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Science News for June 14, 2016


Climate and society will determine the future of wildfire in the South

A new study projects a four percent increase in acres burned by wildfire in the Southeast by 2060, with substantial uncertainties and variations by state and ecoregion. Climate change models and societal changes, including land use and population growth, are key drivers of this projected increase.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalInternational Journal of Wildland Fire·DateJun 14, 2016

Fighting virtual reality sickness

Researchers developed approach dynamically changing user's field of view in response to visually perceived motion to reduce VR sickness. The study showed significant reduction in VR sickness experienced by participants without decreasing their sense of presence in the virtual environment.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJun 14, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stop cells in the brain

Researchers identified 'stop cells' in the brainstem of mice and lampreys that quickly end movement by activating neural networks. The study provides new insights into the neuronal control of movement termination in vertebrates.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 14, 2016

Prebiotic molecule detected in interstellar cloud

Researchers detected propylene oxide, a chiral molecule, in the Sagittarius B2(N) molecular cloud using radio astronomy. The finding sheds light on the origins of life and homochirality, with implications for understanding life elsewhere in the universe.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2016

MicroRNA may help control arterial thrombosis

Researchers found that microRNA-181b targets Card10, a protein that helps activate inflammation. In preclinical studies, the delivery of miR-181b reduced blood clot formation and prolonged time to artery blockage by up to 1.6 fold.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 14, 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.

Islands and their ecosystems

Biologist Juliano Sarmento Cabral's research focuses on understanding island ecosystems' diversity and its connection to the past. He simulates nature in virtual worlds to study how environmental factors affect plants and animals, including the impact of climate change on epiphytes.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2016

New insights uncovered into Prader-Willi syndrome

A study by Children's Hospital Los Angeles researchers sheds light on the development of appetite regulation in Prader-Willi syndrome. The study found that a gene responsible for PWS, Magel2, affects axonal growth, leading to lifelong metabolic dysregulation.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJun 14, 2016

Garlic mustard populations likely to decline

A recent study by University of Illinois ecologists found that garlic mustard populations become less aggressive and produce less sinigrin over time. This is due to a fitness cost associated with producing the chemical, which allows native plants to recover and compete more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateJun 14, 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.

Overcome strength-training plateau with accentuated eccentric loading

A study published in Frontiers in Physiology found that accentuated eccentric loading training can lead to greater strength gains compared to traditional isoinertial loads. After five weeks, experienced strength-trainers showed improvements in force production, work capacity, and muscle activation.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJun 14, 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.

New study explains how very aggressive cancer cells use energy to divide, move

A new study has identified a connection between a cancer gene and the metabolic processes that fuel the rapid growth and movement of aggressive cancer cells. Researchers discovered that the RhoC gene regulates cell metabolism and energy production, driving cancer cells to move faster than normal.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 14, 2016

Protein structure paves the way for new broad spectrum antifungals

A team of Duke researchers has solved the structure of an enzyme required to synthesize trehalose, a chemical cousin to table sugar that pathogenic fungi need to survive in human hosts. The research paves the way for designing new antifungal drugs against three deadly fungi: Cryptococcus, Candida, and Aspergillus.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2016

Landmark study suggests cranberries can decrease use of antibiotics

A new clinical trial shows that drinking 8-ounce glasses of cranberry juice daily reduces recurrent UTI episodes by nearly 40%. Cranberry consumption may help alleviate the burden of antibiotic resistance and improve quality of life for women suffering from recurring UTIs.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 14, 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.

Origin of a myth: The second trauma cure for amnesia

Despite medical community's understanding of brain function, the double-trauma amnesia cure belief persisted due to anecdotal evidence and flawed theories. A French scientist named Francois Xavier Bichat proposed the idea that a second blow could restore memories in the late 18th century, but his claims were not backed by specific cases.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNeurology·DateJun 14, 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.

Discovery of a new mating position in frogs

Scientists have described a new mating position in the Bombay night frog, where males straddle over females' backs to release sperm without physical contact. This behavior is unique among anuran amphibians and has significant implications for understanding reproductive strategies.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateJun 14, 2016

Nanoprobe enables measurement of protein dynamics in living cells

A team of researchers has developed a nanoprobe that enables the direct measurement of key proteins within living, cultured cells. The device tracked levels of Alzheimer's-disease-associated proteins amyloid-beta and tau in neurons exposed to an anesthetic, revealing that A-beta generation precedes tau phosphorylation.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 14, 2016

Sunflower pollen protects bees from parasites

Bees that specialize on sunflower pollen have evolved to avoid a common brood-parasitic wasp, Sapyga, which is unable to develop on the pollen provisions of these bees. This study suggests that specialization on sunflower pollen confers anti-parasite benefits.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·DateJun 14, 2016

A new business model is needed to drive antibiotic development

A new business model is required to drive antibiotic development, driven by market failures and perverse incentives that hinder conservation efforts. The proposed delinkage of rewards from sales volume could transform the industry and ensure the development of much-needed new treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 14, 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.

