kill MRSA bacteria by disrupting its salt regulation mechanism. By understanding how the bacteria cope with salt stress, scientists hope to develop a treatment that prevents food poisoning and works alongside conventional antibiotics.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 16, 2016

Sleep apnea worsens non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese adolescents

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that sleep apnea worsens non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese adolescents. The study, published in the Journal of Hepatology, suggests that obstructive sleep apnea and low nighttime oxygen levels can promote the progression of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateAug 16, 2016

New Antarctic ice discovery aids future climate predictions

Researchers have discovered a 65% reduction in Antarctic sea ice around 128,000 years ago, which has significant implications for predicting the Earth's future climate. The study, published in Nature Communications, used analysis of ice cores to determine the state of Antarctic sea ice during this past warm period.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2016

New study: Neonicotinoid insecticides linked to wild bee decline across England

A new study has linked exposure to neonicotinoid seed-treated oilseed rape crops to long-term population decline of wild bee species in England. The research found that oilseed rape is a key mechanism for neonicotinoid exposure among wild bee communities, leading to significant declines in biodiversity.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 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.

US taps NCAR technology for new water resources forecasts

The National Center for Atmospheric Research's WRF-Hydro model provides continuous predictions of water levels and potential flooding in rivers and streams across the contiguous United States. This enables better management of reservoirs, navigation along major rivers, and planning for droughts.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateAug 16, 2016

Soybean science blooms with supercomputers

The Soybean Knowledge Base (SoyKB) uses high-performance computing to analyze soybean genetic data, promoting deeper understanding for scientists improving crops. Over 2,000 unique users log on monthly, with over 10,000 utilizing the platform since its development in 2010.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateAug 16, 2016

Most physicians recognize shaken baby syndrome as a medical diagnosis

A survey of over 1,300 physicians found that 96.7% recognized shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma as valid diagnoses, supported by scientific literature and clinical experience. The study aims to dispel controversy surrounding these conditions, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis for child care.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateAug 16, 2016

Studying blood flow dynamics to identify the heart of vessel failure

A new study reveals how blood flow dynamics within blood vessels may influence the development or rupture of plaques, potentially leading to early interventions in treating heart disease. The research improves predictions of circumferential wall stress and identifies weak spots on a vessel wall that are likeliest to fail.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 16, 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.

Solid batteries improve safety

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed solid-state batteries that are non-flammable and can be heated to high temperatures. This breakthrough enables faster charging and larger energy capacity, making them suitable for battery storage power plants and portable electronic devices.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateAug 16, 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.

New discovery increases understanding of how plants and bacteria see light

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg discovered the inner workings of phytochrome proteins, which inform plant cells whether it's day or night. The findings enable modification of these proteins to increase crop yield and engineer light-sensitive proteins for controlling organisms by light.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 16, 2016

Molecule prevents effect of chemotherapy

Researchers at Aarhus University Hospital found a molecule associated with Oxaliplatin treatment resistance, where patients with high levels have a six times higher risk of not responding to the drug. Eliminating this microRNA biomarker from tumors may restore sensitivity to Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

SourceAarhus University Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 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.

At work, hierarchies draw narcissist job hunters

Research by Emily M. Zitek and Alexander H. Jordan found that narcissistic individuals are more likely to support hierarchies when they can rise through the ranks or when positions are open. In contrast, they were less likely to support a hierarchy without clear career advancement opportunities.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 16, 2016

Study details sources of discrepancies between initial and final pathology reports

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that only 4.6% of cases had discrepancies between initial and final evaluations, with most being due to process errors or interpretation errors. The study aimed to reduce discrepancy rates by identifying trends and implementing changes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalInternational Journal of Surgical Pathology·DateAug 16, 2016

The surprising side effect of kissing up at work

A new study found that when coworkers witness a colleague kissing up to their boss, it can lead to a more positive perception of the supervisor among newcomers. The researchers suggest that this phenomenon occurs because newcomers are eager for positive information about their supervisors.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateAug 16, 2016

Harms reporting in trials of orlistat

A document analysis found that orlistat trial reports underestimated adverse effects, with only 3-33% of reported events appearing in published papers. This suggests potential for bias in harms reporting and highlights the need for more accurate reporting practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 16, 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.

