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Science News for August 17, 2016


CRISPR-Cas9 breaks genes better if you disrupt DNA repair

Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered a way to boost CRISPR-Cas9 cutting efficiency up to fivefold by disrupting DNA repair mechanisms with short oligonucleotide pieces. This technique increases the success rate of creating knockouts, essential for studying gene function and correcting hereditary mutations.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2016

New method to identify microscopic failure

Researchers developed a new method to identify microscopic damage in polymers and composite materials using turn-on fluorescence indicators. The system uses aggregation-induced emission (AIE) to detect damage as small as two microns, enabling early intervention and repair or replacement before catastrophic failure.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalACS Central Science·DateAug 17, 2016

Unexpected complexity in coral

Researchers discovered two distinct populations of Acropora tenuis coral in the Nansei Archipelago, contradicting previous assumptions about its dispersal. This finding highlights the importance of local currents and specific habitat characteristics in shaping coral populations.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateAug 17, 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.

Biophysics: Stopping the random walk

Researchers at LMU Munich developed a new theoretical model explaining how regulatory proteins are transported to their sites of action in microtubules. The model suggests that energy is required to capture freely diffusing particles and proposes a mechanism for efficient transport by diffusion.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 17, 2016

NASA sees Tropical Storm Chanthu moving over northern Japan

Tropical Storm Chanthu brought heavy rainfall and gusty winds to northern Japan as NASA's Aqua satellite analyzed the storm's clouds on August 16. The storm is transitioning into an extra-tropical storm and expected to move into the Sea of Okhotsk.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 17, 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.

Curbing the life-long effects of traumatic brain injury

Scientists have developed a neuron-targeting nanoparticle that can deliver RNA to damaged brain cells, reducing the impact of chronic conditions like depression and memory problems after TBI. The treatment showed promise in an animal model, with 80% reduction in protein associated with neuronal cell death.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 17, 2016

Can cell phones make you feel less connected to your friends and family?

A Kent State University study found that cell phone use can lead to feeling less socially connected, with women showing a significant difference in their relationships with parents and peers. Problematic phone use was also linked to decreased emotional closeness. The study suggests phones may have more social value for women than men.

SourceKent State University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateAug 17, 2016

Poaching patrol: New ranger methods decrease illegal activities

Researchers from the University of York have developed a new method to detect and decrease wildlife poaching in protected areas, resulting in increased efficiency and effectiveness for ranger patrols. The approach uses data analysis and patrol optimization to target high-risk areas and reduce costs without additional resources.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalConservation Letters·DateAug 17, 2016

Designer agent blocks pain in mice without morphine's side effects

Researchers have synthesized a molecule called PZM21 that targets brain pain systems without triggering respiratory impairment or constipation like morphine. The new agent holds promise as both a clinical treatment and a tool for exploring the workings of brain pain systems.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tulane professor receives grant to improve stem cell survival

Mesenchymal stem cells exhibit significant cell-to-cell variation in their capacity to survive upon implantation. The Tulane professor's three-year project aims to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying this variation, with the goal of improving survival rates and advancing regenerative therapies.

SourceTulane University·DateAug 17, 2016

New techniques boost understanding of how fish fins became fingers

Scientists from the University of Chicago used gene-editing techniques to study the development of zebrafish fins and discovered that the same cells responsible for fin rays also form fingers and toes. The research challenges previous assumptions about the transformation from fins to limbs.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 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.

Babies' spatial reasoning predicts later math skills

A longitudinal study found that infants' spatial reasoning abilities measured as young as six months predict their math skills at four years of age. The researchers also discovered that individual differences in spatial aptitude are present earlier than previously thought, highlighting the potential for early intervention to improve ma...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 17, 2016

Flowering meadows benefit humankind

A study published in Nature found that diverse ecosystems populated by many species provide higher levels of ecosystem services, including food production, soil development, pest control, and climate regulation. The research highlights the importance of maintaining species-rich ecosystems for human well-being.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 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.

