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Science News for December 13, 2016


Kelp beats the heat

Marine scientists studied the response of giant kelp forests to a record-breaking marine heat wave, finding that their biomass remained within normal ranges despite high temperatures. The lack of dramatic response suggests that more research is needed to understand how these ecosystems will respond to future climate warming.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 2016

The good and bad of MRI evaluation of the urothelial tract

MR urography (MRU) offers an alternative to CT urography (CTU) for whole urinary tract imaging. However, proper technique is crucial, with steps needed to ensure adequate distention and visualization of the entire system.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 13, 2016

Sustained enjoyment in older age linked to longer life

A study published in The BMJ found that sustained enjoyment of life over several years is associated with lower mortality. Researchers analyzed data from 9,365 participants aged 50 and older, finding a dose-response association between sustained wellbeing and reduced risk of death.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 13, 2016

A skillful rescue robot with remote-control function

Researchers at Osaka University developed a remote-control rescue robot with improved operability and mobility for disaster situations. The robot features advanced technologies, including force control, vibration feedback, and long-range imaging, to enhance the operator's experience.

SourceOsaka University·DateDec 13, 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.

Study links nutrition to brain health and intelligence in older adults

A study by University of Illinois researchers links higher blood serum levels of lutein to better performance on crystallized intelligence tests in older adults. Participants with higher lutein levels also showed thicker gray matter in the parahippocampal cortex, a brain region associated with preserved cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateDec 13, 2016

Against the tide: A fish adapting quickly to lethal levels of pollution

Researchers found Atlantic killifish adapting to toxic pollutants due to high genetic variation, making them more resilient than other species. This study suggests that genetic diversity is key to evolutionary adaptation and could inform strategies for human sensitivity to environmental chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2016

Researchers create new way to trap dangerous gases

A team of researchers at UT Dallas developed a new method for trapping gases within MOF structures, which can capture emissions from coal factories and vehicles. The discovery was made possible by introducing a molecule that sealed the outer surface of each MOF crystal, effectively trapping gases.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 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.

Brain shrinkage in multiple sclerosis associated with leaked protein in blood

Research finds that high levels of free haemoglobin in the blood are associated with increased brain shrinkage in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that treatments targeting haemoglobin levels, rather than iron, may be a more effective approach to slowing disease progression.

SourceImperial College London·JournalWellcome Open Research·DateDec 13, 2016

Water: Finding the normal within the weird

Researchers have figured out a way to study supercooled water in a deeply supercooled range, finding that liquid water can exist all the way down to subzero temperatures. They used a new technique to rapidly heat and cool nanoscale supercooled water films with a laser.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2016

New wheat crops as an alternative to a gluten-free diet

A new study analysing toxic components of various wheat varieties reveals that even ancient types can be toxic through specific epitopes. The research identifies potential breeding techniques to develop non-toxic wheat-based products suitable for coeliac patients, aiming to improve their quality of life.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalFood Chemistry·DateDec 13, 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.

The harmful effects of the aging Asian population on the economy

The study predicts a decline in annual per capita GDP growth rate of 0.21 percentage points due to population ageing, equivalent to a 7.6% drop in average income level over the 2015-2050 period. Population ageing also leads to increased government consumption and a slowdown in productivity growth, further reducing economic growth.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalAsian Development Review·DateDec 13, 2016

Can you bounce water balloons off a bed of nails? Yes, says new study

A team of students has demonstrated that water-filled balloons can be made to bounce on a bed of nails, exhibiting similar behavior to tiny water droplets. The study, published in the European Journal of Physics, used large store-bought party balloons and recorded impacts at different velocities.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEuropean Journal of Physics·DateDec 13, 2016

More parents funding college education contributes to income and wealth gap

A new study by a University of Kansas professor suggests that parental financial support for education is associated with higher socioeconomic outcomes, including income and wealth. Young adults from families in the top quarter of the wealth distribution received over eleven times more money for school than those in the bottom half.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·DateDec 13, 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.

Stimulator bypasses spine injury, helps patients move hands

The UCLA team implanted a spinal stimulator in a California man who broke his neck in a dirt-biking accident, showing early promise in returning hand strength and movement. The device bypasses the injury by training the spinal cord to find alternate pathways, allowing patients to regain mobility in their hands.

SourceMediaSource·DateDec 13, 2016

NASA communications network to double space station data rates

The Space Network will transmit double the data in a single second than it ever has before, supporting new instruments with greater data flow requirements. The upgrade enables an increase in scientific output from the International Space Station, allowing for more sophisticated experiments to be conducted.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 13, 2016

UC Davis joins national effort on links between health and exercise

The University of California, Davis, is part of a six-year, $170 million NIH project exploring the molecular changes caused by physical activity and their impact on health. Researchers will use rat models to study exercise physiology and analyze tissue samples from humans and animals.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateDec 13, 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.

