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Science News for January 4, 2016


Meltwater from the Greenland ice sheet releasing faster

Researchers found that the Greenland ice sheet's firn layer, which stores meltwater, is acting like a sponge but can be overwhelmed. This leads to increased release of meltwater into oceans, threatening sea levels.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 4, 2016

A far from perfect host

Researchers at the University of York and Exeter have discovered a single-celled protozoa called Paramecium bursaria benefits from exploiting a green algae inside it. The study suggests that symbiosis may not be mutually beneficial, but rather exploitative in nature.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 4, 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.

Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act linked to more nutritious meals

The study found an increase in the nutritional quality of foods chosen by students and a decrease in energy density after implementing the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act. Meal participation rates remained unchanged at 46 percent before and after implementation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJan 4, 2016

Is your child's achy back more than just growing pains?

A new literature review finds that nearly two-thirds of adolescent patients with back pain have unclear causes after clinical physical examination and imaging. Dr. Suken A. Shah advises maintaining proper posture, good core strength, regular exercise, and avoiding heavy backpacks to prevent or minimize back pain.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJan 4, 2016

Mind of blue: Emotional expression affects the brain's creativity network

A new brain-scanning study of jazz pianists found that 'happy' and 'sad' music evoke different neural patterns, with greater activation of reward regions during sad improvisations. The researchers suggest that emotion plays a crucial role in creative states, influencing which parts of the brain's creativity network are activated.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 4, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Manure applications elevate nitrogen accumulation and loss

A new study found that manure applications in high-input greenhouse environments can lead to significant nitrogen accumulation and loss, potentially resulting in economic losses. The research suggests reevaluating the role of manures to balance economic benefits with environmental risks.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJan 4, 2016

The ugly consumer: Ridiculing those who shop ethically

A new study from Ohio State University reveals that consumers who choose not to research ethical product origins tend to denigrate those who do, perceiving them as less fashionable and boring. The researchers suggest that this behavior can undermine an individual's commitment to pro-social values.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJan 4, 2016

New national perioperative guideline for geriatric surgical quality care released

A new collaborative best practices guideline has been released for optimal care of older adults before, during, and after surgical operations. The guideline provides expert recommendations for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and allied health care professionals to address postoperative complications and prolonged recovery in older patients.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 4, 2016

How to improve cardiac arrest survival in 3 easy steps

Emergency physicians propose three interventions to improve cardiac arrest survival rates: developing a national OHCA registry, encouraging bystander CPR, and fostering high-performance CPR. The authors argue that inadequate research funding is a significant problem, hindering efforts to reduce mortality rates.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJan 4, 2016

NSF CAREER award for electrically conducting polymer research

Dr. Yu Zhu, a polymer scientist at the University of Akron, has received a $538,679 NSF CAREER Award to study new types of conjugated polymers with fused sites enabling hydrogen bonding. The project aims to design high-performance polymer electronics for flexible and economical electronic materials.

SourceUniversity of Akron·DateJan 4, 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.

Mind of blue: Conveying emotion affects brain's creativity network

A new study found that conveying emotions affects brain's creativity network, with 'happy' and 'sad' music evoking different neural patterns. The research suggests emotion plays a crucial role in creative states, with varying degrees of activation in brain regions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 4, 2016

A botanical survey to help understand change in our wild flora

A four-year survey in North East England monitored changes in common plant species abundance to understand the effects of climate change and inform conservation strategies. The study provided a benchmark for future comparisons and contributed to the tracking of biodiversity data.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateJan 4, 2016

Boosting farm yields to restore habitats could create greenhouse gas 'sink'

New research suggests that increasing UK agricultural yields and restoring natural habitats like forests and wetlands can largely offset the country's greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050, this approach could meet government targets of an 80% reduction in emissions for the farming industry.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 4, 2016

IU scientists create 'nano-reactor' for the production of hydrogen biofuel

Researchers at Indiana University have developed a highly efficient biomaterial that catalyzes the formation of hydrogen gas from water. The material, called P22-Hyd, is produced through a simple fermentation process at room temperature and has potential to replace platinum-based fuel cells.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 4, 2016

Large and increasing methane emissions from northern lakes

A new study by Stockholm University estimates that northern lakes and ponds are a critical source of methane emissions. The study suggests that these emissions could increase by 20-50% before the end of this century, potentially fueling a positive feedback loop on future warming.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 4, 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.

