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Science News for January 13, 2016


Taoyuan No. 3: New high-yield lettuce for subtropical regions

A new study in HortScience evaluated high-yielding lettuce cultivars for subtropical regions, finding 'Fu San', romaine lettuce 'Jhih Li Wo', and leaf lettuce 'Bai Yeh Wo' as suitable for summer production. The researchers developed a new cultivar called Taoyuan No.3, with improved temperature tolerance and late bolting characteristics.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJan 13, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

New drug target for X-linked lymphoproliferative disease identified

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified diacylglycerol kinase alpha as a potential therapeutic target for X-linked lymphoproliferative disease. Inhibition of this enzyme restored sensitivity to cell death in X-linked lymphoproliferative T cells and curtailed T cell expansion in virus-infected mice.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 13, 2016

3-D mapping of entire buildings with mobile devices

ETH Zurich scientists develop software that uses optical means to create 3D models of entire buildings in just 10 minutes, outperforming infrared technology in sunlight. The method allows for detailed architectural features and potential applications include augmented reality, city tours, and self-parking cars.

SourceETH Zurich·DateJan 13, 2016

Scientists discover how we play memories in fast forward

Researchers at University of Texas at Austin discovered a brain mechanism that allows us to play back memories in fast forward, compressing information needed for memory retrieval, imagination, or planning. This finding has implications for research into schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNeuron·DateJan 13, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

NASA sees Ula go extra-tropical

Tropical Cyclone Ula transformed into an Extra-Tropical Storm after being tracked by NASA's RapidScat instrument and NOAA's GOES-West satellite. The storm's strongest winds were detected east to south of the center, while increasing vertical wind shear weakened the system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 13, 2016

Experimental immunotherapy zaps 2 most lethal Ebola virus strains

Researchers have engineered antibodies that can potently neutralize Zaire and Sudan Ebola virus strains, providing high levels of protection for mice exposed to lethal doses. The findings are a significant step toward developing an all-inclusive treatment for Ebola virus that causes human disease.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 13, 2016

Physical activity may help keep fat children fit

A Finnish study found that high body adiposity and low physical activity are related to poorer physical fitness in children. However, physically active overweight children performed better in fitness tests compared to inactive peers.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Sports Sciences·DateJan 13, 2016
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New microscopy may identify best sperm cells

A new microscopy method developed by Tel Aviv University researchers can identify strong sperm candidates without staining, improving the success rates of assisted reproductive technology treatments. The device uses phase imaging methods to assess sperm viability and is cost-effective enough to be used in any doctor's office.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateJan 13, 2016

Common gene mutation bad for liver values, good for blood lipids in children

A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that a common gene mutation in healthy children improves blood lipid profiles while raising liver values. The TM6SF2 gene mutation was associated with lower triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as higher ALT values indicative of changes in liver metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPediatric Research·DateJan 13, 2016

Modifying the structure of wood alters plant microbiome

Researchers discovered that altering poplar wood composition affects tree microbiome structure and function. Modifications led to changes in bacterial communities within the endosphere, but not outside the plant tissue.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2016

Shiny fish skin inspires nanoscale light reflectors

Researchers from Penn State have developed a model that uses fractal geometry to describe the layering in silvery fish skin, which can guide the design of devices such as broadband mirrors. The technique has potential applications in advanced optical coatings, laser protection, infrared imaging systems, and photovoltaics.

SourcePenn State·DateJan 13, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Spermbots' could help women trying to conceive (video)

Scientists have developed motorized spermbots that can deliver poor swimmers to an egg, improving chances of conception. The technique uses tiny metal helices controlled by a rotating magnetic field and has shown promising results in lab testing.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 13, 2016

'No-buy' lists could cut kids' exposure to alcohol ads

A study suggests that improved use of no-buy lists by the alcohol industry could greatly reduce young people's exposure to alcohol advertisements on television. Researchers found that if such lists were universally applied, nearly all noncompliant advertising seen by children under the legal drinking age would be eliminated.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateJan 13, 2016

Racial makeup of labor markets affects who gets job leads

Researchers found that workers in majority-white labor markets are more likely to receive unsolicited job leads through social networks and informal approaches. The flow of job leads changes based on the race of people doing the same job, suggesting a preference for white workers.

