Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for July 20, 2016


First atmospheric study of Earth-sized exoplanets reveals rocky worlds

Researchers from MIT and the University of Liège announce a new study on the TRAPPIST-1 planetary system, which hosts three potentially habitable, Earth-sized worlds. The team discovers that two innermost planets have compact atmospheres similar to those of rocky planets like Earth, Venus, and Mars.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJul 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.

Diversifying clinical science to represent diverse populations

A special series in Clinical Psychological Science highlights the importance of broadening traditional scope of clinical science research to address diverse populations. Research reveals ethnic and cultural differences in mental health issues, treatment, and prevention, emphasizing the need for diversity science.

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

Diseases that run in families not all down to genes, study shows

A study of 500,000 people found that shared lifestyle and surroundings contribute significantly to a person's risk of disease. Factors such as shared living space and eating habits make a major contribution to diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 20, 2016

More for less in pastures

A nine-year study by R. Howard Skinner found that multispecies pastures produce significantly more forage than two-species mixtures, with an average increase of 31%. This improvement is attributed to the enhanced carbon storage in the soil, allowing it to hold more water and mitigate droughts.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJul 20, 2016

New reaction for the synthesis of nanostructures

Researchers at ICIQ and IMDEA Nanoscience introduce a new surface-confined thermally tunable reaction pathway to selectively synthesize monomeric or low-dimensional phthalocyanine polymers. The discovery presents an interesting alternative for developing polymeric materials with technological applications.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 20, 2016

Greener cities become more unjust

A European Union-funded study reveals that environmental amenities in cities often displace low-income residents, leading to increased housing costs and gentrification. The 'Greenlulus' project aims to develop a ranking of environmentally just cities and promote policies to mitigate the negative social impacts.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·DateJul 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.

Winter overseeding and colorant treatments compared for bermudagrass

A 2-year field study evaluated the effects of winter treatments on 'Tifway' bermudagrass, finding that annual ryegrass maintained acceptable levels of green cover with fall colorant application. Overseeding reduced spring transition of bermudagrass by 40-50% compared to untreated and colorant-treated plots.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJul 20, 2016

This week from AGU: Amazonian drought, polar ice loss, and 3 research spotlights

A recent study published in Global Biogeochemical Cycles reveals that the Amazon Basin's carbon sink was completely shut down by a severe drought. Meanwhile, an international team is working to provide an up-to-date assessment of polar ice mass losses and their contributions to global sea level rise.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateJul 20, 2016

Columbia University to provide data and research support for NIH PMI cohort

Columbia University Irving Medical Center will play a key role in the launch of the Data and Research Support Center for the NIH's Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The center will standardize and organize large datasets to help researchers identify individual factors contributing to health and illness.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateJul 20, 2016

How water collector bees know when to quench hot hive's thirst

Researchers discovered that water collector bees respond to thirsty nest mates' begging, increasing their water-bearing activity. The team found that the hive stabilized its temperature at 40°C by controlling its water intake.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 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.

North American forests unlikely to save us from climate change, study finds

A new study combining future climate projections and tree-ring records reveals that North American forests will likely struggle to offset climate change. Forests, which currently absorb 25-30% of human-caused carbon dioxide emissions, are expected to grow slower in the face of warmer temperatures and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEcology Letters·DateJul 20, 2016

Putting software on a diet

Researchers aim to improve energy efficiency in software applications by increasing understanding of their impact on power usage. The three-year project will develop novel automatic analyses and tools to support decision-making, with the goal of enabling software engineers to create more energy-efficient code.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJul 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.

To protect yourself from malaria sleep with a chicken next to your bed

Researchers found that mosquitoes actively avoid feeding on chickens due to their unique odor, which could provide protection for humans at risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases. The study suggests using the odors emitted by chickens and other non-host species as a natural repellent to control malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMalaria Journal·DateJul 20, 2016

Improving artichoke root development, transplant quality

A study found that fertilizing artichokes with low nitrogen levels improves root growth and reduces yield losses after transplantation. The researchers also discovered that fertigation systems can help minimize transplant shock in globe artichokes grown in semiarid regions.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJul 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.