New discovery may improve recovery after stroke

A new treatment strategy that creates new nerve synapses in the brain may improve recovery after stroke, allowing for faster learning and motor function recovery. The study found sustained improvement in mice treated with C3a peptide, which was administered through nasal drops.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBrain·DateDec 13, 2016

New technique switches key biomolecules on and off

Researchers have developed a new technique to switch key biomolecules on and off, allowing them to study the effects of kinases as they work in living cells. This breakthrough could lead to the discovery of novel drug targets for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study identifies why some people can smell asparagus in urine

A study found that 40% of participants could smell the distinct odor in their urine after eating asparagus, while 60% were unable to detect it. The researchers identified 871 genetic variants linked to asparagus anosmia and suggest future research on sense of smell receptors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 13, 2016

Researchers identify biochemical mechanism behind a rare, painful genetic disease

A team of researchers at the National Institutes of Health has uncovered a possible biochemical mechanism behind ACDC disease, which causes calcium buildup in the arteries. The study suggests that treating this condition with drugs like etidronate could help reduce calcification and potentially lead to an effective treatment.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalScience Signaling·DateDec 13, 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.

Feeling grateful? No, thanks!

A new study by American University professor Anthony Ahrens reveals a surprising link between autonomy and gratitude. Individuals high in autonomy tend to experience less gratitude and value it less, suggesting that self-reliance may hinder social connections.

SourceAmerican University·JournalCognition & Emotion·DateDec 13, 2016

Risk avoidance in older adults is related to brain anatomy, not age

A new Yale-led study finds that changes in brain anatomy, specifically the posterior parietal cortex, are more closely related to risk avoidance in older adults than aging itself. The research team used MRI scans and risk-choice experiments to analyze the phenomenon.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 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.

Evangelicals are more skeptical of evolution than of climate change

A recent study from Rice University reveals that evangelicals are significantly more skeptical of evolution (70% false) compared to climate change skepticism (28%). This finding challenges the common perception that anti-evolution and anti-climate change views are linked.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateDec 13, 2016

New research provides methods to combat holiday excess

Mindful consumption training can lead to improved financial well-being, reduced materialism and enhanced quality time with family. The study also highlights its benefits for environmental and societal well-being.

SourceAmerican University·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateDec 13, 2016

Research identifies a molecular basis for common congenital brain defect

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have discovered that sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) is required for the formation of cells that maintain normal flow of fluid out of the brain. The study found that deleting SNX27 causes hydrocephalus, and gave hope for potential non-surgical treatments.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·DateDec 13, 2016

Forming a second line of plant defense -- capturing disease-resistant DNA

Researchers have developed a new way to sequence and analyze plant DNA to identify genes that confer disease resistance. By using longer DNA molecules and a specialized sequencing method, they can accurately identify the exact genes responsible for plant defense mechanisms. This breakthrough has significant implications for breeding mo...

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalBioTechniques·DateDec 13, 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.

First detection of boron on the surface of Mars

For the first time, boron has been identified on the surface of Mars, indicating potential for long-term habitable groundwater in the ancient past. The discovery was made using NASA's Curiosity rover's Chemistry and Camera instrument.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·DateDec 13, 2016

Follicular lymphoma: A tale of 2 cancers

Researchers uncover disparate evolutionary trajectories and mutational profiles driving follicular lymphoma's transformation and early progression. The study highlights key genes and biological processes associated with these events, offering a basis for future research on prognostic assays and treatment strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 13, 2016

2016 Eastern Analytical Symposium Award awarded to Sandy Dasgupta

Purnendu Dasgupta, a UTA chemistry professor, received the 2016 Eastern Analytical Symposium's highest award for his broad contributions to analytical chemistry. His research projects have had significant positive impact on human health and disease treatment, including dry blood spot analysis and implantable shunt flow monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateDec 13, 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.

How cytoplasmic DNA undergoes adaptation to avoid harmful mutations

Researchers found that cytoplasmic DNA can accumulate beneficial substitutions faster than free-living sexual genomes. Cytoplasmic genomes, including mitochondria and plastids, undergo adaptation due to uniparental inheritance and egg cell selection against faulty mitochondria.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateDec 13, 2016

Salmon, blue mussel, eider, and eel die from the same vitamin deficiency

Researchers at Stockholm University found thiamine deficiency in blue mussels, eiders, eels, salmon, and sea trout across the Pacific Ocean, North America, and northern Europe. The study reveals impaired health, reproduction, and behavior due to vitamin B1 deficiency, posing a significant threat to animal species extinction.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 13, 2016

Study raises concern of significant under-reporting of child abuse within US Army

A new study by PolicyLab found that only 20% of medically diagnosed child abuse and neglect cases in US Army dependent children between 2004 and 2007 were substantiated. The rate is significantly lower than the civilian Child Protective Services rate, suggesting under-reporting or a breakdown in communication.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateDec 13, 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.