Study paves way for steroid treatments with fewer side effects

A new therapy has been developed to replace essential steroids in the body, which could help people with conditions like Addison's disease and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The treatment uses corticosterone instead of cortisol, resulting in fewer side effects on fat cells.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 17, 2016

Burning desire comes down to beetles

A Griffith University study found that high-frequency fires can disrupt nutrient cycling and modify beetle populations in some forest ecosystems. The research aims to improve fire frequency management by understanding the effects on soil, plant, animal, and microbial communities.

SourceGriffith University·DateAug 17, 2016

Mayo Clinic, collaborators working to advance aging research

Researchers at Mayo Clinic, along with the Geroscience Network, published six manuscripts mapping strategies for new drugs targeting aging processes. The goal is to treat multiple age-related diseases and disabilities, reducing healthcare costs by delaying or preventing conditions like stroke, heart disease, and dementia.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateAug 17, 2016

MDI Biological Laboratory receives funds for research on nerve damage

The MDI Biological Laboratory has received a $456,500 NIH grant to study chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Dr. Sandra Rieger's research will focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy and its potential applications for other sensory neuropathies.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·DateAug 17, 2016

Modeling mood swings

A study of over 28,000 people reveals that individuals consistently follow a hedonic flexibility principle, engaging in mood-increasing activities when feeling bad and useful activities when feeling good. This finding clarifies how emotions shape behavior and explains the trade-offs humans make for long-term happiness.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 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.

Study links two genes to breast cancer survival

A new study of nearly 2,000 patients found that women with a specific pattern of gene activity were three times more likely to die from their breast cancers within 10 years. The research identified two genes, F12 and STC2, which may play a key role in releasing cancer cells from the glue that holds them in place.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateAug 17, 2016

Fluoride consumption linked to diabetes using mathematical models

A recent study published in Journal of Water and Health suggests that supplemental water fluoridation may be a contributing factor to rising type 2 diabetes rates in the United States. The study used mathematical models to analyze publicly available data on fluoride water levels and diabetes incidence rates across 22 states.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Water and Health·DateAug 17, 2016

Post-transplant anxiety linked to complex instructions, caregiver empathy

A new study from Ohio State University found that patients who experience anxiety after a kidney transplant are more likely to be readmitted within 30 days. The research suggests that standardized post-transplant care and training caregivers to convey empathy can reduce anxiety and prevent readmissions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·DateAug 17, 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.

When you don't feel valued in a relationship, sleep suffers

A recent study published in Social Personality and Psychological Science found that individuals with responsive partners experience lower anxiety and arousal, leading to improved sleep quality. Responsive social partners provide feelings of safety and security, crucial for high-quality uninterrupted sleep.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 17, 2016

How are dreaded multidrug-resistant pathogens brought into hospitals?

According to a German study, nearly 10% of hospital patients carry multidrug-resistant bacteria from home, increasing the risk of transmission. The study highlights the importance of improving hygiene measures, reducing antibiotic use, and increasing training for doctors to prevent the spread of these deadly pathogens.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateAug 17, 2016

Calixarenes in lipase biocatalysis and cancer therapy

Calixarenes can amplify enzyme catalytic capacity, enabling novel therapeutics in cancer treatment. They also serve as drug delivery vehicles, refining pharmacokinetic profiles and releasing drugs selectively to cancer cells.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Organic Chemistry·DateAug 17, 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.