Penn-led team develops plant-based Polio booster vaccine

A Penn-led team developed an oral vaccine booster that confers immunity against all three serotypes of polio, using a plant-based system to express a protein found in the polio virus. The vaccine induces mucosal and systemic immunity, neutralizing all three serotypes and offering a potential solution to global eradication efforts.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateJul 20, 2016

Breastfeeding alters maternal metabolism and protects against diabetes

A recent study found that breastfeeding for over three months postpartum alters maternal metabolism, producing lower concentrations of branched-chain amino acids and phospholipids. This change in metabolites is linked to reduced insulin resistance and a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalDiabetologia·DateJul 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.

Oceans may be large, overlooked source of hydrogen gas

A new study suggests that oceans may be a significant source of free hydrogen gas, produced by slow-spreading tectonic plates on the seafloor. This finding could have far-ranging implications for our understanding of life on Earth and the potential for clean energy.

SourceDuke University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 20, 2016

Disturbances in blood cell gene transcription may lead to leukemia

A recent study has shed light on the pathogenesis of DNA breakpoints associated with leukemia, revealing a mechanism that explains up to 90% of DNA damages in the most common type of childhood leukemia. The study identified a new high-risk subtype of leukemia characterized by abnormal expression of enzymes causing DNA damage.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·DateJul 20, 2016

Cancer stem cells in 'robbers cave' may explain poor prognosis for obese patients

Researchers discovered leukemia stem cells in fatty tissue of obese patients were more resistant to chemotherapy, using fatty acids as their energy source and actively signaling fat for lipolysis. This adaptation could help explain poorer outcomes in obese patients, potentially shedding light on new strategies to target cancer stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 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.

New data on bird population trends and the climate conditions they occupy

Researchers found that bird species with increasing populations occupy a broader range of climate conditions, while declining species lose their range. This discovery has practical applications for conservation biologists, who can use the new findings to develop more accurate habitat protection strategies.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateJul 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.

Ocean acidification -- the limits of adaptation

Scientists tested Emiliania huxleyi's ability to adapt to ocean acidification over four years, finding limited growth rate improvement despite genetic identity. The study revealed that evolution amplifies negative effects on calcification, while adapted populations can still form calcium carbonate platelets under current CO2 conditions.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2016

Pap screenings linked to less cervical cancer in elderly women

A new study from the University of Illinois confirms a link between Pap smear screenings and a lower risk of developing cervical cancer in women over age 65. The researchers found that women in this age group were 36% less likely to have had a Pap test, resulting in a 52% reduced risk of malignant cervical cancer.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateJul 20, 2016

Reversing ants navigate successfully despite going backwards

Researchers discovered that reversing desert ants use an odometer-like mechanism to track distance and orientation while moving in reverse. The ants increase ground contact by using leg combinations and swing faster to maintain stability.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 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.

Gaining a better understanding of the way we taste

A team of Japanese researchers made a groundbreaking discovery about the way we taste by studying the structure changes of taste receptor proteins when they bind to taste substances. This change is thought to transmit information from outside the cell, enabling precise analysis of taste substance binding and related processes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 20, 2016

Titanium + gold = new gold standard for artificial joints

Researchers have created a titanium-gold alloy that is four times harder than most steels, making it an ideal material for artificial knee and hip joints. The alloy's improved hardness and biocompatibility are due to its unique crystal structure, which is resistant to wear and tear.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2016

A recent pause in Antarctic Peninsula warming

The Antarctic Peninsula has entered a temporary cooling phase, driven by the stabilization of the ozone hole and changing wind patterns. Temperatures remain higher than pre-20th Century levels despite glacial retreat.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature·DateJul 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.

Preventing HIV in transgender people -- JAIDS assembles critical evidence

A special supplement to JAIDS provides critical information on HIV prevalence, risk factors, and prevention strategies for transgender individuals. The research highlights the need for culturally-tailored interventions and emphasizes the importance of understanding epidemiology and behavioral approaches.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateJul 20, 2016

Quantum drag

Researchers found that a magnetic current flowing through one iron sheet can create quantized spin waves in another separate sheet, without physical connection. This phenomenon has potential benefits for emerging spintronics technology.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 2016

Underwater terrain may be key factor in little auk foraging

A study published in PLOS ONE found that little auks target the continental shelf and its edge for foraging, regardless of sea ice presence. The birds' diet varied depending on the location, with larger prey preferred at the shelf break when ice was absent.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 20, 2016

Guiding EU researchers along the 'last mile' to Open Digital Science

The EU is developing the European Open Science Cloud to provide robust e-infrastructures for publicly funded research data. However, many researchers face challenges in using these services due to technical limitations. Virtual Research Environments (VREs) can help bridge this gap by providing intuitive interfaces and seamless collabor...

