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Science News for July 27, 2016


Discovery of new Hepatitis C virus mechanism

Researchers at Osaka University identified a new drug target by inhibiting the SPP enzyme, reducing HCV particle production and improving pathological liver conditions. The discovery also revealed a protein quality control mechanism that could be useful for treating other diseases.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2016

Faces aren't always to be believed when it comes to honesty

Researchers found that people make judgments of trustworthiness based solely on facial features, not expressions. Certain features like higher eyebrows and rounder faces are perceived as trustworthy, while others like downturned eyebrows can be seen as untrustworthy.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·DateJul 27, 2016

Selfie righteous: New tool corrects angles and distances in portraits

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new method to transform individual selfies by adjusting angles and distances, creating more realistic images. The tool can also be used to generate 3-D head shots and potentially even create 'live' photos that seem to move.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 27, 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.

Voice control in orangutan gives clues to early human speech

A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that orangutans have the potential capacity to control their voices, which could have led to the evolution of human speech. The research found that an adolescent orangutan named Rocky was able to copy the pitch and tone of sounds made by researchers, mimicking vowel-like calls.

SourceDurham University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 27, 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.

AAN: Closure not recommended for people with heart defect and stroke

The American Academy of Neurology recommends that individuals with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) who have had a stroke do not need routine catheter-based closure, due to limited evidence supporting its effectiveness. Instead, antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin are recommended to prevent blood clots.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 27, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Avoiding stumbles, from spacewalks to sidewalks

Researchers at MIT have developed a new space boot with built-in sensors and haptic motors that can guide the wearer around or over obstacles. The boot uses vibrations to provide navigation cues, which could be beneficial for both astronauts in space and visually impaired individuals on Earth.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 27, 2016

Gene therapy in a droplet could treat eye diseases, prevent blindness

Researchers have developed a gene delivery system that can be applied as an eye drop, rapidly moving from the surface to the retina and remaining for over eight hours. This method shows promise for treating several eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 27, 2016

Combining Ipilimumab with local treatments improved survival for patients with melanoma

A retrospective clinical study found that patients with melanoma who received both ipilimumab and local peripheral treatments had significantly prolonged overall survival compared to those who received only ipilimumab. The median overall survival for these patients was 93 weeks, compared to 42 weeks for those receiving only ipilimumab.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateJul 27, 2016

Could microbiome disruptions explain HIV-exposed babies' poor health?

HIV-infected mothers' breast milk alters oligosaccharide composition, leading to less diverse and immature gut microbiomes in their uninfected infants. This study suggests preventing microbiome disruptions may improve HIV-exposed babies' health.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 27, 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.

Towards smarter crop plants to feed the world

A new study has discovered a diverse range of plant enzymes, including Rubisco, that have superior characteristics for improving crop photosynthetic efficiency. The research found that some plant species produce more effective Rubiscos than major crops like wheat and soybean, which could help address global food security.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJul 27, 2016

Maternal HIV status may disrupt normal microbiome development in uninfected infants

A study found that maternal HIV infection influences the microbiome of uninfected infants, leading to a relatively immature and dysbiotic microbiome. This disruption can compromise the infant's immune system development. Researchers propose providing beneficial bacterial and prebiotics to improve long-term outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 27, 2016

The preventive destruction

Researchers develop new method to protect Earth from asteroids using nuclear explosions. The technique simulates an asteroid's destructive power, fragmenting it into safe pieces before they reach the planet. This approach is considered a safer and more effective alternative to previous methods.

SourceNational Research Tomsk State University·JournalAstronomy Reports·DateJul 27, 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.

When the going gets tough, the tough get growing

Scientists discover why fast-growing cyanobacteria thrives under intense light by expanding cellular machinery to build proteins. The organism can triple in size in less than 2 hours, producing more fuel and chemicals compared to slower-growing species.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalmBio·DateJul 27, 2016

World first demo of labyrinth magnetic-domain-optical Q-switched laser

Researchers have developed a magneto-optic Q-switched laser using a 190-micron-thick magnetic garnet film with labyrinth-shaped magnetic domains. The device achieved optical output with a pulse width of tens of nanoseconds, increasing pulse power by 1,000 times.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 27, 2016

New study reveals where MH370 debris more likely to be found

Researchers used oceanographic data to calculate the movement of MH370 debris, finding that the most probable locations for additional washed-up debris are Tanzania and Mozambique. The main wreckage is likely to be in a wide search area between 28°S and 35°S.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalNatural Hazards and Earth System Sciences·DateJul 27, 2016

Early and late menopause can increase risk of type 2 diabetes

A study published in Menopause found that women who began menopause before age 46 or after 55 were at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study also revealed that the length of a woman's lifetime reproductive cycle was associated with an increased risk of diabetes.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalMenopause·DateJul 27, 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.