NASA sees wind shear affecting Tropical Storm Chanthu

Tropical Storm Chanthu is being affected by moderate southwesterly vertical wind shear as it moves parallel to the island of Japan. The storm is expected to maintain strength over the next day before transitioning to a cold-core low pressure area.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 16, 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.

Tube-feeding in dementia nursing home residents drops dramatically

A recent study published in JAMA found that the proportion of advanced dementia patients receiving feeding tubes decreased from 11.7% to 5.7% between 2000 and 2014. The decline was observed across both white and black patient groups, with significant racial disparities initially present.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJAMA·DateAug 16, 2016

Duration of adulthood overweight and obesity linked to cancer risk in US women

A longitudinal study published in PLOS Medicine found a strong association between the duration of adulthood overweight and obesity and an increased risk of developing various types of cancer. For every ten-year increase in adulthood overweight duration, the risk of all obesity-related cancers was associated with a 7% increase.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 16, 2016

A new method simplifies blood biomarker discovery and analysis

A new gene expression analysis method, GlobinLockTM, overcomes technical bias in blood sample analysis caused by erythrocytes, allowing for more effective biomarker identification. The patented assay minimizes reagent and sample material needs, making it a robust tool for biotechnology companies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 16, 2016

Most adults know more than 42,000 words

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that native English-speaking Americans know an average of 42 thousand dictionary words by the age of twenty. As people get older, they learn one new word every two days, leading to a total of 6000 additional words known by age sixty.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateAug 16, 2016

Prenatal BPA exposure linked to anxiety and depression in boys

A new study by Columbia University researchers found that prenatal exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) is associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression in boys aged 10-12. The study controlled for socioeconomic factors and found no such associations in girls.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateAug 16, 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.

Sea ice strongly linked to climate change in past 90,000 years

Researchers have found strong evidence of sea ice distribution in the Nordic seas over the past 90,000 years, using a marine sediment core. The study reveals that sea ice played a significant role in shaping climate change and ocean currents during this period.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2016

Cosmology: Lore of lonely regions

Researchers from LMU Munich analyzed data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey to calculate the dynamics of cosmic voids. Their findings demonstrate that the analysis of voids is a suitable approach to investigating gravity in empty regions and determining the total density of matter in the universe.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 16, 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.

A dog's dilemma: Do canines prefer praise or food?

A new study published in Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience suggests that many dogs prefer praise from their owners over food. The study, led by Gregory Berns at Emory University, used brain-imaging data and behavioral experiments to investigate canine reward preferences.

SourceEmory University·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateAug 16, 2016

Unhealthy habits cost Canadians 6 years of life

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that unhealthy habits in Canada result in an estimated six years of lost life expectancy. The study identified the top risk factors for premature death as smoking and lack of physical activity, which accounted for a significant proportion of deaths.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 16, 2016

Potential therapeutic target for Huntington's disease

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discovered that phosphorylation of the huntingtin protein prevents loss of critical brain cells and protected against behavioral symptoms in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. The study suggests a potential therapeutic target for treating the devastating neurodegenerative disorder.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2016

Slower snowmelt affects downstream water availability in western mountains

A study published in Geophysical Research Letters reveals that slower snowmelt in the western US is reducing streamflows and impacting downstream water availability. The research found that areas with significant snowfall are most sensitive to changes in snowmelt rates, with some regions experiencing more significant decreases in strea...

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 16, 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.

Injected drug reduces risk of fracture among women with osteoporosis

A new study published in JAMA found that daily injection of the drug abaloparatide significantly reduced the risk of new vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The treatment also showed a more pronounced anabolic effect on bone compared to other osteoporosis drugs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 16, 2016

Hey, tall guy! What's the politics like up there?

A new study using data from Britain found that taller people are more likely to support conservative political positions and vote for Conservative politicians. The researchers controlled for various factors, including income, cognition, and public health care, but the link between height and voting remained robust.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBritish Journal of Political Science·DateAug 16, 2016

New species of extinct river dolphin discovered in Smithsonian collection

A fossil discovered in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History has revealed a new genus and species of dolphin, Arktocara yakataga, which lived in subarctic waters around 25 million years ago. The finding confirms that the South Asian river dolphin belongs to one of the oldest lineages of toothed whales still alive today.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 16, 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.

