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Science News for June 15, 2016


Bioactive film improves how implants bond with bone in animal study

Researchers developed a technique to coat polymer implants with a bioactive film that significantly increases bonding between the implant and surrounding bone. The coating improved bone formation, density, and toughness of the implant, leading to better implant fixation.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering C·DateJun 15, 2016

Depressed, out of work? Study suggests skills to help land a job

A new study from Ohio State University found that unemployed individuals who use skills commonly taught as part of cognitive therapy for depression are more likely to receive a job offer. These skills include identifying negative thoughts, countering them with positive responses, and planning enjoyable activities to improve mood.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology·DateJun 15, 2016

Toward a diagnostic blood test for endometriosis

A study on mice suggests that endometriosis has a distinct lipid profile that could lead to a less invasive diagnostic test. The researchers found a difference in lipid metabolism between mice with the disorder and control animals.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJun 15, 2016

Presurgery chemotherapy may make advanced ovarian cancers responsive to immunotherapy

Research suggests that patients with advanced ovarian cancer who underwent pre-surgical chemotherapy showed altered immune cells in their tumors, indicating a potential increase in effectiveness of immunotherapy after treatment. This study found evidence of activation of certain T cells and reduction of immune suppressive cells in pati...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJun 15, 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.

The Muffin Study: Mono- vs. polyunsaturated fats in patients with metabolic syndrome

A recent clinical trial found that patients with metabolic syndrome who consumed muffins enriched with safflower oil (PUFA) lost more weight and showed greater health improvements than those consuming muffins made with sunflower oil (MUFA). This is a significant finding, as the study suggests that PUFA may be a better choice for managi...

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology·DateJun 15, 2016

Bright spots shine light on the future of coral reefs

Researchers identified 15 'bright spots' with more fish than expected on coral reefs, often due to local involvement and management practices. The study's findings offer hope for radical new approaches to conservation and suggest investments in local ownership rights can promote better reef conditions.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature·DateJun 15, 2016

Dartmouth team uses smart light to track human behavior

A Dartmouth team has developed a system that uses LED panels and only 20 light sensors to reconstruct a user's 3D skeleton in real-time. The new StarLight system has practical applications in virtual reality, non-invasive health monitoring, and passive behavioral monitoring.

SourceDartmouth College·DateJun 15, 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.

Simulations describe HIV's 'diabolical delivery device'

University of Chicago scientists developed a computer model of HIV that gives real insight into how the virus matures and becomes infective. The model reveals critical proteins inside the bud are cut into bits by the enzyme HIV protease, which can be targeted by anti-viral drugs.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2016

New type of meteorite linked to ancient asteroid collision

Researchers have discovered a new type of meteorite called Ost 65, which appears to be from the missing partner in a massive asteroid collision 470 million years ago. The discovery provides insights into the history of our solar system and may shed light on the evolution of life on Earth.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2016

New gravitational wave observed from second pair of black holes

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory has detected a second pair of colliding black holes, validating the landmark discovery from earlier this year. RIT scientists played a crucial role in identifying and analyzing the gravitational wave signal, revealing diverse sizes and spins among black holes in the universe.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 15, 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.

On the path toward bionic enzymes

Chemists at Berkeley Lab have successfully created a bionic enzyme by replacing iron in muscle protein with iridium, enabling a new type of chemical reaction. The discovery opens the door to converting complex structures in biomass and natural gas into higher-value materials and molecules for pharmaceuticals.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 15, 2016

Age, obesity, dopamine appear to influence preference for sweet foods

A new study published in Diabetes suggests that age and dopamine receptors may play a role in the preference for sweet foods in people with normal weight, but not in those with obesity. The researchers found that insulin resistance could contribute to the altered brain response in obese individuals.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalDiabetes·DateJun 15, 2016

Legions of immune cells in the lung keep Legionella at bay

A new study identified a population of monocyte-derived cells that play a significant role in destroying Legionella bacteria. These cells respond to the infection within 24 hours and can control the bacteria, with researchers hoping to develop new treatments to strengthen the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 15, 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.

