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Science News for February 3, 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.

Anonymous browsing hinders online dating signals

A new study in Management Science finds that online dating sites may perpetuate traditional gender norms despite growing anonymity features. Women tend to send 'weak signals' instead of making the first move, while men take the cue and send more messages.

SourceMcGill University·JournalManagement Science·DateFeb 3, 2016

CNIC researchers discover a new target for the treatment of fatty liver disease

CNIC researchers have identified a new target for the treatment of fatty liver disease, p38 gamma and p38 delta proteins. Inhibition of these proteins with specific inhibitors has shown potential as a treatment for fatty liver disease, potentially preventing inflammation, liver damage, and diabetes linked to obesity.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 3, 2016

Researchers discover new phase of boron nitride and a new way to create pure c-BN

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered a new phase of boron nitride (Q-BN) and developed a technique to create cubic boron nitride (c-BN) at ambient temperatures and air pressure. The discovery has potential applications for high-power electronics, transistors, and solid-state devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAPL Materials·DateFeb 3, 2016

Enzyme key to link between age-related inflammation and cancer

A study published in Genes & Development found that inhibiting the MLL1 enzyme prevents age-related inflammation and cancer. Researchers discovered that MLL1 is critical for regulating gene expression and is commonly mutated in human cancers, leading to increased inflammation and tissue degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 3, 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.

Phosphine as a superconductor? Sure, but the story may be complicated

Researchers at the University of Buffalo found that phosphine's superconductivity likely results from the compound decomposing into other products containing phosphorus and hydrogen. This understanding could aid in creating new superconducting materials, which would revolutionize electric power infrastructure by reducing energy waste.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 3, 2016

Researchers uncover new piece of the HIV puzzle

A study published in Immunity found that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are destroyed in patients with acute HIV infection, highlighting the importance of early treatment. Research suggests that early intervention can protect ILCs from destruction and prevent immune system imbalances.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 3, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Receptors inside nerve cells may be a key to controlling pain

Blocking receptors inside nerve cells may offer a more effective and safer pain relief option by reducing drug-induced side effects. The study found that targeting glutamate receptors in the nucleus of spinal nerve cells can effectively relieve neuropathic pain in rats, with no changes in pain sensitivity observed in normal rats.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 3, 2016

Physical activity reduces risk of serious falls in older men

A study published in The BMJ found that moderate exercise programs can help prevent life-changing falls in older men. The research, which involved 1,635 participants aged 70-89, showed a notable gender difference, with male participants experiencing a 38% reduced rate of serious fall injuries.

SourceYale University·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 3, 2016

Study shows direct link between state spending habits and AIDS deaths

A Yale University study found a significant correlation between states' social service spending and reduced HIV/AIDS case rates and deaths. The researchers analyzed data from 2000-2009, discovering that states with higher investments in public health and education per person living in poverty had lower HIV/AIDS rates.

SourceYale University·JournalAIDS·DateFeb 3, 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.

Why is calcific tendinitis so painful?

Researchers found a significant increase in blood vessel and pain receptor growth among patients with calcific tendinitis, leading to chronic inflammation and severe pain. The study suggests new ways to manage the associated pain and may provide insights into other tendon disorders and diseases.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 3, 2016

Orangutans: Lethal aggression between females

Researchers observed a female orangutan being killed by another female, with a male recruited as a hired gun. Female-female aggression is rare, and the case defies typical patterns of joint coalitional killings.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateFeb 3, 2016

Wayne State chemistry professor earns NSF CAREER Award to examine unusual chemical structure

Jennifer Stockdill, a Wayne State University assistant professor of chemistry, has received a $650,000 NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award to investigate the reactivity of neutral aminyl radicals. The award also supports outreach programs aimed at promoting diversity in STEM fields among middle school girls and graduate students.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateFeb 3, 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.

