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Science News for March 10, 2016


New class of drugs specifically induces cell death in B cell blood cancers

Researchers have discovered a new class of drugs that specifically induce apoptosis in B cell malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma. The drugs target the STING protein, which plays a critical role in regulating the immune system, and have been shown to be effective in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 10, 2016

BU study identifies 3 state laws that 'substantially reduce' gun deaths

A new study by Boston University researchers found that three state laws - requiring firearm identification, ammunition background checks, and universal background checks - can substantially reduce gun deaths. Implementing these laws nationwide could project a national mortality rate of 0.16 per 100,000 people.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 10, 2016

Climate change less politicized among minority groups

A recent study by Cornell University researchers reveals that climate change attitudes are less politicized among minority groups compared to white respondents. Non-whites were found to care as much about the environment as whites, yet are underrepresented in addressing the issue due to social barriers and socioeconomic realities.

SourceCornell University·JournalClimatic Change·DateMar 10, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Negative cancer trials: Short-term whimper, long-term bang

A new study by SWOG found that negative cancer trials have a significant impact on cancer research, despite initial skepticism. The study analyzed 94 randomized Phase III cancer trials and found that the scientific impact of negative trials was similar to that of positive trials over time.

SourceSWOG·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMar 10, 2016

Grid cells' role in human imagination revealed

Researchers at UCL have made significant discoveries about the brain's role in imagination and navigation. Grid cell activity has been observed in healthy volunteers imagining moving through an environment, suggesting a potential link between grid cells and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 10, 2016

Early human habitat, recreated for first time, shows life was no picnic

Scientists have reconstructed an early human landscape in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, providing insights into the lives of our ancestors. The site, which dated back 1.8 million years, showed a mix of woodland, grasslands, and wetlands, with hominins competing for food with carnivores.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 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.

Reverse engineering human biology with organs-on-chips

Organs-on-chips reconstitute functional interfaces between living tissues, enabling complex organ-level functions and insights into human pathophysiology. Researchers use these devices to study communication in biology and develop personalized medicine.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMar 10, 2016

Breast cancer has a higher incidence in obese women

Breast cancer is more aggressive and common in obese women due to peritumoral fat facilitating the expansion of cancer stem cells. Researchers found that interactions between tumor cells and immature adipocytes increase cytokine secretion, leading to increased CSCs and metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 10, 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.

Skin has the nerve to tell you to scratch

Researchers at Duke University have identified a potential drug target in the skin for treating short-term itch. By targeting a specific ion channel protein called TRPV4, scientists hope to develop topical treatments that can suppress itch and inflammation.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 10, 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.

Less than meets the eye

Researchers found that humans can recognize objects in partial- or low-resolution images, with a

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2016

Major breakthrough in new MRI scan technology for lung disease

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a process to create hyperpolarized krypton gas for MRI scanning of the lungs, offering a clearer picture of lung disease. This technology uses clean energy combustion to retain the hyperpolarized state of krypton during preparation.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2016

7 million Euro project to support sustainable growth in aquaculture

The €7 million Tools for Assessment and Planning of Aquaculture Sustainability (TAPAS) project will create cost-efficient management tools to investigate sustainability in European aquaculture. The study aims to enhance environment sustainability, aquatic food security, and support transparent and efficient licensing.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateMar 10, 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.

57 different pesticides found in poisoned honeybees

A new study reveals that European honeybees are being poisoned with up to 57 different pesticides, posing a threat to bee populations worldwide. The researchers developed a method for analyzing 200 pesticides simultaneously, providing critical information on the toxic mix and its impact on honeybee health.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Chromatography A·DateMar 10, 2016

Widely used kidney cancer drugs can't stop recurrence

A new study published in the Lancet found that sunitinib and sorafenib, widely used targeted therapy drugs for metastatic kidney cancer, have no effect on preventing return of the disease to increase life spans of patients suffering from advanced kidney cancer after surgery. The study involved 1,943 patients treated with one year of so...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 10, 2016

Mysterious infrared light from space resolved perfectly

A research team using ALMA detected the faintest millimeter-wave source ever observed and found that they are responsible for 100% of the enigmatic infrared background light. 60% of these objects are faint galaxies, while the rest remain unknown.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateMar 10, 2016

Gene may worsen cancer outcome by speeding metabolism of drugs

A new study found that a specific gene variant can speed up the metabolism of drugs in cancer patients, leading to poorer outcomes. This variant affects the CYP3A7 enzyme, which breaks down hormones and medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 10, 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.

