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Science News for June 8, 2016


Mathematical simulation of open-heart surgery lends clues to kidney failure

A mathematical model of open-heart surgery simulates oxygen levels in rat kidneys, revealing vulnerability to hypoxia during surgery. The study sheds light on the causes of kidney injury and suggests potential strategies for prevention.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalMathematical Medicine and Biology A Journal of the IMA·DateJun 8, 2016

Mesothelioma surgery improves quality of life, study finds

A study by Loyola Medicine found that mesothelioma surgery, specifically pleurectomy and decortication, improves quality of life in patients. The procedure can control fluid buildup, improve breathing, and reduce cancer pain, with benefits observed as early as one month after surgery.

SourceLoyola Medicine·DateJun 8, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Antibodies triggered by avian influenza virus vaccine illuminate a new path toward a universal flu vaccine

A new study suggests that an avian influenza virus vaccine can trigger broad and durable protection against multiple flu strains, offering a promising path toward a universal flu vaccine. The research identifies unique epitopes on the virus and highlights the potential of non-neutralizing antibodies in providing protection.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 8, 2016

Centuries-old database reveals clues on human reproductive habits, trends

A centuries-old database was used to study reproductive patterns and parental investment, revealing that parents and offspring do not have similar lifespans or reproductive success. Siblings who share the same mother and father exhibit similar lifespans and reproductive success, suggesting a balance between investment and reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 8, 2016

Tiny diamonds could enable huge advances in nanotechnology

Researchers at UMD developed a method to build diamond-based hybrid nanoparticles in large quantities, enabling precise control of their properties. The technique uses nanoscale diamonds with nitrogen vacancies to create customizable semiconductors, magnets, and qubits.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2016

This black hole has an appetite for cold, cosmic rain

Researchers detected cold gas clouds traveling at 1 million km/h toward a black hole in the Abell 2597 Cluster. The discovery offers new understanding of how black holes ingest fuel, with implications for our knowledge of accretion processes.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 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.

Pharmaceuticals in streams may come from multiple sources

A recent study reveals that pharmaceuticals in surface water can originate from various sources beyond just treated wastewater. Researchers found metformin, nicotine, and other compounds in streams across the Southeastern US, suggesting urban run-off and groundwater movement may also contribute to their presence.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJun 8, 2016

New patient focussed initiatives unveiled at EULAR 2016

A survey of over 3,600 adults with RA found that patients value patient participation in multidisciplinary team conferences, leading to better outcomes. Patients want more involvement in treatment planning, with 70% satisfied but desiring fewer medications and more choices.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 8, 2016

Chivalry is not dead when it comes to morality

A study by New York University found that women are more likely to be saved or not harmed in moral dilemmas compared to men. In experiments involving the trolley dilemma and financial rewards, women showed a stronger aversion to harming females than males, even when it came at their own expense.

SourceNew York University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 8, 2016

Challenges of custom-engineering living tissue to fix a heart

Researchers are developing a custom-engineered tissue patch using robotic 3-D printing and computer-assisted manufacturing. The patch aims to replace or protect damaged heart muscle after a heart attack, offering new hope for patients with post-infarction left ventricle remodeling and heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 8, 2016

New compound shows potential for triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers at Michigan Medicine identified a promising new compound for targeting triple-negative breast cancer. UM-164 blocks the kinase c-Src and inhibits another pathway, p38, involved in this subtype. The compound had very few side effects in mice.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJun 8, 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.