Recent connection between North and South America reaffirmed

Researchers from 23 institutions confirm formation of the Isthmus of Panama at 2.8 million years ago, based on geological, oceanographic, genetic and ecological data. This timing has significant implications for evolutionary change, global ocean models, and the origin of modern-day animals and plants in the Americas.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 17, 2016

Aggressive lung cancer's aggressiveness may be its Achilles' heel

Scientists identified a target that could lead to the development of new drugs targeting small cell lung cancer while sparing healthy cells. The research found that amplifying a gene's effect spurred tumor growth in mice, but blocking it suppressed tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 17, 2016

Sex bias in human surgical clinical research

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that few studies included men and women equally, with wide variation in inclusion and matching of the sexes among specialties and journals. This sex bias can lead to different postoperative outcomes, complication rates, and readmission rates for males and females.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateAug 17, 2016

How a protein could become the next big sweetener

Scientists develop new method to produce fruit protein brazzein, which is 2,000 times sweeter than sugar and has fewer calories. Using yeast, researchers successfully overproduce brazzein, making it a promising low-calorie alternative to high-fructose corn syrup.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 17, 2016

Low-income kids less likely to receive strabismus diagnoses

A study by the University of Michigan's Kellogg Eye Center found that low-income children are less likely to be diagnosed with strabismus, a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. The study highlights the importance of ensuring access to eye care professionals and necessary services for all children.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalOphthalmology·DateAug 17, 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.

Researchers discover a special power in wheat

A team of researchers has discovered that wheat seeds also undergo photosynthesis, contrary to long-held assumptions. This finding could lead to the development of new, more efficient crop varieties better adapted to hotter, drier climates.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 17, 2016

Sayonara, kudzu bug?

US soybean crop is under threat from the kudzu bug, but research has found that some wild relatives of soybeans have developed resistance to the pest. These adapted plants have built defense mechanisms against pests, including limiting the ability of nymphs to survive.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 17, 2016

Music demonstrated to alleviate cancer patients' symptoms

A systematic review found that music interventions significantly reduce cancer patients' anxiety, pain, and fatigue, while improving their quality of life. Music therapy led to a moderate increase in quality of life, while music medicine had less impact.

SourceDrexel University·DateAug 17, 2016
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

A neuron's hardy bunch

Researchers found that even with the docking stations destroyed, neurons still emitted signals when demand was low and transmitted robust signals when triggers were present. The study suggests the presence of mechanisms maintaining partial communication in the nervous system.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateAug 17, 2016

People ignore software security warnings up to 90 percent of the time

Researchers at Brigham Young University found that software developers often interrupt users with security messages at inconvenient times, leading to a significant decrease in user engagement. The study suggests that displaying security warnings when users are not multitasking can substantially increase their security behavior.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateAug 17, 2016

The gender divide in urology: Surgeon gender shapes the clinical landscape

A new study published in The Journal of Urology reveals that female urologists perform more procedures on women and have higher surgical volumes for gender-specific cases. This finding challenges the assumption that women prefer to see female physicians, with results showing a significant difference in treatment rates across regions.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateAug 17, 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.

NASA-funded balloon mission begins fourth campaign

The BARREL team launches miniature balloons to measure X-rays in Earth's atmosphere, helping protect satellites from radiation. Undergraduate students develop instruments to study ionosphere and low-frequency electromagnetic waves.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 17, 2016

Lab team spins ginger into nanoparticles to heal inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers create ginger-derived nanoparticles that efficiently target the colon, reducing acute colitis, preventing chronic colitis, and enhancing intestinal repair. The particles retain key active constituents found naturally in ginger, showing promising therapeutic effects against inflammatory bowel disease and cancer.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalBiomaterials·DateAug 17, 2016

Leukaemia blood testing has 'massive potential'

Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a new test that can detect cancerous cells in the blood, offering a promising breakthrough in diagnosing and treating childhood leukemia. The test uses special structures called extracellular vesicles that are released by cancer cells and can be traced in the blood.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBlood·DateAug 17, 2016

Sulfoxaflor found to be less harmful to insect predators than broad-spectrum insecticides

A new study found that sulfoxaflor is as effective as broad-spectrum insecticides in controlling soybean aphids, while causing less harm to beneficial predators like the convergent lady beetle and insidious flower bug. This could improve integrated pest management strategies and reduce the risk of insecticide resistance.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateAug 17, 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.

