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Science News for July 8, 2016


Study explains why galaxies stop creating stars

A study of around 70,000 galaxies reveals that external mechanisms, such as infalling galaxy drag and gas stripping, are only relevant to quenching galaxies during the last eight billion years. Internal mechanisms, including black holes and stellar outflows, dominate star formation shutdown before this time.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJul 8, 2016

NASA sees Hurricane Blas closing its eye

The Suomi NPP satellite captured a visible image showing Hurricane Blas' eye filled with high clouds, while infrared imagery revealed a pinhole eye. The storm was weakening rapidly, with maximum sustained winds decreasing to near 105 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 8, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Exercise improves memory in breast cancer survivors

A new study by Northwestern University finds that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with improved subjective memory in breast cancer survivors. Higher levels of physical activity are linked to lower distress, less fatigue, and higher self-confidence, which in turn aids memory.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateJul 8, 2016

Recreating ancient vertebrate's first step on dry land

Researchers used a custom-built robot, mathematical models and studies of amphibious fish to explore the critical evolutionary leap from water to land. They found that stabilizing the body with a tail provided substantial benefits for the first critical step out of an aqueous environment.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2016

Four NYC medical centers receive new NIH precision medicine grant

Four NYC medical centers, including Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine, will collaborate on a $46.5 million NIH grant to enroll 1 million+ US volunteers in the Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The program aims to improve health outcomes by understanding individual differences in lifestyle, environment, and genetics.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateJul 8, 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.

Scientists simulate tiny bacteria-powered 'windfarm'

Researchers from Oxford University used computer simulations to demonstrate how chaotic bacterial swarming can be organized to power microscopic rotors and devices. The study found that densely packed bacteria can spontaneously assemble into a 'bacterial windfarm' capable of generating persistent mechanical power.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 8, 2016

A 'time switch' in the brain improves sense of smell

Scientists have found that a time-dependent coding mechanism is essential for distinguishing between similar smells. By inhibiting signals to olfactory bulb output neurons, researchers showed that mice could no longer differentiate between odor mixtures with slightly different ratios or molecules with similar chemical structures.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 2016

NSF-supported graduate researchers lead exoplanet discoveries

Recent exoplanet discoveries by NSF-supported graduate researchers expand our understanding of how planets form and orbit stars. These breakthroughs include the detection of a unique planet in a triple-star system, one of the youngest fully formed exoplanets ever discovered.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateJul 8, 2016

Moffitt researchers find new way to control genes often involved in cancer growth

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center discovered a novel way to control SETDB1 protein activity through monoubiquitination, which inhibits target gene expression and could lead to new cancer therapeutics. This breakthrough suggests E2 enzymes as attractive targets for cancer treatment.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 8, 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.

New record in microwave detection

Researchers achieved a 14-fold increase in energy resolution of thermal photodetection, opening doors for ultrasensitive cameras and quantum computing applications. The detector works at extremely low temperatures, detecting single zeptojoule energy packets.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 8, 2016

Faking to finish -- women feign sexual pleasure to end 'bad' sex

A qualitative study found that women feign orgasm as a means to end unwanted and unpleasurable sex. Despite being asked about consensual sex, all participants discussed problematic experiences. The research highlights the need for better language to describe women's experiences of unwanted sex.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·DateJul 8, 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.

A mixed response

A recent study suggests that re-wetting dried riverbeds releases dissolved carbon and greenhouse gases, including methane and CO2. This process may also contribute to ocean acidification. However, restoration of wetlands is expected to outweigh the negative effects, supporting biodiversity and mitigating storm erosion.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateJul 8, 2016

Neuroscientists warn against self-administered brain stimulation

A group of researchers warns against DIY use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) due to its unpredictability and potential for unintended consequences. The study highlights the need for caution when applying tDCS outside a lab setting, as it can affect brain function in unforeseen ways.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJul 8, 2016

Why Clinton and Trump backers don't mix

A national study led by Michigan State University scholar William Chopik found that living among people with opposing political viewpoints can affect ability to form close relationships and accept perspectives. The study also suggests that segregating into 'red' and 'blue' states may stifle healthy political discourse.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 8, 2016

