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Science News for December 7, 2016


Dad's exposure to phthalates in plastics may affect embryonic development

A new study found that paternal phthalate exposure before conception may be associated with lower-quality embryos, with certain chemicals inversely linked to high-quality blastocysts. The research, published in Human Reproduction, suggests a potential link between preconception environmental health and reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateDec 7, 2016

Research into the theoretical bases of future wireless communications

The project aims to establish a theoretical framework for low-latency wireless communications, enabling the design of novel systems with improved efficiency. Current systems rely on large correction codes to protect against transmission errors, but future systems will exchange information in real-time, requiring shorter correction codes.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateDec 7, 2016

Research aims to improve In vitro fertilization success rates

New research from Simon Fraser University aims to revolutionize In vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates using machine vision software. The software analyzes images of embryos with confirmed pregnancy outcomes to identify key developmental attributes, increasing the likelihood of successful clinical pregnancies.

SourceSimon Fraser University·DateDec 7, 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.

Unique visual stimulation may be new treatment for Alzheimer's

Researchers at MIT have developed a noninvasive technique using LED lights to reduce beta amyloid plaques in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. The treatment induces gamma oscillations, which suppress beta amyloid production and invigorate cells responsible for destroying the plaques.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 7, 2016

New discovery may lead to the development of super premium gasoline

Researchers at the University of Illinois have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the petroleum industry. By altering the molecular structure of alkanes, they can significantly increase their flow rate, potentially reducing fueling times to mere seconds.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 7, 2016

Fighting contaminated land with help from the humble fruit

Researchers found a gene from the common fruit fly that can be expressed in plants to improve TNT removal from contaminated soil. The breakthrough has the potential to clean up millions of hectares of land contaminated by munitions.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNew Phytologist·DateDec 7, 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.

TET proteins drive early neurogenesis

Researchers have discovered that TET proteins, which modify methyl groups attached to cytosine, influence gene expression and facilitate the removal of these marks. This dynamic modulation is critical for driving developmental gene expression programs in early embryos, particularly in neural tissue formation.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2016

Brain activity may predict risk of falls in older adults

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that brain activity while walking and talking can predict the risk of falling. The study, published in Neurology, involved 166 healthy older adults who were asked to perform tasks such as walking and reciting letters. The researchers found that elevated brain activity during thes...

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateDec 7, 2016

Applicability of dynamic facilitation theory to binary hard disk systems

A team of scientists used numerical methods to investigate the glass transition behavior of binary mixtures under supercompressed conditions. They found that the dynamic facilitation theory correctly predicted the relaxation dynamics in these systems, supporting its applicability to hard disk systems at high pressure.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 7, 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.

Researchers reveal 3-D structure of cell's inflammation sensor and its inhibitors

Scientists at University of California San Diego determined the 3D structure of CCR2 simultaneously bound to two inhibitors, providing insights for developing anti-inflammatory drugs. The study reveals how these molecules turn the receptor 'off' by blocking natural chemokine binding and preventing inflammatory signal transmission.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateDec 7, 2016

Despite evolutionary inexperience, northern sockeye manage heat stress

Researchers at Oregon State University found that northern sockeye salmon can thermostate to find water temperatures that meet their physiological needs, reducing energy expenditure during heat waves. By moving to tributary plumes or deeper water, the fish conserve energy and avoid extreme temperatures.

SourceOregon State University·JournalConservation Physiology·DateDec 7, 2016

Stamping technique creates tiny circuits with electronic ink

Researchers at MIT have developed a fast and precise printing process that can fabricate electronic surfaces for a wide range of applications. The team has created stamps made from carbon nanotubes that can print electronic inks onto rigid and flexible surfaces, enabling the creation of high-performance, fully printed electronics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 7, 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.

Helping children achieve more in school

A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology shows that learning strategies are crucial for academic success among underachieving students. The research highlights the importance of reinforcing these strategies and promoting autonomy and responsibility in teachers and parents. By targeting interventions inspired by overachievers...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateDec 7, 2016

Dark matter may be smoother than expected

A team of astronomers from institutions around the world has processed images from the Kilo Degree Survey to make one of the most precise measurements ever made of cosmic shear, a subtle variant of weak gravitational lensing. The results suggest that dark matter in the cosmic web is less clumpy than previously believed.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 7, 2016

Perceived long-term job insecurity puts pressure on older workers

A new study suggests that persistent job insecurity over a 25-year career can lead to increased psychological distress among older workers. The research found that stress from perceived job insecurity was particularly high among minorities and those without a high school degree, and that this stress can have significant impacts on health.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalSociety and Mental Health·DateDec 7, 2016

