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Science News for December 6, 2016


Longest-living animal gives up ocean climate secrets

Researchers reconstructed ocean chemistry records from quahog clam shells to analyze past 1000 years of North Atlantic Ocean changes. They found that prior to industrial period, solar variability and volcanic eruptions drove climate and weather patterns.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2016

NIFA announces $3 million in funding for robotics research

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced $3 million in funding for robotics research, application, and education in agriculture. This funding will support research on collaborative human-robot interactions, including the development of customizable robots and infrastructure to lower barriers to entry.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateDec 6, 2016

Doctors need to develop broader skill of empathy

Developing a broader skill of empathy is crucial for medical students and doctors, enabling them to strike a balance between compassion and clinical detachment. This approach, driven by Dr David Jeffrey's work, enables improvements in patient care, psycho-social research, and medical education.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateDec 6, 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.

MRI scans detect 'brain rust' in schizophrenia

Researchers used MRI measurements to detect higher levels of oxidative stress in patients with schizophrenia compared to healthy individuals and those with bipolar disorder. The study suggests that oxidation imbalance may contribute to the development and progression of schizophrenia.

SourceAmerican College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 6, 2016

Reason why farm kids develop fewer allergies explained

A study found that farm dust exposure stimulates production of a protein called A20, which suppresses inflammatory immune responses in the lungs. This leads to lower rates of asthma and allergies in children who grow up on farms.

SourceBritish Society For Immunology·DateDec 6, 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.

Nomads no more, leatherback turtles find permanent coastal home

Researchers have discovered a permanent coastal home for endangered leatherback sea turtles in the Mozambique Channel, revolutionizing conservation efforts. The turtles, known for their open-ocean migratory nature, are now found clustering together year-round in this area.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 6, 2016

Study examines victim cooperation in cases of intimate partner sexual assault

A recent study found that women are more likely to cooperate with law enforcement in intimate partner sexual assault cases if they are married to the suspect, in a longer relationship, or have been threatened. Conversely, victims who feel their autonomy is being limited or blame themselves for the incident are less likely to participate.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateDec 6, 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.

Improving child-teacher interactions can reduce preschoolers' stress levels

A new study from Oregon State University found that a school-based intervention promoting warm and caring interactions between teachers and preschoolers can reduce the child's stress levels. The intervention, which includes one-on-one play time, showed promising results in reducing cortisol levels, an indicator of stress.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPrevention Science·DateDec 6, 2016

Body composition may affect older women's risk of urinary incontinence

A study found that higher body mass index (BMI) and fat mass are significant markers of risk for stress- and urgency urinary incontinence (SUI and UUI) in older women. Women who lost at least 5% of their BMI or fat mass were less likely to experience new or persistent SUI over a three-year period.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 6, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Uterine microbiota play a key role in implantation and pregnancy success in in vitro fertilization

A new study found that women with a Lactobacillus-dominated microbiota in their uterine cavity had significantly lower rates of implantation, pregnancy, and live birth compared to those with non-Lactobacillus-dominated microbiota. This research suggests that the endometrial microbiome may play a crucial role in reproductive success.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateDec 6, 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.

Scientists improve predictions of how temperature affects the survival of fish embryos

Researchers have developed a new model to predict the survival of fish embryos in high temperatures, taking into account the relationship between egg size and water flow. The study found that larger eggs require more oxygen and can survive in slower-flowing waters, but this relationship is not always consistent with laboratory results.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 6, 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.

Radiation that knocks electrons out and down, one after another

A team at Tohoku University found that when a cluster of neon atoms is exposed to intense extreme ultraviolet light, it initiates a cascading process that produces many low-energy electrons. This mechanism could have implications for future radiation therapy.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2016

Researchers find new biomarker for brain cancer prognosis

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a new biomarker called SHOX2, which predicts poor survival in intermediate-grade gliomas. The finding has the potential to help doctors choose the best treatment and improve patient outcomes.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalEBioMedicine·DateDec 6, 2016

Rhythm of breathing affects memory and fear

Scientists found that breathing rhythm affects memory and fear by synchronizing activity in the human brain. Inhaling through the nose heightens memory and response to fearful stimuli, while mouth breathing eliminates these effects.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateDec 6, 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.