Newborns with borderline thyroid function at higher risk of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes

A University of Sydney study found that infants with moderately high thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations have a higher risk of poor educational and development outcomes. Infants with TSH levels below the screening cut-off but in the top quartile have an increased likelihood of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes at school age.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 27, 2016

White dwarf lashes red dwarf with mystery ray

Astronomers have discovered a unique white dwarf binary system, AR Scorpii, exhibiting powerful radio pulses that are unlike anything seen before from a white dwarf. The system's rapidly spinning white dwarf accelerates electrons, releasing radiation in a lighthouse-like beam that affects its cool red dwarf companion.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 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.

Dragon ants are coming: New 'Game of Thrones' species identified

A new ant species reminiscent of 'Game of Thrones' dragons has been identified in the tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea. The researchers used X-Ray microtomography to create virtual specimens, enabling them to analyze and share findings with scientists worldwide.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 27, 2016

Jupiter's Great Red Spot heats planet's upper atmosphere

Researchers from Boston University found that Jupiter's Great Red Spot is responsible for heating the planet's upper atmosphere to unusually high temperatures. The team used infrared observations to map temperature anomalies across the planet, revealing that the Great Red Spot's heat distribution matches the observed values.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2016

New catalyst for hydrogen production

Researchers have found a new, sustainable catalyst for hydrogen production in the form of pentlandite, a mineral composed of iron, nickel, and sulfur. The study shows that artificial pentlandite produces hydrogen more efficiently than naturally occurring variants, with stable performance and a high active surface area.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 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.

Vitamin D levels predict risk of brain decline in Chinese elderly

A large-scale study found that individuals with lower vitamin D levels were twice as likely to exhibit significant cognitive decline over time. Vitamin D is also associated with a reduced risk of neuron damage and loss, suggesting its potential role in preventing cognitive decline.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·DateJul 27, 2016

Getting digital line-ups wrong can put innocents behind bars

New research highlights how police line-ups can lead to wrongful identifications if distinguishing features are not properly disguised. A study by the University of Warwick found that fair line-ups, which hide or manipulate distinctive marks, outperform unfair ones in distinguishing between innocent and guilty suspects.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 27, 2016

Princeton-UCLA study finds gray wolves should remain protected

Researchers found that eastern and red wolves are not evolutionarily distinct species but a hybrid of gray wolf and coyote ancestry. The study concludes that the ESA should protect hybrid species due to common interbreeding in the wild, which may not be harmful.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 2016

Article says radiologists need to solidify position on cancer teams

A review article aims to broaden radiologists' understanding of imaging-evident toxicity in the era of precision oncology. Toxicity can amplify with drug combinations, but acceptable levels may serve as a biomarker of treatment response. Radiologists must grasp the nuances of toxicity to contribute to optimized cancer care.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJul 27, 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.

Water resilience that flows

Researchers developed an affordable open-source data logger to collect high-frequency stream data, capturing trends in water volume and behavior. The logger enables communities to build resilience to water resource stress, a crucial step in addressing the impact of global climate change.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgricultural & Environmental Letters·DateJul 27, 2016

Should the gray wolf keep its endangered species protection?

Genomic research by UCLA scientists finds that the gray wolf is not a separate species from coyote but rather a hybrid of the two. The study suggests that the gray wolf should retain its endangered species status due to incorrect justification for removal.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 2016

Even thinking about marriage gets young people to straighten up

Researchers found that teenagers and young adults who expected to get married within five years committed fewer delinquent acts in the next year. The study suggests that the expectation of marriage may change behavior, as people may feel pressure to act more like an adult to gain social acceptance.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 27, 2016

Reducing carbon emissions using waste marble powder

Scientists have developed a new approach to capture carbon dioxide from flue gases using waste marble powder, outperforming current commercial calcium-carbonate sorbents. The powder showed high carbonation conversion rates and maintained its reactivity over multiple cycles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateJul 27, 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.

