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Science News for February 24, 2016


Moffitt develops novel cancer treatment to inhibit chemo-resistance

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center develop adaptive therapy to keep resistant cells in check, prolonging survival without disease progression in mouse models of triple-negative and ER+ breast cancer. The approach is being tested in a clinical trial for prostate cancer patients.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2016

Want to be seen as a leader? Get some muscle

Researchers found that physical strength is a key attribute in judging leadership potential, with strong men perceived as better leaders and having higher status. This effect does not depend on physical attractiveness, and even manipulating body size and height had no impact on participants' ratings.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 24, 2016

'Squishiness' can indicate embryo viability, Stanford researchers find

A new study by Stanford bioengineers and physicians finds that measuring the rigidity of an hour-old fertilized egg can predict its viability more accurately than current methods. The technique, published in Nature Communications, could improve the success rate of single-egg IVF and ultimately benefit both mothers and babies.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2016

Study: Carbon tax needed to cut fossil fuel consumption

A new study by MIT economist Christopher Knittel suggests that technology-driven cost reductions in fossil fuels will lead to continued use of oil, gas, and coal unless governments pass new taxes on carbon emissions. Burning all available fossil fuels could raise global average temperatures by 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Economic Perspectives·DateFeb 24, 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.

The first European earthworm map is drawn

Researchers from eight European countries have mapped the abundance and diversity of earthworms across the continent, highlighting their crucial role in soil health. The study's findings emphasize the need for further data collection to validate the results and improve monitoring.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalApplied Soil Ecology·DateFeb 24, 2016

Stress wakes up sleeping herpesviruses -- but how?

Research identifies cellular stress-sensors proteins that favor viral lytic gene expression and cell cycle arrest. The study provides insight into the link between stress responses, cell cycle regulation and virus reactivation in oncogenic herpesviruses.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 24, 2016

Zika epidemic highlights need for priority vaccine research for pregnant women

The Zika epidemic underscores the importance of prioritizing vaccine development for pregnant women, who face specific challenges in clinical trials and labeling guidelines. Researchers highlight the need for a pregnancy-specific ethical framework, standardized measurement of outcomes, and more baseline data to optimize vaccine safety ...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 24, 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.

Ocean acidification slowing coral reef growth

Coral reefs are already experiencing slower growth due to ocean acidification, which is causing coral calcification rates to decrease. The study found that increasing the pH of seawater can stimulate calcification rates.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2016

Monitoring & support help patients and primary care physicians dealing with chronic pain

A study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that monthly monitoring and support from pain specialists increased PCP confidence in prescribing opioids, improved patient compliance, and enhanced communication between practitioners. The research highlights the benefits of careful monitoring and pain management support within primary c...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalPain Medicine·DateFeb 24, 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.

Consumers have huge environmental impact

A study published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology found that consumers are responsible for more than 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions and up to 80% of world water use. Changing consumption habits can significantly reduce environmental impact.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateFeb 24, 2016

Research offers hope for better treatments for retinal degenerative diseases

Researchers at MUSC have discovered a safe method for producing retinal pigment epithelial-like cells using human proteins, which can be transplanted to treat macular degeneration. The study also found an effective way to repair the damaged Bruch's membrane beneath these cells, rejuvenating the tissue.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2016

Attention bias modification treatment in depressed adolescents

A new study found that a computer-based attention bias modification treatment reduced negative attention biases and clinician-rated depressive symptoms in adolescents with major depression. After 12 months, participants in the active ABM group reported even greater reductions in self-reported depressive and anxious feelings.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 24, 2016

Reduced side effects from ECT for those with severe depression

A new study from Trinity College Dublin reveals that modifying ECT can minimize cognitive side effects while maintaining its effectiveness in treating severe depression. The 'unilateral' approach, involving unilateral electrode placement, shows promising results.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 24, 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.

New interactive guide tells the story of forest products in the South

The USDA Forest Service's new interactive guide, Southern Forest Products - An Economic Engine, tells the story of forest products in the South over the last decades. Using FIA data loaded onto the Esri ArcGIS Online platform, the guide provides a constantly updated guide to southern timber product outputs and mills that process them.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·DateFeb 24, 2016

Adult male gorillas call more during feeding than females, juveniles

A study published in PLOS ONE found that adult male gorillas call more frequently than females and juveniles during feeding, especially when consuming aquatic vegetation, flowers, and seeds. This food-associated calling may help express well-being and aid group coordination and social cohesion.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2016

UTSW researchers build powerful 3-D microscope, create images of cancer cells

UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have designed a powerful 3-D microscope capable of creating high-resolution images of living cancer cells in controlled microenvironments. The new approach enables detailed study of cell interactions with their environment, accelerating discovery in biology.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 24, 2016

Bluebird's conundrum: Shack up now or hang out in mom's nest for a while?