Structure of brain plaques in Huntington's disease described by Pitt team

The study reveals the core of protein clumps found in Huntington's brains has a distinctive structure, which may lead to new therapies. The findings provide crucial insights into how proteins undergo misfolding and aggregation, shedding light on neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2016

Breaking through insect shells at a molecular level

Scientists at the universities of Bonn and Leipzig found a way to break through insect shells using enzyme chitinase 2 and growth factor idgf6. This discovery offers new starting points for controlling agricultural parasites and disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes that spread Zika virus.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 3, 2016

Modern microbial ecosystems provide window to early life on Earth

A study by a University of Miami-led team provides new insights into microbial reefs called stromatolites, which are believed to hold ancient records of early life. The research maps the growth and structure of these rare ecosystems in Shark Bay, Western Australia.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 3, 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.

No proof that radiation from X rays and CT scans causes cancer

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology challenges the widely-held belief that low-dose radiation from medical imaging procedures can cause cancer. The authors argue that the linear no-threshold model, used to estimate cancer risks, has never been conclusively demonstrated by empirical evidence.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 3, 2016

Consensus statement from the International Radiosurgery Oncology Consortium for Kidney

The International Radiosurgery Oncology Consortium has developed consensus guidelines for the safe implementation and practice of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for primary renal cell carcinoma. SBRT is a non-invasive treatment option with favorable comparisons to existing treatments, offering a cost-effective and widely av...

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalFuture Oncology·DateFeb 3, 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.

New insights into the function of the main class of drug targets

Researchers at the University of Basel elucidated how drugs interact with cell surface proteins and transmit signals to the cellular interior. Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, they obtained unprecedented details into G protein coupled receptor function.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 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.

Skin infections rife among high school wrestlers, say CU Anschutz researchers

A national survey reveals that high school wrestlers are prone to skin infections, with the head and neck being the most frequent site. Most skin infections can be treated within three to six days, but some may have more serious eye and neurological involvement.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateFeb 3, 2016

Research may explain mysterious deep earthquakes in subduction zones

Geologists from Brown University have discovered that water escaping from mineral lawsonite at high temperatures and pressures makes it prone to brittle failure, triggering earthquakes. This explains why certain quakes occur in cold subduction zones where lawsonite forms, but not in hot zones.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2016

Nasal polyps can be treated with medicine dupilumab

A new study found that dupilumab treatment was associated with significant improvements in nasal polyp size and burden after 16 weeks. The patients also reported improved quality of life and reduced symptoms such as nasal obstruction and nocturnal awakenings.

SourceGhent University·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 3, 2016

New study challenges Jupiter's role as planetary shield, protecting Earth from comet impacts

A new simulation study suggests that Jupiter's most important role in fostering life on Earth was delivering volatile materials from the outer Solar System. The study also proposes that a Solar System with one or more planets similar to Jupiter located beyond the region of potential terrestrial planets is beneficial for life development.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAstrobiology·DateFeb 3, 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.

Will climate change make the koalas' diet inedible?

Researchers investigate how climate change affects the balance between nutrient and toxicant content of eucalypt leaves, impacting koala survival. Climate-related stress may alter eucalypt leaf chemistry, affecting koalas' ability to detoxify and gain energy from their diet.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·DateFeb 3, 2016

Ready for the high seas?

The seagrass genome has been sequenced, revealing evolutionary changes that enabled plants to thrive in the marine environment. The findings have significant implications for food security, climate change, and marine conservation.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2016

Organic agriculture key to feeding the world sustainably

A review of 40 years of science shows organic farming can produce sufficient yields, protect the environment and be safer for farm workers. Organic production can also be more profitable for farmers and create less waste.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Plants·DateFeb 3, 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.

In the Southern Ocean, a carbon-dioxide mystery comes clear

The study found that sediments from the deep Southern Ocean carried smaller amounts of oxygen, indicating phytoplankton took up large amounts of carbon dioxide. This led to a buildup of decaying organic matter that stored extra carbon in the deep sea.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2016

Nutrient deprivation kills kidney cancer cells

Researchers found that deprivation of cystine triggers necrosis in renal cell carcinoma cells, leading to cell death and delayed tumor growth. This approach may offer a new therapeutic strategy for treating this aggressive form of kidney cancer.

SourceDuke University·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 3, 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.

