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Science News for March 4, 2016


'Bending current' opens up the way for a new type of magnetic memory

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have discovered a way to flip magnetic bits faster and more energy-efficiently using a 'bending current' method. This breakthrough enables the creation of ultra-fast and low-power Magnetic Random Access Memory (MRAM) that can enable longer battery life in mobile devices.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2016

More Sumatran orangutans than previously thought

A recent survey has found that approximately 14,600 Sumatran orangutans live in the wild, exceeding previous estimates of 6,600. However, continued deforestation poses a significant threat to their survival, with up to 4,500 individuals at risk of disappearing by 2030 if current plans are implemented.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 4, 2016

The ancient rotation of the Iberian Peninsula left a magnetic trace

Researchers have discovered a magnetic signal in volcanic rocks from the Iberian Peninsula that suggests a massive rotation of almost 60º occurred 300 million years ago. This process, known as the Cantabrian orocline, helped shape the region's mountain ranges and curvature.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalTectonophysics·DateMar 4, 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.

Latin dancing may have health benefits for older adults

A four-month dance program helped older Latino adults walk faster and improved their physical fitness, reducing their risk for heart disease. The culturally-tailored intervention increased leisure time physical activity by nearly 300 minutes per week, with significant benefits also seen in stress reduction and community building.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 4, 2016

Exercise may protect nerve cells in Spinal Muscular Atrophy patients

Long-term exercise has been shown to improve muscle resistance and aerobic performance in mice with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Swimming and running both had beneficial effects on motor neurons affected by the disease, suggesting specific types of exercise may limit neurodegeneration.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMar 4, 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.

Four signs that a geriatric ER patient should be admitted to the hospital

Patients over 65 with cognitive impairment, discharge plan changes, and abnormal vital signs are at increased risk of ICU admission or death within 7 days. Abnormal vital signs like low blood pressure and high heart rate can lead to catastrophic events for discharged patients.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMar 4, 2016

Eating peanut in early years helps reduce risk of allergy even with later abstinence

A study led by King's College London found that early introduction of peanut to infants at high-risk of developing peanut allergy significantly reduces the risk of peanut allergy until 6 years of age. The study, which followed on from the LEAP study, concluded that a 12-month period of peanut avoidance after initial consumption did not...

SourceKing's College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 4, 2016

Rare respiratory disease gene carriers actually have increased lung function

Researchers discovered that healthy carriers of a rare respiratory disease gene have enhanced respiratory capacity and increased height, with a 10% advantage. The study may lead to new treatment approaches for physical fitness training and lung function disorders, as well as height modification in growth disorders.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Medical Genetics·DateMar 4, 2016

Likely biological link found between Zika virus, microcephaly

A Johns Hopkins Medicine research team found that Zika virus selectively infects and kills cells in the brain's cortex, leading to disruptions in cell division and growth. This discovery using lab-grown stem cells may lead to identifying potential therapies for protecting these susceptible cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 4, 2016

Understanding differences within species is critical to conservation efforts

A new study reveals that local populations of threatened species may adapt to specific conditions, necessitating different conservation strategies. The research suggests using ecological models to predict suitable areas for each population, improving conservation efforts for the Karner blue butterfly and Siberian primrose.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 4, 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.

Marine protected areas intensify both cooperation and competition

A Duke University-led study found that friendly rivalry among fishers can lead to better conservation of marine resources when cooperation and competition are in balance. This balanced approach helps maintain group cooperation and reinforces collective action, ultimately benefiting the communities that depend on these areas.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 4, 2016

UNH researchers conduct first comprehensive study of NH oyster farming

Researchers studied oysters at six sites in Great Bay over a three-year period to quantify nitrogen dynamics and assess the role of oyster farms. They found that farmed oysters varied depending on size, farm site, age, seasonal variability, water quality, and time of harvest.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalAquaculture Research·DateMar 4, 2016

Transition to child care easier when parents and providers form partnership

A University of Illinois study reveals that parents and child-care providers forming a partnership benefits the child's development during the transition from home to child care. Factors such as child temperament and maternal depressive symptoms influence the ease or difficulty of this transition.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEarly Education and Development·DateMar 4, 2016

