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Science News for July 26, 2016


More power to you

Engineers from the University of Utah and Minnesota have discovered that interfacing two oxide compounds makes them highly conductive, producing a hundred times more free electrons than semiconductors. This innovation could lead to smaller power supplies and devices with reduced energy consumption, such as laptops and home appliances.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAPL Materials·DateJul 26, 2016

Biological wizardry ferments carbon monoxide into biofuel

Biological engineers at Cornell University have discovered a way to ferment carbon monoxide into ethanol using an anaerobic microbe. The process is controlled by thermodynamics rather than enzyme expression, making it a potential solution for producing biofuel from industrial waste gases.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 26, 2016

Middle atmosphere in sync with the ocean

Researchers from GEOMAR found a direct relationship between decadal variations in Pacific Ocean temperatures and the tropical tropopause, which regulates water vapor content. This discovery contradicts earlier hypotheses that human influences dominate climate variability.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 26, 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.

Genome-editing 'toolbox' targets multiple genes at once

A Yale research team designed a system to modify multiple genes in the genome simultaneously, reducing unintended effects. The gene-editing 'toolbox' provides a user-friendly solution for studying cancer and other diseases.

SourceYale University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 26, 2016

Scientist develops gene therapy for muscle wasting

A novel gene therapeutic approach has been developed by WSU researchers to combat muscle wasting disease, which affects millions worldwide. The treatment, targeting a specific hormone, aims to prevent muscle loss and improve cancer patient survival rates.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 26, 2016

Researchers printed energy-producing photographs

The researchers successfully created dye-sensitized solar cells with inkjet-printed photovoltaic dyes, achieving efficiency and durability comparable to traditional methods. The printed solar cells endured over 1,000 hours of continuous light and heat stress without degradation.

SourceAalto University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 26, 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.

Substantial growth in ordering of CTA exams in Medicare population

The study found significant growth in CTA exams per 1,000 Medicare enrollees, increasing from 2.1 in 2001 to 47.6 in 2013, with chest CTA utilization rising the most. CTA services grew most rapidly in ED settings, with the percentage of studies performed annually in EDs increasing from 11% in 2001 to 28% in 2014.

SourceHarvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateJul 26, 2016

New model is first to predict tree growth in earliest stages of tree life

Researchers developed a new statistical model that accurately predicts tree growth from the moment they're planted to when they reach crown closure. This allows forest managers to better identify which trees will survive and make informed decisions about forest management, increasing efficiency and effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalForest Science·DateJul 26, 2016

NASA gets last looks at former Tropical Storm Darby

NASA's Aqua satellite and RapidScat instrument captured data on Tropical Storm Darby's winds and cloud top temperatures before it weakened to a remnant low-pressure system. The strongest winds were found north of the storm's center, with coldest cloud top temperatures exceeding -63 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 26, 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.

Mor earns GSA's 2016 Robert W. Kleemeier Award

Vincent Mor, PhD, of Brown University, received the 2016 Robert W. Kleemeier Award for his outstanding research on aging and care quality. He has conducted extensive work on hospice and palliative care, including a study on National Hospice Study's effect on patients' quality of life.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 26, 2016

Ancient temples in the Himalaya reveal signs of past earthquakes

Researchers studied 7th-century A.D. temples in northwest India to reconstruct historic earthquakes, finding evidence of damage from magnitude 7.8 and 7.6 quakes. The study extended rupture zones for two major earthquakes, suggesting the region is prone to powerful earthquakes.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateJul 26, 2016

The Lancet Psychiatry: First field trial supports removing transgender diagnosis from mental disorders chapter within WHO classification

A study of 250 transgender people in Mexico City found that distress and dysfunction were more strongly predicted by experiences of social rejection and violence than by gender incongruence itself. The researchers suggest that removing the diagnosis of transgender identity from mental disorders classification could improve health care ...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 26, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Every grain of rice: Ancient rice DNA data provides new view of domestication history

Researchers have uncovered evidence of ancient rice DNA, shedding light on the origins of domesticated rice species japonica and indica. The study suggests that indica rice was historically cultivated in East Asia or imported to the region, contradicting traditional assumptions about its exclusive presence in northern parts of East Asia.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 26, 2016

Web-based technology improves pediatric ADHD care and patient outcomes

A new web-based software program helps reduce ADHD behavioral symptoms in children by coordinating care and ensuring patients get effective ADHD medications. This improvement leads to better treatment outcomes, with children treated by pediatricians using the technology experiencing significantly less ADHD symptoms than those without it.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 26, 2016

