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Science News for January 20, 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.

Targeted release of medication with highly porous nanomaterials

A team of FAU researchers is developing highly porous biomaterials to support bone and wound healing in patients with conditions like diabetes. The goal is to use mesoporous nanomaterials to release medication locally, reducing side effects and avoiding doses.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateJan 20, 2016

Mining social media can help improve disaster response efforts

Researchers used social media data from Twitter and Flickr to identify hotspots in need of aid during the 2013 Colorado floods. The team's innovative approach combined remote sensing imagery with machine-learning algorithms to quickly analyze images and pinpoint areas affected by flooding.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Remote Sensing·DateJan 20, 2016

Neolithic tomb reveals community stayed together, even in death

A Neolithic Spanish burial site reveals a closely related local community from 6000 years ago, with at least 47 adults and adolescents buried in a megalithic tomb. The analysis suggests that the individuals farmed cereal crops and had family members buried side-by-side, indicating significant shifts in social identity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 20, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High-performance material polyimide for the first time with angular shape

Researchers at TU Wien have successfully produced polyimide particles in an angular shape for the first time using a novel synthesis procedure. The new material exhibits exceptional stability and resistance to various solvents, making it suitable for applications such as protective coatings and space travel.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalMacromolecules·DateJan 20, 2016

Evidence of a prehistoric massacre extends the history of warfare

The Nataruk massacre is the earliest record of inter-group violence among prehistoric hunter-gatherers who remained largely nomadic. Researchers believe it is the earliest scientifically-dated historical evidence of human conflict, dating back to around 9,500-10,500 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 2016

Researchers prove surprising chemistry inside a potential breakthrough battery

A new prototype lithium-air battery has been shown to produce only lithium superoxide, not peroxide, as it discharges, offering high efficiency and good cycle life. This discovery was made using a state-of-the-art mass spectroscopy apparatus that measures electrochemical reaction products in situ during charging or discharge.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 2016

Can performance brands cause a placebo effect?

A study by Frank Germann and colleagues found that strong performance brands can improve performance in tasks such as golf putting and math tests. Participants who believed they were using a high-performance brand performed better than those who did not know the brand, even when using the same product. The effect is strongest among nov...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 20, 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.

Advance improves cutting and pasting with CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have made a major improvement in CRISPR-Cas9 technology, achieving an unprecedented success rate of 60% when replacing short stretches of DNA with normal sequences. This technique is especially useful for repairing genetic mutations that cause hereditary diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJan 20, 2016

Penn-engineered neural networks show hope for axonal repair with minimal disruption to brain tissue

Lab-grown neural networks can replace damaged axon tracks in patients with severe head injuries, strokes, or neurodegenerative diseases. The micro-TENNS, made of mature cerebral cortical neurons and long axonal projections, integrate into existing brain structures and reconstitute missing pathways.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateJan 20, 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.

After repeated pounding, antihydrogen reveals its charge: Zero

The antihydrogen atom has been found to have a zero charge, identical to that of the hydrogen atom, confirming the symmetry between matter and antimatter. This result is significant as it resolves the long-standing problem of the asymmetry between matter and antimatter in the universe.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 2016

Study finds strong link between pre-pregnancy obesity and infant deaths

A study of over 6 million newborns found that pre-pregnancy obesity is strongly associated with increased infant mortality rates, particularly from preterm-related causes and congenital anomalies. The risk of infant death was 32% higher for obese mothers, even after controlling for demographic factors.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 20, 2016

200 million-year-old Jurassic dinosaur uncovered in Wales

A new carnivorous dinosaur species, Dracoraptor hanigani, has been uncovered in south Wales, potentially dating back to the earliest days of the Jurassic Period. The fossil, discovered in 2014, represents one of the most complete theropod specimens from Wales and may be one of the oldest known Jurassic dinosaurs in the UK.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 20, 2016

Age-related response to the hepatitis B vaccine linked to inflammation

A new study published in Nature Communications has identified predictors and response mechanisms to the hepatitis B vaccine. Researchers found that elevated levels of inflammatory response transcripts correlate with weaker responses, while augmented B-cell responses are linked to stronger reactions.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2016

Study finds no link between surgical anesthesia and MCI

A Mayo Clinic study found no association between surgical anesthesia and development of mild cognitive impairment in people aged 40 and older. Researchers evaluated over 1,700 participants and found that exposure to anesthesia did not increase the risk of mild cognitive impairment.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJan 20, 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.

