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Science News for June 16, 2016


Modeling the behavior of pro-ISIS groups online, to make predictions

Researchers developed a model to analyze online support for ISIS, identifying key behavioral patterns and predicting the onset of major violent events. The study found that pro-ISIS groups can adapt and regroup under different names, making them challenging to track.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 2016

Gravitational waves caught again

The second detection of gravitational waves from merging black holes is a significant milestone in the development of physics. Scientists have found that the observed gravity waves were generated by two black holes with masses of 14 and 8 solar masses, which merged to form a single rotating black hole.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·DateJun 16, 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.

Pitch range produced by vocal cords

Researchers at the University of Utah have discovered that vocal cords can be stretched and stiffened to predict an animal's pitch range, revealing evolutionary roots of voice. The study suggests that singers can increase their ranges by stretching their vocal cords or engaging in exercises that affect fiber spacing and cord stiffness.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 16, 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.

Let there be light

University of Utah researchers have developed a theory that adding light during the manufacturing process can reduce defects in semiconductors, leading to more efficient solar cells and brighter LED bulbs. This breakthrough could unlock the potential of materials previously deemed unusable, such as cadmium telluride and gallium nitride.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 16, 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.

Study underscores ongoing need for HIV safety net program

A Johns Hopkins study of 28,000 people with HIV concludes that the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program remains crucial despite the Affordable Care Act's availability. The program provides free medical care to hundreds of thousands of low-income individuals, and its cutbacks could leave many without access to essential services.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 16, 2016

Special education professor advocates for steps to combat replication crisis in research

A University of Kansas special education professor advocates for increased use of single-case experimental research design to complement group experiments and address the replication crisis. This approach can lead to effective interventions and make replication less cumbersome, providing clarity on individual responses to interventions.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalRemedial and Special Education·DateJun 16, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cancer-preventing protein finds its own way in our DNA

Geneticists at KU Leuven have discovered that tumour protein TP53 can autonomously locate and bind to specific DNA sequences, activating the right genes to repair damaged cells. This finding sheds light on the mechanisms controlling gene expression and holds promise for future cancer therapies.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalGenome Research·DateJun 16, 2016

Dividing the spoils of cooperation

A new study by UC Santa Barbara psychologists found that men prioritize traits associated with productivity and material benefit in nonfamily members, rather than solely generosity and trustworthiness. In contrast, women place more emphasis on reciprocity and demand more from attractive partners.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateJun 16, 2016

China's environmental programs pass the test

A new study reveals that China's conservation programs have improved ecosystem services, with notable increases in food production and carbon sequestration. However, some areas experienced decreases in habitat provision and air and water quality remained a concern.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 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.

Genetic mutation causes ataxia in humans and dogs

A new genetic mutation in the CAPN1 gene has been identified as a cause of ataxia in humans and Parson Russell Terrier dogs. Calpain-1, an enzyme involved in brain development, is found to be neuroprotective, preventing excessive neuronal death.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 16, 2016

Summer session fruit fly data leads to promising new target in colorectal cancer

Researchers identified TIP60 as an enzyme required for HIF1A activity in human colorectal cancer cells, showing its potential as a target for cancer treatment. The study also revealed the molecular mechanisms by which TIP60 promotes HIF1A activity and highlights the importance of basic research in cancer discovery.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 16, 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.

Permafrost thawing below shallow Arctic lakes

Researchers found that permafrost beneath shallow Arctic lakes is warming due to warmer winters and increased snowfall, leading to sub-lake permafrost thaw. This phenomenon is similar to terrestrial permafrost thaw but occurs sooner due to lakebed temperatures rising above freezing.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 16, 2016

Need to remember something? Exercise 4 hours later!

A new study suggests that physical exercise after learning improves memory consolidation, particularly when done in a specific time window. The researchers found that exercising four hours after learning retained the information better two days later than those who exercised immediately or not at all.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 16, 2016

How fat becomes lethal -- even without weight gain

A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that the liver plays a vital role in balancing fats and sugars, even when its ability is impaired. The research suggests that other tissues can step in to compensate for the liver's limitations, but if the liver fails, it can lead to a lethal onslaught of fat.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 16, 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.