Medical research influenced by training 'genealogy'

Researchers found that authors from a shared medical training background are more likely to publish articles supporting maximal tumor removal for patient survival. This phenomenon, known as 'medical academic genealogy,' suggests that mentorship and training influence the types of articles published.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJan 4, 2016

UT study: 'Born this way' beliefs may not be the key to reducing homophobia

A recent University of Tennessee study suggests that the belief people are born with their sexual orientation is not the key to improving attitudes toward lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals. Instead, it's what else they believe about sexual orientation that distinguishes them from those with negative or positive attitudes towards ga...

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalJournal of Counseling Psychology·DateJan 4, 2016

Strong magnetic fields discovered in majority of stars

An international team of astronomers found strong magnetic fields are common in stars, contradicting previous assumptions. The study used data from NASA's Kepler mission to analyze over 700 red giant stars and discovered that many host internal magnetic fields up to 10 million times stronger than Earth's.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 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.

Virgin births may be common among snakes

Researchers reveal that facultative parthenogenesis is prevalent among snake species, with potentially significant implications for vertebrate evolution. The study proposes splitting this phenomenon into two forms and identifies snakes as ideal model species to investigate the evolution of vertebrate parthenogenesis.

SourceWiley·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateJan 4, 2016

Traces of islandic volcanoes in a northeastern German lake

Scientists have discovered volcanic ash in Lake Tiefer See in northeastern Germany that dates back to islandic eruptions over the past 11,500 years. The analysis allowed for precise synchronization of sediment archives from Germany and Poland, enabling researchers to decipher subtle regional differences in climate change.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateJan 4, 2016

Pioneering artificial pancreas to undergo final tests

A device developed by UVA researchers aims to automate blood-sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes through two clinical trials, which could lead to FDA approval if successful. The artificial pancreas will be tested at nine locations worldwide, including Europe.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateJan 4, 2016

Could bug-busting viruses control food poisoning?

Scientists are exploring the potential of bacteriophages, which target specific bacteria, to prevent and treat intestinal illnesses like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli in children. The research aims to develop a new approach for treating food poisoning in developing countries.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateJan 4, 2016

New research could help build better fighter planes and space shuttles

Researchers at Binghamton University have discovered a material with superior mechanical properties that could be used in fighter planes and spacecraft. The boron nitride nanotubes exhibit stronger interfaces with polymers, enabling the creation of lighter yet more fuel-efficient aircraft and space shuttles.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 4, 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.

Stellar revelations

A team of astronomers has discovered that up to 60 percent of stars host strong magnetic fields, which can significantly alter the physical processes taking place in the core. The researchers used asteroseismology to detect these hidden fields and found that they are prevalent in intermediate mass stars.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2016

Worldwide electricity production vulnerable to climate and water resource change

A new study finds that climate change and changing water resources could reduce global electricity production capacity by over 60% by 2040-2069. However, adaptation measures such as increasing power plant efficiency and using alternative cooling systems can mitigate this decline.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 4, 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.

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.

Solving the mystery of defective embryos

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that micronuclei structures can cause aneuploidy and lead to mosaic embryos. This discovery may provide early non-invasive detection of aneuploidy, improving the chances of success for infertile couples who rely on medically assisted reproduction methods.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 4, 2016

US emergency departments face serious drug shortages

A new study reveals a sharp increase in drug shortages affecting emergency care in the US, from 26 to 123, a 373% rise from 2008 to 2014. Life-threatening medications are particularly affected, leaving emergency department physicians without necessary treatments for critical patients.

SourceWiley·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJan 4, 2016

Artificial pancreas to undergo long-term clinical tests

Researchers are conducting one of the largest-ever long-term clinical trials of an artificial pancreas system to regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with type 1 diabetes. The trial aims to test the safety and efficacy of the system, which uses advanced algorithms and sensors to mimic a healthy person's glucose regulating function.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·DateJan 4, 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.