SourceRice University·JournalSocial Currents·DateJan 13, 2016

The cellular protein shredder is impaired by cigarette smoke and in COPD patients

A study by Helmholtz Munich found that cigarette smoke damages the immunoproteasome, a protein complex responsible for degrading and presenting foreign proteins to the immune system. This impairment weakens the immune response in COPD patients, making them more prone to viral infections.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 13, 2016

New app 'hides' user location from third parties

A research team developed an app that hides user location from third parties, providing security for individuals who share personal info online. The app, yet to be released, uses privacy-preserving technology to protect users' location information from being accessed by services like Facebook and Twitter.

SourceBinghamton University·DateJan 13, 2016
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Food allergy linked to hyperactive immune system at birth

Researchers discovered a link between babies with hyperactive immune cells at birth and the development of food allergies in early life. Monocytes activated immune cells encouraged allergic reactions to common foods.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 13, 2016

The evidence for saturated fat and sugar related to coronary heart disease

A recent study evaluated the evidence linking saturated fats and sugars to coronary heart disease, concluding that sugar consumption is a greater contributor to CHD risk. Consuming high amounts of refined added sugars has been linked to increased risk of CHD, prediabetes, and diabetes.

SourceElsevier·JournalProgress in Cardiovascular Diseases·DateJan 13, 2016

Ice sheets may be hiding vast reservoirs of powerful greenhouse gas

A comprehensive study published in Nature Communications suggests that under the Arctic ice sheet, significant amounts of methane may have been stored as hydrates, releasing climate gas into the ocean and atmosphere for millennia. The findings indicate that modern ice sheets could also contain vast reservoirs of potent greenhouse gas.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 13, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

What happens with the environment when your car moves?

A recent study by high school student Gleb Rukhovich reveals that autocatalysts in modern cars can break down, releasing toxic heavy metals into the environment. The study found that contact with water facilitates the aggregation of platinum and palladium salts into clusters, which exhibit higher toxicity than simple salts.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences·JournalRSC Advances·DateJan 13, 2016

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as safe as aspirin

Researchers review studies on PrEP and aspirin, finding similar low rates of serious side effects. PrEP works well to prevent HIV when taken daily, supporting efforts to make it available over-the-counter.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateJan 13, 2016

Migrant values adapt over just 1 generation

A study by the University of Exeter has found that the children of migrants tend to think and reason like the wider UK population. This shift occurs despite retaining cultural similarities with their parents. The research suggests that communities can integrate over a single generation, contrary to common assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 13, 2016

Charting the growth of 1 of the world's oldest babies

Researchers have published the results of their scientific findings on a juvenile Chasmosaurus, one of the rarest dinosaur discoveries. The study provides new insights into the evolution and life history of horned dinosaurs.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateJan 13, 2016
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Couples' quality of life linked even when one partner dies

New research finds that a person's quality of life is linked to their deceased spouse's earlier quality of life, even when they are no longer living. The study suggests that this interdependence persists, with the deceased spouse's characteristics continuing to influence the surviving partner's well-being.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 13, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Novel blood thinner found to be safe and effective in women

A recent study published in Circulation found that cangrelor reduces the odds of major adverse cardiovascular events by 35 percent and stent thrombosis by 61 percent in women compared to standard therapy. The research provides important reassurance on the safety and efficacy of blood thinners in women.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCirculation·DateJan 13, 2016

Rooting out doping in racehorses

Scientists report a new detection method for identifying aromatase inhibitor use in horses, increasing chances of catching cheaters by 2-2.5 times longer than conventional methods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJan 13, 2016

Climate change could cut First Nations fisheries' catch in half

A new study finds that climate change could lead to declines in herring and salmon catches, affecting the livelihoods of indigenous communities along British Columbia's coast. By 2050, First Nations may experience catch losses between $6.7 million to $12 million annually.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 13, 2016

Annihilating nanoscale defects

Block copolymer molecules can self-assemble into specific shapes using patterns on semiconductor surfaces, allowing for the creation of nano-trenches where conducting wire materials can be deposited. The researchers' technique eliminates metastable states, reducing defects in high-precision nanocircuitry.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Children with epilepsy are at increased risk of dying early

Youth with epilepsy have almost a 4-fold increased risk of dying compared to those with migraines or lower extremity fractures. Fragmentation of medical care system plays a significant role in higher risk of premature death, emphasizing the need for well-coordinated care.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateJan 13, 2016

First demonstration of sexual selection in dinosaurs identified

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London found that Protoceratops' large bony frill increased in size as the animal matured, suggesting it played a role in attracting mates. The study provides the first demonstration of sexual selection in dinosaurs and sheds light on the evolution of ornamental structures.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateJan 13, 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.