Blood pressure medications reduce stroke and heart attack in peritoneal dialysis patients

A new study found that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) can reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and death in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The study involved 4,879 patients and showed a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular events with...

SourceLA BioMed·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateJun 14, 2016

Study compares effectiveness of weight-loss drugs

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that phentermine-topiramate and liraglutide were associated with the highest odds of achieving at least 5% weight loss. The study included nearly 30,000 overweight or obese adults and identified the efficacy of five FDA-approved long-term weight loss agents.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 14, 2016

Drum beats from a one atom thick graphite membrane

Researchers created a nanoscale drum using graphene to manipulate vibrations with high tunability and controllable coupling between modes. This enabled the creation of new notes and amplification of vibrations, opening doors to probing fundamental physics and improving sensor sensitivity.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 14, 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.

A light microscope made only with consumer electronic products

A novel on-chip microscope made from consumer electronics enables simultaneous measurement of nanometer-thick changes over a large volume in transparent objects. The device utilizes phase-shifting interferometry and offers unprecedented field-of-view and depth-of-field capabilities, making it suitable for point-of-care applications.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 14, 2016

Polymer 'pens'

The University of Delaware-DuPont team has received an NSF grant to investigate a new approach to manufacturing small-scale structures that are cheaper, lighter and defect-free. The research aims to create ultra-small features using self-assembling macromolecules and block copolymers.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJun 14, 2016

Engineers develop a new biosensor chip for detecting DNA mutations

Researchers developed an electrical graphene chip capable of detecting DNA mutations at high resolution. The technology could be used in various medical applications such as blood-based tests for early cancer screening and real-time detection of viral and microbial sequences.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2016

Researchers find possible missing link between sleep and improved memory

A team of researchers at UC Riverside led by Sara C. Mednick found that the autonomic nervous system is responsible for promoting memory consolidation during sleep. They demonstrated a correlation between increased ANS activity and improved memory performance after a nap.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 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.

Global ethane concentrations rising again, says CU-Boulder-led study

A new study led by the University of Colorado Boulder found that global ethane emissions are increasing again after a steady decline between 1970 and 2005. The majority of the increase is attributed to North American oil and gas activity, which has reversed the emission controls implemented in the past.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 14, 2016

The social life of health information

A new study reveals significant regional, demographic, and educational differences in how Americans share health information online. Young people discuss ADHD on drug review sites, while older users discuss physical disorders like diabetes and heart conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJun 14, 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.

Genetic secrets of algae provide vital insight into coral bleaching

Researchers identified genes allowing some algae to tolerate high ocean temperatures, which could help predict coral bleaching risk. The study found that warmer reef algae can activate heat-tolerant genes to counter damaging effects of reactive oxygen species.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJun 14, 2016

CT-based calculations improve accuracy of PET for cancer patients

A novel CT-based calculation method, SULps, accurately measures lean body mass using computed tomography, leading to more precise PET imaging results. This improvement enables better staging of disease and therapy monitoring in cancer patients.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 14, 2016

Life's first handshake: Chiral molecule detected in interstellar space

A team of scientists has discovered the first complex organic chiral molecule in interstellar space, propylene oxide, near the center of our Galaxy in a star-forming cloud. The detection opens the door for further experiments to determine how molecular handedness emerges and why one form may be more abundant than the other.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 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.

US researchers call for re-evaluation of microbial testing of cannabis

A new study suggests that dispensary-grade cannabis may contain harmful yeasts and toxic molds, compromising its medicinal benefits. The researchers recommend re-evaluating culture-based techniques and conducting additional sequencing-based studies to investigate the cannabis microbiome.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalF1000Research·DateJun 14, 2016

Preparing medical students for the 'third science'

Penn State College of Medicine faculty define health systems science and its curriculum, complementing basic and clinical sciences. They identified 12 core domains and cross-cutting domains to be included in medical school curricula.

SourcePenn State·JournalMedical Education·DateJun 14, 2016

Youth with parents, household members in prison more likely to have first baby before marriage

A Princeton University study examines the impact of parent incarceration on a child's future and finds youth who experience household member imprisonment are 41% more likely to give birth before marriage. This risk is highest for fathers or extended family members, highlighting the need for interventions targeting vulnerable populations.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateJun 14, 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.

