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Science News for March 15, 2016


New program could improve hearing aid use for older adults

A new hearing aid adjustment program, HEAR, has shown promising results in increasing overall use among patients who need them. By systematically gradual adjustments, the program helps reduce frustration and social isolation caused by inadequate hearing aid use.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalClinical Nursing Research·DateMar 15, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New ORNL method could unleash solar power potential

Researchers at ORNL have developed a new method that provides unprecedented detail on energy flow in nanometer scale, enabling the improvement of solar cells' performance. The technique uses femtosecond transient absorption microscopy to extract images with single-pixel precision.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Photonics·DateMar 15, 2016

A boost in microRNA may protect against obesity and diabetes

Researchers discovered a microRNA called miR-181b that controls the function of vessels in adipose tissue, improving insulin sensitivity and glucose levels. The study found that reconstituting this microRNA in obese mice reduced inflammation in adipose tissue, suggesting potential new targets for obesity and diabetes treatment.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCirculation Research·DateMar 15, 2016

Dopamine key to vocal learning, songbird study finds

A study on Bengalese finches found that dopamine levels in a specific region of the brain are crucial for correcting vocal errors. The research suggests that dopamine plays a vital role in sensory-motor learning, which underlies skills such as speaking and singing.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateMar 15, 2016

New way to harvest stem cells better for donors

Australian scientists have developed a new method for harvesting stem cells that eliminates the need for growth factor injections, reducing side effects for donors. The new method combines two molecules to mobilize stem cells into the bloodstream within an hour of administration.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2016
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Mindfulness meditation provides opioid-free pain relief, study finds

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that mindfulness meditation does not employ the body's opioids to reduce pain, but instead uses a different pathway to provide significant pain relief. The researchers used a thermal probe to induce pain and observed a 24% reduction in pain ratings among meditation participants.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateMar 15, 2016

New research shows growing up in poor neighborhoods increases likelihood of obesity

A new study from the University of Colorado Denver shows that adolescents who grow up and consistently live in poor neighborhoods are more likely to become or remain obese in adulthood than their peers. Moving into a poor neighborhood increases risk, while moving out decreases it, with young women at greatest risk.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateMar 15, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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

Marshall University faculty member receives prestigious NSF CAREER award

Dr. Nadja Spitzer, an assistant professor of biological sciences at Marshall University, has been awarded a $508,708 NSF CAREER grant to study the effects of silver nanoparticles on brain health in children and adults. Her research aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the use of these particles in consumer products.

SourceMarshall University Research Corporation·DateMar 15, 2016

No evidence that genetic tests change people's behavior

A study published in The BMJ found that genetic tests providing risk estimates for diseases like lung cancer and heart disease have little to no effect on behavior change. Despite initial hopes, informing individuals of their genetic risk did not prompt them to adopt healthier habits or quit smoking.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 15, 2016

Slow path to recovery for southern right whales

Historic logbook records and computer modeling were used to assess the population's trajectory, finding numbers fell to less than 100 animals between 1914 and 1926. Today, only 12% of pre-industrial levels remain, with conservation strategies crucial for protection.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 15, 2016

In cubosomes it's their interior that counts

Advanced theoretical modelling reveals cubosomes' internal structure may be much more complex than thought. Cubosomes, with regular networks of channels filled with liquid, have varying internal structures despite identical external appearance.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalLangmuir·DateMar 15, 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.

The sounds of eating may reduce how much you eat

Researchers found that consuming loud noises while eating can mask sound cues that naturally limit food intake, leading to increased consumption. The 'Crunch Effect' suggests being more aware of food sounds can help individuals eat less.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateMar 15, 2016

Laser beams with a 'twist'

A new type of laser enables the creation of twisted light with controlled spin, producing vector vortex beams and polarised light. This innovation has significant applications in optics, machining metals, and communication.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 15, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

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

A glance into the future of the Arctic

A study finds that brief warm periods can cause rapid ice wedge thawing in Arctic permafrost, leading to increased runoff and changes in the water balance. The research suggests that the Arctic will lose lakes and wetland areas if permafrost retreats, accelerating greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 15, 2016

TSRI scientists identify molecular markers of kidney transplant rejection

Researchers found that acute and chronic kidney rejection are different parts of the same immune rejection process, making it a single entity at the molecular level. They identified interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy as an early warning sign of active but 'silent' rejection.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateMar 15, 2016

