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Science News for January 6, 2016


Lab discovery gives glimpse of conditions found on other planets

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh successfully recreated an elusive form of hydrogen, which exists only under extremely high pressures. The study found that at pressures equivalent to 3.25 million times that of Earth's atmosphere, hydrogen entered a new solid phase and showed unusual properties.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 2016

Male workers in typically female jobs are not motivated by money

Research suggests that men working in traditionally female occupations prioritize building relationships with colleagues and having flexible work arrangements over career advancement or salary. This study challenges the notion that male employees are solely motivated by promotional opportunities.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·DateJan 6, 2016

Tracing a cellular family tree

The new method allows tracking of gene expression changes in stem cells, immune cells, and potential applications for cancer research. Researchers discovered unique family-specific transcriptional profiles for single T cells, shedding light on how a single founding cell gives rise to diverse progeny.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 6, 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.

New methods help advance infectious disease forecasting

A study develops new methods to detect the onset of critical transitions in infectious disease epidemics, such as malaria. The method identifies the critical slowing-down period in human cases, suggesting that eradicating the disease could be anticipated even without a full understanding of the underlying mechanisms.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalTheoretical Ecology·DateJan 6, 2016

Is there a bubble in the art market?

Researchers at University of Luxembourg apply new bubble detection method to analyze millions of auction records, identifying explosive movements in fine art market segments. The study warns of an overheating art market with potential for severe correction.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalJournal of Empirical Finance·DateJan 6, 2016

Less prostate cancer screening may delay treatment for earlier onset cancers

A recent study published in The Journal of Urology found that reduced prostate needle biopsies are associated with a higher risk of being diagnosed with high-risk disease. This could lead to delayed diagnosis and potentially avoidable cancer deaths. The study's findings highlight the need for balanced screening approaches and more effe...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateJan 6, 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.

Renewable energy for state renewable portfolio standards yielded sizable benefits

A new study estimates that state renewable portfolio standard policies yielded significant environmental and economic benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions ($2.2 billion) and air pollution reductions ($5.2 billion). The study also found that RPS policies supported 200,000 renewable energy-related jobs and saved consumers...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJan 6, 2016

High rate of symptoms, hospitalization following gastric bypass surgery for obesity

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nearly one-third of patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery experienced hospitalization due to symptoms such as abdominal pain and fatigue. The risk of symptoms was higher among women, younger patients, smokers, unemployed individuals, and those with surgical symptoms before ...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJan 6, 2016

New strategy aims to enhance efficacy and safety of bone repair treatment

Researchers found that adding NELL-1 to BMP2 therapy produces tightly woven trabecular bone within the defect area, whereas BMP2 alone leads to adipose tissue interspersed with sparse trabecular bone. The combination treatment inhibits adipogenesis and promotes osteogenesis.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJan 6, 2016

How you manage your emails may be bad for your health

Research suggests that habits such as checking emails early and late, using push notifications, and constantly being available can lead to higher levels of stress and pressure. Experts offer tips to help manage email and reduce its negative impact on productivity and wellbeing.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·DateJan 6, 2016

Should patients pay to see the GP?

Charging patients for GP consultations could raise much-needed funds for the NHS, according to some. However, critics warn that this approach may lead to increased costs, reduced access to care, and decreased health outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 6, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Deep-water ocean circulation may have awakened marine biodiversity climate change

A study suggests that changes in deep-water ocean circulation, rather than CO2 levels, drove the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event. This finding supports the idea that icehouse conditions, not super-greenhouse periods, are associated with the greatest increase in marine biodiversity in Earth's history.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 6, 2016

Insulin-producing pancreatic cells created from human skin cells

Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes have successfully converted human skin cells into fully-functional insulin-producing pancreatic cells. These new cells protected mice from developing diabetes in a mouse model of the disease, offering a promising approach to personalized cell therapy for patients with diabetes.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 6, 2016

Humans adding less nitrogen to oceans than models predict

Researchers found that human activities contribute far less nitrogen to the open ocean than previously thought. The study suggests that the ocean plays a substantial role in recycling organic nitrogen, reducing the impact of nitrogen pollution on the carbon cycle.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 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.