Transforming plant cells from generalists to specialists

Researchers at Duke University have identified a set of DNA-binding proteins in Arabidopsis roots that work together to trigger stem cell differentiation and create specialized cells with distinct roles. This discovery sheds light on the longstanding question of how plants make so many types of cells from the same genetic instructions.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 6, 2016

ANU invention to inspire new night-vision specs

Scientists at ANU have designed a nano crystal that turns darkness into visible light, enabling the creation of lightweight night-vision glasses. This innovation has potential applications in anti-counterfeit devices, medical imaging, and holographic displays.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 6, 2016

Improving the resolution of lithography

A team of Korean researchers has developed a wobulation technique that enhances the resolution of flow-lithography produced nanostructures. By staggering UV patterns and reducing exposure time, they achieved higher-resolution frames without narrowing the field of view.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 6, 2016

Global habitat loss still rampant across much of the Earth

A recent study found that habitat destruction has far surpassed habitat protection globally, with nearly half of the world's ecoregions classified as 'very high risk'. This loss has been particularly pronounced in Europe, South Asia, and North America, with many species facing extinction due to human activity.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalConservation Letters·DateDec 6, 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.

Raising the curtain on cerebral malaria's deadly agents

Scientists at the NIH used advanced brain imaging technology to study cerebral malaria, revealing how the disease kills thousands of people each year. The research suggests a potential treatment involving removing CD8+ T cells from blood vessel walls, increasing survival rates.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 6, 2016

Happy salmon swim bette

A recent study from Umeå University found that young salmon's desire to migrate to the sea is partly limited by their fear of the unknown downstream. Researchers used anxiolytic medication to treat the salmon and found that treated fish migrated nearly twice as fast as untreated ones.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2016

How the tuberculosis vaccine may protect against other diseases

A study published in Cell Reports reveals that the BCG vaccine's broad-spectrum effects could be mediated by metabolic and epigenetic changes in monocytes, leading to trained immunity. This discovery could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches to boost vaccine effectiveness.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 6, 2016

Children's early math knowledge related to later achievement

A longitudinal study conducted in Tennessee found that low-income children's math knowledge in preschool is related to their later achievement, with specific skills like patterning and counting objects being stronger predictors. This suggests that educators should focus on these areas of math development in the early years.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateDec 6, 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.

Social eating leads to overeating, especially among men

A study found that men eat more when in social situations, especially with spectators, due to the desire to demonstrate strength and virility. Women, on the other hand, tend to eat less with spectators and describe the experience as embarrassing.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateDec 6, 2016

How our immune system targets TB

Scientists have discovered how the human immune system targets Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB. The study provides key insight into how the immune system can recognize TB-infected cells, which could lead to the development of new diagnostic tools and novel immunotherapies.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2016

USDOT awards $14M for mobility research at UW-led transportation center

The US Department of Transportation has awarded $14 million to the University of Washington-led Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium to improve regional mobility. The grant will focus on addressing diverse mobility challenges, including alleviating traffic congestion and improving transit accessibility for people with disabilities.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateDec 6, 2016

Study finds key mechanism important for sex determination in vertebrates

Researchers have discovered a crucial regulatory mechanism for sex determination in vertebrates, centered on the DMRT1 gene. The study found that the ncEx1 promoter sequence plays a vital role in regulating gene expression, particularly in germ cells and somatic cells.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateDec 6, 2016

Side effects of leukemia drug can be safely reduced by halving dose

A University of Liverpool study found that reducing the dose of leukemia drug tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) can safely reduce side effects in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. Patients who achieved stable molecular remission levels showed no evidence of leukaemia rebound after cutting their TKI dose, with some reporting signif...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateDec 6, 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.

What makes a neuron a neuron?