Study: How more R&D funding can hasten green revolution

A new study by MIT economists suggests that increasing research and development (R&D) funding for clean energy technologies is crucial to hasten the transition to a greener economy. The researchers propose a policy framework that combines R&D subsidies with a carbon tax to make clean energy more economically competitive.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateMar 15, 2016

Pregnant mother's weight, glucose and blood pressure affect baby's size

A new study published in JAMA found that excess weight and higher glucose levels in mothers cause their babies to be born heavier, while higher blood pressure causes lower birth weights. The research also found that mothers' blood lipids are not significantly related to the size of their baby.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJAMA·DateMar 15, 2016

Mismatched expectations most common reason for patients not completing HPV vaccine series

A new study found that conflicting expectations between parents and medical providers about scheduling follow-up appointments is the most common reason for patients not completing the HPV vaccine series. Researchers suggest improving education and dialogue between providers and parents to increase vaccination completion rates.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHuman Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics·DateMar 15, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Study says marine protected areas can benefit large sharks

A new study by UM Rosenstiel School researchers found that expanding protected areas in US federal waters would safeguard 100% of core home range areas used by three shark species. The study suggests that protecting sharks' core habitat use areas, where they spend the majority of their time, can provide significant conservation benefits.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateMar 15, 2016
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Whip spiders only look terrifying, UCLA biologist reports

Whip spiders, a poorly understood relative of spiders and scorpions, care for their young, fight to protect territory, and eat a variety of prey including crickets and hummingbirds. Researchers have also found that whip spiders are relatively harmless, with Chapin stating they are afraid of humans.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Arachnology·DateMar 15, 2016

Using generic cancer drug could save many millions of dollars

Researchers found that starting patients with CML on generic form of Gleevec (imatinib) would save nearly $100,000 over five years per patient. This translates to huge cost savings for insurers and patients, with the potential to reduce medication costs by 60-90%.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 15, 2016

Boat mooring chains scour Rottnest (Australia) seagrass releasing CO2

Research finds that boat mooring chains in Western Australia's Rottnest Island are destroying seagrass meadows at an alarming rate. The seagrass absorbs carbon dioxide at a faster rate than tropical rainforests, making its destruction a significant threat to the environment.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 15, 2016
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Woodlands in Europe: More tree species, more benefits

A study of 200 European forests across six countries found that species-rich forests provide a higher number and variety of services, including air filtration, carbon sequestration, and water supply. The researchers recommend transforming forests into mixed stands to increase biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2016

The next step in preventing diabetes

Scientists have developed novel insulin mimetopes that can induce regulatory T cells to produce tolerance against insulin, halting the development of type 1 diabetes in young mice. In a humanized mouse model, the new vaccine efficiently stimulates regulatory T cells, which can impede the immune system's attack on insulin-producing cells.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2016

Sand dunes are important desert dust sources

Research using portable wind tunnel technology found that sand dunes can generate dust through grain collisions and vegetation removal. Coppice dunes, vegetated dunes trapping sand and dust particles, emitted the most dust among all tested sources.

SourceScience China Press·DateMar 15, 2016
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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

Adolescent female pandas not the demure homebodies once thought

A new study reveals that adolescent female giant pandas disperse farther from their home ranges during mating season, rivaling males in distances moved. This behavior is uncommon in mammals and has significant implications for conservation efforts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalIntegrative Zoology·DateMar 15, 2016

Protein from bacteria alleviates food allergy symptoms

A new study has shown that introducing probiotic Bifidobacterium longum KACC 91563 can reduce the effects of food allergies in mice. The probiotic works by releasing extracellular vesicles containing a protein called ESBP, which neutralizes mast cells responsible for allergic responses.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 15, 2016

Nature study reveals rapid ice-wedge loss across Arctic

A new study reveals rapid melting of ancient ice wedges across the Arctic, affecting runoff and amplifying permafrost thawing. The research indicates widespread ice wedge degradation with major implications for global warming and thermokarst formation.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 15, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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

Study finds racial differences in smoking patterns, screening

New research reveals that African Americans are less likely to start smoking in late teens but continue smoking into later years, leading to lower average pack-years and reduced eligibility for lung cancer screening. This disparity results in higher risk of death from tobacco-related diseases among African Americans.