Novel energy inside a microcircuit chip

Researchers at VTT have created a hybrid nanomaterial-based supercapacitor that can store and generate electrical energy on a silicon chip, paving the way for zero-power autonomous devices in IoT. The new technology has impressive power generation of 2 watts on a one square centimetre silicon chip.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalNano Energy·DateJun 8, 2016

Drug candidate shrinks tumor when delivered by plant virus nanoparticle

Researchers found that a plant-virus-based carrier successfully delivers the drug candidate phenanthriplatin, outperforming cisplatin in mouse models of triple-negative breast cancer. The nanoparticles target tumors, accumulating inside lysosomal compartments and releasing the drug to block transcription, leading to greater cell death.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 8, 2016

Cancer researchers take on an old foe

Researchers are cautiously optimistic that technological progress will help gain a better understanding of KRas. The protein's complex structure and limited binding sites have been major challenges in developing effective treatments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 8, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What makes a small worm a popular model

Researchers created a comprehensive metabolic model of C. elegans, linking over 2,000 processes to identify genes contributing to lifespan extension. The 'ElegCyc' model enables analysis of large datasets and will aid in understanding human diseases and microbiome interactions.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalCell Systems·DateJun 8, 2016

Black hole fed by cold intergalactic deluge

A new ALMA observation reveals that cold dense clouds can coalesce from hot intergalactic gas and feed a galaxy's central supermassive black hole. This challenges previous views of how supermassive black holes acquire mass, indicating a chaotic and dynamic feeding process.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2016

Potential new therapy could reduce dangerous post-heart-attack inflammation

A new study identified a mechanism behind cardiovascular inflammation after a heart attack and developed a potential strategy to suppress it. The therapy targets molecules that attract immune cells to atherosclerotic plaques, reducing the risk of another heart attack and improving heart function.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 8, 2016
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Chemistry lessons from bacteria may improve biofuel production

A new analysis of a group of bacteria called Streptomyces reveals the way some strains developed advanced abilities to tear up cellulose and points out more efficient ways to make fuel from plant material. The study identifies important enzymes and new groups of enzymes produced when Streptomyces flex particular genes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 8, 2016

DNA 'scrunching' could be new target for antiviral drugs

Researchers propose that DNA shape changes can produce strong forces, a new target for antiviral drugs. The 'scrunched' DNA mechanism could help block viral replication by invading viral shells.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateJun 8, 2016

How 'super organisms' evolve in response to toxic environments

The Environmental Genomics course explores the relationship between genetics and environment, focusing on phenotypic plasticity in organisms like Daphnia pulex. The course aims to provide training in experimental approaches and computational models for studying the effects of environmental challenges on genetics.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·DateJun 8, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

An eco-friendly approach to reducing toxic arsenic in rice

University of Delaware researchers found that incorporating rice husk into soil can decrease toxic arsenic levels in rice grain by 25 to 50 percent. This eco-friendly approach has implications for developing countries relying on rice as a staple food and aims to improve soil quality without negatively affecting yield.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 8, 2016

Tunneling ionization helps scientists to track ultrafast changes in molecules

Researchers have developed a method to observe the structure of molecules and track changes within attosecond timescales. By using tunneling ionization and ultrashort laser pulses, scientists can measure electron interference patterns, providing insight into molecular configurations.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 8, 2016

Tropical Depression 1E dissipates

The remnants of Tropical Depression 1E dissipated over the southwestern coast of Mexico. The system's winds decreased from 25 mph to lower gusts, with minimum central pressure at 1008 millibars.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 8, 2016

Helping satellites be right as rain

The SMAP satellite measures soil moisture by collecting signals related to ground characteristics, then estimating moisture levels using complex equations. On-ground measurements are being used to compare with satellite data and improve accuracy.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateJun 8, 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.

Air pollution affects young people's psychiatric health

A new study from Umeå University in Sweden suggests that exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric diagnoses in children and adolescents. The research found a 9% increase in medication for at least one psychiatric diagnosis with a 10 microgram per cubic meter increase in nitrogen dioxide concentration.

SourceUmea University·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 8, 2016

Constipated? Study finds surprising cause

Researchers found that herpes virus infects neurons in colon wall, killing them and preventing food movement, leading to enlarged colon. The study provides a surprising cause for unexplained chronic constipation in some patients.