The waiter's weight

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that diners ordering from heavier wait staff were four times more likely to order dessert and 17% more alcohol. The research suggests that a waiter's weight can play a significant role in influencing diner behavior, particularly when it comes to indulging in treats.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateJan 6, 2016

'Seeing' black holes with a home-use telescope

A Kyoto-led team reports that black hole activity can be observed through visible light during outbursts, and that optical rays provide reliable data for black hole activity. The study used a 20 cm telescope to observe V404 Cygni, detecting repetitive patterns with timescales of several minutes to a few hours.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 2016

Aluminum nanoparticles could improve electronic displays

Researchers develop aluminum nanostructure pixels using plasmon resonance to create vibrant colors across the entire visible spectrum. The new approach enables the production of high-resolution images and improved display performance.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 6, 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.

Leopard sharks navigate with their nose

A study found that leopard sharks with impaired smell took longer and more tortuous paths than those with intact smell during ocean navigation. This suggests that olfaction plays a significant role in guiding these fish through the ocean.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 6, 2016

Scientists root out the 'bad seeds' of liver cancer

Scientists at USC have discovered the Achilles heel of hepatocellular carcinoma, a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Researchers identified the carcinogenic pathway of stem cell marker NANOG, which promotes cancer spread by rewiring metabolism in mitochondria.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 6, 2016

£2 million grant to reduce major aquaculture diseases

A £2M BBSRC-Newton Fund project aims to develop and apply new molecular biology techniques to reduce the impact of major aquaculture diseases. The project will help early warning systems for disease outbreaks in low-income countries, improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateJan 6, 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.

New drug may overcome treatment resistance in a high-risk children's cancer

Researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have identified a powerful new drug with unparalleled strength against forms of neuroblastoma that resist crizotinib. The study found that PF-06463922 showed more profound inhibition of ALK than crizotinib, leading to rapid and sustained regression in animal models.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJan 6, 2016

Hitchhiking mites can provide clues to forensic entomologists

Forensic entomologists may uncover new information by studying tiny mites that feed on vertebrate carrion, including human remains. The discovery of these hitchhiking mites could add more time points to the timeline used for estimating postmortem intervals.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJan 6, 2016

Last meal reflects spiral-shaped intestine

Paleontologists discovered a spiral valve similar to sharks and rays in a Triassic bony fish fossil, providing insights into the evolution of vertebrates' gastrointestinal tracts. The gut contents reveal a straight stomach and high energy requirements for an energetic lifestyle.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 6, 2016

Killer whales feast on salmon in summer

Scientists have confirmed that killer whales in the Pacific Northwest mainly eat Chinook salmon and coho salmon during their summer diet. The study analyzed DNA from feces to estimate the whales' diet composition, providing new insights into their ecological interactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 6, 2016

Drought, heat take toll on global crops

A new study published in Nature found that droughts and extreme heat reduced global cereal harvests by an average of 9-10% between 1964 and 2007. The impact was greatest in North America, Europe, and Australasia, where production levels dropped by 19.9%.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 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.

Love hertz

Researchers created an audio lure using the frequency of a female mosquito's wings, attracting 95% of male mosquitoes. The device costs around $20 and can be run for weeks. Scientists also found that females are oblivious to male wing beats, making this technology a promising solution to control mosquito populations.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJan 6, 2016

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Ula weakening

Tropical Cyclone Ula is weakening as it moves west and passes south of Fiji, according to NASA satellite imagery. The storm's thunderstorm development has 'shrunk and become more shallow,' with dry air from the southwest sapping evaporation and thunderstorm activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 6, 2016

'Dry eye' linked to chronic pain syndromes

Research links dry eye to multiple chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic ocular pain. A multidisciplinary approach may benefit dry eye patients with underlying pain issues.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Pain·DateJan 6, 2016

Globular clusters could host interstellar civilizations

Researchers argue that globular clusters can host planets with conditions suitable for life, despite initial concerns. The environment of these dense star clusters may allow for stable planetary systems to form and survive for billions of years.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·DateJan 6, 2016

Grant targets quantum computing's error control challenge

A team of researchers has been awarded a grant to develop a new ion technology for tackling quantum computing's error control challenge. The goal is to build modular super-qubits that can correct errors and scale up quantum information applications.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateJan 6, 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.