SourceYale University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMar 15, 2016

Scratching the surface: Real-time monitoring of surface changes at the atomic level

A French research team, led by Dr. Frédéric Leroy, has created a method for real-time monitoring of surface changes at the atomic level. The approach enables them to study the kinetics of silicon dioxide decomposition onto silicon during thermal treatment, revealing a non-homogeneous process involving hole nucleation and opening.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 15, 2016

MRI helps predict preterm birth

A new study using MRI to examine pregnant women with short cervixes found that high cervical tissue mobility is associated with impending preterm birth. The researchers plan larger trials to confirm the role of this imaging biomarker in predicting preterm birth.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 15, 2016

Smartwatches can now track your finger in mid-air using sonar

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a sonar technology called FingerIO that allows users to interact with mobile devices by writing or gesturing on any nearby surface. The device uses sound waves to track fine-grained finger movements, achieving accuracy of up to 8mm.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateMar 15, 2016
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

UK's anti-lobbying clause risks jeopardizing public health, warn experts

Experts warn that the UK government's new anti-lobbying clause could limit the ability of researchers funded by taxpayer money to influence policy and improve public health. The clause prioritizes private sector views over public health goals, potentially jeopardizing efforts to promote evidence-based decision-making.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 15, 2016

Sweet corn genes related to crowding stress identified

Researchers at the University of Illinois identified clusters of genes that are associated with yield under crowding stress in sweet corn, finding that high-yielding hybrids utilize gene activities more directly related to carbohydrate accumulation. The study also found a common genetic basis for the yield response in six tested hybrids.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 15, 2016

Smartphones could improve skin cancer detection in developing countries

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that smartphones can detect 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 60% of melanomas, improving diagnosis in remote areas. A DIY smartphone microscope can be made with a ball lens and tape, and additional studies are needed to enhance detection rates.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalArchives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine·DateMar 15, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

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

Storks give up on winter migration in favor of junk food

Researchers found that white storks rely on junk food from landfill sites for year-round sustenance, allowing them to establish resident populations. The closure of landfills may impact these birds' distribution, breeding locations, and migratory patterns.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMovement Ecology·DateMar 15, 2016

Pregnant T. rex could aid in dino sex-typing

Researchers confirm medullary bone, a gender-specific reproductive tissue found in birds, in a 68 million-year-old T. rex fossil. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of egg-laying in modern birds and provides a new tool for identifying dinosaur sex.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 15, 2016

Austerity linked to rising mortality rates among older pensioners

New research published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine suggests that austerity measures in England have been associated with significant increases in mortality rates among pensioners aged 85 and over. The study found a 1.4% rise in mortality for every 3% drop in pension credit spending per beneficiary.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateMar 15, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New treatment for common incurable eye condition

Researchers found a maximum reduction of 52.4% in dry-eye symptoms using the repurposed drug, with some patients reporting complete resolution of symptoms. The treatment has antiangiogenic effects and offers distinct advantages over existing surgical removal methods.

SourceMedInsight Research Institute·DateMar 15, 2016

Novel blood test for Alzheimer's diagnosis

The novel blood test detects misfolded Amyloid beta peptides in body fluids, revealing potential for early detection of Alzheimer's. The test has achieved high diagnostic precision with a sensitivity of up to 90% and is being further optimized in ongoing studies.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·DateMar 15, 2016

Digging deeper: Study improves permafrost models, reduces uncertainties

A University of Illinois study found that including four key biophysical processes in computer models can estimate permafrost area and stability more accurately. The new model suggests that permafrost has declined more slowly than previously thought, and its release could impact climate change.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·DateMar 15, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

IUPUI psychologists explore pain in Hispanic Americans

A critical review of over 100 studies on pain experience among Hispanic Americans reveals lower rates of chronic pain, but also greater pain sensitivity and less tolerance compared to non-Hispanic whites. The study highlights gaps in current research and calls for further investigation into the role of cultural factors and acculturation.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalJournal of Pain·DateMar 15, 2016

To increase group exercise, Penn study suggests rewarding the individual and the team

A new Penn study found that team-based incentives, combining individual and team performance rewards, nearly doubled the success rate of achieving exercise goals. Participants in this combined incentive group achieved their goal 35% of the time, compared to 17-18% for control and team incentive groups.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 15, 2016