College bowl games deliver $1.5 billion annual economic impact

The study measured the economic impact of post-season college football games, finding that the largest games had the greatest economic impact on host cities. The average economic impact ranged from $93.7 million for New Year's Six matchups to $12.6 million for Group of 5 vs. Group of 5 matches.

SourceSan Diego State University·DateDec 13, 2016

NASA provides 2 views of former Tropical Cyclone Vardah

NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission provided detailed images of Tropical Cyclone Vardah's cloud cover and heavy rainfall rates before it made landfall. The storm weakened to a remnant low pressure area over southern India, bringing heavy rainfall warnings for affected regions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 13, 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.

Broken shoulder leads to carpal tunnel syndrome surgery study

Researchers found that patients recovering from carpal tunnel release surgery can regain their pre-operative typing speed within two to three weeks. This recovery timeline allows patients to resume typing earlier, with some restrictions on prolonged use.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalThe Journal Of Hand Surgery·DateDec 13, 2016

Sugar and sweeteners -- how do they affect our appetite?

A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that healthy young men who consume sugar, Stevia, monk fruit, or aspartame-sweetened beverages do not experience a significant difference in overall energy intake. However, they did eat more after consuming natural non-nutritive sweeteners.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateDec 13, 2016

£10 million intelligent health-care technologies research for self-management of chronic conditions

Researchers are developing new technologies to help patients with chronic conditions such as COPD and diabetes manage their health at home. The £10 million project will explore the use of wearable devices and data analytics to improve healthcare services. Seven UK universities and over 30 partners are involved in the research.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateDec 13, 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.

Studies probe value and impact of direct-to-consumer genetic testing

A large-scale prospective study has generated new insights into patient perceptions and experiences with direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Despite modest cancer risks, most customers did not change their diet, exercise, or screening habits. However, men who received elevated prostate cancer risk estimates changed their supplement use...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 13, 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.

Drug for narcolepsy could help food addicts lose weight

Scientists found that Modafinil, a narcolepsy drug, reduces impulsivity in people with food addiction. The study tested 60 men and found that those who took Modafinil had significantly reduced impulsive behavior, which can lead to weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateDec 13, 2016

Rural nursing homes are falling behind in health information technology

A national assessment by MU researchers found significant gaps in IT sophistication between rural and urban nursing homes. Urban facilities excel in laboratory capabilities for resident registration and medical tests, while rural ones struggle to compete for IT talent.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateDec 13, 2016

Scientists examine 'perfect storms' fueling vast tropical biodiversity

Researchers integrate fossil data into theories to understand global patterns of biodiversity, finding that local and long-term factors work together in a 'perfect storm'. This approach helps explain the latitudinal diversity gradient, with the tropics having the greatest number and variety of species.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateDec 13, 2016

Therapy response in brain tumor cells is linked to disease prognosis

A study published in Cell Reports found that glioblastoma cells with different resistance levels to therapy and radiation are linked to disease outcomes. Researchers identified a continuum of cells with varying resistance levels, which may enable the development of targeted therapies.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 13, 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.

Measuring radiation damage on the fly

Researchers developed a method to continuously assess the aging of materials in high-radiation environments, speeding up testing and reducing material replacement. Transient grating spectroscopy induces acoustic waves that reveal subsurface defects, allowing for real-time monitoring without physical contact.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·DateDec 13, 2016

Newly revealed amino acid function could be used to boost antioxidant levels

A Japanese research team has found that 2-aminobutyric acid (2-AB) can effectively increase glutathione levels in the body, a major antioxidant component. The study suggests that 2-AB could be used as a biomarker for early detection of oxidative stress and potentially treat conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and heart failure.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 13, 2016

Pessimists -- you aren't alone in feeling down

A new study by UC Riverside psychology professor Kate Sweeny found that optimists and pessimists alike brace for the worst when waiting for uncertain news, with no significant differences between the two groups. This challenges the common assumption that optimists are immune to anxiety and pessimism.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Personality·DateDec 13, 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.