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.

Drug overdoses in PA increased 14-fold in past 4 decades

Overdose deaths in PA rose 14-fold between 1979 and 2014, with highest rates among young women and white men. The analysis suggests potential targets for public health intervention and law enforcement efforts.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 10, 2016

Competition favors the shy bird

In high-density populations, slow-exploring great tits have a higher chance of survival compared to fast-exploring individuals. However, the birds are unable to adapt their exploratory behavior to changing density, which may explain why selection favors a mix of personality types.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 10, 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.

Wildland fire emissions worse in polluted areas

A recent UCR study found that biomass burning of polluted forest fuels exacerbates poor air quality and related health concerns in heavily polluted areas. The research showed that emissions from polluted fuels released more nitrogen oxides and small fine particles, posing respiratory health risks.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 10, 2016

Close comet flyby threw Mars' magnetic field into chaos

The comet's passage threw Mars' magnetic field into chaos, with effects seen in real-time during the flyby and even hours after. The findings suggest a temporary surge in gas escaping from Mars' upper atmosphere, similar to a strong solar storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 10, 2016

Blacks face a higher risk of kidney failure than whites, regardless of genetics

A recent study found that African Americans have a higher risk of hypertension, diabetes, and kidney failure compared to whites, even after adjusting for genetic variants. Most blacks with the high-risk APOL1 gene variant experienced similar decline in kidney function as those without the variant.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 10, 2016

Developing multiline anchor system for floating offshore wind turbines

A team of researchers is developing a new mooring system for floating offshore wind turbines that uses an integrated network of anchors and lines to hold dozens or even hundreds of turbines in place. This proposed system aims to save money and require fewer anchors and geotechnical site investigations.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateMar 10, 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.

BMJ best practice now with CME/CPD tracking tool

BMJ Best Practice features a continuing medical education (CME/CPD) tracking tool, allowing doctors to earn credits while using the platform as part of their working day. The new tool collates time spent learning and enables users to reflect on their impact on practice, supporting appraisal and revalidation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 10, 2016

Super-clear synapses at super resolutions

A new process for making brain tissue transparent has been developed at RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, allowing for the creation of super-resolution 3-D images of delicate structures deep in the brain. This breakthrough enables researchers to visualize synaptic changes and neural structures with unprecedented detail.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 10, 2016

Blame your noisy brain for misses and fumbles

A new study by neuroscientists at Duke University found that even practiced movements are imperfect due to brain noise, which can affect our responding movements. The research team discovered a correlation between the activity of individual neurons and the size of eye movement delays.

SourceDuke University·JournalNeuron·DateMar 10, 2016

Major source of methanol in the ocean identified

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution discover that phytoplankton, microscopic plant-like organisms, produce massive amounts of methanol in the ocean, rivaling or exceeding land-based production. This finding challenges previous thinking on oceanic methanol sources and has implications for biofuel applications.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 10, 2016

New gene variants found in childhood body mass index

Researchers identified novel gene locations associated with childhood body mass index (BMI) through a meta-analysis of over 47,000 children. The study's findings suggest that genetic variants may not exert their effects only in childhood, but have different effects at different ages.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMar 10, 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.

Links between money and happiness uncovered

A new study of over 18,000 adults found that most people's happiness is not affected by changes in income, but those who experience an income loss are more likely to feel unhappy. The research suggests that financial stability, rather than continual income growth, is key to achieving happiness and well-being.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 10, 2016

Mystery surrounding methane plateau explained

Researchers found that a global methane plateau between 1999 and 2006 was caused by lower industrial emissions, but ended when biogenic sources, such as agriculture, increased. The study suggests that agricultural activity may be a key contributor to the resumed increases in atmospheric methane levels.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 10, 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.

Overlooked resistance may inflate estimates of organic-semiconductor performance

New research finds that overlooked electrical resistance in organic field-effect transistors can lead to overestimates of charge-carrier mobility. The study's findings challenge conventional wisdom and highlight the need for accurate measurement methods to benchmark organic semiconductor performance.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2016

Conservation sea change

A UCSB biologist and colleagues used satellite data on fishing to help protect ocean biodiversity. They analyzed billions of vessel data points to assess the effectiveness of new marine parks in stopping illegal fishing. The researchers also created a global map of human use of high seas, paving the way for more effective management of...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateMar 10, 2016

Open science in action!