SourceYale University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 8, 2016

Alberta funding focused on improving treatment of diabetes

The Alberta Diabetes Institute has awarded $600,000 in funding to support diabetes research projects with high commercialization potential. The funding will accelerate the development of healthcare technologies in Alberta, a province known for life-changing research on diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·DateJun 8, 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.

Study sheds light on uncategorized genetic mutations in cystic fibrosis

A recent study published by PLOS ONE sheds light on the impact of genetic mutations on cystic fibrosis. The research found that about 5% of children with varying clinical consequences and 11% of those with unknown liability developed CF, highlighting the need to identify specific mutations to provide targeted treatment.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 8, 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.

Pitt researchers find key to Parkinson's disease neurodegeneration

Pittsburgh researchers uncover a major reason why alpha-synuclein, a key protein in Parkinson's disease, is toxic to neurons. They found two ways to prevent the toxicity: gene therapy and a protein that blocks alpha-synuclein from sticking to mitochondria.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 8, 2016

A conservative environment makes conservatives happier

A study by University of Cologne researchers found that conservatives are happier in a conservative social environment. Life satisfaction depends on time and country, with conservatives generally experiencing more happiness than non-conservatives.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateJun 8, 2016

Immune system blood cell a potential marker for sinus polyp regrowth

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a link between rising eosinophil levels and regrowth of nasal polyps in chronic sinus disease patients. The study suggests that monitoring eosinophils could aid in detecting early growth and tracking treatment effectiveness.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInternational Forum of Allergy & Rhinology·DateJun 8, 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.

U-M study highlights multiple factors of ADHD medication use

A large-scale national study found that early use of stimulant medications for ADHD does not increase the risk of substance abuse in later adolescence, while short-term use during middle or high school may lead to higher risks. The research highlights the importance of monitoring teens who start using these medications later in life.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 8, 2016

Female birds select sperm 'super swimmers'

Researchers found that 'super swimmers' with shorter heads and longer tails are better equipped to reach the egg due to their shape. These traits help sperm swim faster through the vagina, increasing the chances of fertilization. The study's findings may lead to new directions in human fertility research.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 8, 2016

Tunable lasers to improve infrared spectroscopy

A new, broad-band tunable infrared laser from Northwestern University offers high-power rapid tuning and has implications for detecting drugs and explosives. The robust, all solid-state laser can be rapidly tuned to capture unique spectral fingerprints of gases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Radical pair analysis overcomes hurdle in theory of how birds navigate

Researchers have used radical pair analysis to enhance the performance of cryptochrome-based magnetic compass sensors, finding that electron spin relaxation can improve sensitivity. The study's findings could lead to the development of low-cost and environmentally-friendly electronic devices capable of detecting weak magnetic fields.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJun 8, 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.

Scientists observe supermassive black hole feeding on cold gas

Researchers detected billowy clouds of cold, clumpy gas streaming toward a black hole, suggesting two dinner modes for black holes: slow grazing on diffuse hot gas and quick consumption of clumps of cold gas. The findings represent the first direct evidence to support the hypothesis that black holes feed on clouds of cold gas.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2016

Study shows sleep disturbances common among military spouses

A new study found that 44% of military spouses reported sleeping 6 hours or less per night, with 54% experiencing daytime impairment due to sleep problems. The research highlights the importance of screening for sleep disturbances and providing evidence-based interventions to service members and their families.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 8, 2016

At the LHC, charmed twins will soon be more common than singles

Researchers at the Institute of Nuclear Physics have observed a new mechanism creating particles in high-energy collisions, where charm mesons appear in pairs as often as singles. This effect plays a dominant role in producing charm particles and is expected to become more prominent in future accelerators.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateJun 8, 2016

Standard blood pressure target is sufficient for treating some strokes

A recent NIH-funded study found that standard and intensive blood pressure treatments were equally effective in the emergency treatment of acute intracerebral hemorrhage, a type of stroke caused by bleeding into the brain. After 90 days, the rate of death or severe disability was equal for both groups, at around 38 percent.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 8, 2016

Ancient ants leaving a modern trail

A recent study published in Journal of Biogeography reveals that ant communities across Asia are shaped by past land connections during the Last Glacial Maximum, rather than current geographical features. Temperature was found to be the dominant factor in determining ant community patterns.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateJun 8, 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.