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalResearch Ideas and Outcomes·DateJul 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.

Synthetic biology used to limit bacterial growth and coordinate drug release

Researchers at UC San Diego and MIT developed a synthetic biology strategy to produce cancer drugs in mice while limiting bacterial population growth. The approach enables controlled release of drugs at tumor sites, reducing tumor size by combining chemotherapy with gene products produced by bacteria.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 2016

Yale scientists apply new imaging tool to common brain disorders

Researchers created a new approach to scanning brain synapses using PET technology, revealing synaptic loss in patients with epilepsy. The technique may help diagnose and treat various disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 20, 2016

Study examines opioid agonist therapy use in Medicare patients

A recent study examined opioid agonist therapy (OAT) use among Medicare Part D beneficiaries. The analysis found that only approximately 81,000 patients received buprenorphine-naloxone therapy, despite an estimated 300,000 patients struggling with opioid use disorder and over 200,000 requiring hospitalization for opioid-related issues.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJul 20, 2016

Majority of physicians have favorite patients, study finds

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that 22 out of 25 physicians reported having favorite patients, often due to long-standing relationships and personal connections. Despite concerns about playing favorites, physicians strive to provide the best care for all their patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateJul 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.

Single camera can capture high quality facial performance

A single camera can capture high-quality facial performance using a new method developed by Disney Research, which takes into account the underlying facial anatomy and skin thickness. This approach allows for robust and accurate tracking of facial expressions without requiring multiple cameras or extensive pre-computed facial motions.

SourceDisney Research·DateJul 20, 2016

Study finds differences in older adults who fall indoors versus outdoors

A new study by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that patients who fell indoors had more chronic health conditions and were less likely to recover at home, whereas outdoor fallers were younger and healthier. The findings can inform targeted initiatives to lower the risk of falls in older adults.

SourceNew York University·JournalGeriatrics and Gerontology International·DateJul 20, 2016

Higher-income students have an edge when it comes to working memory

Researchers discovered that lower-income children have less working memory capacity than their higher-income peers, affecting academic test scores. The study suggests a difference in how lower-income children tap into their working memory, which can be changed with training and better opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateJul 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.

Tapping into behavioral economics to boost clinical trial participation

Researchers propose using nudges to influence patients' decisions to enroll in trials, leveraging psychology and economics. Strategies include conveying participant numbers, default enrollment in low-risk trials, and financial incentives.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 20, 2016

Latina mothers, families at the core of $500,000 grant to UH

The University of Houston will launch a new effort to educate and support Latina mothers and families on postpartum depression, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The two-year project aims to develop culturally responsive interventions to address the high risk of postpartum depression among Latina new moms.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 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.

The effectiveness of treatment for individuals with brain injury or stroke

Researchers investigated the effectiveness of neurorehabilitation treatments for individuals with brain injury or stroke, highlighting adaptable, measurable, and evidence-based therapies. Studies found that holistic neuropsychological rehabilitation can reduce reported symptoms and carer strain.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateJul 20, 2016

Exercise as effective as surgery for middle aged patients with knee damage

A study published in The BMJ found that supervised exercise therapy is as effective as arthroscopic surgery in improving thigh muscle strength and knee function in middle-aged patients with degenerative meniscal tears. Researchers recommend considering structured exercise therapy as a treatment option for this type of knee damage.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 20, 2016

New Yale-developed device lengthens the life of quantum information

Researchers at Yale University have created a novel system to encode, spot errors, decode and correct errors in a quantum bit, extending its lifetime more than three times longer than typical superconducting qubits. This breakthrough enables the use of Quantum Error Correction (QEC) for real computing.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 2016

A chair for getting fit and trim

Researchers at Bielefeld University developed an active chair as part of the KogniHome project, which uses a virtual avatar to lead family members in fitness exercises. The chair measures physical parameters like respiration and heart rate while monitoring healthy posture.

SourceBielefeld University·DateJul 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.

Garnet-type fast ionic conductor for all-solid-state lithium battery

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have developed a new garnet-type fast ionic conductor that can be used in all-solid-state lithium batteries. The material exhibits high lithium-ion conductivity and chemical stability, making it suitable for large-scale power sources.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·DateJul 20, 2016

3-D-printing lab instruments 1 block at a time

A team of researchers and students at UCR developed a modular system of 3D-printed blocks to enable quick and easy creation of chemical and biological research instruments. The Multifluidic Evolutionary Components (MECs) can be used in various settings, including university labs, schools, and hospitals.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 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.