Skin bacteria help cancer cells grow

New research reveals that skin bacteria toxins can advance cancer cell growth by manipulating the immune system. The study found that certain staphylococcus bacteria produce toxins that enable cancer cells to override the immune defense mechanism, leading to more aggressive disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalBlood·DateJan 6, 2016

DNA research offers clues on cell mutation

Researchers from Colorado State University have discovered that RNA plays a crucial role in DNA damage, leading to mutations and disease. The study sheds light on the mechanisms behind Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome and has implications for cancer research.

SourceColorado State University·JournalGenetics·DateJan 6, 2016

Ancient protein flexibility can drive 'new' functions

A study reveals that stress hormone cortisol's inhibitory effects on the immune system may be hundreds of millions of years old. GR, a glucocorticoid receptor, can adopt different shapes to bind DNA, highlighting the importance of protein flexibility in evolving new functions.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2016

Early trial shows injectable agent illuminates cancer during surgery

A new injectable agent, LUM015, has been tested in a trial and found to identify cancerous tissue in human patients without adverse effects. The technology could significantly change the treatment of sarcoma by allowing surgeons to remove 100% of the tumor on the first attempt.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 6, 2016

Buprenorphine found superior to Methadone in treating infants born in drug withdrawal

A study of 201 infants found that buprenorphine therapy was more effective than methadone in reducing the duration of treatment and length of hospital stay for newborns born in opioid withdrawal. Infants treated with buprenorphine had a shorter course of treatment, averaging 9.4 days, compared to 14 days on methadone.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 6, 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.

Oral contraceptive use not associated with increased birth defects risk

A recent study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Statens Serum Institut in Denmark found that oral contraceptive use is not associated with an increased risk of birth defects, with a prevalence of major birth defects consistent across all pregnant women regardless of contraceptive use.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 6, 2016

One crop, two ways, multiple benefits

A recent study found that faba beans can increase soil nitrogen and carbon levels, providing long-term benefits for farmers. The research suggests that growers should adjust their fertilizer recommendations to account for the slow-release nitrogen in pulse crops.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJan 6, 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.

Human activities trigger hypoxia in freshwaters around the globe

A new study reveals that human activities are the main cause of hypoxia in freshwaters worldwide, with 71 lakes showing significant changes since the mid-19th century. Aquatic rehabilitation programs have failed to restore lake ecosystems to their original well-oxygenated state.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJan 6, 2016

Fish-flavored cat food could contribute to feline hyperthyroidism

A new study suggests that fish-flavored cat food could be a contributor to feline hyperthyroidism. The researchers found high levels of toxic compounds in cats' blood samples that likely came from their fish-flavored food. Further work is needed to clarify the link between these metabolites and the disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 6, 2016

Is there a connection between your age at menopause and later depression?

A meta-analysis of 14 studies representing nearly 68,000 women found that menopause at age 40 or older was associated with a decreased risk for depression compared to premature menopause. Longer reproductive periods and exposure to endogenous estrogens may contribute to this protective effect.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJan 6, 2016

Study: Bacteria attack lignin with enzymatic tag team

Researchers from Rice University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered how two bacterial enzymes, LigE and LigF, work together as a team to break down lignin. This finding could lead to the development of new biofuels processes that convert plant biomass into ethanol and other fuels.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 6, 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.