Researchers have identified the functions of two sibling RNA-binding proteins in neural stem cells and neurons. PTBP1 and PTBP2 serve both redundant and unique roles in brain development, contributing to neuronal differentiation. This discovery has implications for fine-tuning stem cell therapeutic strategies for neurologic disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 6, 2016

Some bats develop resistance to devastating fungal disease

Research finds small populations of little brown bats in New York have lower infection levels, suggesting host resistance to white-nose syndrome. This is good news for some bat colonies, but other species show no sign of being able to persist with the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateDec 6, 2016

Tibetan Mastiff gained high altitude adaptation after domestication by wolf interbreeding

A Chinese research group found that the Tibetan Mastiff's high-altitude adaptation is due to interbreeding with the Tibet grey wolf, introducing a DNA swap at two genomic hotspots. This process shares similarities with human evolution, highlighting ancient interbreeding as a key factor in adaptations.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateDec 6, 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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Identifying age measurements distorted by fossil fuel emissions

Researchers found that measuring carbon isotope 13C can identify distortion in radiocarbon age of materials caused by fossil fuel emissions. This method allows for accurate age determination, even when atmospheric CO2 levels are high.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 6, 2016

Controlling gene activity in human development

Researchers at the Babraham Institute used CRISPR to delete PRC2 from human embryonic stem cells, revealing its role in keeping genes switched off until needed. Loss of PRC2 caused compromised cell quality and specialisation into mature cell types.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 6, 2016

Global habitat loss still rampant across much of the Earth

Researchers report that over half the planet has been converted to human-dominated land use, with alarming levels of habitat loss persisting. The study highlights the need for targeted conservation interventions in crisis and at-risk ecoregions where habitats are disappearing.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Letters·DateDec 6, 2016

High renewable electricity growth continued in 2015

The 2015 Renewable Energy Data Book reveals significant US renewable energy growth, with solar and wind capacities increasing by 35.8% and 5.1%, respectively. Globally, renewables accounted for over 24% of electricity generation, up from 21.3% in 2014.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateDec 6, 2016

Research providing promising new treatments for melanoma

Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans report a complete response in a patient with long history of melanoma after treatment with a combination of an interferon and melanoma vaccine. The FDA has approved a first-of-its-kind therapy, talimogene laherparepvec, which shows a 10.8% complete response rate.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalMelanoma Management·DateDec 6, 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.

Federal report recommends teaching self-regulation in schools

The federal report emphasizes building children's self-regulation skills, which enable them to manage thoughts and feelings, control impulses, and problem-solve. This skill development is crucial for academic achievement, physical health, and socioeconomic success.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·DateDec 6, 2016

East Asian dust deposition impacts on marine biological productivity

A recent study found significant correlations between East Asian dust events and chlorophyll a concentration in the North Pacific Ocean and Chinese marginal seas. Dust fertilization on marine biological productivity was also observed, with phytoplankton growth related to dust deposition in the Yellow Sea.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateDec 6, 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.

Risk for misuse of opioids and stimulants: What does employment status have to do with it?

Researchers found unemployed workers had the highest risk of misusing prescription opioids, while those out of the workforce entirely were most at risk for misusing prescription stimulants. Nonmedical prescription opioid use costs the US $42 billion in lost productivity annually.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateDec 6, 2016

Missing 1-2 hours of sleep doubles crash risk

A new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals that drivers missing 1-2 hours of sleep nearly double their risk for a crash. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 35% of U.S. drivers sleep less than seven hours daily.

SourceAAA·DateDec 6, 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.

Study: Autism brain response theory a dead end

Researchers challenged a popular autism hypothesis by studying brain responses to repeated visual and tactile stimuli. The findings showed that brain responses were as stable as those of healthy controls, contradicting the idea that unreliable brain activity causes autism symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateDec 6, 2016

UTMB researchers find how Ebola disables the immune system

Researchers at UTMB engineered Ebola virus variants to study the components disabling the human immune system. The study found that IIDs promote replication of viral particles in cells and counteract the activity of immune cells.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 6, 2016

Scientists learn more about how motors maneuver our cells' roadways

Researchers have identified a new adaptor protein on the microtubule roadway that helps motors navigate proteins to their correct destinations. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about motor function and has implications for understanding diseases such as cancer and cardiac disease.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateDec 6, 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.