Dull and dirty: Your workplace could affect brain function

A new study by Florida State University researcher Joseph Grzywacz found that both a dirty working environment and a lack of stimulation in the workplace can have a long-term cognitive effect on employees. The study showed that men and women who had jobs that exposed them to a dirty working environment saw a cognitive decline.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 16, 2016

Black holes and measuring gravitational waves

Researchers found that supermassive black holes at galaxy centers are likely to have weaker gravitational fields, making them harder to detect. This challenges previous assumptions about the detection of gravitational waves from merging galaxies.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 16, 2016

ALMA observes most distant oxygen ever

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) has observed oxygen in a galaxy 700 million years after the Big Bang, providing evidence for cosmic reionisation. The findings suggest that many brilliant stars have formed in the galaxy, emitting intense ultraviolet light to ionise gas.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 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.

Innovative approach makes for a smoother ride

A team of engineers from Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory have developed an innovative approach to stabilize supercavitation bubbles, reducing the pulsation and noise that can occur during underwater vehicle movement. By applying a sinusoidal air flow variation, they were able to suppress pulsation states in many cases, allowin...

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Multiphase Flow·DateJun 16, 2016

The FBI must develop 21st-century investigative savvy

The FBI must develop 21st-century investigative skills to access encrypted data without compromising security. The organization should invest in a technical investigation center with agents familiar with modern telecommunications and computer science.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 2016

Eye-tracking system uses ordinary cellphone camera

Researchers at MIT and University of Georgia have developed an affordable eye-tracking system using machine learning and crowdsourced data. The system achieves a margin of error of 1.5 cm, outperforming previous experimental systems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 16, 2016

Life as we know it most likely arose via 'long, slow dance'

Researchers propose that eukaryotic life arose through a gradual transfer of molecular machinery from archaea to bacteria. The discovery of Lokiarchaeum's genome reveals a complex organization, sparking debate about the earliest stages of eukaryogenesis.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cell Biology·DateJun 16, 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.

Device for irregular heartbeat may be more cost-effective than medication

A new study by Yale researchers suggests that a catheter-delivered device called the Watchman may be a more cost-effective treatment option for patients with atrial fibrillation. The device, which is permanently implanted in the opening of the left atrial appendage, prevents blood clots from forming and reducing the risk of stroke.

SourceYale University·DateJun 16, 2016

Football performance impaired by mental fatigue

Research from the University of Kent demonstrates that mental fatigue can impair football performance, reducing physical and technical abilities. Footballers experience decreased running speed, increased passing mistakes, and impaired shot accuracy when mentally fatigued.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateJun 16, 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.

Innovators and leaders in radiation oncology honored with ASTRO Gold Medal awards

Benedick A. Fraass, Christopher G. Willett, and Anthony L. Zietman have been named recipients of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Gold Medal for their outstanding contributions to radiation oncology. They were recognized for their achievements in clinical patient care, research, teaching, and service to the profession.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateJun 16, 2016

Diverting redirection spam

Researchers have developed a system that uses fuzzy logic to analyze web addresses and detect redirection spam. The system provides an extra layer of security against phishing and malware attacks by assigning a probability to whether a suspicious link is safe or spam.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics·DateJun 16, 2016

Study: Exercise can help adults better cope with ADHD symptoms

A new study found that exercise can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD in adults, including reduced anxiety and depression. The study tested 32 young men with elevated ADHD symptoms and found that a single bout of exercise improved their mood and motivation.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateJun 16, 2016

New procedure allows long-term culturing of adult stem cells

Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a new procedure to generate and expand airway stem cells from lung tissue samples, allowing for multiple generations of cultures. This breakthrough may lead to improved treatments for airway diseases like asthma and COPD.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 16, 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.