Anemic adults may have a higher risk of death after stroke

Researchers found that anemia was present in about a quarter of patients with stroke upon admission, associated with a higher risk of death for up to one year following either ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Elevated hemoglobin levels were also linked to poorer outcomes and a higher risk of death.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateAug 17, 2016

Researchers develop safer opioid painkiller from scratch

Researchers developed a novel opioid drug candidate by starting from scratch using computational techniques to explore over four trillion chemical interactions. The new compound, PZM21, blocked pain effectively like morphine but did not trigger deadly side effects, including breathing interference and addiction.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2016

For sensation-seekers, the color red can elicit rebelliousness, study finds

A new study by University of Illinois expert Ravi Mehta found that the color red can elicit noncompliant behavior, also known as a rebellious streak, in individuals who are high on the sensation-seeking scale. This effect is due to the arousal caused by exposure to the color red, which leads to reactance and increases noncompliance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateAug 17, 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.

Isotope research opens new possibilities for cancer treatment

Scientists improve understanding of actinium, a key element in creating new anticancer drugs. The study reveals actinium's behavior in solution, providing crucial chemical information for designing chelators and developing targeted alpha therapy.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2016

Study finds bias, disgust toward mixed-race couples

Research from University of Washington suggests that despite high levels of reported acceptance, bias against mixed-race couples persists in the US. The study found a strong negative correlation between bias and disgust, as well as activation in the insula brain region when viewing images of interracial couples.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateAug 17, 2016

Life expectancy in some CKD patients could be improved with nephron-sparing treatment

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology suggests that nephron-sparing treatment for small renal masses can improve life expectancy in patients with mild or moderate chronic kidney disease. The study developed a framework for incorporating tumor imaging features and renal function into treatment selection, providing a...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 17, 2016

Homelessness linked to poor antipsychotic medication adherence

A recent study by Simon Fraser University researcher Stefanie Rezansoff found that only 12% of homeless individuals are adherent to their antipsychotic medications. This lack of adherence is a significant risk factor for long-term homelessness, hospitalization, and other negative outcomes.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateAug 17, 2016

Study examines use of antipsychotics early in pregnancy, risk of birth defects

A study of 1.3 million pregnant women found that antipsychotic medication early in pregnancy was not associated with a meaningful increase in the risk of birth defects when other factors were considered. However, risperidone may have a potential safety signal due to its small increase in risk, requiring further research.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 17, 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.

NASA sees sixth tropical cyclone form in Atlantic

Tropical Depression 6 formed in the far eastern North Atlantic Ocean on August 16, 2016, with NASA and NOAA satellites providing key data. The depression showed signs of organization, with strong rainfall bands and intense showers dropping rain at a rate of over 155 mm/h.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 17, 2016

Study finds that views of swing voters do not matter much to presidential candidates

A new study finds that Republican and Democratic presidential candidates rarely respond to swing voters' views on key issues. Despite the importance of moderate middle ground in election campaigns, candidates typically take stances closer to those of their core supporters or extreme subsets of 'intense policy demanders'.

SourceSAGE·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateAug 17, 2016

Researchers shed light on vascular growth factors in thyroid eye disease

New findings suggest that abnormal proliferation of blood vessels and rare lymphatic vessel formation contribute to the swelling and inflammation in thyroid eye disease. The study offers potential therapeutic options for treating the condition through targeted therapies and functional lymphatic vessel creation.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalOphthalmology·DateAug 17, 2016

New guidelines for managing hyperthyroidism and other causes of thyrotoxicosis

The new Guidelines, published in Thyroid Journal, offer a detailed framework for the diagnosis and management of patients with different etiologies of thyrotoxicosis. The guidelines integrate recent studies and developments in practice trends, providing a comprehensive set of recommendations.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThyroid·DateAug 17, 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.