NIH awards aim to understand molecular changes during physical activity

The NIH Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity in Humans Program aims to develop a comprehensive map of molecular changes triggered by physical activity. Researchers will collect samples from diverse populations and analyze them to identify targeted exercise recommendations for better health outcomes.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·DateDec 13, 2016

Teen substance use shows promising decline

The 2016 Monitoring the Future survey reveals a significant decline in teen substance use, particularly among eighth graders, with past year use of any illicit drug at its lowest ever. Marijuana use also shows a promising trend, with past month rates dropping to 5.4% among eighth graders.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateDec 13, 2016

Drugs from nature: Big effects of multiple compounds in small amounts

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have discovered a class of peptides that can kill insect larvae, producing up to four times more compounds than previously thought possible. The peptides, known as rhabdopeptide/xenortide peptides (RXPs), are produced by bacteria and play a crucial role in infection.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 13, 2016

Breakup of supercontinent Pangea cooled mantle and thinned crust

The breakup of supercontinent Pangea led to a significant decrease in oceanic crust thickness, with the oldest crust being about one mile thicker than modern-day crust. This is attributed to the cooling of the Earth's interior and the exposure of deeper mantle to the atmosphere and oceans.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 13, 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.

Your left hand knows what your right hand is doing

A study published in Cell Reports found that training participants to use their non-dominant hand by tricking their brain through virtual reality showed significant improvements in motor skills. The researchers used fMRI scans to track brain activity, which was correlated with improved performance.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 13, 2016

Insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome

Insulin resistance is a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of PCOS, leading to metabolic abnormalities and clinical burden. Lifestyle changes and specific medications can improve insulin sensitivity, but personalized treatment approaches are essential.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateDec 13, 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.

Anti-tumor effect of novel plasma medicine caused by lactate

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a cold plasma-activated Ringer's solution that exhibits anti-tumor effects, attributed to the lactate component. The solution triggers cell death through increased intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels, suggesting a potential specific tumor therapy.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 13, 2016

Mass oyster die-off in San Francisco related to atmospheric rivers

A study by UC Davis and NERR found that atmospheric rivers contributed to a mass die-off of wild Olympia oysters in north San Francisco Bay in 2011. The event was caused by low salinity from freshwater discharge into the bay, highlighting the impact of extreme weather events on coastal ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateDec 13, 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.

How organizations can boost charitable giving

A new study from the University at Buffalo School of Management found that setting a low suggested donation amount increases the total number of donations, while a high default amount increases the average amount donors give. Nonprofit directors can use this information to tailor their messaging and potentially raise more money.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateDec 13, 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.

'Western' maternal diet appears to raise obesity risk in offspring

Researchers found that a typical American diet increased the likelihood of obesity in offspring, even if mothers maintained a healthy weight. The study identified key biomarkers for detecting obesity risk, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to discuss nutrition with pregnant women.

SourceScripps Research Institute·DateDec 13, 2016

Battery research reaching out to higher voltages

Researchers have developed a new battery test cell allowing them to investigate anionic and cationic reactions separately. This innovation could lead to the creation of high-voltage lithium-ion batteries with improved energy density, reducing the need for multiple charging cycles and minimizing gas formation.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateDec 13, 2016

Can't smell asparagus pee? Is Pokémon GO good exercise?

Researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School found that 58% of men and 62% of women of European descent cannot smell the unpleasant odor present in urine after eating asparagus. In contrast, players of Pokémon GO showed a moderate increase in physical activity for six weeks after game installation, but this effect diminished over time.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 13, 2016

Brain structure best explains our dwindling tolerance of risk

Researchers found grey matter volume in a specific brain region drives risk aversion, contradicting the assumption that age is the primary factor. The study's results have significant implications for understanding decision-making in aging populations and their impact on society.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 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.

Workplace fun is fundamental for learning on the job

A study found that having fun at work is significantly related to informal learning, which includes unstructured forms of learning. Fun activities supported by management enhance wellbeing and create a safe environment for learning. Managers' support for fun matters more than their support for learning.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·DateDec 13, 2016

Image of 'typical' welfare recipient linked with racial stereotypes

Researchers found that Americans tend to imagine a Black person when thinking about welfare recipients, associating them with negative traits like laziness and incompetence. This mental image influences people's judgments about who deserves government assistance.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 13, 2016

Lunar sonic booms

Scientists studying lunar sonic booms hope to answer whether mini shock waves on the moon are being generated by protons in the solar wind colliding with pockets of magnetic fields. The findings come from NASA's ARTEMIS mission, which has gathered high-fidelity measurements of the shock waves.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateDec 13, 2016

Sleep helps process traumatic experiences

A study by the University of Zurich found that sleep after a traumatic event can significantly reduce recurring emotional memories and distress. This non-invasive approach may provide an important early prevention strategy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalSLEEP·DateDec 13, 2016

Mutations acquired trans-Pacific may be key to changes in Zika severity

Researchers analyzed genetic sequences of the virus and found specific mutations that occurred as it crossed the Pacific Ocean, suggesting new hypotheses for its association with microcephaly and GBS. The analysis also revealed potential relationships between viral infection and severe symptoms in adults and infants.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·JournalCladistics·DateDec 13, 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.