A new study in Behavioral Ecology suggests that young male western bluebirds may benefit from living with their parents as helpers for a year before starting a nest of their own. This cooperative breeding strategy can increase both the parents' and the helper's lifespans, as well as reproductive fitness.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateFeb 24, 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.

How to tackle the Zika virus

Scientists struggle to study Zika due to low symptom visibility and lack of approved tests. Pharmaceutical companies are racing to develop vaccines, but a broader approach targeting multiple viruses could provide future protection

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 24, 2016

Tropical fires fuel elevated ozone levels over western Pacific Ocean

Scientists have found that tropical fires in Southeast Asia and Africa are responsible for high ozone concentrations in the air above the western Pacific Ocean. The ozone is a byproduct of burning organic material, which is transported thousands of miles away by winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2016

Grassland harvest could conserve resources, benefit farmers, and curb government spending

Researchers found that CRP biomass yield can reach up to 6.4 metric tons per hectare, but economic analyses show that costs of fertilizer application may outweigh benefits. Implementing a system where land owners harvest one-third of their acreage per year could reduce government costs by $31 million annually.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2016

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope coming together over next 2 years

The James Webb Space Telescope is being assembled over the next two years, with recent installations of primary mirror segments and upcoming tests at NASA Goddard and Johnson Space Center. The telescope will undergo end-to-end optical testing in a simulated cryo-temperature environment before final assembly and launch preparation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 24, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

U-M researchers find noninvasive way to view insulin in pancreas

Scientists at the University of Michigan have developed a novel method to observe insulin production in the pancreas of living animals. The technique allows researchers to see how much insulin is present and respond to sugar levels in real-time, revealing surprising insights into pancreatic function.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDiabetes·DateFeb 24, 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.

Global warming will drive vast, unpredictable shift in natural wealth

A new Yale-led study suggests that climate change reallocates global wealth in unpredictable ways, leading to a potential net loss in global wealth. The researchers argue that price impacts in resource-rich areas can significantly affect wealth reallocation.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 24, 2016

Intensive blood pressure lowering treatment may harm people with diabetes

A recent study published in the BMJ found that intensive blood pressure lowering treatment using antihypertensive drugs may increase the risk of cardiovascular death in people with diabetes and systolic blood pressure levels under 140 mm Hg. However, for those with high blood pressure, treatment is crucial to prevent complications.

SourceUmea University·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 24, 2016

Colorado visitors using marijuana more likely to end up in emergency room

A study by Northwestern University found that out-of-state visitors to Colorado's marijuana dispensaries are increasingly visiting the emergency room, with a 109% increase in 2014 compared to 2012. Adverse side effects of cannabis use include anxiety, hallucinations, and cardiovascular issues.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2016

Sleep changes seen with fetal alcohol exposure partly explain learning and mood problems

A new study suggests that fetal alcohol exposure leads to long-lasting slow-wave sleep fragmentation, which is associated with learning problems and impaired cognitive function. The researchers found that mice exposed to binge amounts of ethanol displayed severe sleep fragmentation, memory impairment, and hyperactivity.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNeuroscience·DateFeb 24, 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.

Laser surgery opens blood-brain barrier to chemotherapy

Using laser probe, neurosurgeons deliver chemotherapy drugs to patients with glioblastoma after opening the blood-brain barrier. The technology allows for longer treatment windows and potentially limits harmful effects of chemotherapy.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2016

Maraviroc-containing regimens safe, tolerable when taken for HIV prevention

A Phase 2 trial found that maraviroc-containing regimens are as safe and well-tolerated as TDF and emtricitabine when used as PrEP to prevent HIV infection in high-risk men. Five participants became infected with HIV during the study, but their low drug levels suggested inconsistent use of PrEP.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 24, 2016

Quality of care for in-hospital cardiac arrest varies among US hospitals

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found significant variations in US hospital cardiac arrest care quality. Hospitals with better adherence to recommended guidelines have higher survival rates for patients treated for in-hospital cardiac arrest. The researchers estimate that an additional 22,990 to 24,200 lives could be saved annuall...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateFeb 24, 2016

Study examines heart structure, function of NBA players

A comprehensive analysis of 526 NBA players reveals larger left ventricular cavity sizes, but not necessarily indicative of increased risk. Most athletes have normal left ventricular ejection fractions, with African American athletes showing increased wall thickness and mass compared to white athletes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateFeb 24, 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.

Researchers grow cyberforests to predict climate change

Scientists create a computer simulation that grows realistic forests down to individual trees to predict how climate-related changes will affect fire rates, plant growth, and forest recovery in Quebec hardwood forests. The 'LES' model can help identify necessary species for reestablishing forests after wildfires and other disturbances.