Superoxide gives lithium-air batteries a jolt

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a way to produce stable crystallized lithium superoxide, which can easily dissociate into lithium and oxygen. This breakthrough has the potential to create a new kind of battery with five times the energy density of lithium-ion batteries.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2016

World's largest canyon could be hidden under Antarctic ice sheet

Researchers at Durham University have discovered a massive canyon system beneath the Antarctic ice sheet, stretching over 1,000km and potentially containing a subglacial lake. The discovery was made using satellite imagery and radio-echo sounding data, and is being confirmed through an airborne survey underway.

SourceDurham University·JournalGeology·DateJan 13, 2016

CA's state fish can benefit from restoring and protecting streamside meadows

Research shows that restoring and protecting streamside meadows can help keep streams cool for the California golden trout, which are threatened by rising temperatures. The study found that water temperatures approached the upper limit of tolerance in areas with suitable habitat, but were cooler in ungrazed meadow areas.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 13, 2016

Why do some infections persist? Blame bacterial socialism, says new study

Researchers at the University of Vermont discovered a new strategy for bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics by adopting an 'all-for-one' approach. This allows individual cells to assume high levels of resistance while others avoid extra work, enabling colonies to hedge their bets and persist in infections like cystic fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 13, 2016
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Physicists propose the first scheme to teleport the memory of an organism

Researchers at Purdue University and Tsinghua University propose a novel method to teleport the internal quantum state and center-of-mass motion state of a microorganism. This breakthrough has significant implications for potential future applications in quantum information and organism teleportation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJan 13, 2016

Surgical treatment restores penis length

A new study reveals that surgical treatment can effectively restore penile length and improve erectile dysfunction in patients with Peyronie's disease. The 'sliding technique' and penile prosthesis implantation showed promising results, with an average lengthening of 3.2 cm.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateJan 13, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Plague-riddled prairie dogs a model for infectious disease spread

Researchers at Colorado State University found that plague in prairie dogs can provide key insights into the study of rare infectious diseases like Ebola. The disease's spread is influenced by ecological factors, including temperature and population dynamics.

SourceColorado State University·JournalBioScience·DateJan 13, 2016

The post Big Bang revelead

An international team has discovered a compact galaxy emitting a large number of ionizing photons, confirming the hypothesis that galaxies were responsible for cosmic reionization. The 'green pea' galaxy J0925 was found to be ejecting ionizing photons with unprecedented intensity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2016

Environmental changes can elicit fast changes in pathogens

Researchers found that short-term exposure to different outside host resource types and concentrations affects Serratia marcescens' virulence in Galleria mellonella-moth. This suggests that even genetically similar bacteria can differ in their virulence depending on the source of nutrients.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 13, 2016
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Cutting down runway queues

Researchers at MIT have developed a queuing model that predicts taxiing time, allowing air traffic controllers to direct departures more efficiently. The model led to significant fuel savings in tests at various US airports, with each gate-held aircraft saving 16-20 gallons of fuel.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalTransportation Science·DateJan 13, 2016

Asthma in many adolescents is not an allergic disease

New research reveals that many adolescents with asthma do not have elevated levels of eosinophils or neutrophils, which are typically associated with inflammation. This finding has significant implications for the development of alternative treatments for asthmatics.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateJan 13, 2016

Sunshine vitamin linked to improved fertility in wild animals

A study of wild sheep on St Kilda island found that high levels of vitamin D are associated with improved fertility and reproductive success. Sheep with higher vitamin D levels had more lambs in the following spring, suggesting an evolutionary advantage.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 13, 2016

Fires burning in Africa and Asia cause high ozone in tropical Pacific

A new study suggests that biomass burning from African and Asian fires may play a larger role in climate change than previously thought. Researchers found high concentrations of ozone and chemicals associated with fires in the tropical Pacific, particularly above Guam.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 13, 2016
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Human-made climate change suppresses the next ice age