Study enables first-time analysis of earliest stage of HIV infection

A prospective, multinational study investigating virological and immunological changes due to HIV prior to clinical symptoms has identified 112 people with newly acquired infections just days after HIV exposure. The study provides valuable insights into the early stages of HIV infection and its impact on immune defense mechanisms.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 14, 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.

California 'street tree' benefits valued at $1 billion

A new study estimates California's street trees provide benefits worth $1 billion, including carbon storage, air pollutant removal, and energy savings. The study also highlights the need for tree diversification and density management to optimize urban forest performance.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalUrban Forestry & Urban Greening·DateJun 14, 2016

Migraine as a risk marker for stroke and heart attack

Research suggests that female patients with migraines have a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart attacks. The study found a 50% higher risk of developing cardiovascular events in women with a diagnosis of migraine.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 14, 2016

'Traffic-light' and numeric calorie labels cut calorie consumption by 10 percent

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that adding color-coded calorie labels to online food ordering systems reduces total calories ordered by about 10%. The simple traffic light labeling had a particularly strong impact among participants with low math skills and those who are obese.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateJun 14, 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.

Oxytocin in the recognition of emotions

A new study published in Hormones and Behavior shows that oxytocin administration enhances facial mimicry and emotion recognition in adult males. The researchers found that the subjects who received oxytocin exhibited greater facial mimicry when observing infant faces, which was not seen in those who received a placebo.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateJun 14, 2016

Sleepiness and fatigue linked to brain atrophy in cognitively normal elderly

A recent study published in an online supplement of the journal Sleep found that normal older adults with excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue had more brain atrophy and lower cognitive scores. The research may help identify individuals at higher risk for dementia before symptoms appear, allowing early interventions to prevent progr...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 14, 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.

How to diagnose systemic infections much more quickly and reliably

A rapid and specific diagnostic assay can detect pathogens in blood within an hour, distinguishing between infectious and non-infectious causes of inflammation. The assay uses FcMBL, a genetically engineered pathogen-binding protein, to identify infection-causing pathogens with high sensitivity and broad specificity.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJun 14, 2016

NFL, NBA, and NHL teams have a disadvantage when traveling west

A new study found that NFL, NBA, and NHL teams have a higher winning percentage when traveling east compared to west. The researchers analyzed data from the past five years of regular season games in these sports leagues, highlighting the importance of circadian rhythms on sport performance.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 14, 2016

MicroRNAs help to predict disease progression in brain tumors

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have developed a new method to predict disease progression in glioblastoma patients. By analyzing four specific miRNAs, they can identify patients who are at high risk of poor treatment outcomes and may benefit from alternative or intensified treatments.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJun 14, 2016

IBS breakthrough in the treatment of cancer

The IBS team identified baicalein as a suitable antagonist to battle malignant cancerous cells, binding to mismatched DNA and causing cancerous cells to self-destruct. The research found that baicalein significantly shrunk MutSα-deficient tumors in mice models, offering a viable option for patients with DNA MMR deficient tumors.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 14, 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.

Neolithic paddy soil reveals the impacts of agriculture on microbial diversity

This study analyzed buried and cultivated Neolithic paddy soils to understand the impact of agriculture on microbial diversity. The results showed that modern intensive rice cultivation led to a significant loss of functional diversity, with accelerated nutrient cycling and homogenization of soil ecological functions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJun 14, 2016

Antiphonal singing in indris

Indris sing in antiphony to synchronize their songs, which produces louder voices for territorial defense. Young indris prefer antiphonal singing to advertise fighting ability and signal individuality.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 14, 2016

Physicists measured something new in the radioactive decay of neutrons

Researchers at NIST measured the energy spectrum of photons released during neutron beta decay, providing a precise check on the Standard Model and shedding light on QED's predictions. The results are being used to further develop the theory and potentially uncover new physics beyond the Standard Model.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 14, 2016

Virus uses 'stolen' CRISPR to hack its host's immune system

A virus has been found to use a 'stolen' CRISPR system to hijack its host's immune response, allowing it to fight off other viral infections. The Cyanophage N1 virus uses a CRISPR sequence typically used by bacteria to defend against viruses.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalmBio·DateJun 14, 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.

Antibiotics against severe salmonella infections in Africa increasingly ineffective

Researchers have found that antibiotic-resistant salmonella strains are becoming increasingly common in sub-Saharan Africa, posing a significant threat to public health. The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, particularly among non-typhoid salmonella infections, is a major concern due to the lack of effective treatments.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 14, 2016

Community-based program improves depression in chronic pain patients

A community-based pain management programme for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain has improved depression and social integration. The intervention showed cost-effectiveness and a novel, brief, psychologically based group intervention directed at increasing participants' confidence.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 14, 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.