Ecological context of mosquito-borne infectious disease

Research at the ESA Annual Meeting highlights the complex relationships between mosquitoes and their environments. Mosquito life cycles are connected to temperature and humidity, but warming climates may not always increase disease transmission. A study found that invasive mosquito species can even help break the spread of parasites.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateJul 8, 2016

Study finds no substantial harm from primary care melanoma screening

A new study of over 1,000 primary care melanoma screenings found no significant increase in surgical treatments or specialist referrals. The practice did result in a 79% increase in per-patient melanoma diagnoses among the most trained group, but this was not associated with an increase in dermatologist visits or surgeries.

SourceBrown University·JournalCancer·DateJul 8, 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.

A 'big data' approach to developing cancer drugs

Researchers created a comprehensive map of genetic and epigenetic lesions in human tumors, predicting responses to various cancer drugs. The study integrated 1,000 tumor cell lines with genetic, epigenetic, and expression alterations, validating results in 11,000 additional human samples.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCell·DateJul 8, 2016

Massive open-access database on human cultures created

Researchers have created an expandable, open-access database to study human cultural diversity. The D-PLACE database brings together information on over 1,400 societies, allowing users to search and analyze data on language, geography, culture, and environment.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 8, 2016

When red evokes mischief

A new study found that people with high sensation-seeking personalities are more likely to engage in prank behavior when encountering the color red. This contradicts previous research suggesting that red leads to compliant behavior. The findings have implications for health campaigns, such as anti-smoking and safe sex initiatives.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJul 8, 2016

Atomic bits despite zero-point energy?

Researchers at Jülich have found a way to produce nanomagnets with low zero-point energy, leading to higher stability. They investigated the connection between atomic properties and magnetic fluctuations caused by zero-point energy.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 8, 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.

Scripps Florida scientists link bipolar disorder to unexpected brain region

Researchers from Scripps Florida have discovered a link between bipolar disorder and the striatum, a brain region involved in motor planning and reward perception. The study identified 14 genes differentially expressed in bipolar patients compared to non-bipolar controls, suggesting a causal role in the disorder.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 8, 2016

At the insect singles bar, cicadas provide the soundtrack

Male cicadas use their calls to attract mates, but they also draw in pregnant female flies looking to lay eggs. The study found that both males and females demonstrated reproductive intent and successfully mated with each other.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Insect Science·DateJul 8, 2016

Dawn maps Ceres craters where ice can accumulate

Scientists with NASA's Dawn mission have identified permanently shadowed regions on the dwarf planet Ceres, which are likely cold enough to trap water ice for a billion years. The regions, occupying about 695 square miles of the northern hemisphere, may be colder than those on Mercury or the moon.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 8, 2016

Hamstring injuries in baseball may be preventable

A study found that using hamstring injury prevention programs can reduce hamstring injuries by 40% and lost playing time by up to 45.3% in minor league players, with a 65% reduction in major league players.

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateJul 8, 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.

Ultrashort cell-free DNA reveals health of organ transplants

A new diagnostic tool uses short-strand DNA library preparation to analyze cell-free DNA in plasma, enabling transplant recipients to get an idea of how their new organ is responding via a simple blood test. This method can help determine whether the transplanted organ is injured or being rejected.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 8, 2016

Deadly bug strikes in a day

A deadly bacteria, Burkholderia pseudomallei, can travel to the brain and spinal cord within 24 hours, according to a new Griffith University study. The findings could lead to discoveries on how other common bacteria enter the spinal cord.

SourceGriffith University·JournalImmunity·DateJul 8, 2016

Increase in childhood and adult asthma linked to London's 1952 Great Smog

Researchers found a statistically significant 20% increase in childhood asthma cases exposed to the Great Smog in utero or early childhood. The study suggests a strong possibility of a causal link between early childhood exposure to air pollution and later development of adult asthma.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 8, 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.