Scientists detect second pair of colliding black holes

The detection confirms the existence of binary black holes with a range of masses, forming from different stars. The event provides valuable data on gravitational waves and the nature of gravity, shedding light on the universe's most violent cosmic events.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 15, 2016

New 3-D printed polymer can convert methane to methanol

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have created a reactor that can continuously produce methanol from methane at room temperature and pressure. The innovative 3D-printed polymer-based system retains high enzyme activity, enabling highly controlled reactions with greater flexibility and efficiency.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2016

Study offers explanation for why women leave engineering

A new study by MIT sociologist Susan Silbey finds that women experience marginalization during team-based work projects, leading to disillusionment with their career prospects. Women tend to be assigned routine tasks or simple managerial duties, while men take on more challenging problems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalWork and Occupations·DateJun 15, 2016

How red-eyed treefrog embryos hatch in seconds

Researchers discovered that red-eyed treefrog embryos use a unique mechanism to escape deadly snakes, rapidly releasing enzyme-degrading substances from specialized glands on their snouts. This process allows the tiny escapees to wriggle through an aperture created in the egg membrane, ensuring survival.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 15, 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.

Using espresso machines to do chemistry

Researchers extracted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from soil using an espresso machine, a process that takes only 11 seconds. The results were comparable to those obtained with certified techniques, but the new process was significantly less expensive and faster.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJun 15, 2016

New study highlights power of crowd to transmit news on Twitter

A new study by Columbia University and Inria found that reader referrals drove 61% of clicks on news stories posted on Twitter. The researchers analyzed public data and found that most users share and read content discovered on Twitter, with a relatively long shelf life for shared links.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJun 15, 2016

Gravitational waves detected for a second time

For the second time, scientists have detected gravitational waves, which provide information about their origins and gravity's nature. The event involved two smaller black holes that merged to form a more massive spinning black hole.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 15, 2016

Penn-led study resolves long-disputed theory about stem cell populations

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have identified distinct characteristics that differentiate reserve stem cells from label-retaining cells, resolving a decades-long debate. The study uses single-cell gene expression analyses to demonstrate that reserve stem cells are a separate population in the intestines.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJun 15, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Arthritis linked to suicide attempts

A recent University of Toronto study found that individuals with arthritis are more likely to attempt suicide compared to those without the condition. The study also identified childhood adversities such as parental domestic violence and sexual abuse as key risk factors for suicide attempts among adults with arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalRheumatology International·DateJun 15, 2016

Super-resolution microscopy reveals unprecedented detail of immune cells' surface

Salk Institute researchers have visualized the natural arrangements of vital receptors on T cell surfaces in lymph nodes, revealing pre-organized 'territories'. This study could help scientists better understand how to modulate the immune system's activity for autoimmune diseases or cancer treatments.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2016

Droughts across Europe affect British trees most

A new study reveals that beech trees in central Europe, particularly in southern England, are increasingly vulnerable to drought due to climate change. The research found that the region's iconic beech woods are at risk of widespread mortality during extreme dry spells.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 15, 2016

At any skill level, making art reduces stress hormones

A new study by Drexel University found that making art can significantly reduce stress-related hormones in the body, with 75% of participants experiencing a decrease. The study also found no correlation between past art experience and cortisol levels, suggesting that anyone can benefit from creative expression.

SourceDrexel University·DateJun 15, 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.

New TSRI method opens door to development of many new medicines

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute developed a powerful new method to find drug candidates that bind to specific proteins. The technique can be applied to thousands of distinct proteins and has successfully identified selective inhibitors for two caspase enzymes, which play key roles in multiple diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJun 15, 2016

Antidepressive treatment during pregnancy can affect newborn brain activity

A recent study found that exposure to commonly used antidepressant drugs (SSRIs) during pregnancy can affect the brain activity of newborns. The research suggests that the effects on fetal brain function should be reassessed and non-pharmacological interventions should be prioritized for treating depression and anxiety during pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJun 15, 2016

Video captures tadpole escape artists in Panama

Red-eyed treefrog embryos, thought to be helpless, are found to have evolved a quick-release mechanism to escape the egg prematurely. The study reveals that tadpoles can hatch up to two days ahead of schedule and use enzymes to create a hole in the egg membrane before escaping.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 15, 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.

Face of the future

Columbia University researchers develop groundbreaking technique to repair large bone defects in the head and face with lab-grown living bone. The innovative approach, which uses autologous stem cells derived from a patient's fat, enables precise anatomical replication and active bone remodeling.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 15, 2016

ASPB Plant BLOOME 2016 grant winners

The ASPB Plant BLOOME Grant supports education and outreach projects that advance youth knowledge and appreciation of plant biology. Two winners received funding for comics and interactive videoconferencing resources to engage students in learning about plant science.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·DateJun 15, 2016

Personalized medicine will employ computer algorithms

Scientists developed MetaFast, a software tool that rapidly analyzes metagenomes to identify previously unknown pathogens and develop personalized medicine. The algorithm can work with unknown environments and detect microorganisms like viruses.