Fresh outlook on the photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide

A critical review article discusses the issues and prospects of photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide, highlighting the lack of a standard procedure as a major bottleneck. Recent advances in this field are also detailed, providing insights into the ongoing research.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Catalysis·DateAug 17, 2016

New method for quantifying methane emissions from manure management

A new method to quantify methane emissions from livestock manure has been proposed, addressing the significant problem of measuring greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. The approach uses laboratory measurements and a simple model to calculate daily emissions and evaluate the effects of changes in management or treatment.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 17, 2016

Precision medicine will benefit from animal models

Animal models can help researchers understand genetic and environmental factors contributing to human diseases, which could inform precision medicine approaches. The large amounts of data generated by these models can be used to develop more targeted therapies, improving treatment outcomes for patients.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 17, 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 insights into human genetic variation revealed: Nature paper

Researchers sequenced exomes of 60,706 individuals from diverse populations to identify 7.4 million genetic variants, providing unprecedented resolution into low-frequency protein-coding variants. The analysis found only nine pathogenic variants with strong disease associations.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2016

Researchers watch catalysts at work

Physicists watched a silver catalyst at work using an atomic force microscope, calculating energy turnover and optimizing catalysis. The Ullmann reaction was observed at atomic resolution, revealing unusual spatial arrangements of intermediate products.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalSmall·DateAug 17, 2016

New study: Are voters influenced by campaign visits?

A new study finds that campaign visits have limited impact on voters, but consume significant resources. The study suggests that candidates should focus on other strategies, such as advertising and voter contact, to influence voters.

SourceSAGE·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateAug 17, 2016

Study quantifies risk factors for preterm birth

A study published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal found that abnormalities in interval between pregnancies, body mass index prior to pregnancy, and weight gain during pregnancy may contribute to up to 25% of preterm births. Modifying these risk factors could significantly reduce premature birth rates worldwide.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateAug 17, 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.

Reducing gas flares -- and pollution -- from oil production

Researchers developed a staged separation method that can reduce venting and flaring of natural gas from wells by up to 70 percent. The approach involves using high-pressure and low-pressure steps to separate gas, resulting in more sustainable oil production processes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateAug 17, 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.

Unveiled: Earth's viral diversity

Researchers at the DOE JGI have discovered over 125,000 viral genomes infecting microbes, increasing the number of known microbial phyla by a factor of 16. The study provides a unique resource for viral sequence information and has implications for understanding global cycles and energy challenges.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2016

New mechanism discovered for Alzheimer's risk gene

Researchers at Salk Institute identify a connection between ApoE4 and protein build-up associated with Alzheimer's, providing a possible biochemical explanation for extra ApoE4 causing the disease. They also found that ApoE4 keeps the enzyme HtrA1 from breaking down tau protein, responsible for tau tangles associated with Alzheimer's.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 17, 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.

Climate change alters the rules of sperm competition in the sea

A new study shows that climate change impacts seawater chemistry, reducing sperm performance in sea urchins and changing the rules of sperm competition. This could affect the outcome when rival males compete to fertilize eggs, impacting marine species survival.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 17, 2016

Thin tropical clouds cool the climate

Researchers at Stockholm University and the University of Miami found that thin mid-level clouds in the tropics cool the climate by about 20 W m-2, significantly more than previously thought. This study aims to bridge gaps in knowledge about these challenging-to-study clouds.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2016

Antipsychotic medication poses little risk to developing fetus

Researchers studied a large population-based cohort and found no significant increased risk for congenital malformations or cardiac malformations among women who took antipsychotic medications during the first 90 days of pregnancy. However, risperidone showed a slightly increased risk, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 17, 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.