Canadian forests a refuge as warming creeps north

A Harvard University study forecasts that boreal forests in far-northern latitudes may act as a climate refuge for black spruce trees due to higher rainfall. The research also suggests that the region's growing season will expand by 3 weeks, but drought stress could overwhelm trees south of the 49th parallel.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 2016

African subterranean animal exhibits 'extraordinary' cancer resistance

Scientists discovered a unique tumour-suppressor gene, alternative reading frame (ARF), that remains active in naked mole rat induced pluripotent stem cells. Reprogramming these cells into human-like iPSCs may lead to safer cell-based therapeutics by avoiding tumour formation.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 2016

IBS engineers Landau-Zener-Bloch oscillations

Researchers at the IBS Center for Theoretical Physics of Complex Systems engineered Landau-Zener-Bloch oscillations within a lattice structure, revealing anharmonic properties. The study demonstrates potential for engineering new quantum states and resolving the behavior of Bloch oscillations under external fields.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·DateJun 16, 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.

Sandia researchers discover mechanism for Rift Valley fever virus infection

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have discovered that the Rift Valley fever virus uses the Wnt signaling pathway to hijack host machinery and cause infection. This mechanism offers a promising new target for developing therapeutics against this deadly virus, which can cause fatal hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJun 16, 2016

'Disease outbreak guarantees' -- A proposed mechanism for enhancing public health capacity

Researchers suggest using MIGA to incentivize development of public health systems and provide coverage for disease outbreaks. The mechanism would encourage beneficiary countries to establish core capacities as set forth by the World Health Organization's International Health Regulations.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Health Care Finance and Economics·DateJun 16, 2016

Analyzing how ISIS recruits through social media

Researchers analyzed online records of 196 pro-ISIS groups, finding they adapted and extended their longevity by adapting to shutdowns and inspiring lone wolves. By tracking these 'aggregates,' cyber police and law enforcement can monitor buildup and transitions before real-world attacks.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 2016

Electric fields weaker in slow-healing diabetic wounds

Researchers discovered weaker electric currents in diabetic wounds, which can lead to delayed healing and increase the risk of complications. This finding opens up new avenues for managing diabetic patients and could have significant implications for reducing healthcare costs associated with chronic ulcers and wounds.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 16, 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.

How older people learn

Researchers found that learning and training improve perception in older adults, despite degraded tactile perception. Computer simulations revealed that the brain's compensatory mechanism is strengthened, resulting in enhanced brain activity and improved perception.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 16, 2016

Extent of resection associated with likelihood of survival in glioblastoma

The extent of resection in glioblastoma patients was found to be associated with improved overall and progression-free survival. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients who underwent gross total resection (GTR) showed a significant increase in one-year and two-year survival rates compared to those with subtotal resection or biopsy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJun 16, 2016

ALMA detected the most distant oxygenstem 2

Astronomers using ALMA detected a clear signal from oxygen in a galaxy 13.1 billion light-years away, revealing insights into cosmic reionization. The detection of ionized oxygen is crucial for understanding the early Universe and the formation of galaxies.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 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.

Stem cell transplant from young to old can heal stomach ulcers

Researchers discovered that stem cells isolated from young mice can accelerate repair of stomach ulcers when transplanted into older mice. Additionally, studies redefined the role of the gut microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease and found potential therapeutic applications for acute alcoholic liver disease using a scavenger compound.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 16, 2016

Research may point to new ways to deliver drugs into bacteria

A team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has identified dozens of genes that contribute to the rigidity and integrity of bacterial cell envelopes. These findings have significant implications for developing new antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria, which are notoriously difficult to treat.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCell Systems·DateJun 16, 2016

Climate scientists are more credible when they practice what they preach

A new study finds that climate scientists who practice what they preach are more credible and have a greater impact on the public. The research suggests that personal behavior plays a significant role in shaping the perception of scientists' credibility, with a carbon footprint being a key factor.