Connectome map more than doubles human cortex's known regions

A recent study has mapped 180 distinct areas in the human brain's outer mantle, or cortex, more than twice the number previously known. The researchers developed software that automatically detects the unique 'fingerprint' of each area in individual brain scans, with a nearly 97% detection rate.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 2016

PCORI approves Group Health for $2.8 million research funding award

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved a $2.8 million research funding award to compare three methods for measuring blood pressure in confirming new hypertension cases. The study, led by Dr. Beverly Green, will evaluate the accuracy and acceptability of clinic BP, home BP, and kiosk BP measurements.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·DateJul 20, 2016

How however almost kicked but's butt: Linguistics study

A new analysis of over a century of literature reveals the life and journey of the word however, with common misuse as a synonym for but. Dr Andrew Hamilton's study shows that using however incorrectly has risen since World War II, often misusing it as a conjunction.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalEnglish Today·DateJul 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.

Making parenting a national priority

A new National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report calls for a national framework to uniformly expand access to best-in-class support programs for struggling parents. The report, co-authored by Eric Dearing, aims to provide a comprehensive approach to supporting parents of young children.

SourceBoston College·DateJul 20, 2016

NASA looks at Tropical Cyclone Abela in 3-D

Scientists studied Tropical Cyclone Abela using satellite data, which provided insights into its rainfall rates and cloud heights. The cyclone's low-level center was exposed due to wind shear, causing convective storms to form southeast of the center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 20, 2016

USF researchers find dangerous bacteria after sewer spills

USF researchers found vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) bacteria in untreated wastewater after a 2014 sewer line break, posing a public health threat. The bacteria can transfer resistance to other strains, fueling the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 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.

Study raises concerns over unnecessary imaging after thyroid cancer

A study of 28,000 patients found that increased imaging after initial treatment for thyroid cancer did not lead to better survival rates, but rather more aggressive treatment for recurrence. The researchers emphasize the importance of curbing unnecessary imaging and tailoring care to individual patient risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 20, 2016

'Perfect storm' brought sea louse epidemic to BC salmon: University of Toronto study

A University of Toronto study found that high ocean temperatures and uncoordinated treatment likely led to an outbreak of sea lice in BC salmon farms. The study revealed that the spread of sea lice to migrating juvenile wild salmon resulted in the highest numbers of sea lice observed on wild salmon in a decade.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateJul 20, 2016

Super-eruptions may give a year's warning before they blow

A new study suggests that super-eruptions can be predicted with a year's warning due to the growth of quartz crystals on their surface. The research found that most rim growth times are less than one year, indicating a one-year warning period before an eruption occurs.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateJul 20, 2016

Accelerating technological advances in wireless communication

INRS researchers have received over $3.8 million in NSERC grants to advance wireless communication technology. Their research programs aim to revolutionize key sectors of the Canadian economy, including machine intelligence and high-speed mobile ecosystems.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateJul 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.

Surgeons' disclosures of clinical adverse events

Surgeons who avoid discussing preventability of adverse events or have difficult communication experiences are more negatively affected by disclosure. Surgeons with more negative attitudes about disclosure at baseline reported more anxiety about patients' surgical outcomes after disclosure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 20, 2016

New superconducting coil improves MRI performance

A high-temperature superconducting coil developed by UH scientists boosts signal-to-noise ratio, revealing brain structures not easily visualized with conventional coils. The new technology can also acquire images in a shorter time than conventional coils.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 20, 2016

Clinical trial tests cord tissue to treat macular degeneration

Researchers are testing a new treatment using cells derived from umbilical cord tissue to target age-related macular degeneration. The therapy aims to prevent further loss of rod and cone cells and potentially restore vision in patients with advanced dry macular degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateJul 20, 2016

World first discovery gets to the heart of birth defects

Researchers have discovered a link between cellular stress and multiple types of birth defects, including heart defects. A study led by Professor Sally Dunwoodie found that reduced oxygen levels triggered a stress response in embryonic cells, leading to heart development problems.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateJul 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.

Female birds call the shots in divorce

In a study of Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens, researchers found that females are more likely to initiate divorce due to dissatisfaction with their territory. Divorce allows females to gain better territories, which are crucial for reproductive success in this species.