MAO is a possible Alzheimer's disease biomarker

A study published in ACS Central Science reveals that MAO activity increases with Aβ plaque formation in patients with Alzheimer's, suggesting it could serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring. The research also identified three distinct phases of MAO activity that change along with disease progression.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateDec 7, 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.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone 05B form

Tropical Cyclone 05B has formed over the Anadaman and Nicobar Islands, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph. The storm is expected to move northwest toward India, making landfall by Dec. 12 south of Visakhapatnam.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 7, 2016

Cellular immunotherapy targets a common human cancer mutation

A study led by Dr. Steven A. Rosenberg identified a method to target the cancer-causing protein produced by a mutant form of the KRAS gene, leading to cancer regression in a patient with colorectal cancer. The treatment involved infusing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes into the patient, which recognized and attacked the mutated cells.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 7, 2016

Major urinary proteins do not allow kin recognition in male mice

Researchers from Vetmeduni Vienna analyzed MUP genes and proteins in wild house mice, finding no variation among individuals. The study refutes the 'barcode hypothesis' that MUPs provide individual signatures for kin recognition.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 7, 2016

Partnership at a distance: Deep-frozen helium molecules

Researchers in Frankfurt confirm the quantum-mechanical tunnel effect in deep-frozen helium molecules. The study reveals that over 75% of bonding time can be explained by this effect.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 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.

Novel label-free microscopy enables dynamic, high-resolution imaging of cell interactions

Researchers have developed a novel live-cell imaging method that allows for dynamic, high-resolution visualization of cell interactions. The Photonic Crystal Enhanced Microscope (PCEM) can quantify and measure cell adhesion, a critical process involved in cell migration, differentiation, division, and death.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProgress in Quantum Electronics·DateDec 7, 2016

New approach may open up speech recognition to more languages

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL have developed a new system that analyzes correspondences between images and spoken descriptions to train speech-recognition systems. The system can potentially provide automatic speech recognition for less-resourced languages, leading to fully automated translation capabilities.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 7, 2016

Half of people believe fake facts

A study by the University of Warwick found that around 50% of participants believed they had experienced fictitious events, such as taking a childhood hot air balloon ride. The findings have significant implications for fields like forensic investigations, therapy treatments, and courtrooms, where memories are used to inform decisions.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMemory·DateDec 7, 2016

One specific gene explains many diseases

A genetic difference in the FADS1 gene affects levels of LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, as well as the risk for allergies, inflammatory diseases, and certain types of cancer. This imbalance is thought to have evolved over time due to changes in human diet.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateDec 7, 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.

Personalized cancer vaccine is associated with promising outcomes for patients with AML

A personalized cancer vaccine significantly improved outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in a clinical trial, showing protection from relapse in most patients and minimal side effects. The vaccine stimulated powerful immune responses against AML cells, using the body's own defense systems to fight cancer.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 7, 2016

Tumor cells are dependent on fat to start metastasis

Researchers at IRB Barcelona identify CD36 as a general marker of metastatic cells, which are responsible for initiating and promoting metastasis in several types of human tumors. High-fat diets have been shown to enhance the formation of metastases in mice inoculated with oral cancer cells.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature·DateDec 7, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Optimism may reduce risk of dying prematurely among women

A new study found that optimism is associated with a significantly reduced risk of dying prematurely among women. The most optimistic women had a nearly 30% lower risk of dying from any disease analyzed in the study, including cancer, heart disease, and infection.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 7, 2016

Brain activity may predict risk of falls in older people

A study published in Neurology found that higher levels of brain activity in the prefrontal cortex were associated with a higher risk of falls in healthy older adults. The association remained even after accounting for other factors, such as slow walking speed and frailty.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 7, 2016

The secret slimming effect of sweet potato waste

A new study found that sweet potato peptide, produced from the water wasted during processing, helps reduce body weight and fat levels in mice fed high-fat diets. The peptide activates appetite suppression and controls lipid metabolism, suggesting a potential slimming effect.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateDec 7, 2016

Baby teethers soothe, but many contain low levels of BPA

A study by the American Chemical Society found that all tested plastic teethers contained BPA and other endocrine-disruptors, which can leach out into water. The researchers detected a range of parabens and antimicrobials in most teethers, raising concerns about infant exposure to potentially toxic chemicals.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 7, 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.

What comes before new-onset major depressive disorder in kids, teens?