SourceITMO University·JournalBioinformatics·DateJun 15, 2016

Chemotherapy may boost immunotherapy power in ovarian cancer

Researchers discovered that chemotherapy activates immune cells T cells within tumours, but also boosts cancer defences against immune attack. Effective immunotherapy treatments will have to block PD-L1 protein to target tumours effectively.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJun 15, 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.

Postpartum depression least severe form of depression in mothers

Mothers who develop postpartum depression often experience protective risk factors, but once their babies are born, they show more obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Women who had depression before becoming pregnant were more likely to experience hypersomnia and difficulty falling asleep.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateJun 15, 2016

Map of teenage brain provides evidence of link between antisocial behavior and brain development

Researchers mapped the brains of teenagers with serious antisocial behavior problems, finding significant differences in structure compared to peers. Childhood-onset and adolescent-onset conduct disorders showed distinct patterns of brain development, highlighting the importance of early interventions.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJun 15, 2016

Misleading images in cell biology

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new method to distinguish real protein clusters from single blinking molecules in superresolution microscopy. The study reveals that many studied proteins do not form clusters as previously assumed, challenging the theory on protein distribution on cell membranes.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 15, 2016

When it comes to evolution, testes may play a key role, IU studies find

Researchers found that the testes of larger, more aggressive dark-eyed juncos produced more testosterone, leading to flashier plumage and other traits influenced by testosterone. The study challenges the prevailing theory that hormonally regulated trait differences are controlled largely by the brain.

SourceIndiana University·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateJun 15, 2016

SNMMI Image of the Year: Novel PET imaging shows tau buildup link to neurodegeneration

A novel PET imaging study reveals a significant correlation between increased tau and decreased metabolic activity in the brains of living Alzheimer's patients, indicating clear signs of neurodegeneration. The study measures amyloid plaques, tau tangles, and metabolic activity using three different radiotracers.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 15, 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.

Shorter radiation course recommended for early-stage breast cancer patients

A new study finds that a shorter radiation course with higher doses per fraction is equivalent to a longer, lower-dose course in terms of cosmetic, functional, and pain outcomes. The results support the use of hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation as the preferred treatment for early-stage breast cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer·DateJun 15, 2016

The use of Camelid antibodies for structural biology

Researchers developed Camelid antibodies against serine proteases to study catalysis and inhibition. These findings have significant implications for disease treatment and diagnosis involving these enzymes.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 15, 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.

Why people help distant kin

A new study suggests that socially enforced nepotism, a concept that expands the classic theory of kin selection, may explain why people are altruistic towards distant kin. The simulations show that helping distant relatives can increase one's reputation and lead to more help from others, improving social rules and enforcing them.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 15, 2016

Making vinyl records even groovier

Researchers are investigating various vinyl formulations to enhance sound quality in classic vinyl records. Early studies suggest that materials such as wax cylinders are surprisingly stable when handled properly.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 15, 2016

New genetic research can significantly improve drug development

A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that genetic research in large-scale biobank studies can significantly improve the drug development pipeline and reduce costs. The study used a genetic variant linked to cardiovascular disease to demonstrate the value of Mendelian randomization.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJun 15, 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.

Restaurant improbable: Costs, productivity may prompt restaurant reinvention

Researchers find food service industry is significantly more labor intensive and has decreasing returns to scale compared to other industries. The study suggests higher costs and wages may make it difficult for restaurants to remain profitable, requiring a re-thought of the business model.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateJun 15, 2016

Cardiff University to investigate new epilepsy treatment

Researchers at Cardiff University are exploring a potential new treatment for human temporal lobe epilepsy by transplanting immature neuron cells into the brain. The project, funded by Epilepsy Research UK, aims to develop this cell transplantation treatment and potentially lead to clinical trials in the next 3-5 years.

SourceCardiff University·DateJun 15, 2016

UCLA scientists discover protective strategy against pesticide-linked Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that eliminating α-synuclein protein protects zebrafish from ziram-induced dopamine loss and provides potential treatment for pesticide-exposed Parkinson's patients. This study supports the approach of targeting α-synuclein to slow or stop disease progression in most people with Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJun 15, 2016

Study finds intervention helps newborns get screened for hearing loss

Researchers found that targeted intervention with WIC collaboration significantly improved follow-up rates and age at hearing diagnosis for low-income mothers' newborns. The study reduced loss to follow-up rates by 71% and diagnosed hearing issues earlier, leading to better speech, language, and reading outcomes.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 15, 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.