Preschool programs found to benefit low-income Latino children

A new study found that low-income Latino children who attended either public school prekindergarten or center-based care with child care subsidies at age 4 did well through the end of third grade. Public school prekindergarten appeared to improve academic outcomes for third-grade Latino children, especially English language learners.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateDec 6, 2016

Want to give a good gift? Think past the 'big reveal'

Researchers found that gift givers prioritize 'wow' moments over practical attributes, leading to mismatched expectations. To choose better gifts, consider the recipient's long-term needs and values.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateDec 6, 2016

Wall-jumping robot is most vertically agile ever built

The researchers developed a new metric to measure vertical agility, which allowed them to rank animals by their jumping agility and identify the galago as an inspiration for design. Salto achieved 78% of the galago's vertical jumping agility, with a maximum jump height of roughly 1.008 meters.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Robotics·DateDec 6, 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.

Put people at the center of conservation, new study advises

A new study calls for a shift in conservation approaches that consider humans' livelihoods, cultural traditions, and dependence on natural resources. This can lead to successful conservation projects when both natural and social scientists work together with local communities.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalBiological Conservation·DateDec 6, 2016

Researchers compare biodiversity trends with the stock market

Researchers compare biodiversity trends with the stock market to develop a framework for preventing species loss. The concept of Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) can help document critical changes in biodiversity and inform policy decisions.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalBiological Conservation·DateDec 6, 2016

Cancer's deadly toll grows in less developed countries as new cases increase globally

A new study found that cancer cases are growing at an alarming rate in less developed countries, with a 50% increase between 2005 and 2015. The global burden of disease is heaviest for countries with high development levels, but the most rapid escalation can be seen in low-income nations where health services are often lacking.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 6, 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.

Ice age vertebrates had mixed responses to climate change

A new study reveals that ice age vertebrate species in the eastern US responded to glacial cycles and global warming in different ways. The research found that about 75% of animals expanded their populations, while 25% contracted, suggesting additional complexity in climate change impacts.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 6, 2016

How to turn white fat brown

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a molecular trigger that can activate a 'browning program' in white adipocytes, making them more like energy-burning brown adipocytes. This discovery could lead to new treatments for obesity and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 6, 2016

Higher death rates associated with routine handoffs of hospital patients

Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus found a correlation between hospital handoffs and increased mortality rates. The study analyzed data from 2008 to 2014 and found an absolute increase of 1.5-1.9% in hospital mortality rates among patients exposed to end-of-rotation transitions in care.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA·DateDec 6, 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.

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.

Study: Hospital nutrition program shortens patient stays and reduces readmissions

A new study found that optimizing hospital nutrition care can significantly reduce 30-day readmission rates and length of stay for malnourished patients. Implementing a validated nutrition screening tool and providing early treatment and education can lead to substantial improvements in patient outcomes.

SourceMSL Group - New York·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateDec 6, 2016

What happens in the cell nucleus after fertilization

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München found a mechanism controlling cell division after fertilization, allowing for diverse cellular development. The study reveals that the molecule Suv4-20h2 attaches methyl groups to histones, arresting cell progression and enabling totipotency.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 6, 2016

Blood-brain barrier on a chip sheds new light on 'silent killer'

Researchers developed a microfluidic device that overcomes previous models of the blood-brain barrier, allowing for study of brain inflammation and its link to neurodegenerative conditions. The device was successfully tested with flying colors, paving the way for use in testing new drugs and compounds.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·DateDec 6, 2016

Bacterial mechanism converts nitrogen to greenhouse gas

Researchers at Cornell University discovered a biological mechanism that converts nitrogen-based fertilizer into nitrous oxide, increasing atmospheric levels by 120%. The enzyme cytochrome P460 produced in ammonia-oxidizing bacteria leads to nitrous oxide production as a chemical coping strategy.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 6, 2016

Do cannabis users think package warnings are needed?