New microwave imaging approach opens a nanoscale view on processes in liquids

Researchers at NIST and ORNL have developed a new microwave imaging technique that allows for the visualization of processes occurring at boundaries between liquids and solids. This approach enables the study of technologically and medically important processes without damaging samples or interfering with the process being studied.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 15, 2016

Regenerating forests create important carbon sinks in the Philippines

A University of Queensland-led study assesses the amount of carbon stored in tropical forests recovering after land-clearing practices in the Philippines. Regenerating secondary forests are substantial carbon sinks, increasing their capacity to store carbon with abandonment age.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 15, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

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

Clemson research on watermelons and wildflowers gaining some buzz

A Clemson University study investigates the benefits of diverse agroecosystems in watermelon production. Native bees and wildflowers may complement honeybees to improve crop quality and yield. The research aims to find a simple way for farmers to attract native pollinators, potentially eliminating the need for domesticated honeybees.

SourceClemson University·DateMar 15, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

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

A rolling stone gathers no mates

Research suggests that if males traveling from far-off areas are less attractive to females, connectivity between populations can be greatly reduced. This finding has significant implications for conservation efforts, highlighting the need for better understanding of animal dispersal and habitat fragmentation.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEcological Modelling·DateMar 15, 2016
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Companies that are interactive, informative can be more influential

Researchers found that interactive companies are perceived as more informative, leading to stronger brand attitudes and increased purchase intentions. The study suggests that engaging with customers through communication is key to boosting a company's influence.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Promotion Management·DateMar 15, 2016

Conservatives and liberals do think differently

Conservatives tend to use a more structured approach, while liberals rely on 'Aha!' insights. Research from Northwestern University finds these cognitive styles affect everyday problems beyond politics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalQuarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology·DateMar 15, 2016

NYU Tandon professor named a rising star of chemical engineering

Jin Kim Montclare, an associate professor at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, has been recognized as a rising star in chemical engineering. Her lab's research on engineered proteins has made breakthroughs in detoxifying organophosphates and developing environmentally responsive hydrogels.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateMar 15, 2016
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Microbes may not be so adaptable to climate change

Researchers found that microbes retained many of their original traits after 17 years, despite being transplanted to new climates, suggesting they may not be as adaptable to climate change as previously thought. This study has significant implications for our understanding of the future climate and the resilience of the environment.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 15, 2016

Network of germ sleuths heads off nearly 276,000 foodborne illnesses a year

A study by Ohio State University found that PulseNet, a CDC-coordinated network, prevents about 276,000 cases of foodborne illness each year. The network's early detection capabilities and encouragement of safer business practices contribute to this significant reduction in illnesses.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 15, 2016

Statins cut tuberculosis treatment time in mice

Researchers found that adding statins to standard drug treatment reduced the time to clear tuberculosis infection by 35% in infected mice. The study suggests that repurposing statin drugs could accelerate TB treatment and improve public health outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateMar 15, 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.

Molecules that may keep you young and alive

Researchers from Concordia University and Idunn Technologies have discovered six groups of plant extracts that decelerate the aging process in yeast. These extracts, which include a specific willow bark extract, increase chronological lifespan by 475% and have been recognized as non-toxic by Health Canada.

SourceConcordia University·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMar 15, 2016

Children in intensive care recover faster with little to no nutrition

A randomized controlled trial of 1,440 critically ill children found that fasting or very small amounts of feeding during the first week improves recovery rates, reduces infections, and organ failure. This study provides strong evidence against artificial nutrition in early stages of pediatric intensive care.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 15, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

SLU scientist helps move structural biology into 'big data' era

Enrico Di Cera's work on the Structural Biology Data Grid allows researchers to share and reproduce findings faster, advancing the field of structural biology. The grid supports archiving of raw experimental datasets, enabling rapid access for validation and improving existing models.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2016
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Incredible images reveal bacteria motor parts in unprecedented detail

Researchers at Imperial College London have visualized bacteria motors with electron microscopes, revealing differences in swimming power and torque. These findings explain why some bacteria can swim through thick mucus while others cannot.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2016