SourceMonash University·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateJul 20, 2016

Harvesting water from air with less energy

Scientists have developed a new system design that collects water from air with significantly less energy, producing high-quality water. This approach uses a liquid desiccant to separate vapor from air and cool only the vapor, resulting in substantial energy savings.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 20, 2016

Study shows changes in brain activity after mindfulness therapy in adolescents

Researchers found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy increases activity in brain regions controlling emotional processing, leading to reduced anxiety in youth at risk of bipolar disorder. The study's pilot trial showed significant improvements in clinician-rated and youth-rated anxiety following 12 weeks of treatment.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateJul 20, 2016

Rapid, low-temperature process adds weeks to milk's shelf life

A rapid heating and cooling process significantly reduces harmful bacteria in milk, extending its shelf life to up to 63 days. The low-temperature treatment uses heat already necessary for pasteurization to rapidly heat milk droplets, eliminating over 99% of bacteria.

SourcePurdue University·JournalSpringerPlus·DateJul 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.

Rationing healthcare: More than half of US doctors say no to clinical services

A national survey found that over half of US physicians have withheld medical interventions due to cost concerns. Solo practitioners and those with conservative leanings were less likely to ration treatment options. The study highlights the complexities of resource utilization for healthcare providers in the US.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 20, 2016

Three new India projects to be launched

The University of Würzburg has launched three new projects in India, aiming to analyze European and Indian political thinking and develop literature in a globalized world. The projects also focus on adult education and lifelong learning, providing opportunities for students to study abroad and write their master theses.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateJul 20, 2016

Come on baby, (re)light my fire

Researchers found that couples who perceive their partner as responsive experience higher levels of desire, feeling special, and valuing their partner. Responsive partners convey the impression that they are worth pursuing, promoting an already valuable relationship.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 20, 2016

Cosmetic therapy: The link between makeup and a down economy

Women engage in cosmetic therapy to improve their professional image and achieve financial stability during economic difficulties. According to a study published in Psychological Science, women's motivations for using makeup have shifted from solely attracting a male partner to also boosting their professional ambitions.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 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.

Social robots -- programmable by everyone

LuxAI creates social robots for educational and healthcare systems, with users able to program them in 20 minutes. The company uses a Robot Agent Programming Language, designed by CEO Dr. Pouyan Ziafati, to make programming accessible to non-IT experts.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·DateJul 20, 2016

Menthol-like cigarettes still sold in Canada despite ban

Researchers found that despite a ban on menthol cigarettes, similar products with green coloring and 'smooth taste redesigned without menthol' are being marketed to undermine the effectiveness of the ban. The study suggests that these tactics could have an adverse impact on public health.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalTobacco Control·DateJul 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 probe developed for improved high resolution measurement of brain temperature

A new probe allows for pinpoint brain temperature measurements in moving lab animals, precision measured to a fraction of a degree. The probe's small size enables spatially precise temperature readings from small brain areas, paving the way for real-time monitoring of brain temperature after traumatic brain injury or stroke.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateJul 20, 2016

After the age of dinosaurs came the age of ant farmers

A team of scientists discovered that ants first switched to farming fungi 55-60 million years ago, marking the beginning of a mutual adaptation. Leafcutter ants have since developed industrial-scale farming, producing protein-rich bulbs and thriving on an enormous scale.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 20, 2016

How cells master the art of reading life's recipes

A new understanding of protein creation based on RNA recipes reveals great precision in cell diversity and efficiency in ribosome reading. The research also sheds light on the interaction between ribosomes and RNA during tumor formation, potentially leading to better treatments.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature·DateJul 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.

Asteroid that formed moon's Imbrium Basin may have been protoplanet-sized

A new study estimates that the asteroid that formed the Moon's Imbrium Basin was likely a protoplanet-sized object, two times larger in diameter and 10 times more massive than previous estimates. The research also sheds light on the geological features surrounding the basin, which help explain some of its puzzling characteristics.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 2016

Urocortin-3: A signaling molecule for making friends

Research reveals that Urocortin-3 influences how mice interact with familiar and stranger mice, potentially shedding light on human social anxiety disorders. The study suggests a molecular mechanism regulating social behavior may be involved in coping with social challenges.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 20, 2016

Fungus a possible precursor of severe respiratory diseases in pigs

A research team found that a fungus, Pneumocystis carinii, plays a more important role in pneumonia than previously thought. The fungus was detected in piglets of all ages and appeared to proliferate before bacterial pathogens, suggesting it may be a 'door opener' for secondary infections.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation·DateJul 20, 2016