Scientists at Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found a unique relationship between summer insolation and atmospheric CO2 that explains past eight ice ages. Moderate human interference with the planet's natural carbon balance can postpone the next glacial inception by up to 100,000 years.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2016

Protein patterns -- a new tool for studying sepsis

A new method using mass spectrometry measures hundreds of proteins in a single blood sample, enabling researchers to determine the severity of sepsis and which organs are damaged. This technique provides an understanding of molecular events during the course of a disease, with potential applications for studying other diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 13, 2016

Fewer than 1 in 25 Seattleites can really eat locally

A University of Washington study found that Seattle's urban crops can only feed between 1 and 4 percent of the city's population, even with extensive backyard and public green spaces converted to farming. To meet the nutritional needs of an adult vegetarian diet, it would require a 58-mile expansion around the city.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalUrban Forestry & Urban Greening·DateJan 13, 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.

Repetitive blast exposure causes cerebellar dysfunction in combat veterans

Researchers at VA Puget Sound Health Care System and University of Washington find chronic changes in neuron activity in specific brain regions with repeated blasts. Chronic brain damage can lead to emotional difficulties such as mood problems, irritability, and impulsivity in veterans.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 13, 2016

Nano-hybrid materials create magnetic effect

Scientists at Rice University and Montreal Polytechnic designed computer simulations to investigate the electromagnetic properties of graphene-boron nitride hybrids. The researchers found that these hybrid materials exhibit both electronic and magnetic properties, which could be useful in spintronic and nano-transistor applications.

SourceRice University·JournalCarbon·DateJan 13, 2016
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

A coffee to keep New Year fitness resolutions

A study suggests that reducing perception of effort during exercise with caffeine can help people stick to their fitness plans. Researchers found that the majority of people give up on exercising within six months due to lack of motivation and physical exertion, which is a natural response to conserve energy. The use of psychoactive dr...

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalSports Medicine·DateJan 13, 2016

Green pea galaxy provides insights to early universe evolution

A team of scientists has found that compact dwarf galaxies, like the green pea galaxy J0925+1403, could explain cosmic reionization by ejecting ionizing photons into the intergalactic medium. This discovery opens a new avenue for understanding the early universe's 14 billion-year history.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2016

Emotion dysregulation in borderline personality disorder: A problem of too much drive and too little control?

A new study reveals that individuals with borderline personality disorder exhibit enhanced amygdala activity and reduced dorsolateral prefrontal cortex function when processing negative emotions, suggesting a lack of control over emotional responses. This findings support the concept of BPD as a disorder of emotion dysregulation.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 13, 2016

Louisiana Tech University student coauthors research in ACS journal

A Louisiana Tech University senior has co-authored a paper on using halloysite clay nanotubes to create an antimicrobial coating that could help fight superbugs. The research was published in the prestigious journal Biomacromolecules, highlighting the potential for natural materials in biomedical technology.

SourceLouisiana Tech University·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateJan 13, 2016
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Protecting workers with stiffer safety penalties

The new law allows OSHA to increase fines by 80% due to inflation, making maximum charges $12,600 for serious violations. The Departments of Justice and Labor are coupling worker safety with criminal penalties, including environmental and fraud charges.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 13, 2016

New role for motor neurons discovered

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new role for motor neurons in influencing rhythmic movements. Motor neurons directly control the recruitment of upstream excitatory interneurons via gap junctions, indicating they are not passive recipients of signals from interneuronal circuits.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Study: Workplace flexibility benefits employees

A study by Phyllis Moen and Erin L. Kelly found that workers who participated in a pilot work flexibility program reported higher levels of job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and psychological stress. The research adds to the growing body of evidence showing that flexible work arrangements result in happier, healthier, and more product...

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJan 13, 2016

3-D images of megaenzymes may lead to improved antibiotics

McGill researchers have taken 3D images of a large section from a medicine-synthesizing enzyme in action. The images reveal the intricate way these proteins function and could lead to the development of new antibiotics. This breakthrough may bring scientists closer to understanding how many antibiotics are made.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2016

Research finds reason advertising boosts stock prices for some companies and not others

New research from Indiana University finds that companies with a differentiation strategy benefit more from advertising than those with a cost leadership approach. Advertising increases awareness and sales for differentiated firms, building brand equity and shareholder value. In contrast, cost leaders may not see an impact on their sto...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateJan 13, 2016
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

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

Could campaigns like Dry January do more harm than good?