Novel study shows lower surgical mortality in hospitals with best nursing care

A novel study found that Magnet hospitals with excellent nursing care have significantly lower death rates after surgery, especially for sicker patients. The research also revealed that better nurse staffing can be achieved at the same or lower costs by reducing hospital admissions to intensive care units and shortening length of stay.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJan 20, 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.

Coal formation linked to assembly of supercontinent Pangea

Researchers found that Pangea's assembly and unique climate conditions led to the creation of coal deposits. The study challenged a popular hypothesis suggesting an evolutionary lag between plant life and microbial decomposition.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2016

Study reveals why your brain makes you slip up when anxious

Researchers identified the inferior parietal cortex as a critical brain area that becomes deactivated when people feel they are being observed, leading to performance mishaps. This 'action-observation network' plays a role in inferring what others think and affects motor actions.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 20, 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.

Chemical fingerprints confirm the saffron fraud

Scientists use chemical fingerprints to detect saffron fraud, revealing over 50% of 'Spanish' saffron is from other countries. The technique uses metabolomics to identify unique chemical markers for each type of saffron.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalFood Chemistry·DateJan 20, 2016

NASA measures winds in Tropical Cyclone Victor

Tropical Cyclone Victor was found to have its strongest winds south of its center at 34 meters per second, with maximum sustained winds near 65 knots. The storm maintained hurricane-strength and an eye, with powerful bands of thunderstorms around the center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 20, 2016

'Squishy' robot fingers aid deep sea exploration

Researchers developed soft robotic grippers that can collect delicate underwater specimens without destroying them. These grippers are designed for use in deep-sea exploration and could enhance biodiversity research by allowing scientists to sample largely unexplored habitats.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalSoft Robotics·DateJan 20, 2016

Researchers find microbial heat islands in the desert

Researchers at Arizona State University found that desert microbes can significantly warm the surface by producing sunscreen-like compounds, increasing reflectivity and altering ecosystem services. This phenomenon, known as biological soil crusts or biocrusts, could have important implications for global heat budgets and climate models.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 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.

Social anxiety is highly heritable but is affected by environment

Research suggests that social anxiety disorder has a high genetic component, with environmental factors playing a significant role in its short-term development. The study found that while the risk of developing social anxiety is strongly influenced by genetic factors, environmental events have little impact on stability over time.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateJan 20, 2016

Exercise for people with dementia improves balance and reduces dependence

Regular functional exercise improves balance and reduces dependence in people with dementia, a progressive illness leading to gradual reduction in cognitive and physical function. The study found that high-intensity exercise programs can lead to an improved quality of life for individuals suffering from dementia.

SourceUmea University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 20, 2016

New process enables easier isolation of carbon nanotubes

A new process has been developed to isolate high-quality single-walled carbon nanotubes with minimal damage and at high purity. The technique uses supramolecular hydrogen-bonding polymers to sort nanotubes according to their structure and length, enabling precise customization for optoelectronic devices.

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 20, 2016

Quantum computing is coming -- are you prepared for it?

A working quantum computer system is expected to be developed by 2020, as predicted by Professor O'Brien of the University of Bristol. This will lead to breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, pharmaceutical discovery, and cyber security, disrupting traditional businesses and challenging current computing technologies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateJan 20, 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.

Depression experts question effectiveness of stress hormone drug

Research at Newcastle University has questioned the effectiveness of metyrapone, a drug suggested to treat depression, finding it inadequate for treatment-resistant patients. The study suggests that depression may be more complex than simply being a consequence of high stress hormone levels.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJan 20, 2016

Copper deposition to fabricate tiny 3-D objects

Researchers use a new technique to electro-deposit dissolved metals, creating complex structures like watch components and microtools. The process uses a force-controlled nanopipette to print pixels layer by layer, with high spatial resolution.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 20, 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.

New biomarker identifies colon cancer patients who may benefit from chemotherapy

Researchers have identified a biomarker, CDX2, that can predict which Stage II colon cancer patients are most likely to benefit from chemotherapy after surgery. The study found that patients without CDX2 had poorer outcomes, but those treated with chemotherapy had improved survival rates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 20, 2016

Newly discovered photosynthetic bacteria is surprisingly abundant

A newly discovered photosynthetic bacterium has been found to be abundantly present in diverse environments, including freshwater lakes and water treatment plants. Researchers believe this bacterium holds promise for producing biofuels by transferring its genes to other organisms.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology Reports·DateJan 20, 2016

Toward consistently good pinot noir

Scientists have identified 49 main odor compounds in young and ripe Pinot Noir grapes, finding four consistently present in mature grapes. This breakthrough could help growers determine the optimal harvest time for improved wine quality.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 20, 2016

Preventative measures can help to control squash bugs

The article discusses the biology and life cycle of squash bugs, which cause significant damage to crops. To control these pests, growers are adopting integrated pest management techniques, including cleaning up debris and boosting natural enemies.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateJan 20, 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.