Nanowalls for smartphones

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a new type of transparent electrode using 3D print technology, featuring gold or silver nanowalls on a glass surface. This innovation offers higher conductivity and transparency than traditional indium tin oxide electrodes, leading to improved screen quality and touch responsiveness in smartphones.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 6, 2016

Statins may lower risk of heart disease in people with sleep apnea

A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that statins can help reverse the process leading to vascular injury in people with sleep apnea. By reducing inflammation and preserving CD59 on cell surfaces, statins may lower the risk of heart disease in these individuals.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 6, 2016

Leaf-mimicking device harnesses light to purify water

A new device mimics leaf processes to harness solar energy and purify water, offering a clean alternative to conventional methods for addressing global water shortages. The tri-layer membrane uses TiO2 nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, and anodized aluminum oxide to degrade pollutants in simulated sunlight.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 6, 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.

Biological 'clock' discovered in sea turtle shells

A new study uses radiocarbon dating to estimate ages, growth rates and reproductive maturity of sea turtles in the wild. The technique provides more accurate estimates than current methods, shedding light on factors influencing endangered sea turtle populations.

SourceDuke University·DateJan 6, 2016

Testing the James Webb Space Telescope with radio waves

The James Webb Space Telescope's Integrated Science Instrument Module passed a test for compatibility with the spacecraft's electromagnetic environment. The test, conducted in an anechoic chamber, aimed to assess the likelihood of interference and ensure the instrument's functionality in space.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 6, 2016

Winship multiple myeloma study in The Lancet

A landmark Phase II study by Winship Cancer Institute led to the approval of daratumumab for multiple myeloma patients who have received at least three prior treatments. The drug showed an overall response rate of nearly 30% and demonstrated single-agent activity in a novel monoclonal antibody treatment.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 6, 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.

Oral contraceptive use not linked to major birth defects

A large prospective observational study found no association between oral contraceptive use and major birth defects. The study included over 880,000 live-born infants and found no increased risk among women who became pregnant while using or after stopping the drug.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 6, 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.

TTUHSC researcher receives NIH grant for vaccine

A $3.82 million NIH grant will prepare the Schistosomiasis Vaccine (SchistoShield) for human clinical trials, aiming to reduce infections in millions worldwide. The vaccine has potential impact on up to one billion people and is part of a broader research effort with over $11.5 million in total funding.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateJan 6, 2016

Droughts hit cereal crops harder since 1980s

A new study led by McGill University and the University of British Columbia found that droughts have a significant impact on cereal crop production, particularly in developed nations. The research analyzed data from 177 countries and found that global production lost to extreme weather events averaged around 9-10%.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 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.

Using nanoparticles to combat arteriosclerosis

A team of researchers developed a method for guiding replacement cells to diseased vascular segments using nanoparticles, which demonstrated promising results in mice. The fresh cells exert their curative effect in these segments by producing nitric oxide and regulating blood vessel expansion.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 6, 2016

Researchers uncover new details linking stress, fat metabolism

Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered a protein that stimulates fat metabolism when stressed, leading to weight gain. The study found betatrophin, a previously touted diabetes treatment, has a new role in regulating body fat.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids·DateJan 6, 2016

Loss of cells in brain's memory center linked to schizophrenia

Research reveals a decrease in inhibitory neurons in brain's memory center CA2 region, associated with social memory deficits and psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia. The findings suggest a possible link between this brain region and the disorder's symptoms, opening up new avenues for research and potential treatments.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalNeuron·DateJan 6, 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.

Penn researchers identify cause of heart failure in pregnant women

Researchers analyzed 43 genes in 172 women with peripartum cardiomyopathy, finding that a genetic mutation in the TTN gene is a common cause. This discovery could inform future research and potentially improve care for affected women.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 6, 2016

Were Panamanian islanders dolphin hunters?