Why baby boomers need a hepatitis C screening

A universal one-time HCV screening based on age can bypass discomfort and democratize preventive care, increasing screenings among all demographics. The screening test detects the virus antibody, with fewer than 1% of targeted baby boomers testing positive, yet helping identify those who benefit from curative treatment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateJul 26, 2016

Locher earns GSA's 2016 M. Powell Lawton Award

Dr. Julie Locher receives the 2016 M. Powell Lawton Award from the Gerontological Society of America for her innovative work in gerontological treatment and service. Her research focuses on social and environmental factors affecting eating behaviors and nutrition-related health outcomes in older adults.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 26, 2016

Columbia researchers find biological explanation for wheat sensitivity

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found a biological explanation for wheat sensitivity, which is not related to celiac disease. People with non-celiac gluten or wheat sensitivity have a weakened intestinal barrier that leads to a body-wide inflammatory immune response.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalGut·DateJul 26, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study in mice suggests stem cells could ward off glaucoma

A study suggests that stem cell infusion could help restore the trabecular meshwork, which drains fluid from the eye and prevents glaucoma. Researchers are confident that this approach may hold promise for primary open angle glaucoma, but further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2016

A famous supermassive black hole 'spied on' with the Gran Telescopio CANARIAS

Researchers have detected spiraling plasma around a magnetic field in the active nucleus of galaxy Cygnus A, providing insights into the cosmic monster's influence on its surroundings. The observations also confirm that the plasma is highly confined by the effect of the magnetic field.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJul 26, 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.

Georgia State sets research funding record of $120 million

The university has grown its research funding by nearly $40 million over the past two years, with federal agency funding increasing by 30 percent. Georgia State now ranks among the nation's premier urban public research universities, with a 'very high research activity' designation from the Carnegie Foundation.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateJul 26, 2016

The mysterious farting

Gasotransmitters, such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, play a crucial role in regulating human behavior, neurophysiological processes, and mental disorders. These gaseous substances are produced by both the host cells and gut microorganisms, influencing energy metabolism, immune function, and cognitive activities.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalMicrobial Ecology in Health and Disease·DateJul 26, 2016

Light shed on a superluminous supernova which appears to have exploded twice

Researchers used the Gran Telescopio CANARIAS to observe a superluminous supernova almost from its occurrence, revealing surprising behavior including an initial increase in brightness followed by a decline and later stronger increase. The study sheds new light on these rare events, which are up to 100 times more energetic than Type 1a's.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 26, 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.

Childhood illness not linked to higher adult mortality

A new study by University of Stirling researchers found that early-life exposure to infections does not lead to increased risk of death in adulthood. Contrary to previous theories on long-lasting inflammation, the study suggests improved adult conditions such as healthcare and diet are responsible for recent increases in lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2016

Cracking the mystery of Zika virus replication

Researchers from Tianjin University and Nankai University have unraveled the puzzle of how Zika virus replicates. They discovered a tunnel in the enzyme that holds viral RNA, allowing it to unwind its genetic material. This breakthrough could lead to the development of antiretroviral drugs against this spreading disease.

SourceSpringer·JournalProtein & Cell·DateJul 26, 2016

Improving Internet with mid-wavelength infrared

A novel mid-wavelength infrared phototransistor device has the potential to replace traditional radio-frequency wireless data links. This technology uses low-power and low-cost alternative to FSO communications, providing high-speed data links with reduced limitations.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 26, 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.

NASA team begins testing of a new-fangled optic

A NASA team is testing a photon sieve optic for improved UV resolution, which could help answer a 50-year-old question about the sun's corona. The new technology has already achieved success in its initial testing phase.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 26, 2016

Overlooked benefit of successful healthy lifestyle programs: Improved quality-of-life

Researchers found that community-based behavioral lifestyle intervention programs improve health-related quality of life by nearly 10% among participants. Those with lower baseline quality of life showed the greatest improvement, with scores increasing from 61.8 to 74 after completing the year-long program.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalQuality of Life Research·DateJul 26, 2016

Placental syndromes increase women's short-term risk for cardiovascular diseases

A University of South Florida study found that placental syndromes increase women's short-term risk for cardiovascular diseases. Women with placental syndromes and poor fetal outcomes have a 45% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease within five years of their first pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 26, 2016

Exercise cuts gestational diabetes in obese pregnant women

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of gestational diabetes in obese pregnant women. The study involved 91 women who were divided into an exercise group or control group, with the exercise group experiencing a significant drop in diabetes rates and lower blood pressure.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 26, 2016

Penn team uses nanoparticles to break up plaque and prevent cavities

University of Pennsylvania researchers have created nanoparticles that use the acidity of tooth decay to kill bacteria in dental plaque and prevent cavities. The treatment, which combines hydrogen peroxide with acid-sensitive nanoparticles, was shown to be highly effective at disrupting biofilms and killing bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBiomaterials·DateJul 26, 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.