SourceWashington State University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 24, 2016

Study shows genetic counseling helps psychiatric patients

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry shows that genetic counseling is valuable for patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and similar conditions. Genetic counseling helps clarify misconceptions about the cause of psychiatric illnesses and reduces feelings of guilt and distress.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateFeb 24, 2016

Ketamine for the difficult-to-sedate ER patient

A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found ketamine to be an effective and safe sedation agent for patients with acute behavioral disturbances who do not respond to traditional methods. Only 10% of patients treated with ketamine required additional sedation or failed to achieve sedation within a set time frame.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 24, 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.

One rule to grow them all

A new study found that a single embryonic rule regulates hominin tooth size, with variations in the expression of this rule accounting for differences in tooth size throughout human evolution. The researchers discovered that the inhibitory cascade pattern for adult molars is directly linked to the size of milk molars.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2016

Nitrogen is a neglected threat to biodiversity

A survey of 1400 endangered species found 78 vulnerable to nitrogen-induced harms. Nitrogen's impacts on biodiversity are diverse, including direct toxicity, depleted oxygen, and invasive species that outcompete native populations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 24, 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.

A lower limit for future climate emissions

A new study suggests that the available budget for carbon dioxide emissions is on the low end of previous estimates, lending urgency to addressing climate change. The researchers propose a limit of 590-1240 billion tons CO2 from 2015 onwards to keep global warming below 2°C.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 24, 2016

Simpler technique yields antibodies to a range of infectious agents

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a simpler method to produce antibodies against a range of infectious agents using DNA-based genetic immunization. The technique successfully expressed membrane proteins in mice and induced the animals to produce critical antibodies to bacterial and viral targets.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 24, 2016
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New climate model better predicts changes to ocean-carbon sink

A new climate model developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison can better predict changes to the ocean-carbon sink, a crucial factor in understanding future climate change. The improved predictive capacity allows scientists to distinguish human-induced effects from natural variability.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2016

Freshwater biodiversity has positive impact on global food security

A new study from the University of Southampton found that inland freshwater fisheries with higher biodiversity have higher-yielding and more stable fisheries. The research suggests that maintaining healthy freshwater systems is critical for food security and livelihoods, particularly in developing countries.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateFeb 24, 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.

EU decision process hinders use of genetically modified trees

The European Union's complex and unpredictable decision process is hindering the introduction of genetically modified trees to the market. The current procedure involves extensive risk analyses, which are costly and time-consuming, making it difficult for scientists to predict the long-term consequences of GM tree use.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateFeb 24, 2016

Conservatives prefer using nouns, new research finds

Conservatives tend to use nouns instead of adjectives to describe things, preferring clarity and predictability. This linguistic preference is linked to the values associated with conservatism, such as stability and tradition.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPolitical Psychology·DateFeb 24, 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.

Antibiotic stewardship practices widely implemented in VA health-care system

The VA has robustly implemented antibiotic stewardship practices across its facilities, with over 80% having an Infectious Disease specialist on staff. Formal policies and staffing patterns promoting appropriate antibiotic use were also widespread.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 24, 2016

Predicting human evolution: Teeth tell the story

A study led by Dr Alistair Evans from Monash University has simplified the understanding of human tooth evolution, allowing for predictions on missing teeth. The 'inhibitory cascade' rule reveals a pattern in tooth size that was previously thought to be more complex.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2016

Unconventional treatment strategy controls -- rather than eradicates -- cancer

Researchers develop adaptive therapy that adjusts drug dose based on tumor response, controlling growth and allowing 60-80% of mice to be weaned off the drug. The treatment approach stabilizes tumors by maintaining a small population of drug-sensitive cells to suppress resistant cell growth.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 24, 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.

Study examines heart structure, function of NBA players

The study provides information that can be incorporated into clinical assessments for the prevention of cardiac emergencies in basketball players. The analysis reveals that left ventricular cavity sizes in NBA players are larger than in normal adults, but proportional to body size.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateFeb 24, 2016

Pulling water from thin air

Researchers develop new material to collect condensed water droplets using bio-inspired approach combining multiple natural systems. The material harnesses the power of desert beetles' bumps, cactus spines and slippery surfaces to facilitate condensation, promising applications in thermal power plants.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2016

Study suggests that longer-distance migratory birds may be smarter

A study published in Scientific Reports found that birds migrating greater distances have more new neurons in brain regions responsible for navigation and spatial orientation. The research team discovered a trend of increasing new neurons in line with migration distance, with different brain regions affected in two species.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 24, 2016

Pancreatic cancer is 4 diseases, each with new treatment possibilities

A new study reveals that pancreatic cancer is composed of four distinct subtypes, each with its own unique genetic profile and treatment possibilities. These findings have significant implications for diagnosis and treatment, potentially allowing for more accurate prognoses and targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2016

Inability to avoid visual distractions linked to poor short-term memory

A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that differences in working memory capacity correlate with the brain's ability to actively ignore distraction. Individuals with low memory capacity are unable to suppress distractors, leading to attentional deficits.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 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.