Modeling the correct doses for disease-fighting drugs

Colorado State University's Brad Reisfeld and colleagues create a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model to predict drug concentrations in the body. The model can account for individual differences and changes in metabolism, allowing for more effective treatment.

SourceColorado State University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJun 8, 2016

Massive trove of battery and molecule data released to public

The Materials Project has released a vast dataset of material properties, including 1,500 compounds and 21,000 organic molecules, to accelerate battery research. The data enables computationally driven design and discovery of new materials with improved performance and energy density.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJun 8, 2016
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Study finds targeting 'ideal cardiovascular health' lowers diabetes risk, but with ethnic differences

A new study published in Diabetologia shows that significant racial/ethnic differences exist in the association between ideal cardiovascular health and diabetes risk. Achieving four or more of the American Heart Association's ideal cardiovascular health components resulted in lower rates of incident diabetes, with 34% and 75% reduction...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateJun 8, 2016

Landscape ecology's role in policymaking

The field of landscape ecology offers a powerful tool for policymakers due to its ability to operate at multiple scales and across human and natural systems. This unique perspective can help address environmental transformation by informing policy and management decisions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateJun 8, 2016

Myocardial infarction: Rush-hour for neutrophils

Researchers found that circadian rhythms influence the influx of immune cells into damaged tissue, worsening heart attack outcomes. The study showed that neutrophil recruitment is correlated with CXCR2 expression and peaking in early morning hours, leading to increased inflammation and scar formation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJun 8, 2016

Narrow wavelength of UV light safely kills drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered that a narrow wavelength of ultraviolet (UV) light, known as far-UVC, safely kills drug-resistant MRSA bacteria. This finding offers a potential solution to reducing surgical site infections, a major public health concern.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 8, 2016

Study reveals how altered gut microbes cause obesity

A Yale-led team of researchers identified how altered gut microbiota causes obesity by stimulating insulin secretion through acetate production. The study suggests a causal link between changes in the diet, gut microbiota, and increased food intake, driving a positive feedback loop.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 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.

Trauma in childhood linked to drug use in adolescence

A national sample of 10,000 US adolescents found that exposure to abuse and domestic violence before age 11 increased the likelihood of drug use in adolescence. Childhood trauma was particularly harmful, with a greater number of traumatic experiences associated with an increase in risk for marijuana and other drugs.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 8, 2016

A single strain of plague bacteria sparked multiple historical and modern pandemics

A single strain of plague bacteria caused the Black Death in Europe and later led to multiple outbreaks on the continent before spreading to China, triggering a global pandemic. The researchers sequenced ancient DNA from mass graves and compared them to modern strains to reveal a link between the Black Death and modern-day epidemics.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 8, 2016

Our brain activity could be nudged to make healthier choices

Researchers tracked macaque monkeys' neural activity as they weighed options for juice rewards, predicting their choices based on brain patterns. The study sheds light on internal decision-making processes and could lead to implants to treat addiction, anxiety, and depression.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 8, 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.

Psoriasis: Light shed on new details

Scientists discover B lymphocytes play a crucial role in psoriasis by regulating IL-10 levels, which can lead to poorer inflammatory control. This finding provides potential targets for new therapies to combat the incurable disease.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2016

Pubertal timing strongly influences men's sexual and reproductive health

A new study reveals that pubertal timing has a significant impact on male reproductive health, with early or late onset associated with poorer semen quality and smaller testicles. The study also found links between pubertal timing and obesity, cardiovascular disease, and sexually transmitted diseases.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 8, 2016

Slime mold gives insight into the intelligence of neuron-less organisms

Researchers studied Physarum polycephalum's decision-making abilities using the two-armed bandit problem, finding it compares relative options to make adaptive decisions. The slime mold's algorithm exploits environments in proportion to their reward experienced through past sampling.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJun 8, 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.