Lonely atoms, happily reunited

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology observe how carbon monoxide enables single platinum atoms to move and form clusters, breaking the grip of the magnetite surface. This process has significant implications for chemical catalysis, as it opens up a strategy to turn clusters into single atoms.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2016

Male frogs have sex on land to keep competitors away

Researchers discovered that some frog species hide eggs on land to reduce competition from other males, leading to smaller testes in males with terrestrial reproductive modes. This finding sheds light on evolutionary forces driving diversity and provides insights for conservationists.

SourceCornell University·DateJul 26, 2016

NSF grant funds research on evolution of social cooperation

A four-year NSF grant supports Elizabeth Ostrowski's research on the evolution of social cooperation in Dicty amoebae. The study explores how organisms can work together despite individual benefits from cooperation, and how this cooperation is influenced by evolutionary pressures.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 26, 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.

Plasma technology can be tapped to kill biofilms on perishable fruit, foods

Air plasma technology has been shown to effectively kill bacteria and biofilms on the surfaces of perishable fruits, significantly extending their shelf life. The reactive species generated by plasma can penetrate into the cavity of the biofilm, causing damage and killing the bacteria within.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateJul 26, 2016

Exploring one of the largest salt flats in the world

A recent research report reveals that water and solutes flowing into the Salar de Atacama salt flat originate from an unexpectedly large portion of the Andean Plateau. The deposit, 3,900 feet thick, drains an area four or five times larger than the topographic watershed, posing fundamental questions about hydrologic and solute budgets.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 26, 2016

Molten storage and thermophotovoltaics offer new solar power pathway

New computer modeling suggests that solid-state thermophotovoltaics (TPV) could rival combined-cycle turbine systems when combined with thermal storage using liquid metal. TPV operates on the same principle as solar cells but converts infrared radiation to electricity.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 26, 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.

Eastern Pacific storms Georgette and Frank see-saw in strength

Tropical cyclones Georgette and Frank in the Eastern Pacific Ocean show see-sawing strength, with hurricane Frank strengthening while tropical storm Georgette weakening. Maximum sustained winds for Georgette have decreased to near 70 mph, with further weakening forecasted.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 26, 2016

Olshansky earns GSA's 2016 Donald P. Kent Award

S Jay Olshansky, a renowned gerontologist, has been awarded the 2016 Donald P Kent Award by the Gerontological Society of America. The award recognizes his exceptional contributions to the field of aging, including his work on estimates of human longevity and the health implications of population aging.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 26, 2016

Scientists identify novel genes linked to motor neuron disease

Researchers have identified three new risk genes for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using genetic data from Project MinE. One of these genes, C21orf2, increases the risk of developing ALS by 65%. The study's findings could aid the development of personalized treatments using gene therapy.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 26, 2016

Streetcar tracks increase risk of bike crashes: UBC and Ryerson study

A new study out of UBC and Ryerson University found that streetcar tracks are involved in a third of bike crashes in Toronto's downtown. The researchers argue that creating separated bike lanes could minimize interactions with rail tracks and reduce the risk of accidents.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 26, 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.

Supervised self-monitoring improves diabetes control in clinical trial

A supervised self-monitoring approach, which includes adjusted treatment or reinforcing lifestyle changes when needed, was found to be effective in controlling diabetes. The study showed better glycaemic control and lower glycated haemoglobin levels in the intervention arm compared to those who received usual care.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 26, 2016

Elite cyclists are more resilient to mental fatigue

Research reveals elite cyclists outperform recreational athletes in mental fatigue tests, indicating a superior ability to resist mental fatigue. This enhanced ability is thought to be linked to the sport's demands and may be trainable through physical training.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 26, 2016

Study identifies neural circuits involved in making risky decisions

Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered a region of the brain involved in decisions made under uncertainty and identified cells that suppress value-coding neurons when making a risky choice. This study could lead to treatments for psychological disorders, such as problem gambling and anxiety disorders.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJul 26, 2016

Vineyard cover crops reduce expense, save environment

Research by Cornell University reveals that planting cover crops beneath grapevines reduces nitrogen leaching, decreases dissolved organic carbon, and lowers neonicotinoid insecticide residues. This environmentally sustainable approach also saves vineyards money by minimizing herbicide use.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Enology and Viticulture·DateJul 26, 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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Codependence of cell nucleus proteins key to understanding fatty liver disease