The proposed platform, amanuens.is, integrates ContentMine and Hypothes.is prototypes to mine critical facts from scientific documents and make them publicly available. By combining machines and humans, it aims to reduce costs, increase transparency, and facilitate collaboration in biomedical research.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalResearch Ideas and Outcomes·DateMar 10, 2016

Brown fat keeps blood sugar in check

Researchers found that individuals with more brown fat had smaller fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Brown fat may act as a 'glucose buffer', lessening the variation in blood glucose and potentially diminishing metabolic stresses that could increase the risk of diabetes.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 10, 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.

Scientists developed a robust method for analysis of intestinal bacteria

Researchers have created a robust method for comparing metagenome-coupled DNA sequences from all organisms in a sample, allowing for more effective and quick comparison of samples. This approach, based on k-mer frequencies, can detect previously unknown segments of DNA and improve the analysis of intestinal bacteria.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalBMC Bioinformatics·DateMar 10, 2016

Tracking the social networks of genes disrupted in complex diseases

Researchers created accurate 'maps' of gene networks across 400 human cell types, describing hundreds of thousands of regulatory interactions. This global view provides new insights into disease mechanisms, pinpointing affected genes and tissues in complex diseases.

SourceSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 10, 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.

The 'great smoky dragon' of quantum physics

Recent study confirms wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics by recreating John Archibald Wheeler's 'great smoky dragon' thought experiment. The research demonstrates that the nature of light is not fixed until observed, with implications for quantum cryptography and computing.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateMar 10, 2016

Smartphone security: Why doodling trumps text passwords

A Rutgers study found that free-form gesture passwords are easier to use and remember than traditional text passwords, keeping devices more secure. Participants spent 22% less time logging in and 42% less time creating passwords with gesture passwords.

SourceRutgers University·DateMar 10, 2016

Does ethnicity affect breast cancer biology?

New research analyzed data from over 68,000 women with breast cancer registered in England between 2006-2013. The study found that average age at diagnosis was lower in both South Asian and Black women than in White women. Ethnic minority women may still face larger tumours and more aggressive features despite younger age.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateMar 10, 2016

Revision rates, patient characteristics in those undergoing septorhinoplasty

A study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that septorhinoplasty revision rates were low at 3.3%, but certain patient characteristics, such as younger age and history of anxiety or autoimmune disease, were associated with increased revision rates. The authors analyzed data from over 175,000 patients undergoing septorhinopla...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateMar 10, 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.

Using statistics to predict rogue waves

Researchers have created a statistical model to forecast extreme waves, which are large and spontaneous ocean waves that can be deadly. The model uses joint statistics of multiple points in time or space to capture wave heights and turbulent air flows, greatly reducing complexity and obeying the Fokker-Planck equation.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 10, 2016

IBS team detects hot electrons in real time

The IBS team developed a graphene-semiconductor catalytic nanodiode that enables the detection of hot electrons on platinum nanoparticles in real time. This breakthrough allows researchers to study the electronic effect on catalytic activity and potentially design improved catalytic materials with lower costs.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 10, 2016

Rice scientists synthesize anti-cancer agent

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for synthesizing the potent anti-cancer agent trioxacarcin, which damages DNA and disrupts cancer cell replication. This breakthrough allows for more efficient production of these valuable molecules, enabling their study as potential new medications.

SourceRice University·DateMar 10, 2016

Lapatinib and trastuzumab shrinks HER2+ breast cancer in 11 days after diagnosis

A clinical trial found that approximately a quarter of women with HER2 positive breast cancer who received combination treatment experienced significant tumor shrinkage or disappearance within 11 days. This discovery offers the possibility of tailoring treatment for each woman, potentially reducing the need for chemotherapy.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateMar 10, 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.

Study identifies possible marker for lung cancer chemotherapy

A new study found that low expression of SMARCA4/BRG1 gene in lung tumors may indicate patients who will benefit from certain chemotherapy regimens. The findings suggest an alternative therapy for these patients to spare them from cisplatin's side effects and allow them to try a different treatment sooner.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 10, 2016

HIV-infected young males have higher rates of bone loss than females

Researchers found that HIV-infected adolescent males had increased levels of sCD14, a marker of macrophage activation, leading to lower bone mass and density. This is due to the protective effects of estrogen in females, which represses macrophage function.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateMar 10, 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.