Recent excavations on Pedro González Island in Panama found dolphin bones at an archaeological site dating back 6,000 years. The absence of dolphin hunting evidence elsewhere in Central America suggests that islanders used innovative methods to catch the marine mammals.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJan 6, 2016

Cancer drug shows promise for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Researchers at the University of Sheffield discovered that dasatinib can switch off signals in a protein implicated in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, leading to a 40% improvement in zebrafish with the condition. The drug has potential as a treatment for slowing muscle deterioration and improving symptoms in patients.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJan 6, 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.

Harnessing the body's immune system to heal wounds naturally

A Drexel University biomedical engineer is exploring the potential of macrophages to grow blood vessels and promote wound healing through a natural process. The goal is to develop a drug delivery strategy that controls macrophage behavior and encourages vascularization by the body's own cells.

SourceDrexel University·DateJan 6, 2016

Redirected flood waters lead to unintended consequences

The Headwaters Diversion system, built to protect agricultural lands from overflow and Ozark Plateau runoff, has increased peak flow of Mississippi River water and led to increased flooding. Climate scientists predict a continued pattern of extreme rainfall events, exacerbating the issue.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Soil and Water Conservation·DateJan 6, 2016

Factors in the blood during dieting may have anti-diabetes properties

New research shows that factors in the blood from calorie-restricted rats can modify energy-producing mitochondria within insulin-producing cells, protecting them from glucose toxicity. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes and new interventions against the disease.

SourceWiley·JournalFEBS Journal·DateJan 6, 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.

What motivates people to walk and bike? It varies by income

A University of Washington study reveals that people's motivation to walk and bike differs significantly based on their income level. Lower- and middle-income residents in densely populated areas are more inclined to walk or bike due to factors such as easy access to destinations, neighborhood attractiveness, and the number of bicycles...

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJan 6, 2016

Measuring Africa's unsustainable hunting on land -- by sea

Researchers developed two monitoring indicators for hunting levels of rainforest mammals and birds, adapting fisheries monitoring methods. The study found that hunters may be shifting to smaller species over time and increasing pressure on bird and mammal populations.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEcology and Society·DateJan 6, 2016

Global research hub publishes QUT study on light exposure and kids' weight

A QUT study published in PLOS ONE found that moderate intensity light exposure earlier in the day is associated with increased body mass index (BMI) in preschool children. The research also discovered that children who received more total light exposure at age 3 had higher BMI 12 months later.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 6, 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.

Science-driven strategies for more effective endangered species recovery

A new report proposes six broad strategies to raise the effectiveness of the US Endangered Species Act for endangered species recovery, based on a thorough review of scientific literature. The strategies include expanded partnerships and innovation in implementing the law to address pervasive threats.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateJan 6, 2016

Is your toddler ready for reading lessons?

A new study suggests that as early as 3 years old, toddlers begin to grasp the fundamental difference between a written word and a drawing. The research indicates that this understanding could be an important early indicator for children who may need extra help with reading lessons.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalChild Development·DateJan 6, 2016

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Reducing sugar content in sugar-sweetened drinks by 40 percent over 5 years could prevent 1.5 million cases of overweight and obesity in the UK and 300,000 cases of diabetes

Reducing sugar content in sugar-sweetened drinks by 40% over 5 years could prevent 1.5 million cases of overweight and obesity in the UK and 300,000 cases of diabetes. This reduction would lead to a significant decrease in energy intake and body weight, resulting in a substantial decrease in these health issues.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJan 6, 2016

NASA's Spitzer, Hubble find 'twins' of superstar Eta Carinae in other galaxies

Astronomers have found five objects with similar properties to the massive stellar system Eta Carinae, including a class of less massive stars. These discoveries were made using archival data from Spitzer and Hubble space telescopes, which identified key characteristics such as dust formation and infrared emission.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 6, 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.

Cancer screening has never been shown to 'save lives,' argue experts

Experts argue that cancer screening has never been shown to 'save lives' due to reduced overall mortality rates. Harms associated with screening, such as overdiagnosis and false positives, are significant concerns. The authors call for higher standards of evidence and consideration of harms in cancer screening.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 6, 2016