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered that deleting a specific protein, HNF6, leads to an increase in lipid-producing genes and liver damage. This study highlights the co-dependence of two cell nucleus proteins, HNF6 and Rev-erb-alpha, which regulate liver lipid metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 26, 2016

Online intervention helps sustain weight loss

An online behavioural counselling tool has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight and sustain weight loss. Participants who used the Positive Online Weight Reduction (POWeR+) programme with brief support from a practice nurse lost more weight than those without, with an average weight loss of over 1kg over 12 months.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 26, 2016

NASA data show Hurricane Frank's fluctuation in strength

Hurricane Frank showed a transition from weakening to strengthening phases, with cloud top temperatures warming on July 25 and cooling on July 26. The storm's winds were measured by NASA's RapidScat instrument, which found tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 70 miles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 26, 2016

Asymmetrical magnetic microbeads transform into micro-robots

Researchers have discovered that asymmetrical magnetic microbeads can be transformed into useful tools controlled by a changing external magnetic field. The Janus particles, inspired by the Roman god of two faces, exhibit unique behavior under oscillating fields, forming linear chains and expanding to create micro-muscles on a chip.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 26, 2016

Cells from same cell bank lots may have vast genetic variability

Researchers discovered that cells from the same lot purchased from a cell bank exhibited vastly different responses to chemicals and had distinct genetic profiles. This finding raises concerns about the reliability of cell culture experiments, which rely on these cells as a foundation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 26, 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.

Rainforest greener during 'dry' season

Researchers found that the Amazon rainforest experiences higher photosynthesis rates during the dry season due to changes in leaf quality and not quantity. This discovery can help scientists assess the forest's health and potential impact on climate change.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 26, 2016

The case of the missing craters

The Dawn spacecraft's findings suggest that Ceres' large impact basins were erased due to its peculiar composition and internal evolution. The team proposes that a significant population of large craters was obliterated beyond recognition, likely resulting from the planet's icy crust and geological activity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2016

Witnesses confuse innocent and guilty suspects with 'unfair' lineups

Research suggests that witnesses are more willing to identify a suspect when they view a lineup in which the suspect alone has a distinguishing feature. However, this can also lead to confusion between actual guilty suspects and innocent suspects with similar features, impairing their ability to make accurate identifications.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 26, 2016

Historical love-affair with indulgent foods

Researchers analyzed 750 food paintings from the past 500 years and found that 86% depicted bread and 61% showed meat, while only 22% featured vegetables. The study suggests that people have always been drawn to visually appealing and indulgent foods.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalSAGE Open·DateJul 26, 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.

Cleaner air may be driving water quality in Chesapeake Bay

A new study suggests that improvements in air quality over the Potomac watershed led to recent progress on water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. Researchers found a nearly universal improvement in water quality, with decreasing nitrate concentrations and reversing nitrogen saturation in the basin.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateJul 26, 2016

Task force maybe too stringent in not yet recommending melanoma screening

A task force has been criticized for not recommending melanoma screening due to lack of evidence, but dermatologists believe early detection reduces risk of death from melanoma through visual inspections. The issue highlights the need for refined standards on skin cancer screenings with potential life-saving benefits.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA·DateJul 26, 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.

Health insurance coverage is associated with lower odds of alcohol use by pregnant women

A study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that pregnant women with health insurance coverage had lower odds of alcohol use, while non-pregnant women with insurance had higher odds. The study also found that prenatal substance use poses significant threats to maternal and child health.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJul 26, 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.

Health-eBrain study to launch phase II

The Health-eBrain Study launches Phase II to investigate the impact of Alzheimer's caregiving on brain and behavioral health. An international cohort of caregivers will use a mobile app to assess their cognitive function over 12 weeks, tracking stress levels, sleep, mood, and self-evaluation of memory.

SourceBrightFocus Foundation·DateJul 26, 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.

Smell test may predict early stages of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that low UPSIT scores predicted dementia and cognitive decline in older adults, while entorhinal cortical thickness was associated with UPSIT score in those who transitioned to dementia. Odor identification testing may be useful in detecting early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateJul 26, 2016

Japanese tadpoles relax in hot springs

A recent study by Hiroshima University scientists found Japanese tadpoles can live and grow in natural hot springs with water temperatures up to 46.1°C. This unique adaptation may allow the species to thrive on small volcanic islands with limited fresh water sources.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalAmphibia-Reptilia·DateJul 26, 2016

Regardless of age, health conditions, many seniors not retired from sex

Despite societal perceptions, many seniors consider sexual activity essential to their well-being. Researchers found that some older adults are finding their golden years optimal for exploring new dimensions of sexuality. Others emphasized they remained sexually able and interested throughout their later years.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalLeisure Sciences·DateJul 26, 2016

Can a brain scan early in stress predict eventual memory loss?