Water supplies in Tibet set to increase in the future

New research from the University of Gothenburg suggests that water supplies in major Asian rivers, such as the Yellow River and Yangtze, will be stable or increase in the coming decades. The study models future climate change and its impact on the region's water balance.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalGlobal and Planetary Change·DateJan 20, 2016

How a 2°C rise means even higher temperatures where we live

A recent study published in Nature reveals that regional temperature extremes may exceed a 2°C rise by as much as 6°C in certain areas. This means that even if global average temperatures reach 2°C, local temperatures could be significantly higher, with potential impacts on sea-level rise and methane releases.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 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.

Clarifying the mechanism for making blood cells

A research group led by Makoto Kobayashi has shed light on the mechanism of hemangioblast differentiation into blood cells and vascular endothelia. LSD1 histone demethylase plays a crucial role in silencing Etv2, a transcription factor gene required for hemangioblast formation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2016

Powerful machine-learning technique uncovers unknown features of pathogen

A new machine-learning technique, denoising autoencoder, uncovers previously unknown gene-expression patterns in P. aeruginosa, a notorious pathogen resistant to standard antibiotic therapies. The system identified characteristic patterns in response to antibiotics and low oxygen conditions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalmSystems·DateJan 20, 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.

Gender gap closing in field of vision science, Dartmouth-Penn study finds

A Dartmouth-Penn study finds that while male-dominated, the gender gap is closing in vision science, with a substantial generational difference in gender balance. The results suggest that younger generations have a smaller gap, but women still face higher dropout rates and underrepresentation in recognitions.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of Vision·DateJan 20, 2016

New study of gene mutations causing Leigh syndrome shows effects on embryonic development

A new study using mouse embryonic stem cells found that gene mutations leading to Complex I deficiency cause significant differences in early patterns of cellular gene expression. The mutations also disrupted energy-producing processes, affecting neuronal development and the initiation of a heartbeat.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJan 20, 2016

Dangerous driving puts kids at higher risk of getting hit during school drop-offs

A joint study by researchers at York University, the Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto found a significant association between schools with dangerous driving and pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions. Unsafe parking and child drop-offs were identified as common dangerous driving behaviours near 104 schools.

SourceYork University·JournalTraffic Injury Prevention·DateJan 20, 2016

Elisa Konofagou's new DARPA grant advances work in focused ultrasound

A Columbia University team led by Elisa Konofagou will develop a new method for using focused ultrasound to stimulate peripheral nerves, potentially treating chronic pain and neuropathy. The four-year grant aims to advance the field of electrical prescriptions for targeted neural and bio-interface technologies.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJan 20, 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.

Fewer than 1 in 5 nurses comply with guidelines for standard precautions

A recent study found that only 17.4% of ambulatory care nurses reported compliance with all nine standard precautions for infection prevention. The highest rates of compliance were reported for wearing gloves and face masks, but knowledge of hepatitis C virus was variable among participants.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJan 20, 2016

GenomeSpace 'recipes' help biologists interpret genomic data

The GenomeSpace platform enables biologist-friendly genomic data analysis by connecting over 20 bioinformatics software packages. It provides 'recipes' - step-by-step workflows - to help non-programming researchers interpret their genomic data, including tools for gene expression and protein interaction analysis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 20, 2016

CSU's BioMARC helps advance vaccines for Department of Defense

BioMARC, a high-containment biopharmaceutical unit at CSU, has been awarded $4.6 million to develop and manufacture vaccines for three additional viruses causing severe long-term disease. The facility will produce vaccines using VRP technology, which works to better immunize individuals.

SourceColorado State University·DateJan 20, 2016

It's mom who sees troubles for teens with food allergies

A study by McMaster University found that teenagers with food allergies are more likely to have depression, anxiety, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to their peers without allergies. Mothers of teens with food allergies are also more likely to report these emotional and behavioral problems.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAllergy·DateJan 20, 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.

AGS launches coordinating center for Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program

The American Geriatrics Society has established a coordinating center to provide strategic resources for 44 HRSA awardees working on projects to increase geriatric training in primary care. The program aims to develop a healthcare workforce that improves health outcomes for older adults by integrating geriatrics into primary care.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·DateJan 20, 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.