Organic crystals allow creating flexible electronic devices

Researchers from Moscow State University have grown organic semiconductor crystals with extremely high light-emitting efficiency, promising a bright future for wet-processed organic optoelectronics. The solution-grown crystals outperform vapor-grown ones in luminescence efficiency and quantum yield.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 3, 2016

Media stereotypes fuel support for anti-Muslim action, new research shows

New research from Iowa State University finds that negative media stories about Muslims can lead to increased support for military action and restrictions against Muslim Americans. The study suggests that positive news stories about Muslims can help stem the tide of anti-Muslim sentiment, prejudice, and behavior.

SourceIowa State University·JournalCommunication Research·DateFeb 3, 2016

What's the impact of new marijuana laws? The data so far...

According to a review in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, new marijuana laws have led to an increase in marijuana use among adults but not teens, with some evidence of harmful effects. The potency of marijuana is also increasing, leading to more drivers testing positive for it.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·DateFeb 3, 2016

Parental depression negatively affects children's school performance

A new study found that parental depression can significantly negatively affect children's school performance, with mothers' diagnoses having a greater impact on girls. Children whose parents have depression are more likely to achieve lower grades, similar to those in low-income families but with smaller effects.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 3, 2016

Parasitic ants alter how captive ants recognize nest mates

Researchers found that enslaved Formica ant colonies were more genetically and chemically diverse than their free-living counterparts. This diversity is likely caused by seasonal raids to steal pupae from adjacent host colonies, leading to changes in how the ants recognize nest mates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 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.

Researchers develop hack-proof RFID chips

A new type of RFID chip is virtually impossible to hack, preventing identity theft and high-tech burglaries. The chip uses ferroelectric crystals to thwart power-glitch attacks and features a bank of capacitors as an on-chip energy source.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 3, 2016

On the origin of Eukaryotes -- when cells got complex

Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona, Spain, have shed new light on the evolution of eukaryotic cells by studying mitochondrial acquisition. The study found that acquiring mitochondria occurred late in cell evolution, suggesting a crucial milestone in life's complexity.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2016

Helping turn waste heat into electricity

Researchers found a way to control energy transfer between electrons and bismuth crystal lattice, enabling efficient conversion of waste heat into electricity. This discovery could improve the overall efficiency of solar cells by harnessing excess heat.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 3, 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.

Smartphones for sensing

Smartphone sensors can measure various physical quantities such as ultraviolet index, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, and air quality. A smart home system has been developed using mobile phones to detect CO2, temperature, humidity, and other parameters.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateFeb 3, 2016

Women are seen more than heard in online news

The study found men's views and voices are represented more in online news than women's, while women appear proportionally more in images. Women feature more in fashion and entertainment articles, but are least present in sports and politics topics. The research highlights the marginalization of women's voices in the media.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 2016

Routine antibiotics should be reconsidered for malnourished children

A new study suggests that routine antibiotics do not increase the likelihood of nutritional recovery in uncomplicated cases of severe acute malnutrition. Reducing antibiotic use would be prudent given global concern over antibiotic resistance.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 3, 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.

Researchers propose high-efficiency wireless power transfer system

Scientists from ITMO University developed a novel WPT system that maintains up to 80% transfer efficiency across 20 centimeters, making it suitable for commercial applications. The system uses spherical dielectric resonators and a higher-order resonant frequency mode to reduce power losses.

SourceITMO University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 3, 2016

Clean kitchens cut calories

A recent study conducted at the Cornell Food and Brand Lab found that cluttered kitchens can lead to over-snacking. Women who waited in a messy kitchen ate 53 more calories from cookies compared to those waiting in an organized kitchen.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateFeb 3, 2016

Practice makes perfect: Switching between languages pays off

Research from Concordia University reveals that bilingual children are better at certain types of mental control, with those who practice more language switching showing greater skills. This advantage is attributed to the cognitive benefits of bilingualism, including increased cognitive flexibility and selective attention abilities.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateFeb 3, 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.

Cause for hope: Secondary tropical forests put on weight fast

A study of secondary tropical forests reveals that they can recover biomass levels comparable to old-growth forests in as little as 66 years. The research highlights the potential of regenerating these forests to play a critical role in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2016

Whooping cough booster vouchers don't boost immunization rates of caregivers

A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that voucher promotions and celebrity PSAs did not increase Tdap vaccination among caregivers. The researchers discovered that financial barriers were a significant factor, but so were perceptions about the risk and severity of whooping cough.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalVaccine·DateFeb 3, 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.