Omega-3 fatty acids may lower breast cancer risk in postmenopausal obese women

Researchers found that omega-3 supplementation reduced breast density in postmenopausal women with a body mass index above 29, bordering on obesity. The study suggests that DHA alone may be preferentially protective in these individuals, offering an example of personalized approach to breast cancer prevention.

SourcePenn State·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateFeb 24, 2016

Ocean acidification already slowing coral reef growth

Scientists have found that ocean acidification is already slowing coral reef growth, with the potential for widespread devastation if left unchecked. Researchers manipulated seawater chemistry in a natural ecosystem to determine the impact of excess CO2 on coral reefs.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2016

NASA contributes to global standard for navigation, studies of Earth

The International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) has been updated by NASA, enabling more detailed studies of global changes in Earth's ocean, ice sheets, land, and atmosphere. Four measurement techniques, including Satellite Laser Ranging and GNSS, contribute to the reference frame.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 24, 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.

New laser achieves wavelength long sought by laser developers

Researchers at the University of Bath created a new laser capable of pulsed and continuous mid-infrared emission between 3.1-3.2 microns, overcoming a major challenge in laser development. The achievement uses silica hollow-core fibers to confine light and gas, enabling efficient interaction and mid-IR emission.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateFeb 24, 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.

What makes penguin feathers ice-proof

Researchers found that Humboldt penguins' unique feather structure is anti-adhesive and hydrophobic, preventing ice from accumulating. The discovery led to the creation of a nanofiber membrane with similar properties, which could be used in applications like electrical insulation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateFeb 24, 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.

Study predicts salt marshes will persist despite rising seas

A new study suggests that traditional assessment methods overestimate the vulnerability of salt marshes to sea-level rise. Salt marshes can generally survive higher rates of sea-level rise than predicted by current models, thanks to their ability to grow vertically and migrate landward.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 24, 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.

The prolonged death of light from type Ia supernovae

Researchers have observed that three years after its explosion, the brightness of a type Ia supernova continues to shine brighter than expected. This finding suggests that the powerful explosions produce an abundance of heavy cobalt, which provides an extra energy boost.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateFeb 24, 2016

The Mesoamerican bean decoded

An Ibero-American team has sequenced the Mesoamerican common bean genome, which will aid in improving production and conserving genetic varieties. The discovery has significant implications for agriculture, as it will help identify genes involved in disease resistance, drought tolerance, and seed quality.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalGenome Biology·DateFeb 24, 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.

Solved! First distance to a 'fast radio burst'

A team of scientists has confirmed that a 'fast radio burst' originates in the distant universe, using CSIRO radio telescopes and the National Astronomical Observatory's Subaru telescope. The breakthrough allows researchers to weigh the normal matter in the universe, confirming the presence of missing ordinary matter.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2016

A mathematical advance in describing waves

Mathematicians Gino Biondini and Dionyssios Mantzavinos develop a new mathematical model describing wave patterns with small irregularities. Their research shows that many disturbances evolve into single-class wave forms, answering a question scientists have been trying to answer for 50 years.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 24, 2016

Potatoes wild with calcium

Researchers found a wild potato with almost seven times as much calcium as usual varieties. Breeding programs can now use molecular markers to identify high-calcium traits, speeding up the breeding process. This discovery aims to improve crop quality and reduce cosmetic issues in potatoes.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateFeb 24, 2016

Evidence of early medieval Muslim graves found in France

Researchers from PLOS ONE discovered three skeletons buried in medieval graves in France that may have belonged to Muslims, with DNA analysis revealing paternal lineage from North Africa. The burials follow Islamic rites and radiocarbon dating suggests the skeletons are from the 7th-9th centuries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 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.

Computers can tell if you're bored, shows new BSMS study

A new study from BSMS shows that computers can detect boredom by monitoring non-instrumental movements. The research has the potential to develop more engaging online tutoring programs and companion robots. By tracking subtle changes in body language, computers can adapt to a user's level of interest.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 24, 2016

Too much salt could potentially contribute to liver damage

A high-salt diet has been found to contribute to liver damage in adult mice and embryonic chicks, with excessive sodium leading to cell death and decreased cell proliferation. Vitamin C treatment may partially counteract the negative effects of excess salt.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 24, 2016