A new study examines data from a high-risk group of children with depressed parents to identify signs and symptoms preceding new-onset MDD during adolescence. Analyzed clinical antecedents found irritability and fear/anxiety associated with the first onset of adolescent MDD, highlighting multiple routes to the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 7, 2016

Supportive care for cancer patients remains inadequate

Supportive care, including pain relief and medication to prevent side effects, remains insufficient for many cancer patients, especially those on government-funded schemes in India. This can lead to delayed treatment cycles and poor quality of life. Researchers emphasize the need for better policies and access to effective treatments.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateDec 7, 2016

Scientists can now better diagnose diseases with multiple genetic causes

Researchers used whole exome sequencing to analyze nearly 7,400 patients, identifying a genetic cause in 28 percent. The study shows that multiple genes can be involved in complex diseases, leading to imprecise diagnoses. A unified analysis combining clinical and genetic features provides more precise diagnoses.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 7, 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.

Patients wait 4 months before seeking cancer diagnosis

Patients with longer delays were more likely to receive palliative treatment, while early diagnosis and treatment improve cancer outcomes. The study found that patients and primary care physicians contributed significant delays, highlighting the need for increased patient awareness about symptoms and screening.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateDec 7, 2016

Enzyme that digests vitamin A also may regulate testosterone levels

Researchers at the University of Illinois found that mice lacking functional copies of the Bco1 gene had lower blood concentrations of testosterone and smaller prostates. The study suggests that Bco1 may also play a role in regulating prostate growth and androgen synthesis, challenging current understanding of carotenoid metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 7, 2016

Cheaper and more sustainable sweeteners

Researchers at ICIQ and ETH have developed a new process to produce polyalcohols from biomass using two consecutive metallic catalysts featuring molybdenum and ruthenium. This method is more sustainable, cheaper, and efficient than traditional biochemical processes that require controlled temperatures, concentrations, and pH.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalChemSusChem·DateDec 7, 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.

Imaging links structural brain changes and cognitive decline in Parkinson's

Researchers found significant alterations in brain networks of PD patients with mild cognitive impairment, indicating complex structural brain network disruption rather than individual white matter degeneration. The study suggests using MRI to monitor the disease and predict cognitive complications.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateDec 7, 2016

Critical zone, critical research

The Earth's critical zone is a vital layer that supports life and human activities. Research in this area reveals the importance of time, depth, and coupling in understanding the zone's dynamics. This knowledge helps predict and mitigate negative effects, such as soil degradation and water quality issues.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateDec 7, 2016

How your parenting tactics influence your teen's problem behaviors

Researchers at UC Riverside found that when teens view their parents' parenting tactics more negatively, they show elevated levels of aggressive behaviors. The study highlights the importance of adolescents' evaluation of their parents' responses to challenging behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateDec 7, 2016

Do thoughts of death change our shopping habits?

A study by Michel Laroche and Marcelo Nepomuceno found that people with certain world views react differently to thoughts of death. Compulsive shoppers are more likely to buy when thinking about mortality, while anti-consumers resist consumption more strongly.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateDec 7, 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.

'Pulling' bacteria out of blood

Scientists at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) are working on a novel treatment approach for blood poisoning. They aim to remove bacteria from the blood using magnetic purification, which could potentially replace antibiotics in some cases.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·DateDec 7, 2016

When neurons are 'born' impacts olfactory behavior in mice

A study by NC State University researchers found that adult-born olfactory neurons play a crucial role in processing novel food odors, but not aversive odors. The researchers used chemogenetic methods to selectively silence these neurons and observed the impact on behavior.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 7, 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.

New moms moving toward the bottle

A UBC study found that new moms transitioning to expressed breast milk typically stop breastfeeding earlier than peers, raising concerns about infant health. The research suggests inadequate lactation support may contribute to this trend.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateDec 7, 2016

Targeted preventive measures for hip fracture are needed for persons with Alzheimer's disease

A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that hip fracture risk is higher among those with Alzheimer's disease. Regular assessments of medications and targeted interventions such as exercise, home safety assessment and modification, and medication reviews are proposed as feasible approaches to reduce this risk.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalBMC Geriatrics·DateDec 7, 2016

Molecular switches researched in detail

The researchers used spectroscopy to visualize the arginine finger bonded to the GTP molecule at high precision, revealing how its snap affects geometry and charge distribution. This discovery has implications for understanding switch processes in the body and developing treatments for cancer and genetic diseases.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2016

Study proposes new protocol for treatment of thalassemia

Researchers found that administering amlodipine alongside chelation therapy effectively reduces cardiac iron in patients with thalassemia major, potentially combating heart failure and fatal arrhythmias. The treatment is considered safe and inexpensive, with no significant side effects.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBlood·DateDec 7, 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.