Research reveals that a brief period of stress can cause the hippocampus to start shrinking, which precedes the onset of memory loss. The study found that stressed rats performed poorly in memory tests compared to unstressed rats, with individual differences in brain shrinkage predicting worse performance.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 26, 2016

Wurm earns GSA's 2016 Baltes Foundation Award

Susanne Wurm, a professor of psychogerontology, has received the 2016 Baltes Foundation Award for her outstanding work on healthy aging. Her research focuses on the impact of individual views on aging and their role in shaping health outcomes.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 26, 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.

Cataclysm at Meteor Crater: Crystal sheds light on Earth, moon, Mars

Researchers discovered microscopic crystals telling of unimaginable pressures and temperatures when a 12-kilometer asteroid formed Meteor Crater. The zircons endured temperatures of 2,000 degrees Celsius, revealing an unusual realm for geology where extreme pressure and temperature occur briefly.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalGeology·DateJul 26, 2016

A new type of quantum bits

Scientists have successfully realised qubits in a novel form, leveraging electron holes to overcome interference issues. This breakthrough offers potential improvements in programming and reading quantum bits for future quantum computers.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 26, 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.

Making terahertz lasers more powerful

Researchers have developed a new type of terahertz quantum cascade laser that can produce a record output power of up to 230 milliwatts in continuous wave mode. This breakthrough has significant implications for various applications, including spectroscopy, medical imaging, and remote sensing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJul 26, 2016

Animation library to increase science literacy in Victoria

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute is creating a free online database of over 100 scientifically accurate 3D biomedical animations. This project, led by Dr Drew Berry, aims to provide valuable teaching and learning resources for schools and universities teaching biomedical science.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateJul 26, 2016

Novel state of matter: Observation of a quantum spin liquid

Researchers have observed a novel state of matter with quantum spin liquid properties in calcium-chromium oxide monocrystals. Despite conventional expectations, the spins remain collective and dynamic even at extremely low temperatures, exhibiting unique behavior.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 26, 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.

How to sound the alarm

Researchers aim to reduce errors in warning decisions by considering all three key aspects: who, what, and when. Effective warnings are crucial for mitigating casualties and increasing transparency.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJul 26, 2016

Dirty to drinkable

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created a new approach to purify water using graphene oxide and bacteria-produced cellulose. The bi-layered biofoam is light, strong, and flexible, allowing for efficient evaporation of contaminated water.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 26, 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.

Count seals in Antarctica from the comfort of your couch

A citizen science project, SOS, uses high-resolution satellite images to help researchers count Weddell seals in the Ross Sea. By contributing to this effort, the public will aid in understanding how fishing affects seal populations and the entire ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateJul 26, 2016

Study: Businesses can't afford to ignore the human element of IT

A new study by Binghamton University researchers suggests that organizations should consider the human side of IT errors, including mood and personality traits. The study found that developers are less likely to report self-committed errors when in a positive mood, highlighting the importance of fostering an environment where employees...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalInformation Systems Journal·DateJul 26, 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.

Stone earns GSA's 2016 Maxwell A. Pollack Award for Productive Aging

Robyn I. Stone, executive director of the Center for Applied Research, received the award for her research and analysis that improved policy and practice in aging. Her work has directly influenced policy development and practice at state and local levels regarding long-term care workforce training and job design.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 26, 2016

Stereotactic radiosurgery may be best for patients with metastatic brain tumors

Patients with three or fewer metastatic brain tumors who received stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone had less cognitive deterioration and improved quality of life compared to those who received SRS combined with whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that ...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA·DateJul 26, 2016

Cord blood outperforms matched, unrelated donor in bone marrow transplant

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found cord blood transplants had a lower incidence of severe chronic graft-versus-host disease and allowed patients to discontinue immunosuppression sooner. The results suggest cord blood may be equal to or better than matched, unrelated donor transplants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalBone Marrow Transplantation·DateJul 26, 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.

Imaging the brain at multiple size scales

A new technique called magnified analysis of proteome (MAP) allows scientists to image brain tissue at multiple scales, preserving proteins within cells and connectivity between neurons. The method enables high-resolution imaging with a resolution as high as 60 nanometers, tracing connections in the human brain more accurately.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 26, 2016

The hot attraction of gold

Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered that gold can be magnetized by applying heat. The non-equilibrium anomalous Hall effect (nAHE) was observed in the gold film due to the heat flow, indicating the evolution of magnetization. This discovery has potential applications in thermoelectric devices and spintronics.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2016