Parental depression associated with worse school performance by children

A Swedish study of over 1.1 million children found that parental depression was associated with poorer school performance at age 16, with maternal depression having a larger negative effect on girls. The study suggests that early intervention and support for affected parents could have far-reaching effects on child development.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 3, 2016

Purified cashew proteins lend insight into allergic reactions

Scientists have developed a method to purify cashew proteins, shedding light on their effects and potential treatments for allergies. The study found differences in how allergens bind to antibodies in children and adults, highlighting the importance of geography and age in allergies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 3, 2016

NIH scientists discover genetic cause of rare allergy to vibration

Researchers identify ADGRE2 gene mutation responsible for vibratory urticaria, a rare inherited disorder causing hives and allergic symptoms upon vibration. The study reveals a key role of the mast cell response to physical stimuli in disease development, offering new insights into immune system functions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 3, 2016

Safeguarding sturgeon

Researchers at the University of Delaware used satellite measurements to predict Atlantic sturgeon locations. They identified six seascapes that sturgeon prefer and combined them with ocean color and temperature data to create a map that can help fishermen avoid catching the vulnerable species.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateFeb 3, 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.

Discovery of the specific properties of graphite-based carbon materials

Researchers have discovered Landau levels on atomically flat surfaces without asymmetries, supporting the domain model for non-magnetic field generation. The study reveals unique properties of graphite-based carbon materials, such as graphene, for electronic devices and catalysis.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 3, 2016

Scripps-led team discovers 4 new deep-sea worm species

A Scripps-led team has discovered four new deep-sea worm species, expanding the diversity of known species from one to five. The discovery has significant implications for understanding early animal evolution and the development of organ systems such as guts, brains, and kidneys.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2016

Greenland ice sheet releasing 'Mississippi River' worth of phosphorus

Researchers found that the Greenland ice sheet is releasing a significant amount of phosphorus into the Arctic Ocean, with annual input equal to some of the world's largest rivers. The nutrient could stimulate growth of plankton at the base of the ocean food web, impacting birds, fish, and marine mammals higher up the chain.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateFeb 3, 2016

Chip enables navigation aids for the visually impaired

Researchers developed a low-power chip that can process 3-D camera data and guide the visually impaired through wearable devices. The chip, about one-thousandth as powerful as conventional processors, enables a prototype navigation system that conveys distance information to users.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 3, 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.

Investigating potential fetal exposure to antidepressants

Researchers studied exposure to antidepressants in mice, finding that SSRIs like citalopram rapidly transfer to fetuses and brains. The study's findings suggest potential risks for children of mothers taking these medications during pregnancy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateFeb 3, 2016

Gender diversity in the boardroom key for LGBT friendly firms

A study published by SAGE in Human Relations found that diversity in the boardroom is key to advancing LGBT-inclusive policies. Firms with a higher percentage of women on the board are more likely to adopt a broad range of LGBT-friendly policies and practices.

SourceSAGE·JournalHuman Relations·DateFeb 3, 2016

Model helps decide drug dose for clinical testing

A mathematical model accurately predicted the results of a herpes drug study, pinpointing the most effective dose for treatment. The model considers the complex immune response against the virus, improving upon current methods that neglect this aspect.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 3, 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.

Financial industry coping with issues of elder exploitation, cognitive decline

The financial industry is facing a major economic threat from elder financial exploitation and cognitive decline, which can result in significant losses for individuals and society. New research and initiatives are being developed to detect, prevent, and intervene in these cases, including predictive models and algorithms.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalPublic Policy & Aging Report·DateFeb 3, 2016

Examining how terrestrial life's building blocks may have first formed

Scientists propose a new set of cosmic chemical reactions that could have contributed to the formation of life on Earth. Methanol is shown to be more reactive than methane and can give rise to varied hydrocarbons, their derivatives and products.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 3, 2016

Promising compounds against a cancer target

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have synthesized peptides that target the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) protein, which accelerates tumour cell growth. These peptides show promise as a potential treatment for cancer, and further studies are underway to develop stronger compounds.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalChemBioChem·DateFeb 3, 2016

UT Dallas study: Most NFL arrests not for violent crimes

A new UT Dallas study suggests that most NFL arrests are not for violent crimes, but rather minor offenses. The majority of players involved in violent incidents have only one arrest during the studied period, highlighting a small fraction of repeat offenders.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalDeviant Behavior·DateFeb 3, 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.