Steroid treatment in very low birth weight infants may contribute to vision problems

A new study published in the Journal of AAPOS found a modest but significantly increased risk of retinopathy in very premature infants who received steroid treatment. The study analyzed data from 1,472 neonates and found that steroid-treated infants had a higher incidence of ROP than untreated infants.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·DateAug 16, 2016

Chronic pain linked to partners of people with depression

Research reveals common causes of chronic pain and depression in partner relationships, shedding light on potential diagnostic tests and treatments. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 participants, identifying shared genetic and environmental risk factors.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 16, 2016

Fewer low clouds in the tropics

Researchers have reevaluated satellite data and found that low clouds in the tropics were fewer in warmer years, indicating a possible increase in cloud thinning under global warming. This suggests that climate sensitivity is likely higher than previously estimated, potentially leading to earlier threshold breaches.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Climate·DateAug 16, 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.

Snake eyes: New insights into visual adaptations

Researchers discovered most snakes have three visual pigments, making them dichromatic in daylight. Their lens structure allows UV light through for nocturnal species, while daytime hunters have UV-filtering lenses.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateAug 16, 2016

Elbows of extinct marsupial lion suggest unique hunting style

The study found that the marsupial lion's elbow joint had a unique rotational capacity, similar to arboreal mammals, but also features not seen in living climbers. The researchers suggest this allowed the animal to use its dew claw to kill prey. The incisors were blunt and functioned better for gripping than piercing flesh.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPaleobiology·DateAug 16, 2016

Scientists explore oil clean-up properties of aquatic ferns

Scientists discovered that aquatic ferns' hairy leaves can selectively absorb oil while repelling water. They developed a synthetic version of these hairy surfaces called 'nanofur', which is superhydrophobic and superoleophilic.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateAug 16, 2016

Newspapers, digital subscription services can optimize profits with new model

Researchers at the University of Missouri developed a model that enables newspapers to maximize revenues from advertisements and subscriptions by offering diverse subscription plans. The study found a potential increase of 17% in profits for one major US newspaper, suggesting this new approach can boost revenue for media platforms.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 16, 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.

Cellular snowplow keeps genes open

A new study reveals how immune cells access specific genes to fight inflammation and infections, using the cellular snowplow mechanism. The researchers found that nucleosome remodelers clear away blizzards of nucleosomes, allowing genes to be expressed.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 16, 2016

Regenerative bandage heals diabetic wounds faster

A new regenerative bandage heals diabetic foot ulcers faster and promotes healing without cancer risk, according to Northwestern University researchers. The bandage delivers a protein that recruits stem cells and creates new blood vessels, improving wound repair.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateAug 16, 2016

New MRI technique sheds technology's longtime limits

A new MRI technique, Plug-and-Play MR Fingerprinting (PnP-MRF), has been developed to eliminate artifacts and create high-quality images. This innovation enables accurate diagnoses and reveals disease patterns that are consistent from patient to patient, promising superior imaging with less expensive machines.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 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.

New spectroscopic technique may help zero in on Martian life

MIT scientists developed a technique to interpret Raman spectra, identifying samples with high hydrogen-to-carbon ratios that may preserve ancient microbial life. The new method enables the 2020 Mars rover to select ideal samples for further study, potentially revealing signs of past life on Mars.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCarbon·DateAug 16, 2016

Scientists on the prowl for 'the ultimate Pokémon'

Researchers have discovered three newly dead specimens of the scaly-tailed squirrel, hinting at its evolution over 49 million years. The study reveals that Zenkerella is a distant cousin of two other squirrels with gliding abilities, leading to the creation of a new family name.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 16, 2016

Researchers discover the hidden potential of disordered proteins

Scientists at IRB Barcelona have rediscovered the utility of disordered regions in proteins as drug targets for various diseases. The study reveals that certain disordered proteins can be highly structured in their natural context, making them potential therapeutic targets.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateAug 16, 2016