Experts question automatic osteoporosis drug holidays

The International Osteoporosis Foundation is urging physicians to individualize treatment decisions based on patients' fracture risk, rather than automatically interrupting or stopping bisphosphonate therapy. The benefits of continued therapy in high-risk patients greatly exceed the risk of rare side effects.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateJan 4, 2016

Racial bias may be conveyed by doctors' body language

A study found that doctors give less compassionate nonverbal cues to black patients compared to white patients, potentially leading to miscommunication and mistrust. The researchers suggest that physicians be aware of their verbal and nonverbal communication to build trust with black patients.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateJan 4, 2016

OCT may speed detection of pneumonia-related bacteria in ICU patients

Researchers used OCT to visualize and assess biofilm on intubated endotracheal tubes in vivo, detecting the presence of pneumonia-related bacteria. The study showed that OCT can measure biofilm thickness and gather information about its extent, potentially leading to reduced infection rates.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJan 4, 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.

How to train your bacterium

Researchers induce self-photosensitization of M. thermoacetica with cadmium sulfide nanoparticles, enabling photosynthesis and synthesis of semiconductor nanoparticles for efficient solar-to-chemical production.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 4, 2016

Self-esteem gender gap more pronounced in western nations

Research by American Psychological Association found that self-esteem tends to increase with age, but the gender gap is more significant in Western industrialized countries. The study analyzed data from over 985,000 men and women ages 16-45 from 48 countries, revealing that specific cultural influences shape self-esteem development in ...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 4, 2016

New guide highlights the properties of diverse drug targets

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2015/2016 provides an overview of 1,700 human drug targets, focusing on those exploited in the clinic or with future therapeutic potential. The guide combines evidence-based data with summaries of molecular targets, allowing users to rapidly gain insight into their function and comparative pharmacology.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateJan 4, 2016

Checklist completed for cultivars of Salix L. (willow)

A comprehensive resource for willow cultivars has been compiled, featuring 854 cultivar epithets with accompanying information. The checklist is expected to serve a diverse constituency of users and promote the effective utilization of germplasm in horticulture and ecosystem services.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJan 4, 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.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awards Stevens Institute and Penn Nursing grant for joint project

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has awarded a grant to Stevens Institute and Penn Nursing to use policy flight simulators to determine the usability and effectiveness of the Transitional Care Model. The goal is to accelerate decisions to implement the TCM, which addresses negative effects associated with common breakdowns in care.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·DateJan 4, 2016

The brain-computer duel: Do we have free will?

Researchers from Charité's Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience tested whether people can cancel decisions based on brain waves. They found that a person's decisions are not at the mercy of unconscious and early brain waves, but can actively intervene in the decision-making process.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 4, 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.

Critical clues on cartilage

A team of researchers has shed new light on the relationships between cartilage structure and function, revealing microdomains that behave differently from surrounding tissue. This discovery paves the way for more effective treatments of meniscus tears and osteoarthritis.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 4, 2016

Aging stars stop slowing down, scientists discover

Aging stars stop slowing down as their magnetic field interacts with a wind of particles flowing away from its surface, according to research published in Nature. This discovery challenges previous theories on stellar rotation and has implications for understanding how the Sun influences its local environment, including planets.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2016

Cardiovascular disease in adult survivors of childhood cancer

Cardiovascular disease is prevalent among adult survivors of childhood cancer, presenting at an earlier age and causing substantial morbidity. The American College of Physicians emphasizes the need for systematic assessment and potential value of routine physical exams to identify cardiac abnormalities.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 4, 2016

Pediatric sickle cell study stopped early due to positive results

A new study suggests that hydroxyurea can be effective in reducing the risk of stroke for some children with sickle cell disease. The Transcranial Doppler with Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea (TWiTCH) study, stopped early due to positive preliminary results, showed that transitioning from regular blood transfusions to daily doses ...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 4, 2016
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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

The origins of abiotic species

Researchers at University of Groningen find self-replicating molecules that diversify into distinct sets, sparking debate on life's molecular roots. The study reveals a process similar to biological speciation, but occurring at the molecular level.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 4, 2016

Map shows hotspots for bat-human virus transmission risk

A new study has identified the factors contributing to the transmission of zoonotic diseases from bats to humans, highlighting areas at high risk in West Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and South East Asia. The research used data spanning over 110 years to create a global map showing hotspots for bat-human virus transmission risk.