A study found that cannabis users in Australia recommended package warnings that focused on driving ability, mental health, and addiction risk, mirroring some expert warnings. However, users also suggested unconventional warnings not typically recommended by experts, highlighting the need for caution in packaging cannabis products.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·DateDec 6, 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.

Unlocking a liver receptor puzzle

Researchers at Emory Health Sciences have made a breakthrough in understanding how diabetes drugs interact with LRH-1, a protein that regulates metabolism of fat and sugar. The study found that small changes to compounds can significantly impact their binding pocket interaction.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 6, 2016

Unique strain of lactic acid bacteria in Buryat milk is found

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University have isolated a unique strain of lactic acid bacteria, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis 194, from Buryat milk that possesses a wide range of antimicrobial action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The strain also shows antifungal properties, making it a promising candida...

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalJournal of Microbial & Biochemical Technology·DateDec 6, 2016

Speed data for the brain's navigation system

Researchers found that specific cells in the medial septum fire at higher rates when a mouse moves faster, influencing activity in the brain's navigation center. This 'speedometer cell' data bus relays speed information to the entorhinal cortex, essential for spatial orientation.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 6, 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.

An amino acid controls plants' breath

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science discovered that amino acid L-methionine activates calcium channels in plant guard cells, regulating stomatal opening and closing. This process is crucial for maintaining adequate intracellular calcium levels in plants, essential for growth and breathing.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 6, 2016

GeroScope -- a computer method to beat aging

The GeroScope algorithm identified 10 substances with potential geroprotector properties, including PD-98059 and NAC. The study suggests that computer modeling can significantly reduce the time and cost of developing new drugs.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·DateDec 6, 2016

New material could lead to erasable and rewriteable optical chips

A new material developed by Yuebing Zheng could lead to the creation of erasable and rewriteable optical chips. The material, which combines light-sensitive molecules with a plasmonic surface, allows for wireless erasure and rewriting of optical components.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 6, 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.

New application of existing drug offers personalized therapy for lung cancer

Researchers discovered a subset of lung tumors sensitive to MEK inhibitors, offering new hope for up to 10% of lung cancer patients with ATM mutant gene. The study's findings could pave the way for precision medicine and targeted treatment strategies.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2016

School shootings less likely in states with background checks on gun purchases

Research found that US school shootings were lower in states with mandatory background checks on gun purchases and higher spending on mental health services and public education. The study analyzed media coverage of school shootings between 2013-2015, finding a link between state-level factors and the frequency of these incidents.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInjury Prevention·DateDec 6, 2016

Obesity: Tiny fat-burning molecule might help fight giant problem

A small molecule could provide a new therapeutic approach to fighting excessive weight gain in cases where diets or exercise have no effect. The research team found that blocking a specific protein promotes gene expression of the protein that burns calories and prevents fat gain.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateDec 6, 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.

NASA measures altitudes of Hawaii's rain, snow

NASA analyzed Hawaii's heavy snowfall using GPM satellite data, finding precipitation rates exceeding 9.3 inches per hour in intense storms. The average freezing level was determined to be around 14,127 feet, with slopes reaching as low as 12,795 feet.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 6, 2016

Hispanic adults with diabetes could benefit from peer support interventions

A MU study found that Hispanic adults with diabetes experienced significant improvements in blood sugar levels through peer support interventions. The meta-analysis of 17 randomized control trials suggests that these interventions can be an effective way to improve glycemic control and health education for minority patients.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateDec 6, 2016

Illinois researchers discover hot hydrogen atoms in Earth's upper atmosphere

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered hot atomic hydrogen atoms in the thermosphere, a layer of the atmosphere above 250 kilometers. This finding contradicts previous assumptions and has significant implications for understanding atmospheric escape and the behavior of satellites in low Earth orbit.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 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.