Diarrheal pathogen measures human body temperature

Scientists mapped all RNA structures of a diarrheal pathogen at once, identifying temperature-responsive structures that sense temperature changes. These 'RNA thermometers' can reveal gene sequences and proteins controlling disease progression.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2016

Returns in fine art have been overestimated

Researchers analyzed auction data and found that fine art returns are significantly lower than estimated at around 6.3% per annum. Investing in art via a fund does not increase the chances of outperforming a diversified portfolio.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalReview of Financial Studies·DateJun 15, 2016

A simple numbers game seems to make kids better at math

A new study from Johns Hopkins University suggests that exercising children's intuitive number sense can improve their math skills. Researchers created a five-minute computer game that trained the number sense of 40 kindergarteners, who then showed significant improvements in math performance.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateJun 15, 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.

Invasive Asian carp respond strongly to carbon dioxide

A recent study found that invasive Bighead and silver carp species avoid areas with CO2-infused water, reducing movement and behavior. The researchers tested the effectiveness of infusing water with recycled CO2 gas to deter carp movement.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalTransactions of the American Fisheries Society·DateJun 15, 2016

Droplets finally all the same size -- in a nanodroplet library

A new device developed at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences produces droplets of virtually identical volume, revolutionizing microfluidic systems. The device eliminates cumbersome infrastructure, enabling researchers to carry out complex chemical and biological experiments with increased accuracy.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJun 15, 2016

Gravitational waves detected from second pair of colliding black holes

Scientists have detected gravitational waves from the merger of two black holes, 14 and 8 times the mass of the sun, producing a single massive spinning black hole. The detection provides new insights into the nature of gravity and the origins of these cosmic events.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 15, 2016

Engineering the immune system to kill cancer cells

Researchers at University of Notre Dame develop new T cell receptor technology to enhance immune system's ability to target specific cancer antigens. The engineered receptors allow for a more directed and accurate immune response against cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalStructure·DateJun 15, 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.

Cause of heart arrhythmia in adult muscular dystrophy clarified

A joint research group found RNA abnormalities in the sodium channel in the heart as the cause of heart arrhythmia in myotonic dystrophy. This discovery will help prevent death and develop new treatments for the disease. Abnormalities in RNA splicing lead to various conditions, including cardiac sodium channel dysfunction.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2016

Rush hour on Palmyra Atoll

Marine biologists have discovered that shark traffic in and out of Palmyra Atoll's lagoon peaks between 7-8 pm. The study used dual-frequency identification sonar to monitor shark movement, revealing a rush hour for these marine predators.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateJun 15, 2016

Promoting dark skies across Europe

The STARS4ALL project is a EU-funded initiative that aims to promote dark skies across Europe through crowd-sourced data collection and analysis. Researchers are monitoring social media interactions between citizen science volunteers and participants to design new apps and projects for contributing light pollution data.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateJun 15, 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.

CWRU physicists deploy magnetic vortex to control electron spin

Researchers at CWRU create a way to control electron spins at room temperature using a magnetic vortex. The technology offers a possible alternative strategy for building faster and more powerful quantum computers. By coupling the vortices with diamond nanoparticles, they can manipulate individual electron spins in nanoseconds.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2016

Did gravitational wave detector find dark matter?

A Johns Hopkins team proposes a solution to the dark matter mystery by suggesting that black hole binaries detected by LIGO may be a signature of primordial black holes. The team's calculations match the predicted mass range for these mysterious objects, making them a plausible candidate for dark matter.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 15, 2016

Gene required for sperm production in blood flukes identified

A new study has identified the Nuclear Factor Y-B gene as essential for sperm production in the parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. The researchers found that suppressing this gene reduced sperm-producing stem cell numbers, highlighting its role in maintaining a balance between self-renewal and differentiation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 15, 2016

New X-ray method allows scientists to probe molecular explosions

Researchers used a high-intensity X-ray pump/X-ray probe technique to study molecular dynamics, enabling the observation of atomic-level changes in molecules when bombarded with X-rays. This new method has potential applications in understanding light-sensitive molecules and developing novel materials for energy harvesting.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 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.