East Greenland ice sheet has responded to climate change over the last 7.5 million

A study analyzing marine sediment cores reveals East Greenland's ice sheet underwent deep glacial erosion over the past 7.5 million years, responding to global climate change. This finding challenges previous theories on complete and extended deglaciation, suggesting a more complex history of ice sheet dynamics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateDec 7, 2016

Greenland on thin ice?

Two studies published in Nature offer new perspectives on the past behavior of Greenland's ice sheet, with one suggesting continuous presence for seven million years while another proposes it was nearly ice-free for at least 280,000 years. The findings highlight the complexity and dynamic nature of the ice sheet.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature·DateDec 7, 2016

Blocks of ice demonstrate levitated and directed motion

A team led by Stéphane Dorbolo found that a disk of ice becomes highly mobile due to a levitating layer of water between it and the smooth surface on which it rests and melts. By controlling the flow dynamics of the melted ice, they can direct its motion.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateDec 7, 2016

Images of faraway galaxies shed new light on dark matter

Scientists have gained fresh insight into dark matter, a key component of the universe. Using powerful telescopes to analyze distant galaxies, they found that dark matter is less dense and more evenly spread throughout space.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 7, 2016

Beware: Children can passively 'smoke' marijuana, too

A new study detected traces of THC, a primary psychoactive chemical in marijuana, in the urine of children exposed to secondary marijuana smoke. Higher concentrations were found in non-white children compared to white children. Researchers call for further investigation into secondhand marijuana smoke exposure as a potential health risk.

SourceSpringer·JournalPediatric Research·DateDec 7, 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.

Big data approach to water quality applied at shale drilling sites

Researchers at Penn State are using a computer program to analyze water quality data from Pennsylvania's streams, rivers, and private wells to detect potential environmental impacts of Marcellus Shale gas drilling. The study found that methane concentrations tend to be higher around fault lines.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 7, 2016

Common insecticides are riskier than thought to predatory insects

Common insecticides like neonicotinoids significantly reduce populations of predatory insects in North American and European farming systems, posing a threat to crop yields. The use of integrated pest management strategies is recommended to conserve beneficial insect species.

SourcePenn State·JournalPeerJ·DateDec 7, 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.

Carbon monoxide 'scavenger' offers potential antidote to silent killer

Researchers have designed a molecule that can trap and remove carbon monoxide from the bloodstream, protecting mice from poisoning. The engineered neuroglobin binds CO about 1,000 times more tightly than hemoglobin, selectively targeting the dangerous compound.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 7, 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.

Follow-up by trained nurses helps myocardial infarction patients

A case management program with trained nurses improves the health of elderly patients after a cardiac infarction, reducing physical restrictions and improving lifestyle changes. The study analyzed data from over 300 patients aged 65 years or older, finding positive effects on muscle strength, blood fat levels, and overall quality of life.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalValue in Health·DateDec 7, 2016

High-resolution brain scans could improve concussion detection

Researchers found that high-resolution brain scans using magnetoencephalography (MEG) can detect concussions more accurately than traditional methods like MRI or CT scans. MEG measures changes in brain communication between areas, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially improved treatment and recovery processes.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 7, 2016

Uncovering the secrets of water and ice as materials

A team of researchers has made a breakthrough in understanding the structure of ice XV, revealing new insights into its formation from ice VI. Their work uses neutron diffraction and computer simulations to shed light on the hydrogen ordering phase transition.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateDec 7, 2016

New studies take a second look at coral bleaching culprit

Researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that superoxide produced at coral surfaces may help corals resist bleaching. Contrary to previous findings, corals producing high concentrations of superoxide had greater resilience to bleaching than those with low production levels.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 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.

Heart disease protein linked to brain damage

A study by researchers from the Netherlands discovered a clear association between higher levels of N-terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and brain damage, including smaller gray matter volume and poorer white matter organization. This finding suggests a close link between cardiac dysfunction and subclinical brain damage.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateDec 7, 2016

New study shows targeted therapy needed for breast cancer with brain metastases

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have discovered molecular changes in primary tumors of breast cancer patients who developed brain metastases. The findings suggest that targeted therapies should be tailored not only for the original breast cancer but also for the brain tumors.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 7, 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.