SourceSpringer·JournalClimatic Change·DateJun 16, 2016

Innovative device allows 3-D imaging of the breast with less radiation

Researchers have developed a new device that enables existing breast cancer imagers to provide up to six times better contrast of tumors in the breast while maintaining the same or better image quality. The Variable Angle Slant Hole Collimator reduces radiation dose to patients by half, potentially improving imaging of other organs.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJun 16, 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.

Liquid crystals open new route to planar optical elements

Researchers at Osaka University developed a technology to control the light wavefront reflected from cholesteric liquid crystals, enabling planar optical components. The new technology contributes to the miniaturization of catoptrics devices by allowing functionality by design.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 16, 2016

Statin drugs reduce infection risk in stroke patients

Researchers found that statins reduced the risk of infections in stroke patients by 58%, particularly when administered early. The study controlled for various factors, including severity of strokes and age, and suggested that anti-inflammatory properties may play a role.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·DateJun 16, 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.

Natural molecule could improve Parkinson's

A preliminary clinical trial suggests that n-acetylcysteine improves dopamine levels and cognitive function in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study used brain imaging studies to track changes in dopamine levels and found significant improvements in both measures.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 16, 2016

Pitt researcher's work headed to International Space Station

A Pittsburgh researcher has received a grant to study the effects of prolonged space travel on bones using a 3D microphysiological system. The research aims to develop new treatments for osteoporosis and enhance personalized medicine.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateJun 16, 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.

Impaired decision-making may contribute to motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease

Researchers at UCLA discovered that people with Parkinson's disease have impaired decision-making, particularly when sensory information is weak. This finding suggests that the neurological factors underlying Parkinson's may be more complex than previously thought and could lead to earlier detection strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 16, 2016

RIT and UW-Madison study high-tech workforce, 21st century competencies

A study explores how high-tech employees learn essential skills like problem-solving, communication, and self-regulated learning for career success. Researchers will interview and survey employers, employees, and educators across four regions to understand the role of workforce development in STEM industries.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateJun 16, 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.

700-year-old West African soil technique could help mitigate climate change

A 700-year-old West African soil technique converts nutrient-poor rainforest soil into fertile farmland, potentially offsetting CO2 emissions and preventing food shortages. Researchers discovered that this method creates 'African Dark Earths' containing 200-300% more organic carbon than other soils.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJun 16, 2016

Lab-grown nerve cells make heart cells throb

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully grown lab-grown human nerve cells that can partner with heart muscle cells to stimulate contractions. The nerve cells, derived from pluripotent stem cells, were found to connect with and control heart muscle cells, similar to their natural counterparts.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 16, 2016

California county health programs yield high returns

A new study by University of California, Berkeley economist Timothy Brown estimates that each dollar spent on public health programs returns $67 to $88 in improved health outcomes. This far exceeds the return on investment for selected aspects of medical care, which ranged from $1.10 to $4.80 per dollar spent.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 16, 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.

Unlocking secrets of the immune system could help combat colitis

An international team has identified interactions between immune system pathways that could improve the treatment of diseases such as colitis. The discovery may lead to more effective treatments for millions of IBD sufferers by targeting both adaptive and innate immune systems.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 2016

Pitch range produced by vocal cords

Scientists found that the range of frequencies produced by vocal cords depends on their stretchiness and stiffness. This discovery has implications for treating damaged vocal cords and improving singing techniques. The researchers used data from 16 species, including humans, to develop a model that explains how the cord's properties af...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 16, 2016

Vitamin D may not be the great solution to health problems

A recent review by University of Alberta researchers found little evidence to support the benefits of vitamin D supplementation for various health conditions. Strongest effects were seen in reducing falls and fractures among the elderly. Moderate supplementation is unlikely to cause harm but will not lead to significant health benefits.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 16, 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.

Scientists detect most distant signs of oxygen in the universe

Researchers detected gas containing oxygen in a galaxy 13.1 billion light years away, providing insight into ancient times. The discovery helps scientists understand the universe's reionization and the nature of its first stars.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 2016