Genetic influence in juvenile songbird babblings

A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that juvenile songbirds exhibit familial differences in their earliest vocal babblings, suggesting a possible genetic basis for these variations. The findings reveal that the variations are more pronounced among different families and persist even when deafened.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 17, 2016

Mouse study points way to shut down harmful immune response in lupus

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that polymers can selectively target dying cells, halting chronic inflammation in lupus while enhancing flu immunity. The approach shows promise for treating a range of inflammatory conditions.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2016

Acetaminophen does not aggravate children's asthma

A randomized trial led by Boston Children's Hospital found no difference between acetaminophen and ibuprofen in treating pain and fever in children with mild persistent asthma. The study enrolled 300 children aged 1-5 years old and showed that both medications were effective in controlling asthma symptoms.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 17, 2016

TERRA, the RNAs that protect telomeres

Researchers have identified the precise point of origin for TERRA RNAs, which protect telomeres and maintain chromosomal stability. The discovery sheds light on the importance of TERRA in cell viability and telomere preservation.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 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.

Scientists discover possible new weapon in the fight against gum disease

Scientists have discovered that melanocortin agonism may effectively control the inflammation in gum tissue, leading to reduced alveolar bone resorption and improved quality of life. This innovative approach has opened new possibilities for treating gum disease.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateAug 17, 2016

Shining a light on damage within polymers

Researchers develop a simple, single-component fluorescence system that glows in response to microscopic damage, allowing for early detection. The method works for various materials and types of damage, including small cuts, and could reduce inspection costs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateAug 17, 2016

New standard helps ensure accurate clinical measurements of HER2 breast cancer gene

A new measurement standard, developed by NIST, has been used to evaluate the performance of next-generation DNA-sequencing technologies for evaluating gene variations associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The HER2 Standard Reference Material demonstrates its value in increasing confidence in reporting HER2 amplification f...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateAug 17, 2016

Survey shows broad support for national precision medicine study

A recent NIH survey found 79% of respondents willing to participate in the Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program, a nationwide research effort aimed at personalizing healthcare based on individual differences. The program, which aims to engage 1 million participants, shows promise for improving disease prevention and treatment.

SourceNIH/Office of the Director·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 17, 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.

How we escaped from the Big Bang

Associate Professor Dr Joan Vaccaro's research resolves an anomaly in conventional physics by introducing 'T violation', forcing the universe and us into the future. This breakthrough reveals how time evolution and conservation laws emerged, allowing for aging and a flow of time.

SourceGriffith University·DateAug 17, 2016

Free sports physicals reveal high rates of obesity in student athletes

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found alarming rates of obesity and high blood pressure readings among urban student-athletes, similar to the general adolescent population. The study suggests that participation in athletics does not protect against these conditions.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateAug 17, 2016

Association for molecular pathology establishes new standard for clinical utility of molecular Dx

The Association for Molecular Pathology has developed a new framework for defining the clinical utility of molecular diagnostics, emphasizing the importance of context in interpreting test results. This approach aims to improve patient care by providing clinically useful and appropriate testing based on realistic evidence levels.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateAug 17, 2016

New ranger patrol method shows major improvements in detection

A new method developed by WCS, University of York, and Uganda Wildlife Authority improves ranger patrol allocation and targets specific conservation priorities. This resulted in a 250% increase in detections of illegal activities such as poaching and cattle encroachment without changing the number of rangers.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Biology·DateAug 17, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

A molecular alarm clock awakens resting ovules

Researchers found that fruit fly ovules use a molecular 'alarm clock' to track time and turn genes back on when ready for ovulation. This mechanism is critical for female fertility, as defects can lead to infertility.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2016

UA phononics pioneer probes the untapped powers of sound

Researchers at the University of Arizona are pioneering phononics, the science of sound, with potential repercussions in fields like energy, biomedicine, and computing. The team, led by Pierre Deymier, is using unconventional materials to manipulate sound waves in new ways.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateAug 17, 2016

US social media strategy can weaken ISIS influence on Twitter

A new RAND Corporation study reveals that opponents of ISIS outnumber supporters 6 to 1 on Twitter. Despite this, ISIS supporters are more active online, producing 50% more tweets than opponents on a typical day. The study suggests that U.S. officials should support opponents of ISIS on Twitter with social media trainings and engagements.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateAug 17, 2016