2016 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine

Andrea Ballabio and John Diffley receive the 2016 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine for their pioneering work on lysosomal function and its significance in diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and obesity. Their research could lead to new therapeutic tools for treating human diseases.

SourceEMBO·DateJan 20, 2016

Cost burden of Quebec's carbon market seen as modest

A McGill University research team finds that Quebec's carbon-pricing policy likely has a modest cost burden on households and industries. The program aims to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions while minimizing economic disruption.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCanadian Public Policy·DateJan 20, 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.

Gloop from the deep sea

Researchers at ETH Zurich are studying the Atlantic hagfish's remarkable slime to understand its structure, properties, and formation process. The slime, composed of protein threads and mucin, can immobilize vast amounts of water, making it a potential inspiration for creating novel super hydrogels with numerous applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateJan 20, 2016

The importance of children at play

Research highlights the importance of interactive peer play in preschool for Latino children from low-income households, showcasing their strengths rather than deficits. The study found that these children displayed high levels of positive learning behaviors and social engagement during play.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateJan 20, 2016

Study illuminates war between the sexes: Fruit fly edition

Fruit flies have evolved protective armor plates in their reproductive tract to shield against rough male genitalia, while females also employ a 'cross-dressing' strategy by darkening their skin to evade male attention. This study explores the genetic controls behind these strategies and their survival value.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 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.

Genetics and environment impact familial depression

A study found a correlation between serotonin gene alleles and brain thinning in individuals at high familial risk of depression. Those with the 'S' allele had lower brain plasticity and were more likely to develop depression when exposed to stressors.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·DateJan 20, 2016

Zuckerberg or Buffett -- Is youth or experience more valuable in the boardroom?

A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia analyzed data from 2,143 firms to find that accumulated job experience improves performance, counteracting age-related declines. The research highlights the need for a balanced approach in corporate governance, taking into account both age and experience.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Empirical Finance·DateJan 20, 2016

The indications of a new geological epoch marked by human impact are clear

An international geoscientific group proposes the recognition of a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene, marked by rapid environmental changes caused by human activities. The study finds that human impacts are recorded in geological strata as quantifiable signs, distinguishing it from the relatively stable Holocene epoch.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalScience·DateJan 20, 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.

New genus of tree hole breeding frogs found in India

A new genus of tree hole breeding frogs, Frankixalus, has been identified in India, featuring gel-encapsulated eggs and tadpoles that devour their mother's eggs. This discovery highlights the evolutionary distinctiveness and unique life history features of this lineage.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 20, 2016

Flashing lights and music turn rats into problem gamblers

Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that adding flashing lights and music to a 'rat casino' model led to problem gambling behavior in rats. Blocking a specific dopamine receptor corrected this behavior, suggesting a common biological cause for risky decision-making across vices.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNeuroscience·DateJan 20, 2016

Naval research grant will speed work on materials, energy

A $810,000 grant from the Office of Naval Research will enable researchers at the University of Houston to test advanced materials more efficiently. The new physical properties measurement system will allow for faster testing of superconducting wire, solar cells, batteries, and other materials.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJan 20, 2016

Fatty acids from GM oilseed crops could replace fish oil

Research from the University of East Anglia found that genetically modified oilseed crops can efficiently accumulate key health-beneficial omega-3 fatty acid EPA in mice. The study shows comparable benefits for liver health to eating oily fish, suggesting a potential alternative source to address the global dietary deficit.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJan 20, 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.

Gone fishin' for natural products, with a new dragnet

Researchers report a new way to identify and discover new natural molecules that could fight human diseases, including leukemia. By analyzing genome data from bacteria, they identified a new compound called tambromycin with anti-leukemia properties.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJan 20, 2016

Under the weather? A blood test can tell if antibiotics are needed

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a gene signature test that accurately determines whether a respiratory illness is caused by infection from a virus or bacteria. The test shows high accuracy in classifying patients with flu viruses and other common infections.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 20, 2016

Legal, policy changes can lead to shifts in use of medical marijuana

A Johns Hopkins study found that changes in medical marijuana laws, particularly the increase of dispensaries in some states, led to a shift in the number of people using the drug. Medical marijuana users are more likely to be in their 50s and often use it for pain relief.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJan 20, 2016

How much does African-American race play a role in stroke risk?

According to a new study published by the American Academy of Neurology, African-American participants are 2.7 times more likely to experience a first stroke than their white counterparts at age 45. However, there is no significant difference in second stroke risk between African-American and white participants across all ages.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 20, 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.