Clinical assessment of muscular fatigue

The study found moderate inter-rater reliability between therapists in determining muscle fatigue through observation of changes in movement patterns. This approach may provide clinicians with a tool to address the challenge of therapeutic exercise dosing in rehabilitation settings.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Orthopaedics Journal·DateJul 27, 2016

Street Norco looks like the real thing but really, really isn't

A new street drug combining fentanyl and U-47700 is being marketed as 'Norco' in Central California, posing a significant threat to users. The synthetic opioid's toxicity led to an unexpected cluster of fatal deaths in the area.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 27, 2016

NIH launches early-stage yellow fever vaccine trial

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has begun a Phase 1 study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an experimental yellow fever vaccine developed by Bavarian Nordic. The trial will assess whether the investigational vaccine can prevent yellow fever virus infection and induce a strong immune response.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJul 27, 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.

Investigation reveals how the NHS is impeding access to high-priced drugs

Researchers investigate how NHS England is hindering access to expensive hepatitis C treatments, citing NICE guidelines and company pricing as key factors. The study reveals a system of rationing and delayed treatment, prompting concerns over patient welfare and the role of drug companies' pricing strategies.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 27, 2016

White dwarf lashes red dwarf with mystery ray

Astronomers using NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope discover a new type of exotic binary star system where a rapidly spinning white dwarf powers electrons to almost the speed of light, causing radiation blasts that lash the companion red dwarf star, resulting in dramatic pulses every 1.97 minutes.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2016

Weight loss surgery associated with increased fracture risk

Severely obese patients undergoing weight loss surgery are at higher risk of fractures before and after surgery. The study suggests that guidelines should be followed on patient adherence to dietary supplements and physical activity to reduce fracture risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 27, 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.

Importance of including purpose of medications on prescriptions

A Perspective article highlights the importance of including medication purpose on prescriptions to enhance safety, prescribe appropriately, and improve convenience. By recording indications, clinicians can reduce errors, enable patients to better understand their regimens, and identify therapeutic alternatives.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 27, 2016

Mouse antibodies pinpoint Zika's weak spots

Researchers have identified specific antibodies that protect against Zika infection in mice, targeting a region of the virus similar to other flaviviruses like Dengue and West Nile. These findings aim to optimize current vaccine strategies and develop new antibody-based therapeutics.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 27, 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.

Antibodies identified that thwart Zika virus infection

Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified six antibodies capable of protecting against Zika virus infection in mice, providing crucial information on how these antibodies interact with the virus. The discovery could lead to the development of a vaccine, diagnostic tests, and potentially new therapies for Zika-related diseases.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·DateJul 27, 2016

Researchers say trees could help strengthen auto parts

Researchers at Clemson University are developing new composite materials using tree fibers to create stronger, biorenewable auto parts. The materials have the potential to replace traditional automotive parts with improved strength and sustainability.

SourceClemson University·DateJul 27, 2016

The August 2016 issue of Lithosphere is now online

The August issue of Lithosphere presents papers on Tyrrhenian margin neotectonics in Italy, the Wrangellia composite terrane in Canada, and fault-related fissures in Wales. These studies provide new insights into Quaternary travertine deposits, thermochronology data, and paleofluid circulation in faults.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateJul 27, 2016

'Screen-and-treat' scheme for hepatitis B may prevent deadly complications

A new study from Imperial College London and the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia found that a 'screen-and-treat' programme for hepatitis B can reduce deadly complications of the virus. The initiative is cost-effective and feasible in Sub-Saharan Africa, where around 80 million people are infected.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJul 27, 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.

A minute of secondhand marijuana smoke may damage blood vessels

A new study published in the American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report found that secondhand marijuana smoke can cause temporary damage to blood vessels, similar to tobacco smoke. Exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke lasted for at least 90 minutes, whereas tobacco smoke exposure recovered within 30 minutes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 27, 2016

All e-cigarettes emit harmful chemicals, but some emit more than others

A new study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that all e-cigarettes emit toxic compounds, with factors like temperature affecting emission levels. The study identified two additional carcinogens not previously reported in e-cigarette vapor.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 27, 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 study shows long-term safety of gene therapy in Parkinson's disease

A new study found no serious adverse events related to gene therapy in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease five years after treatment. The long-term safety profile of the therapy is promising, lending support to its potential as a treatment for this debilitating disease.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateJul 27, 2016

Toxins in e-cig vapor increase with heat and device use

Scientists report elevated levels of toxic compounds in e-cigarette vapor when heated to higher temperatures, including glycidol and formaldehyde. The release of these compounds increases with device use and voltage settings.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 27, 2016

Studies in mice provide insights into antibody-Zika virus interactions

Researchers at NIH identified six Zika virus antibodies that recognize a particular Zika protein, the envelope or E protein. Two of these antibodies also protect mice from Zika infection, offering potential for prophylactic treatment approaches for pregnant women at risk of Zika virus infection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalCell·DateJul 27, 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.