SourceUniversity College London·DateJan 4, 2016

NUS study shows the causes of mangrove deforestation in Southeast Asia

A recent NUS study examines the factors leading to mangrove deforestation in Southeast Asia between 2000 and 2012. The researchers found that rice agriculture in Myanmar and oil palm plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia are major drivers of this deforestation, posing future threats to the region's mangrove ecosystems.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 4, 2016

Using genes to understand the brain's building blocks

Researchers at the Allen Institute for Brain Science have developed a taxonomy of cells in the mouse visual cortex based on single-cell gene expression, identifying 42 neuronal and 7 non-neuronal cell types. This study provides a basic understanding of brain function by categorizing cellular building blocks.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 4, 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.

Rotational clock for stars needs recalibration

New research indicates that stars older than the Sun spin less than expected, affecting age calculations. This discovery has significant implications for understanding stellar aging and predicting future changes in our own Solar System.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2016

Students with influence over peers reduce school bullying by 30 percent

Researchers found that students who are socially influential can shape their peers' behaviors and social norms, leading to a 30% reduction in student conflict reports. The Roots program, which engages these student influencers in spreading anti-conflict messages, is a promising solution to curb school bullying.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 4, 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.

Enough oxygen long before animals rose

Studies have shown that oxygen levels in the deep ocean were at least 4% of modern concentrations 1.4 billion years ago, indicating that animals could exist and evolve with this amount of oxygen. Despite this, animals did not appear on Earth until about 600 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 4, 2016

New Year's resolutions for 2016: Fight your obesity genes with exercise

A physically active lifestyle can substantially decrease the genetic effect of the major obesity gene FTO on body weight in a multiethnic population. Researchers at McMaster University found that physical activity can blunt the effect of inherited obesity genes by up to 75 per cent.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 4, 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.

Social networks as important as exercise and diet across the span of our lives

A new UNC-Chapel Hill study shows that social relationships reduce health risk across the lifespan. The research found that strong social connections are vital for overall well-being, particularly in adolescence and old age, while quality of relationships matters in middle adulthood.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 4, 2016

Challenges to conserving freshwater mussels in Europe

Research reveals significant disparities in data quality and quantity among European countries and species, hindering effective conservation efforts for the region's 16 recognized freshwater mussels. The study highlights the need for standardized monitoring and management protocols to conserve this vulnerable group and its habitats.

SourceWiley·JournalBiological Reviews·DateJan 4, 2016

Beam-beam compensation scheme doubles proton-proton collision rates at RHIC

Scientists have successfully implemented an innovative scheme to increase proton collision rates at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), resulting in doubled peak and average luminosity measures. This enables researchers to collect more data to answer important questions about proton spin and nuclear physics.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 4, 2016

Peering into the Amazon's future

A new model suggests a more nuanced response to climate change in the Amazon forest, with individual trees experiencing water stress, leading to a gradual shift from high-biomass forests to low-biomass ecosystems. This approach better captures ecosystem heterogeneity and predicts a less drastic transition.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 4, 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.

BU study: Effects of obesity on death rates understated in prior research

A new Boston University study found that most obesity research relying on one-time measures of body mass index (BMI) overlooks the health impacts of weight change over time. The researchers argue that using 'weight histories' in studies clarifies the risks of obesity and shows they are much higher than appreciated.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 4, 2016

Improving access to clinical trials when biopsies are required

A new study reveals that mandatory tumor tissue requirements in clinical trials delay treatment and reduce patient enrollment. Trials without these requirements show faster treatment initiation and higher enrollment rates.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJan 4, 2016