Energy-saving devices work -- if you use them correctly

A new study by Michigan State University found that people living in green dwellings can lose up to half of their energy savings if they don't use their technologies correctly. The researchers surveyed over 320 certified green residential units to understand the impact of personal habits on energy consumption.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProcedia Engineering·DateJun 8, 2016

Opioids regulate spermatozoon formation

A recent study published in PLoS One has revealed that opioid receptors participate in spermatogenesis, a process crucial for male fertility. The researchers identified the activation of these receptors as regulating the formation of machinery responsible for correctly segregating genetic information during spermatozoa production.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateJun 8, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New chromosome origin element identified

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a new essential sequence within bacterial genomes required for DNA replication, dubbed the DnaA-trio. This discovery sheds light on a fundamental biological process shared among all living organisms and opens doors to studying enigmatic replication origin elements in higher organisms.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2016

World-first pinpointing of atoms at work for quantum computers

Scientists can now track and see individual phosphorus atoms in a silicon crystal, confirming quantum computing capability. This discovery has potential use in nano detection devices and is a world-first in atomic-resolution imaging.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 8, 2016

New study lays groundwork for potential new anti-cancer therapy

Researchers identified a lymphatic endothelium origin for angiomyolipoma and lymphangioleiomyomatosis, two related tumors with previously unknown cellular origins. The study suggests a potential novel origin for LAM mechanistically dependent upon TSC inactivation as well.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 8, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New research counters claim that the 'Hobbit' had Down syndrome

A new study confirms Homo floresiensis as a distinct species, contradicting earlier claims of Down syndrome in the 'Hobbit' skeleton LB1. The research analyzed features across the skeleton and found that LB1's brain was smaller than those with Down syndrome, and its skull shape and limb proportions were more archaic.

SourceMidwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 8, 2016

New fossils shed light on the origin of 'hobbits'

Researchers discover fossils of hominins similar in size to 'hobbits' but at least ten times older, dating back 700,000 years. The findings suggest a striking similarity between the Mata Menge hominins and Liang Bua hobbits, hinting at a possible ancestral relationship.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Black hole deluged by cold intergalactic 'rain'

A team of astronomers used ALMA to observe a cluster of towering intergalactic gas clouds raining in on the supermassive black hole at the center of an elliptical galaxy. The new findings reshape our understanding of how supermassive black holes feed, revealing a previously unknown process known as cold, chaotic accretion.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2016

Don't ignore the habit: A lesson in launching new products

A new USC study reveals that consumers are more likely to resist products that conflict with their habits, but adopting products into existing routines can increase usage. The researchers found that habit slips, or lapses in product use caused by falling back on old habits, can be a common barrier to new product adoption.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateJun 8, 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.

Rust under pressure could explain deep Earth anomalies

A team of Carnegie scientists has identified a form of iron oxide that resembles pyrite, which they believe could be responsible for seismic and geothermal signatures in the deep mantle. The discovery sheds new light on Earth's formation and evolution, and may even offer an alternative explanation for the Great Oxygenation Event.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2016

Suicide prevention strategies revisited: A 10-year systematic review

A major international review of suicide prevention has confirmed that restricting access to lethal means and providing Gatekeeper Training can be effective. The study also highlights the importance of follow-up care for individuals who have attempted suicide.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJun 8, 2016

New antiviral drugs could come from DNA 'scrunching'

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine propose a new model for viral replication, suggesting that DNA 'scrunching' generates forces to drive DNA into a virus during replication. This understanding could lead to new ways to fight infectious pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateJun 8, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Replicating psychiatrists' expertise to prevent inpatient suicide