Dramatically dynamic genomic evolution of a mighty mite

A study published in Genome Biology and Evolution sequenced the genome of Metaseiulus occidentalis, a predatory mite widely used to control plant pests. The research revealed completely atomized Hox genes and superdynamic intron evolution, highlighting the unique biology of this agriculturally important predator.

SourceSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateMar 10, 2016

BMJ best practice accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners

The Royal College of General Practitioners has accredited BMJ Best Practice, a healthcare knowledge provider that offers high-quality clinical decision support to GPs. The tool features continuing professional development tracking and accreditation, allowing GPs to earn credits while using it in their working day.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 10, 2016

PNNL gives a helping hand to small green businesses

The US Department of Energy has awarded PNNL $625,000 to advance three small business projects in hydropower, energy efficiency and bio-based chemicals. The projects aim to reduce costs, increase sustainability and improve production processes for these technologies.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMar 10, 2016

Enzyme involved in glucose metabolism promotes wound healing, study finds

Researchers found that pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) aids wound healing by promoting the development of new blood vessels at the wound site. PKM2 treatment aided early wound closure and promoted higher levels of vessel growth, suggesting its functional role in the wound healing process.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalWound Repair and Regeneration·DateMar 10, 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.

Adapting training to age

A study by the University of the Basque Country found that larger pitches and more players per team increase physical and physiological demands on young footballers. The research suggests adapting competition models to match the physiological development of participants, particularly for the U12 age group.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 10, 2016

Hispanic women who identify as white are healthier than those who don't

A new study found that Hispanic women who identify as White have better functional health and lower rates of poverty compared to those who identify as Black or other races. U.S.-born Hispanic women who identify as Black have a higher rate of functional limitations, with over 25% living below the poverty line.

SourceSAGE·JournalResearch on Aging·DateMar 10, 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.

Clocking the rotation rate of a supermassive black hole

Researchers accurately measured the rotational rate of an 18 billion solar mass supermassive black hole, one-third of the maximum spin rate allowed in General Relativity. The binary black hole model reveals a smaller companion orbiting around it, affecting accretion disk behavior.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 10, 2016

How stick insects handle indigestive food

Researchers from Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology discovered that stick insects have enzymes capable of degrading complex plant cell wall components, including xyloglucan. This discovery marks the first known xyloglucanase of any kind to be found in multicellular animals.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalInsect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateMar 10, 2016

Turn off the Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University discovered the key trigger of Alzheimer's disease development, involving zinc ions and peptide aggregation. They propose a mechanism for transforming healthy peptides into toxic ones, paving the way for new medicine to block beta-amyloid peptide aggregation.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 10, 2016

'Daedalus dilemma' of the immune system

A study by Pavel Kovarik and his team at the University of Vienna reveals that type I interferons play a crucial role in regulating IL-1β levels, preventing excessive inflammation and balance in the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 10, 2016

INRS takes giant step forward in generating optical qubits

A team of researchers from INRS has successfully generated multiphoton entangled quantum states using on-chip optical frequency combs. This breakthrough paves the way for practical applications of quantum computing, enabling secure data transfer and superfast processing.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalScience·DateMar 10, 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.

Light exposure improves depressive symptoms among cancer survivors

A new study from Mount Sinai found that light exposure therapy can decrease depressive symptoms among cancer survivors. Participants who received bright white light therapy showed improvement, while those with dim red light therapy experienced no change.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateMar 10, 2016

Give and take

A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers finds that excess nutrient input leads to imbalances in mutualistic species interactions. This can have far-reaching implications for ecosystems, including decreased growth of fungal partners and increased growth of plant partners.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 10, 2016

New frog species discovered in India's wastelands

A new species of narrow-mouthed frog, Microhyla laterite, has been discovered in laterite rock formations of southwest India. The frog, which is distinct from closely related species, is classified as Endangered due to its narrow geographic range and fragile habitat.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 10, 2016

ADHD or just immature?

A new study suggests that a child's age at school entry may affect ADHD diagnosis. Children born in August were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD and/or receive medication compared to those born in September. This finding implies that as children get older, the impact of birth month on ADHD diagnoses decreases.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMar 10, 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.

The plastic-eating bacteria breakdown

Scientists have identified a new bacterium that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using just two enzymes. The unique enzymes, ISF6_4831 and ISF6_0224, work together to degrade PET into its simpler building blocks, offering a potential solution to the plastic waste problem.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 10, 2016

Efficiency of water electrolysis doubled

Researchers have successfully increased water electrolysis efficiency by applying a copper layer to platinum electrodes. This innovation boosts the reaction's activity and extends electrode lifespan. The breakthrough could lead to large-scale implementation of climate-friendly energy conversion using surplus electricity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 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.