More evidence in quest to repurpose cancer drugs for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found that cancer drug pazopanib decreases levels of phosphorylated Tau, a toxic brain protein linked to dementia in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The study suggests that tau pathology may be the main culprit behind dementia in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateJul 27, 2016

Cod and climate

Researchers found that warmer North Atlantic Oscillation conditions reduced cod larval recruitment by 17 percent, resulting in fewer young fish. This effect persisted until the fish were 6 years old, affecting cod catch for up to two decades.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 27, 2016

Monitoring cell fates

Researchers at ETH Zurich study how stem cells differentiate into blood cells, revealing complex mechanisms beyond previously thought protein GATA1 and PU.1 roles. This knowledge is vital for developing effective treatments for life-threatening diseases.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 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.

Star's intense radiation beams whip neighboring red dwarf

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a new type of exotic binary star that produces powerful beams of particles and radiation, affecting its nearby companion star. The star, AR Scorpii, has a white dwarf with intense magnetic fields that accelerate electrons in the atmosphere of the red dwarf to close to the speed o...

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2016

When targeting cancer genes, home in on the 1 percent

Researchers at UC Berkeley have found a new cancer drug target that controls only a few percent of the body's proteins, potentially allowing for a more specific anti-cancer effect. The target is a protein called eIF3d that binds to specialized mRNAs and triggers translation of growth-promoting proteins.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2016

Treating pain without feeding addiction: Study shows promise of non-drug pain management

A new study shows that a non-drug approach combining behavioral therapy and social support can effectively manage chronic pain in individuals with addiction, improving their ability to function and reducing substance use. The low-cost approach, called ImPAT, has the potential to be widely adopted by addiction treatment centers worldwide.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAddiction·DateJul 27, 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.

Reperfusion therapy type for heart attacks seems less important than assuring that all eligible patients receive timely treatment

A recent study found that patients who did not receive reperfusion therapy had a significantly higher 30-day mortality rate, regardless of the type of hospital they were treated in. The researchers emphasized the importance of improving healthcare systems to facilitate timely treatment and reduce delays.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateJul 27, 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.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Mirinae approaching landfall

Tropical Storm Mirinae made landfall over Vietnam's northeast coast, with surface winds reaching 55.3 mph. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported the storm's maximum sustained winds were near 45 knots (51.7 mph/83.3 kph).

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 27, 2016

International efforts needed to save world's largest mammals, scientists say

A global plan is necessary to prevent the extinction of megafauna, including elephants, rhinos, and big cats, which play critical roles in ecosystems. The study highlights the need for coordinated conservation efforts to address threats like illegal hunting, deforestation, and human-wildlife conflict.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalBioScience·DateJul 27, 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.

Battery500 consortium to spark EV innovations

The Battery500 consortium is a five-year, $50M project led by PNNL to improve upon today's electric vehicle batteries. The goal is to develop lithium-metal batteries with almost triple the specific energy of current EV batteries, resulting in smaller, lighter and less expensive batteries.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJul 27, 2016

Flexibility in the molecular design of acetylcholinesterase reactivators

The study proposes an occupancy frequency approach to select representative configurations for reaction mechanism calculations, reducing the number of QM calculations required in hybrid simulations. This method focuses on average structure configurations, enabling a powerful tool for multiscale simulations.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalLetters in Drug Design & Discovery·DateJul 27, 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.

Switch from observation only to active treatment by prostate cancer patients varies by race/ethnicity

A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that non-Hispanic black men were more likely than white men to begin active treatment for low-risk prostate cancer, independent of clinical measures. Ethnicity influenced this decision, suggesting a need for greater attention to race/ethnicity in disease management.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateJul 27, 2016

Indicators of Parkinson's disease risk found in unexpected places

A study published in Scientific Reports found tiny DNA changes linked to Parkinson's disease in unexpected places, including liver, fat, immune, and developmental cells. These findings suggest a diverse set of underlying causes for the disease, challenging current understanding of neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 27, 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.