Researchers developed a tablet-based suicide risk assessment tool that performed at a high level, predicting expert psychiatric assessments at between 91-94 percent accuracy. The tool was found to be quick and easy for patients to complete, standardizing risk assessment and helping hospitals meet the Joint Commission mandate.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateJun 8, 2016

Faster, better, cheaper tests for blood disease

Researchers developed a more effective, comprehensive and cheaper panel of genetic tests to detect bleeding or clotting disorders in patients. The new tests use genome sequencing technology to provide faster diagnoses and improve patient outcomes.

SourceDon Powell Associates Ltd·JournalBlood·DateJun 8, 2016

New drug to prevent migraine may start working in days

A new drug, TEV-48125, was associated with fewer headache hours for people with chronic migraine within three to seven days after the first injection. The study found that the higher dose of the drug showed a difference from the placebo after three days, and both doses reduced headaches by 1-2 days after two weeks of treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 8, 2016

Clinical trial examines treatment of complicated grief

A randomized clinical trial found that psychotherapy for complicated grief is efficacious and adding antidepressant citalopram improves outcomes for those with co-occurring depressive symptoms. The study's results support using antidepressants in conjunction with therapy for relief of co-occurring symptoms.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJun 8, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Johns Hopkins team makes hobby drones crash to expose design flaws

A Johns Hopkins team discovered three ways to send rogue commands to interfere with an airborne hobby drone's operation, causing it to land or crash. The finding highlights the vulnerability of drones to hackers, which is crucial for tasks like aerial deliveries and photography.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateJun 8, 2016

Lighting color affects sleep and wakefulness

A study by Oxford researchers found that exposure to green light rapidly induces sleep, whereas blue and violet lights delay sleep. The role of melanopsin, a pigment regulating the body clock, was confirmed as essential for these effects.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 8, 2016

Plant-based sweeteners may help individuals control their blood glucose levels

Researchers found that replacing half of the sugar content with steviana or inulin in muffins lowered glycemic response and improved dietary intakes. The study suggests careful selection and incorporation of low-caloric natural sugar replacers can lead to better glucose metabolism control.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Food Science & Technology·DateJun 8, 2016

Livestock pens approximately 5,000 years old in Álava, Spain

Researchers uncovered evidence of early Chacolithic agropastoral communities using rock-shelters as enclosures for sheep and goats. The study reveals a correlation between the use of shelters and grazing areas in the Sierra de Cantabria region.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalQuaternary International·DateJun 8, 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.

Study of police officers finds fatigue impacts tactical social interaction

A new study found that police officers who work day shifts perform better in interactions with the public, while those working night shifts are more likely to have encounters escalate into violence. The research suggests that better fatigue management could improve officers' ability to manage encounters effectively.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 8, 2016

Kansas State University researchers invent, patent new class of lasers

Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a new class of fiber-based lasers that can produce high-intensity light without requiring large amounts of power. The lasers use gas molecules to emit light and are portable, making them suitable for applications such as measuring distances and detecting gases in the atmosphere.

SourceKansas State University·DateJun 8, 2016

Barley lowers not one but two types of 'bad cholesterol', review suggests

A review of clinical trials found that barley lowers levels of both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL), two types of 'bad cholesterol'. The study suggests that barley has similar cholesterol-lowering effects as oats, making it a valuable alternative for those looking to reduce cardiovascular risk.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 8, 2016

The Witch Report 1600 -- Yorkshire headed the list

Attitudes towards witchcraft varied by social class in 17th-century England, with the educated elite playing a significant role in shaping legal systems. In Yorkshire, there was a greater propensity to believe in covens of witches, as evidenced by a 1621 book titled Deamonologia. The common people, however, focused on practical deeds l...

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalPostgraduate Perspectives on the Past·DateJun 8, 2016