How 2 degrees may turn into 4

Climate researchers have calculated regional temperature increases based on a global 2-degree target, revealing clear-cut effects and limitations. The study provides valuable tool for politicians, decision-makers, and civilians to understand the importance of reducing CO2 emissions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 2016

Researchers pinpoint place where cancer cells may begin

A Northwestern University study uses fruit fly genetics to understand how normal cells switch to specialized states and how this process might go wrong in cancer. Researchers found that a protein called Yan fluctuates wildly during this transition, suggesting a critical role in the development of cancer cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJan 20, 2016

Switchable material could enable new memory chips

Two MIT researchers have developed a thin-film material that can be switched between metallic and semiconducting properties by applying a small voltage. The discovery could lead to new types of computer memory chips and energy conversion devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 20, 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.

Emotion-processing networks disrupted in sufferers of depression

Researchers found that regions of the brain normally working together to process emotion become decoupled in people who experience multiple episodes of depression. This disruption may lead to inaccurate emotional information processing and negative biases.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJan 20, 2016

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: A promising new weight loss procedure

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces stomach size and alters physiology, resulting in significant weight loss. The study found a 54% reduction in excess body weight at one year, with improved patient satisfaction and delayed solid food emptying.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJan 20, 2016

Genetic variation may explain Asian susceptibility to Kawasaki disease

Researchers identified two genetic variations in the ORA1 gene associated with increased risk of Kawasaki disease in East Asian populations. The study provides new insights into the disease's etiology and potential mechanisms behind its seasonal variation and higher prevalence in children of this ancestry.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 20, 2016

Self-heating lithium-ion battery could beat the winter woes

A self-heating lithium-ion battery can significantly improve electric vehicle performance in cold temperatures, reducing power loss and range anxiety. Developed by Penn State researchers, the all-climate battery uses nickel foil to heat up rapidly, increasing its capacity and efficiency.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 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.

A fast way of electron orbit simulation in complex magnetic fields

Researchers develop a new algorithm to simulate electron trajectories in complex magnetic fields, significantly reducing simulation time. The method is applied to multipoles such as quadrupoles or sextupoles, yielding precise results and improving the stability of electron orbits.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review Special Topics - Accelerators and Beams·DateJan 20, 2016

Long-term exposure to ozone may increase lung and cardiovascular deaths

Adults with long-term ozone exposure face a higher risk of dying from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The study found that every additional 10 parts per billion in long-term ozone exposure increases the risk of death by 12% from lung disease, 3% from cardiovascular disease, and 2% from all causes.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 20, 2016

Neutral result charges up antimatter research

Researchers from the ALPHA Collaboration have made a breakthrough in studying antihydrogen, improving the measurement of its charge by a factor of 20. The study's results suggest that matter and antimatter may interact differently, with potential implications for our understanding of the universe.

SourceYork University·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 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.

Research reveals mechanism for direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide

Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a new mechanism for directly synthesizing hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen gases using palladium cluster catalysts. This breakthrough provides insight into the formation of H2O2, which can be used as an environmentally benign alternative to chlorine.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 20, 2016

Glass-based ultraviolet absorbers act as 'biological shields'

A special metal oxide glass created by researchers in China can effectively protect living cells and organic dyes from UV radiation damage. The glass uses self-limited nanocrystallization to block damaging ultraviolet rays and has high optical transparency.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateJan 20, 2016

Researchers measure fish abundance in lakes using a few water samples

Researchers from Université Laval and Quebec's Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks have developed a new method using environmental DNA (eDNA) to effectively estimate fish populations in lakes. The approach shows strong correlation with traditional methods, providing a reliable and accurate indication of fish abundance at lower costs.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJan 20, 2016

Small but deadly: The chemical warfare of sea slugs

Researchers discovered that certain sea slugs selectively store the toxin Latrunculin A, which is more toxic to cancer cell lines than other compounds. Bright colours and chemical defences are used by these creatures to warn potential predators away.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 20, 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.

No evidence of seasonal differences in depressive symptoms

A large-scale survey of U.S. adults found no association between depressive symptoms and seasonality, contradicting the notion of seasonal depression as a commonly occurring disorder. The study's findings cast doubt on major depression with seasonal variation as a legitimate psychiatric disorder.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateJan 20, 2016

Assessing the impact of human-induced climate change

A new study by Gerrit Hansen and Dáithí Stone reveals that almost two-thirds of regional climate impacts can confidently be attributed to human-generated emissions. However, the link for trends in precipitation remains unclear due to insufficient observational data in some regions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 20, 2016