Satellite tracks the remnants of Tropical Storm Georgette

Tropical Storm Georgette's remnants were captured by NOAA's GOES-West satellite, showing a swirl of clouds mostly north and west of the center. The post-tropical cyclone was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 mph, with maximum sustained winds decreasing to near 35 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 27, 2016

The brain's super-sensitivity to curbs

Cognitive scientists at Johns Hopkins University found two distinct brain regions responding to visual boundaries and obstacles. The parahippocampal place area reacts to visual structures like curbs and walls, while the retrosplenial complex responds to taller, more imposing boundaries.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateJul 27, 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.

Montreal households the greenest in Canada: UBC study

A new study by UBC researchers reveals Montreal's low greenhouse gas emissions due to affordable hydropower and electric heating, while Edmonton's high emissions are attributed to extreme weather, low density, and coal reliance. The study also found a decline in average household GHG emissions across Canada from 1997 to 2009.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalRegional Science and Urban Economics·DateJul 27, 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.

Watering solar cells makes them grow ... in power!

Researchers found that moisture in the air enhances perovskite solar cells' performance by redistributing a dopant, increasing electric properties. However, prolonged exposure to moisture can be detrimental.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateJul 27, 2016

Photos capture challenges for teens with autism, show animals as resource

A new study from the University of Missouri found that Photovoice, a method using photographs, helps adolescents with autism express concerns and stress as they transition to adulthood. The research reveals themes of isolation, socialization challenges, and the comfort animals bring in combating loneliness.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Adolescent Research·DateJul 27, 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.

Forests, species on 4 continents threatened by palm oil expansion

A new study finds that palm oil production is driving deforestation in Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, and Mesoamerica, posing significant threats to biodiversity. Conservation efforts will need to be tailored to each region's unique challenges to protect at-risk species.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 27, 2016

Transformations to granular zircon revealed: Meteor Crater, Arizona

Researchers used electron backscatter diffraction to unravel the transformations involved in creating granular zircon. The results show that making granular zircon first involves forming twins and transforming into reidite under extreme pressure and temperature conditions.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJul 27, 2016

Common brain changes found in children with autism, ADHD and OCD

Researchers found similar brain impairments in children with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The study linked these impairments to symptoms that occur across different conditions.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 27, 2016

New approach for environmental test on livestock drugs

A new ecotoxicological field test was successfully conducted to verify the toxicity of livestock medications, finding that earthworms can compensate for the loss of other organisms. The study provides important insights into minimizing the risks of drug residues in nature.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJul 27, 2016

New model may help solve the mystery of how lithium stabilizes moods

A new molecular model of lithium's bioactive form suggests the drug works by forming an 'intimate association' with magnesium and phosphates in the brain. This interaction may prolong signaling pathways in neurons, contributing to its mood-stabilizing effects.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJul 27, 2016

Maintaining a healthy heart through bile acids

A Canadian study discovered that a specific kind of bile acid can prevent cardiac fibrosis, a condition leading to heart failure. Researchers are now exploring the therapeutic effect in humans and aiming to understand the molecular mechanisms behind this breakthrough.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 27, 2016

Low-level laser therapy may improve treatment of dangerous bleeding disorder

A low-intensity type of laser treatment has been shown to increase platelet production in animals with thrombocytopenia, a potentially life-threatening shortage of blood cells. The therapy also restored platelet levels in mice with autoimmune disorders and chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 27, 2016

Ketone drink gives competitive cyclists a boost by altering their metabolism

A ketone drink developed for soldiers improved endurance performance in highly trained cyclists, enabling them to cover an additional 400 meters. The supplement works by temporarily switching the primary source of cellular energy from glucose or fat to ketones, reducing lactic acid production and muscle fatigue.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 27, 2016

Gene therapy for metabolic liver diseases shows promise in pigs

A new gene therapy approach has shown promising results in treating hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1), a metabolic disorder characterized by progressive liver disease. The treatment involves transplanting corrected liver cells into the diseased liver, resulting in enzyme production and preventing liver failure.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 27, 2016

NZ wren DNA analysis reshapes geological theory

A DNA study of New Zealand's acanthisittid wrens has provided evidence that the country was not completely submerged under the ocean around 21 to 25 million years ago. The research found divergences among the species, suggesting they have been resident in New Zealand for over 25 million years.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateJul 27, 2016