A broken calorie sensing pathway: How overeating may lead to more eating

A study published in Nutrition & Diabetes has found that overeating reduces levels of the hormone uroguanylin, which signals feelings of fullness in the brain. When mice were overfed, their small intestines stopped producing this hormone, leading to increased eating behavior.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNutrition and Diabetes·DateJun 15, 2016

Seven servings of whole grains a day keep the doctor away

A study published in BMJ found that consuming seven servings of whole grains daily lower risk for all cardiovascular diseases and mortality from cancer, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. The researchers also showed a significant reduction in risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, and other health conditions.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 15, 2016

Sylvester scientists provide proof of concept for potential new class of cancer drugs

Researchers identified a small-molecule inhibitor that disrupted the recruitment of Mastermind-like protein 1 to the Notch transcription complex, inhibiting cancer cell growth and supressing tumor growth in mouse xenograft studies. This discovery represents a new paradigm for Notch-based anticancer therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 15, 2016

Antibiotics disrupt infants' gut microbiome, studies suggest

New studies show antibiotics can delay infant microbiome development, reduce bacterial diversity, and lead to temporary antibiotic resistance gene presence. The findings suggest a need for further research on long-term consequences of gut microbiome disturbances linked to obesity, diabetes, and allergies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 15, 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.

Loofah-based material could give lithium batteries a boost

Researchers developed a 'blocking' layer of porous carbon from loofah sponges to stabilize cathodes and improve lithium-sulfur, selenium, and iodine batteries. The new material helped prevent cathode dissolution over 500 to 5,000 cycles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 15, 2016

Emotionally positive situations boost memory for similar future events

Researchers from IDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute have found that combining a positive emotional component with a given stimulus promotes memory for future stimuli of the same type. This effect is observed until after 24 hours of sleep, when memory consolidation is maximized.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalNeurobiology of Learning and Memory·DateJun 15, 2016

New generation of high-efficiency solar thermal absorbers developed

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new generation of high-efficiency solar thermal absorbers using a tri-layer metasurface absorber. The system uses amorphous carbon as an interlayer between thin gold films, strongly absorbing light across the solar spectrum while minimizing emission of thermal radiation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNano Energy·DateJun 15, 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.

Adolescent sleep duration is associated with daytime mood

A new study found that adolescents who get insufficient sleep experience increased variability in sadness, anger, and energy levels. Healthy teens who restrict their sleep have worse moods the next day, while those with higher daily mood scores predict poor sleep quality the following night.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 15, 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.

Penn researchers find one-third of patients with low flow aortic stenosis do not improve with transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Researchers found that approximately one-third of patients with low flow AS treated with TAVR continue to suffer persistent low flow AS. These patients have a 60% higher rate of mortality at one year due to poor blood flow, emphasizing the need for improved treatment and monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJun 15, 2016

'Mosh pits' in star clusters a likely source of LIGO's first black holes

Astrophysicists at Northwestern University predict that LIGO's first detection of merging black holes could have been formed through dynamic interactions in the star-dense core of an old globular cluster. The theory, known as dynamical formation, is one of two recognized main channels for forming binary black holes detected by LIGO.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 15, 2016

First direct evidence for ultra-fast responses in human amygdala to fear

Researchers have found that the human amygdala can detect threats in the visual environment at extremely fast time scales, even before receiving precise visual input from the neocortex. This discovery has implications for our understanding of pathologies such as phobias and anxiety, where the amygdala plays a key role.

SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 15, 2016

PET/CT imaging of prostate cancer proves accurate biopsy guide

A new study by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging shows that PET/CT imaging using prostate-specific membrane antigen leads to highly accurate tumor detection and delineation, with a 67% accuracy rate.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 15, 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.

For tropical mayflies, mountain passes are higher indeed

A study by Colorado State University researchers reveals that tropical mayflies have a higher number of distinct species than their temperate-zone counterparts. The distinctions between these species consist of subtle, genetic differences that aren't readily visible to the naked eye.

SourceColorado State University·DateJun 15, 2016

Funding for Ph.D. post in dementia with Lewy bodies research

Research at University of Plymouth investigates potential therapy for dementia with Lewy bodies, a condition caused by alpha-synuclein protein deposits in nerve cells. The project aims to understand mitochondrial damage and its impact on DLB, potentially leading to new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateJun 15, 2016

Bee vampire picks the right host to suck

The study found that Varroa mites prefer infesting adult bees at mid-age, or during the nurse phase, which takes care of larvae. This preference significantly affects the mite's reproductive fitness and success later on.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 15, 2016

Tohoku University demonstrates sub-nanosecond operation of nonvolatile memory

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a new-structure nonvolatile magnetic memory device that achieves sub-nanosecond operation with minimal current consumption. The device overcomes limitations of existing nonvolatile memories and is expected to enable the creation of high-performance microcontroller units for IoT applications.

SourceTohoku University·DateJun 15, 2016

How the butterfly got its spots

By editing just one or two genes, Cornell University researchers have altered the patterns on a butterfly's wings, shedding light on their evolution and potential applications. The study found that the distal-less gene plays a crucial role in shaping multiple body parts, including eyespots.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 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.