Paving the way for metastasis

A new study from MIT reveals how cancer cells take their first steps towards metastasis by remodeling their environment, enabling them to migrate into blood vessels. High levels of the Mena protein, MenaINV, are correlated with metastasis and earlier deaths among breast cancer patients.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMar 15, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Winds hide Atlantic variability from Europe's winters

Research by McGill University and the University of Rhode Island reveals that wind patterns change along with sea-surface temperatures, masking the impact on Western Europe's wintertime temperatures. The study suggests that distinct atmospheric pathways may be hiding the ocean oscillation from Europe in winter.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2016

Compressing turbulence to improve inertial confinement fusion experiments

New findings suggest that turbulent plasma could improve inertial confinement fusion experiments by storing energy. The compression of fluid turbulence was modeled to show a positive impact on ICF experiments, suggesting a new design for compression-based fusion research. However, caveats and challenges remain in the field.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 15, 2016
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New electrode for ion concentration analysis

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new dry electrode for measuring ion concentrations, overcoming size and cost constraints. The system uses solid electrode material with storage capacity for positively charged ions, providing stable results over a lengthy period.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 15, 2016

Sharkskin actually increases drag

Researchers found that sharkskin's small, tooth-like denticles can increase hydrodynamic drag, unlike riblets which reduce drag. This discovery contradicts long-held assumptions about shark skin's functionality.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 15, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Oil and natural gas boom causes methane emissions to increase

A recent study by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology reveals a significant correlation between oil and natural gas production in the USA and an increase in atmospheric methane concentrations. The research suggests that thermogenic methane from the oil and gas industry contributes to at least 40% of the global increase in methane concent...

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateMar 15, 2016

How a pill could improve breast cancer diagnoses

Researchers have developed a pill that can selectively target cancer cells, providing clearer images and reducing the risk of false positives. The oral agent uses near-infrared light to bind to tumors, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 15, 2016

Female frogs identify own offspring using inner GPS

Research shows that female poison frogs remember the exact location of where they laid their eggs, allowing them to transport only their own tadpoles. In contrast, males tend to transport both their own and unrelated tadpoles due to their territorial behavior.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMar 15, 2016

Crowd review

Researchers develop a method to analyze web reviews and extract design intelligence, identifying pros and cons of features. The DFOC approach can enhance creative efficiency and competitiveness by shortening lead times and improving product quality.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Knowledge and Web Intelligence·DateMar 15, 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.

Profane relations: The irony of offensive jokes in India

A study by Dr. Andrew Sanchez shows how joking relationships between colleagues enable people to distance themselves from the values that inform religious and ethnic violence. This exchange of humorous insults implicitly critiques public life of ethnic difference, operating on more tolerant principles rooted in the present.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalHistory and Anthropology·DateMar 15, 2016

Detecting radioactive material from a remote distance

A new technique to remotely detect radioactive materials in dirty bombs or other sources has been proposed by researchers at the University of Maryland. The method uses low-power and high-power lasers to create a cascading breakdown of air, which is reflected back when the critical point is reached, indicating the presence of radioacti...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateMar 15, 2016

Researchers discover fairy circles in Australia

Researchers have found evidence supporting the theory that barren areas in grasslands arise from plant competition for water. The study suggests that plants organize themselves in a six-sided structure, resulting in gaps with regular patterns.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2016

What incentives work best to get a team to exercise more?

A study by Mitesh Patel found that combining individual and team incentives led to a significant increase in physical activity. Participants who received rewards for both individual and team performance averaged more steps per day than those with individual-only rewards.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 15, 2016

Employee recognition programs can reduce firm-level productivity

Researchers found that award programs may crowd out intrinsic motivation in employees who are already performing well, leading to decreased motivation and productivity. The study suggests that firms should carefully consider the potential costs of implementing such programs.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalOrganization Science·DateMar 15, 2016

Outsourcing crystal growth...to space

Japanese researchers grew protein crystals in space using interferometry to measure growth rate and dissolution properties. The results showed an increased growth rate despite expected suppression of solution convection, which may be due to suppressed transport speed of impurity molecules.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 15, 2016

Trade in rare plants on social media must be monitored

A recent study found that wild orchids were being traded from all over the world, with rare and threatened species including one assessed as Critically Endangered. The high proportion of wild collected orchids for sale supports calls for better monitoring of social media for trade in wild collected plants.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalConservation Biology·DateMar 15, 2016