A boost for steel: A smarter and safer way to tackle corrosion

A team from Swansea University has developed a new 'smart release' corrosion inhibitor for coated steel products, outperforming hexavalent chromate in laboratory tests. The technology could lead to significant market share and is environmentally sound, economical, and safer.

SourceSwansea University·DateJun 14, 2016

EU project helps boost 'organic' electronics

The EU-funded EXTMOS project develops new organic semiconductor materials and additives for low-cost, flexible, wearable electronic devices. The project aims to accelerate material development through virtual testing and collaboration across multiple disciplines.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateJun 14, 2016

Helping co-workers can wear you out

A new study suggests that helping coworkers can be draining for employees, especially those with high pro-social motivation. Employees should exercise caution when agreeing to help and consider the magnitude of the issue before seeking assistance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJun 14, 2016

Upward trend in fatalities in organized violence was broken in 2015

New data from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program reveals that fatalities in organized violence decreased to less than 118,000 in 2015, ending an alarming trend of increases since 2011. The rise in conflicts involving states and non-state actors continued, driven by the civil war in Syria.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Peace Research·DateJun 14, 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.

Hurricane Sandy: Collection of post-disaster studies published by DMPHP journal

A collection of studies investigated the effects of Hurricane Sandy on public health, highlighting factors contributing to community resilience and healthcare system impacts. Research also explored the effect on at-risk individuals, with funding allocated through the US Department of Health and Human Services.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateJun 14, 2016

Opioids increase risk of death when compared to other pain treatments

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found long-acting opioids significantly increase the risk of death from unintentional overdose and cardiorespiratory events. Alternative medications, such as anticonvulsants and low doses of cyclic antidepressants, may be safer options for managing moderate-to-severe chronic pain.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateJun 14, 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.

Victor Flambaum becomes new GRC Fellow at Mainz University

Victor Flambaum's appointment at the Helmholtz Institute Mainz is expected to give great impetus to the development of the PRISMA Cluster of Excellence. He will be collaborating with various departments, including experimental groups working on dark matter and antimatter research.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateJun 14, 2016

Genome sequencing helps determine end of tuberculosis outbreak

Researchers used genome sequencing to determine when TB outbreaks ended by analyzing genetic mutations and transmission patterns. The method helped public health officials declare the end of an outbreak in January 2015, after no disease transmission occurred since mid-2012.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMicrobial Genomics·DateJun 14, 2016

Cats seem to grasp the laws of physics

Researchers at Kyoto University found that cats use causal logic to infer object presence based on sounds. The study revealed cats' expectations are shaped by what they hear, enabling them to predict prey locations.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJun 14, 2016

Study shows that plasma protein supplementation helps prevent cell death in diabetes

A study by University of Illinois researchers suggests that protein S supplementation can inhibit beta-cell death and improve blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and kidney damage in mice with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The findings offer a potential new approach to treating the disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalDiabetes·DateJun 14, 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.

Eukaryote process of programmed fork arrest determined

Cells use programmed fork arrest to halt DNA replication at terminator sites, controlling life span and preserving genome stability. The process involves proteins working together to calibrate fork movement, preventing constant machinery operation.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2016

Researchers release 'Frankenturtles' into Chesapeake Bay

To reduce sea turtle mortality in Chesapeake Bay, researchers are releasing 'Frankenturtles' into the bay, tracking their movement and studying how wind and currents affect a dead turtle's trajectory. The goal is to gain insights into likely causes of sea-turtle death and develop safe zones for these imperiled marine reptiles.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·DateJun 14, 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.

Burning for knowledge: Researchers set to ignite fire in space

The Saffire-I experiment aims to study how fires grow and spread in microgravity, with the goal of verifying fire-safety protocols for the ISS and future manned flights to Mars. The experiment will use a heated wire to ignite a large cloth sample, and researchers will monitor its growth and spread.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJun 14, 2016

Pituitary tissue grown from human stem cells releases hormones in rats

A team of researchers has successfully grown functional pituitary tissue from human stem cells that can release hormones important for growth, reproductive functions, and stress response. The study's findings hold promise for a more permanent therapeutic option for patients with hypopituitarism.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 14, 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.