Two experts debate the impact of alcohol abstinence campaigns like Dry January, with one arguing they may have unintended consequences for heavy drinkers. On the other hand, another expert suggests that such campaigns can help people reflect on their drinking habits and make longer-term changes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 13, 2016

Screening technique to reinforce fight against ash dieback

A new screening technique has been developed to predict which ash tree seedlings are likely to survive the fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. This technology could help maintain the UK's ash population and biodiversity by identifying non-disease-susceptible individuals before planting out.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 13, 2016

Mammals shape their microbiome to prevent disease

Researchers found that mice and humans produce microRNAs to control bacterial gene activity and shape the gut microbiome. These microRNAs can protect against intestinal diseases by regulating the composition of gut microbes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJan 13, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Ancient going on nouveau

Researchers have evaluated the potential of ancient grains in modern agriculture, finding that they require reduced fertilization to prevent lodging. While they contain high amounts of protein, the quality is lower than in modern crops. However, these grains can enrich biodiversity and offer premium products through traditional methods.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJan 13, 2016

'Radiolabeling' lets scientists track the breakdown of drugs

Researchers at Princeton University create a method to selectively radiolabel compounds with tritium atoms, allowing for the study of drug metabolism and potential development speedup. The technique uses an iron-based catalyst that can tolerate various solvents, enabling the tracking of drug breakdown in the body.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2016

New insights into animal-borne disease outbreaks

A recent study reveals that animal-borne diseases can persist in wider populations through repeated dispersal, leading to slower but more insidious transmission. This 'slow, smoldering' approach challenges traditional assumptions about disease outbreaks.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateJan 13, 2016

What do lasers and oranges have in common? A possible cure for citrus greening

Researchers have discovered that lasers can improve the penetration of antibiotic treatments into citrus leaves, potentially offering a new approach to treating the deadly citrus greening disease. The method uses laser etching to create microscopic indentations in the leaf tissue, allowing for more effective delivery of substances.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJan 13, 2016

Antisocial behavior: Understanding the influence of genes and the environment

A longitudinal study found that exposure to violence in childhood is linked to increased symptoms of conduct disorder and antisocial personality in adolescence and adulthood. The MAOA gene was also identified as a key moderator of this relationship, with certain variants increasing the risk of aggressive behavior and partner violence.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 13, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

An IRCM team unveils a mechanism that controls neuron production from stem cells

A study by IRCM researchers has discovered a mechanism that controls the production of neurons from stem cells. This discovery could lead to more effective cell therapies and targeted treatments against cancer, particularly in diseases causing blindness where specific retinal cells degenerate.

SourceInstitut de recherches cliniques de Montreal·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 13, 2016

Mosquito net safe to use in inguinal hernia repair

A Swedish-Ugandan study has shown that sterilized mosquito nets can replace costly surgical meshes in inguinal hernia repairs without compromising patient safety or treatment efficacy. The study involved over 300 adult males from rural Uganda and found no significant differences between groups.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 13, 2016

ISU professor: Teaching social justice to privileged students necessary for change

A researcher from Iowa State University found that social justice education initiatives often overlook the experiences of privileged students. Katy Swalwell's study reveals that affluent students may not be disturbed by what they're learning about injustice, instead focusing on how to use their privilege to make a difference.

SourceIowa State University·JournalCurriculum Inquiry·DateJan 13, 2016

NASA analyzes Hurricane Pali's rainfall rates

NASA analyzed data from GPM core observatory and Suomi NPP satellite, discovering the hurricane had an eye forming with heavy rain falling at 84.5 mm per hour on its eastern side. The storm's convective storms reached heights of over 12 km, while its strongest feeder band wrapped around its eastern side.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 13, 2016

New study to investigate how good antibodies go bad

A new study led by University at Buffalo researcher Jill Kramer aims to re-examine the role of IgM in Sjögren's syndrome. The research seeks to understand whether this protective antibody is also pathogenic, potentially leading to a better understanding of autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateJan 13, 2016
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

De-mystifying the study of volatile organic plant compounds

Volatile organic compounds protect plants from stress, attract insects for pollination and seed dispersal, and send warning signs to neighbor plants and animals. Plant VOC emissions contribute significantly to the atmosphere, emitting approximately 600 million tons of carbon annually.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJan 13, 2016