Major differences between male and female breast cancers uncovered but male patients still disadvantaged by lack of research, say investigators

A new study has revealed significant biological differences between male and female breast cancers, shedding light on why male patients often receive delayed diagnoses. Researchers hope this knowledge will enable better treatment choices for Male BC patients, including the use of chemotherapy and targeted agents.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateMar 10, 2016

Deciphering compact galaxies in the young universe

A team of researchers discovered 80 young galaxies in the early universe, with at least 54 being spatially resolved. Computer simulations confirmed that many of these galaxies are actually merging pairs, triggering intense star formation activity. This study sheds light on the formation and evolution of compact galaxies.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateMar 10, 2016

News coverage of Fukushima disaster found lacking

A new analysis by American University sociology professor Celine-Marie Pascale finds that US news media coverage following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster minimized health risks to the general population. Only 6% of coverage focused on health risks, framing them as low or uncertain.

SourceAmerican University·JournalCurrent Sociology·DateMar 10, 2016

Evidence in the Cassia Hills of Idaho reveals 12 catastrophic eruptions

Researchers have uncovered evidence of 12 massive explosive eruptions in the Cassia Hills of southern Idaho, which left behind glassy deposits and a deep volcanic basin. These eruptions were hotter and more frequent than those at Yellowstone, and provide insights into ancient volcanic activity west of the famous park.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateMar 10, 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.

A remarkable second place for the Data Miners at the Integra Gold Rush Challenge

The Data Miners team from INRS took second place in the Integra Gold Rush Challenge, a competition that analyzed six terabytes of vintage data to locate the next prospective gold deposit on the Integra property. The team was composed entirely of students and demonstrated the excellence of the training in economic geology offered at INRS.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateMar 10, 2016

Brown fat may warm us up at dawn

Researchers discovered that human brown fat cells show circadian fluctuations in glucose consumption, which may act as a glucose buffer and lessen the stress on the pancreas. Individuals with high brown fat abundance showed less variability in glucose levels over time.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 10, 2016

Cancer research collaboration leads to landmark licensing agreement

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers develop new class of PRMT5 inhibitors to treat cancer and certain blood disorders, leading to a major licensing agreement with Merck. The deal includes an initial payment of $US15 million and paves the way for further research into new treatments.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateMar 10, 2016

More innovation, less perspiration

Andrea Young's grant will support the development of nano-SQUID-on-tip, a device that measures thermal, magnetic, and topographic properties of materials. This tool enables correlation of physical and magnetic structure on relevant length scales, crucial for nanoscale device performance.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateMar 10, 2016

Link between gum disease and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's

A new study has found a strong link between gum disease and increased rates of cognitive decline in people with early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. Periodontitis at baseline was associated with a six-fold increase in the rate of cognitive decline over a six-month follow-up period.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 10, 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.

Protein increases signals that protect cancer cells, Stanford study finds

Researchers identified a critical connection between the cancer-related gene Myc and cell-surface molecules that protect tumors from the immune system. The study found that reducing Myc expression led to lower levels of protective proteins CD47 and PD-L1 on tumor cells, enabling them to evade immune detection.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 10, 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.

Blood stem cells study could pave the way for new cancer therapy

Scientists have discovered how three key molecules interact to generate blood stem cells, a crucial step in developing new treatments for leukaemia and other blood disorders. The breakthrough could lead to personalised blood therapies and reduce the need for bone marrow transplants.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2016

Timing the treatment of cancer cells

Researchers found that radiation treatment killed 95% of breast cancer cells when delivered during a peak in p53 production, but only 20% when applied during an oscillatory phase. The study suggests that timing may be crucial in understanding the effectiveness of anticancer treatments.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 10, 2016

New learning procedure for neural networks

A new learning procedure developed by Robert Gütig enables neural networks to filter out irrelevant sensory impressions and link them to events occurring after a delay. This breakthrough has significant implications for technological applications like automatic speech recognition.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateMar 10, 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.

Where males sense females in plants

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a key kinase receptor in pollen tubes that allows them to detect LURE peptides produced by ovules, guiding fertilization. This finding may lead to improved efficiency of pollen tube growth and increased success rate of fertilization.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature·DateMar 10, 2016