UNIST Design School wins international design awards

The UNIST Design School's 'Toy Box' design concept has received Notable and Winner design awards at the Core77 Design Awards 2016. The award-winning design aims to provide play opportunities through innovative repurposing of existing relief packaging, helping deprived children in disaster zones and poorest communities.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateJun 14, 2016

How insights into human learning can foster smarter artificial intelligence

Recent breakthroughs in creating artificial systems that outplay humans in games are rooted in neural networks inspired by information processing in the brain. The complementary learning systems theory explains how humans and animals learn, highlighting its potential importance as a framework for AI development.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateJun 14, 2016

Chill coffee beans for a more flavorsome brew, say scientists

Researchers found that chilling roasted coffee beans before grinding results in narrower distribution of small particles, allowing for better extraction of flavor compounds. This could lead to more flavorful beverages and potentially alter the taste of brewed coffee.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 14, 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.

How citizen journalism can lead to cyber bullying

Agneta Mallén's study reveals how citizen journalism can perpetuate cyberbullying through the sharing of low-quality videos that are perceived as truth. The researcher found that even when video clips are later debunked, the damage is already done and the person is subjected to virtual punishment.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Scandinavian Studies in Criminology and Crime Prevention·DateJun 14, 2016

Why do women live longer than men?

Researchers found that women generally outlive men across multiple species, with a ubiquity of survival advantage. However, they also appear to be in poorer health through adult life, with higher rates of physical limitations and health problems like osteoarthritis and back pain.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 14, 2016

DNA in 'unbiased' model curls both ways

Researchers at Rice University used computer simulations to study DNA's twisted-ladder form, finding that chromosomes can emerge with either right- or left-handed superhelices. The discovery could help explain how cells regulate gene expression and cell differentiation.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 14, 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.

Research reveals pain and pleasure of sad music

A study of 2,436 people found that listening to sad music can lead to feelings of pleasure, comfort, and relief, but also painful experiences related to personal loss. The research has implications for music therapy and rehabilitation, highlighting the complexity of human emotions in response to sad music.

SourceDurham University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 14, 2016

Researchers improve biosensors to detect E. coli

Washington State University researchers created a simple sensor that can detect and amplify the signal of E. coli 0157:H7, a harmful pathogen causing severe diarrhea and kidney damage. The biosensor uses a nanoflower particle with organic and inorganic components to recognize and amplify the bacteria's signal.

SourceWashington State University·JournalSmall·DateJun 14, 2016

Brain in a dish to learn more about Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the Babraham Institute have developed a technique to replicate early changes in Alzheimer's disease in a lab-dish model. This breakthrough allows for the study of the disease's progression and potential treatments without animal testing.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalMolecular Neurodegeneration·DateJun 14, 2016

First detection of a chiral molecule in space

Researchers have detected a chiral molecule called propylene oxide in Sagittarius B2 North, a cloud of gas and dust in the Milky Way galaxy. This discovery sheds light on the origin of homochirality on Earth, which is a phenomenon where life forms predominantly use left-handed molecules.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2016

Americans are getting heart-healthier: Coronary heart disease decreasing in the US

A new study found significant improvements in coronary heart disease rates among the US population, particularly among those without established risk factors. The prevalence of CHD decreased by 1.3% from 2001-2002 to 2011-2012, with notable declines seen among women, non-Hispanic white and black adults, and those with health insurance.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 14, 2016

University of Montana researcher helps break ground on forecasting earthquakes

A University of Montana researcher has contributed to a groundbreaking study on the complexity of earthquakes and their forecastability. The research found that smaller and larger quakes contribute to the movement of the Himalayas, increasing the frequency but reducing the impact of earthquakes in the region.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 14, 2016

Spintronics: Resetting the future of heat assisted magnetic recording

A new spintronics-based system has been developed, offering improved performance over conventional heat-assisted magnetic recording materials. The DyCo5 nanostructures demonstrate a lower writing temperature and higher stability of magnetic bits, enabling faster and more energy-efficient data storage.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 14, 2016

IVCC receives grant to support its work in vector control

The International Vector Control Centre (IVCC) has received a $75 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over five years. This funding will support IVCC's work in developing innovative vector control products and tools to prevent malaria transmission from mosquitoes to vulnerable populations.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·DateJun 14, 2016

Study confirms that breast is best for premature babies' hearts

A study published in Pediatrics found that exclusive breastfeeding improved heart volume and function in premature babies, with those consuming more breastmilk having better outcomes as adults. The research suggests that breastfeeding may be able to mitigate the negative effects of premature birth on cardiac development.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 14, 2016

Novel portable diagnostic tool pairs optical and gamma imaging

The novel portable diagnostic tool offers a multi-dimensional look at the body by combining optical and gamma imaging, allowing physicians to visualize molecular data alongside surface organ images. Clinical pilot studies have shown promising results in imaging lymphatic and thyroid tissue, as well as tear ducts.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 14, 2016