Galactic center's gamma rays unlikely to originate from dark matter, evidence shows

Two studies find gamma ray signals in the galactic center are unlikely caused by dark matter collisions. Instead, they could be attributed to fast-rotating stars called millisecond pulsars. Researchers used statistical analysis methods to analyze images of gamma rays captured by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 3, 2016

Chip could bring deep learning to mobile devices

Researchers at MIT have developed a new chip called Eyeriss that can enable mobile devices to run powerful artificial-intelligence algorithms locally. This could improve performance, reduce latency and allow for more efficient processing of data without relying on Wi-Fi connections.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 3, 2016

Fruit flies adjust their courtship song based on distance

Researchers discovered that male fruit flies adjust the amplitude of their courtship song based on distance from females, conserving energy and competing more effectively. This complex behavior sheds light on social interactions across the animal kingdom.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 3, 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.

Significant changes in rhino bone health over 50 million years

A study of rhinoceros bones reveals a significant increase in osteopathology as new species evolved, from 28% to 65-80%. The black rhino showed 50% fewer osteopathologies than derived extinct taxa, suggesting that long-term bone health may have been compromised by adaptations for increased mass and activity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 2016

Same switches program taste and smell in fruit flies

Fruit flies develop complex nervous systems through a set of genetic control switches that interact early in development to generate dozens of types of olfactory neurons. The same gene network also plays a role in programming taste neurons, suggesting the same basic mechanism could be at work in other animals.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 3, 2016

Emergency blood transfusions for major trauma need to be more rapid and consistent

A recent study found that nearly 5,000 trauma patients sustain major haemorrhage each year in England and Wales, with one-third dying due to delays in blood transfusion practices. The study highlights the need for more rapid and consistent delivery of blood components to trauma patients, as this can halve mortality rates.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBJS·DateFeb 3, 2016

Consistency of Earth's magnetic field history surprises scientists

Researchers have identified 10 additional superchrons in the Proterozoic Eon, revealing a similar rate of geodynamo-driven reversals for most of the past two billion years. This discovery challenges existing models of core evolution and the geodynamo process.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 3, 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.

High risk of falling -- an early sign of Parkinson's

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that Parkinson's patients experience a higher risk of injurious falls and hip fractures up to 30 years before diagnosis. This suggests early signs of balance issues may be an indicator of the disease.

SourceUmea University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 3, 2016

Pace of new drug approvals rise -- and so do their price tags

A record-breaking number of new drugs were approved last year, including biologics for rare diseases and cancer treatments. However, the high costs of these therapies pose a significant challenge for patients and the pharmaceutical industry.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 3, 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.

Breakthrough in generating embryonic cells that are critical for human health

A new study provides a reliable method to generate neural crest cells in just five days from human embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent cells. The research highlights the critical role of WNT signals, FGF and BMP pathways, and sheds light on the initiation of neural crest cell formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalDevelopment·DateFeb 3, 2016

Study reveals how herpes virus tricks the immune system

Researchers at Rockefeller University have captured atomic images of the herpes simplex 1 virus revealing how it inserts itself into another protein to evade detection by immune cells. The study provides a mechanistic explanation for the virus's ability to escape immune system recognition.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2016

Warming ocean may bring major changes for US northeast fishery species

Most US marine fish and invertebrate species are vulnerable to climate change, with some more resilient than others. The study ranks species based on their vulnerability, predicting widespread distribution shifts and potential impacts on abundance and productivity.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 2016

Use of and barriers to access to opioid analgesics worldwide

The report reveals that high-income western countries and regions are driving the increase in opioid use, while poorer nations face significant barriers to access including affordability, lack of awareness, and onerous regulations

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 3, 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.