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Science News for June 3, 2016


Squeezing out opal-like colors by the mile

Researchers develop Bend-Induced-Oscillatory-Shearing (BIOS) process to produce hundreds of meters of polymer opals on a roll-to-roll process, exhibiting chameleon-like color-shifting properties. The material has potential applications in smart clothing, building coatings, and banknote security.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 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.

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.

Skyrmions à la carte

Researchers at Kiel University and Forschungszentrum Jülich have predicted that skyrmions can be produced for applications at room temperature with specifically adjusted magnetic layer structures. This enables the potential for high-density, energy-saving data storage and processing.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2016

Pluto: A cosmic lava lamp

New Horizons team members used computer models to determine the depth and rate of Pluto's convective cells, which are 10-30 miles across and less than a million years old. These cells help support Pluto's atmosphere by refreshing its surface.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature·DateJun 3, 2016

Shy wild boars are sometimes better mothers

Research by Sebastian Vetter and colleagues found that personality traits of female wild boars impact their ability to raise offspring. Shy females, with more careful behavior and high maternal care, had greater success in rearing offspring in good mast years.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJun 3, 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.

Males were saved by agriculture

Research found that agriculture led to rapid male population expansion in Neolithic Time, with a 10- to 100-fold increase in population size. This growth occurred after the advent of agriculture, suggesting that it was a driving force behind the initial male population expansion.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateJun 3, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Personality changes can affect fish body shape, locomotion

A study by North Carolina State University researchers reveals that zebrafish bred for boldness display sleeker bodies and faster swimming abilities compared to those bred for shyness. The findings suggest a link between personality traits, body shape, and locomotion, challenging the idea of independent animal traits.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJun 3, 2016

Constructing shale gas sites

A novel algorithm reduces surface-level environmental impacts from shale gas development by more than a third, at a relatively small additional cost. The study, published in Conservation Biology, found that developers can avoid significant environmental disturbances by steering development away from habitats associated with rare species.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalConservation Biology·DateJun 3, 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.

Crowds of crows spread C. jejuni: Are humans vulnerable?

Research found that crows on a university campus carried high rates of Campylobacter jejuni, suggesting they could play a role in transmitting the bacteria to humans. The study tracked crow movements and behavior, revealing that their foraging habits often bring them into close proximity with livestock and humans.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 3, 2016

Graphene-based transparent electrodes for highly efficient flexible OLEDS

A Korean research team developed a graphene-based transparent electrode structure, achieving high efficiency and flexibility in flexible OLEDs. The new device architecture maximizes the efficiency of graphene-based OLEDs by inducing a synergistic collaboration between high- and low-index layers.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2016

Promising treatment prospects for invasive breast cancer

Researchers have discovered a new protein compound that binds to two HER2 receptors simultaneously, preventing growth signals and killing cancer cells. This innovative solution shows great promise in treating invasive breast cancer more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2016

Anti-DNA antibody prefers damaged dsDNA over native

Researchers found that anti-DNA antibodies preferentially bind to damaged double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) over native DNA, contributing to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. This study provides mechanistic insight into the formation and properties of pathogenic anti-DNA antibodies.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics·DateJun 3, 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.

Chemotherapy and exercise: The right dose of workout helps side effects

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that exercise can significantly reduce neuropathic symptoms in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study, which involved over 300 participants, showed that a six-week walking routine with gentle resistance-band training reduced pain and sensitivity to cold. Exerci...

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateJun 3, 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.

Technique could help climate models sweat the small stuff

A team of physicists and mathematicians has developed a statistical technique to simulate small-scale phenomena in computer simulations, allowing for more accurate predictions. The method, published in Physical Review Letters, can capture the influence of cloud formation and reduce uncertainty in climate models.

SourceBrown University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 3, 2016

Testing blood metabolites could help tailor cancer treatment

Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research have developed a new method to assess cancer treatment efficacy by measuring blood metabolite levels. This approach has the potential to speed up the development of targeted drugs and tailor treatment for patients, offering a quick and simple way to monitor cancer therapy.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateJun 3, 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.

Cancer cell immunity in the crosshairs: Worth the expense?

Researchers at Kyoto University have identified a genetic mechanism that could predict effectiveness of cure for certain cancers. Genetic alterations affecting the PD-L1 protein allow cancer cells to escape immune detection, but these abnormalities were found in many common cancer types.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·DateJun 3, 2016

Study of first procedure-free gastric balloon shows they are safe and lead to similar weight loss as other balloon procedures

A new study presented at the European Obesity Summit found that a procedure-free gastric balloon, called Elipse, is safe and leads to similar weight loss as other balloon procedures. The device, swallowed and excreted over 4 months, resulted in significant weight loss, improvements in blood sugar control, and quality of life.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateJun 3, 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.

Diabetes drug metformin holds promise for cancer treatment and prevention

Researchers found that patients who used metformin before diagnosis had a higher risk of death, while those who started using it after diagnosis were more likely to survive. Metformin also showed promise as a treatment for endometrial hyperplasia, with 56% of patients responding to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJun 3, 2016

Mechanisms of persistent infection for the human T-cell leukemia virus

HTLV-1, a retrovirus that co-exists with humans, infects 30 million people worldwide. Persistent infection is attributed to CTCF, which controls viral DNA integration into human DNA. This discovery may lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for refractory leukemia.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2016

Finding connections to nature in cities is key to healthy urban living

A recent Science perspective piece explores the tension between urban areas and human connection to nature. Research shows that reduced access to nature contributes to mental illnesses and mood disorders in city dwellers, highlighting the need for thoughtful urban design to incorporate natural elements.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 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.

Liquid by-products from wood and forest industry find use in wood-plastic composites

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland developed a novel method to add liquid by-products to wood-plastic composites, enhancing their properties. The study also employed PTR-MS to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from WPCs, revealing improvements in water absorption and mechanical properties.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials·DateJun 3, 2016

What impact might Brexit have on UK agriculture?

UK policymakers face constraints due to WTO rules, EU accords, and regional priorities when devising a new farm policy post-Brexit. Brexit could affect the EU's agricultural policy and agri-food issues remain a major concern.

SourceWiley·JournalEuroChoices·DateJun 3, 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.

Gene circuits in live cells can perform complex computations

Researchers at MIT have developed a technique to integrate both analogue and digital computation in living cells, enabling gene circuits capable of carrying out complex processing operations. The synthetic circuits can measure the level of an analogue input and decide whether it's within the right range to turn on an output.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2016

Repairing chronic wounds

Researchers at University of Delaware develop new biomaterials platform to stimulate growth factor expression and enhance chronic wound repair. The approach aims to provide a more efficient and localized production of growth factors, promoting full wound closure.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJun 3, 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.

Type 2 diabetes drug could be beneficial for head and neck cancer patients

Researchers found that adding metformin to a chemotherapy and radiation treatment regimen for head and neck cancer patients showed improved outcomes, including better overall survival, compared to those not on metformin. However, faster escalation of metformin was poorly tolerated due to nausea, vomiting, and other side effects.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJun 3, 2016