Closing the carbon loop

A new catalyst developed by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh has the potential to solve two problems at once - reducing net carbon dioxide emissions while generating cleaner fuels. The catalyst, which converts CO2 into methanol, could dramatically reduce the cost of carbon capture and conversion.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateDec 7, 2016

Knowing one's place in a social hierarchy

A study published in Neuron reveals the mechanisms behind learning social hierarchies, with the prefrontal cortex playing a key role. The researchers found that people can rapidly form coherent understandings of their own social hierarchy through integrating interaction outcomes.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateDec 7, 2016

Chemical mosquito controls ineffective in Zika fight

Existing mosquito control strategies are often ineffective and may even be counterproductive in fighting Zika virus, according to a review of previous studies. The quality of evidence supporting these methods is poor, making it difficult to determine the best approach to combat the disease.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 7, 2016

Early life stressors adversely influence brain development

Studies found that early life stress associated with poverty and lack of familial support may lead to lower response to rewards, increased vulnerability to depression in children, and altered brain development. Positive maternal support appeared protective against these adverse effects on brain development.

SourceAmerican College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 7, 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.

Miraculous proliferation

Recent experiments by Loessner and his group have shown that L-forms are an independent form of life that can multiply indefinitely. They form a crazy network of vesicles with elastic connector tubes, enabling them to exchange cytoplasm and multiply without cell walls or genetic material.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 2016

Study shows blood products unaffected by drone trips

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that drone transportation of large bags of blood products can maintain their temperature and cellular integrity. The study suggests drones are an effective way to transport blood products to remote areas or time-sensitive destinations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalTransfusion·DateDec 7, 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.

Scientists shed new light on how the brain processes & maintains what we don't see

Researchers used magnetoencephalography to decode neuronal activity from MEG recordings, confirming theoretical predictions and showing that invisible images can be partially maintained in high-level brain regions. This study challenges current understanding of conscious perception and demonstrates the power of machine learning tools.

SourceNew York University·JournalNeuron·DateDec 7, 2016

Shaping pharma: The industry's top stories from 2016

Key findings from 2016 pharmaceutical industry news include the fight against Zika and rare diseases, as well as failed deals and new players. The industry's top stories set the stage for 2017 with a focus on innovative treatments and regulatory changes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 7, 2016

Toward opioid vaccines that can help prevent overdose fatalities

Researchers have created two compounds that work as potential vaccines against opioid overdoses, preventing the drugs from entering the central nervous system and inducing addiction. The vaccine candidates showed promising results in mouse tests, with vaccinated mice surviving overdose fatalities at higher rates than unvaccinated mice.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateDec 7, 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.

Deep brain stimulation may not boost memory

A recent study published in Neuron found that deep brain stimulation did not improve memory performance, with a range of impairment from 5% to 20%. However, the researchers suggest that a different stimulation protocol may be necessary to boost memory.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateDec 7, 2016

Pollinator habitat program spreads bad seeds with the good

Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that pollinator habitat seed mixes sold by companies in the Midwest contain seeds of Palmer amaranth and other invasive weeds. The USDA does not license or inspect these seed companies, leading to the unintended introduction of these weeds to thousands of acres of land.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 7, 2016

Decoding cement's shape promises greener concrete

Rice University scientists have decoded the kinetic properties of cement and developed a way to 'program' microscopic particles to create less porous and more durable material. This technique may lead to stronger structures that require less concrete, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateDec 7, 2016

Study explores companies' strategies in expanding globally

A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas examines why and how multinational enterprises decide to expand globally. It finds that moderate levels of institutional diversity in a region attract the highest amount of internationalization, while larger numbers of countries within the region reduce this process.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of International Business Studies·DateDec 7, 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.

Disruption of the body's internal clock causes disruption of metabolic processes

Carbon monoxide metabolism is linked to the body's circadian rhythms, and disruption can cause metabolic disorders such as diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Researchers have identified a reciprocal relationship between carbon monoxide production and the body's internal clock.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 7, 2016

Atlas of the RNA universe takes shape

New research reveals microRNAs play a vital role in regulating gene expression, influencing organismic development and disease. Studies have uncovered a vast network of miRNA families that target disparate gene pathways.

SourceArizona State University·JournalGenome Research·DateDec 7, 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.

Safety in darkness

A Kyoto University team has demystified the process of melanin transport to epidermis using video cameras and chicken tissue. Melanin pigments protect skin from DNA damage by surrounding keratinocyte nuclei, a discovery that could lead to effective dermatological treatments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 7, 2016

Machine learning enables predictive modeling of 2-D materials

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have pioneered the use of machine learning to accurately predict the properties of nanomaterials, including thermal conductivity. The study's atomic-level model is more accurate than past models and enables researchers to capture bond formation and breaking events.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateDec 7, 2016