Agreeable personalities are more likely to help strangers

A study published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found that agreeableness is a key predictor of prosocial behavior, including helping others. People with high agreeableness are more likely to exhibit empathic concern and volunteer their time to help those in need.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJul 8, 2016

Setting the gold standard

A team of University of Florida researchers has successfully used light to grow gold nanoprisms, enabling better control over the growth process. The discovery has significant implications for pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and solar panels.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 8, 2016

Web-based data tool designed to enhance drug safety

A new web-based database, AERSMine, has been developed to analyze clinical responses of over 5 million patients to FDA-approved drugs. The tool identifies unexpected benefits and harm, as well as alternative treatment choices for individual patients.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 8, 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.

NIH awards $55 million to build million-person precision medicine study

The National Institutes of Health is launching a landmark longitudinal research effort, the Precision Medicine Cohort Program, with $55 million in funding. The program aims to engage 1 million or more U.S. participants to improve disease prevention and treatment based on individual differences in lifestyle, environment, and genetics.

SourceNIH/Office of the Director·DateJul 8, 2016

Unfertilized cover crop may reduce nutrient losses from Tennessee fields

Researchers found that incorporating an unfertilized winter wheat cover crop into annual crop rotations can significantly reduce nitrogen and phosphorus lost from row crops, enhancing downstream water quality. The strategy may also help alleviate the Mississippi River's nutrient load contributing to the Gulf Dead Zone.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateJul 8, 2016

A recipe for friendship: Similar food

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that eating the same food as a companion increases sense of closeness and trust. This strategy can be applied to various social situations, such as first dates or business negotiations, and may even influence marketing effectiveness.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJul 8, 2016

CuRE pursues development of new dental adhesive with STTR grant

CuRE's dental adhesive incorporates copper iodide particles to curb infections and promote healthy tooth bonding. The technology has the potential to reduce secondary caries formation under existing restorations, a major contributor to costly restoration failures.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateJul 8, 2016

Economics study finds volume discounts don't increase profitability for video game

Researchers at University of Chicago conducted a field experiment with over 14 million players, offering quantity discounts on virtual goods. The results showed that discounts had virtually no effect on the share of players making purchases and actually led to some customers spending less.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 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.

Going to 'Wars' against cancer and heart disease

A new gene called Wars2 has been identified as a key player in blood vessel formation, providing a potential target for new therapies against cancer and heart disease. The discovery was made by researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School who found that inhibiting Wars2 function impaired blood vessel formation in rats and zebrafish.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 2016

Dam good! Beavers may restore imperiled streams, fish populations

A seven-year experiment in Oregon's Bridge Creek Watershed demonstrates the positive impact of beaver dams on stream restoration and fish habitat. The study found significant increases in juvenile steelhead numbers, survival, and production in restored streams with beaver dam analogs.

SourceUtah State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 8, 2016

Return-to-play rates high for football players after shoulder instability surgery

A new study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that surgical treatment for shoulder instability in collegiate athletes can lead to high return-to-play rates, especially for those who played at high levels previously. Athletes with scholarships were more likely to return as starters after surgery.

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateJul 8, 2016

Messaging by flow in the brain

Scientists have discovered that tiny cilia on specialized cells create complex networks of dynamic flows that transport molecular 'freight' to specific destinations in the brain. These flows, powered by synchronized beating movements, could play a crucial role in distributing essential messenger substances.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 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.

How plants sense electric fields

Scientists have discovered a molecular component in plant cells that senses electric voltage, enabling them to respond to threats. This finding has implications for understanding how plants defend against pathogens like Ebola viruses.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPlant Biology·DateJul 8, 2016

An epigenetic mechanism is involved in the development of autoinflammatory diseases

Autoinflammatory diseases are characterized by recurrent acute inflammatory episodes due to deregulation of the inflammatory process. Researchers have identified epigenetic alterations in cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), which could lead to the development of novel biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 8, 2016

Composition of artificial turf surfaces key to preventing high school football injuries

A study found that artificial turf surfaces with higher infill weights (above 9 pounds per square foot) resulted in lower injury rates among high school football players. The research, led by Michael Clinton Meyers, PhD, recommends a minimum of 6.0 pounds per square foot of infill weight to optimize player safety on artificial surfaces.

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateJul 8, 2016