Nanoscale rotor and gripper push DNA origami to new limits

Scientists at TUM create two new nanoscale machines with moving parts using DNA origami techniques, pushing the limits of programmable, self-assembling construction material. The rotor mechanism can swing freely or dwell in specified positions, while a hinged machine demonstrates precise placement of individual molecules.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 4, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hostile young adults may experience thinking and memory problems in middle age

A study found that young adults with hostile attitudes and poor coping skills may experience significant declines in thinking and memory abilities decades later. The study, which followed 3,126 participants from age 25 to 50, revealed that increased levels of hostility and effortful coping were associated with poorer cognitive performa...

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 4, 2016

Zika virus infects human neural stem cells

Researchers have found that Zika virus infects a type of neural stem cell responsible for brain development, leading to cell death and disruption of growth. The study provides new insights into the potential effects of Zika on neural tissue and may lead to the development of therapeutics.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 4, 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.

'Black death' offers clues to battling HIV and hepatitis C centuries later

A University of Cincinnati researcher is studying nearly 3,000 patients to see if a genetic variant that protects against HIV also prevents injury from Hepatitis C. The study aims to understand how inhibition of the CCR5 receptor may influence liver injury and disease progression in individuals co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMar 4, 2016

Oxford University Press launches new journal, Biology Methods & Protocols

Oxford University Press launches Biology Methods & Protocols, a new open access journal focusing on biological sciences methods and protocols. The journal aims to provide a common forum for methodology and protocol papers, benefiting from an international editorial board led by Dr. Silvia Ayora.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBiology Methods and Protocols·DateMar 4, 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.

University of Utah biochemist wins JDRF grant to develop 'smart' insulin

Researchers at the University of Utah are developing a 'smart' insulin that can automatically lower blood sugar levels after consumption. The grant-funded project aims to create an insulin that deactivates when blood glucose drops below a certain level, reducing the risk of serious health threats associated with improper dosing.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·DateMar 4, 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.

Zika linked to abnormal pregnancies, fetal death, new research finds

A study by UCLA researchers found associations between Zika infection and grave outcomes, including fetal death, placental insufficiency, and central nervous system damage. The study suggests that Zika can cause a range of abnormalities in pregnant women, even if the fetus is not directly affected.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 4, 2016

Big and small numbers are processed in different sides of the brain

Researchers at Imperial College London found that the brain processes large numbers in the left side of the brain and small numbers on the right. The study's findings could lead to more effective rehabilitation techniques for patients with brain damage and treatments for conditions like dyscalculia.

SourceImperial College London·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateMar 4, 2016

IVF, often cited for high twin birth rate, could reduce it

The US twin birth rate has surged over the last 30 years, partly due to reproductive technologies like IVF. Implementing single embryo transfer IVF could reduce unintended twin births by minimizing serious medical complications. This approach is recommended for insurance coverage and curtails the national twin birth rate.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 4, 2016

New study shows bias toward adopting children of certain ethnic, racial backgrounds

A new study found that predominantly white parents in the US prefer to adopt children from other countries due to perceived racial differences, with many citing 'not thinking it's in the child's best interest' as a reason. This bias reflects the American racial hierarchy and has significant implications for race relations in the US.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalSociological Perspectives·DateMar 4, 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.

Building a better mouse trap, from the atoms up

UConn researchers develop a systematized approach to materials design using machine learning. They create numerical fingerprints of polymers based on atomic configurations, enabling computers to quickly scan theoretical compounds for desired properties. The breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the search for new materials.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 4, 2016

New research uncovers the 'myths' behind aviation's climate change crisis

A new study exposes the 'myths' surrounding sustainable air travel, revealing that technological solutions are often overstated and failing to drive meaningful policy change. Despite growing emissions, industry and government rely on unfeasible technologies like solar flight, perpetuating a culture of non-accountability.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·DateMar 4, 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.

Protection against peanut allergy by early consumption persists after 1 year of avoidance

A clinical trial has found that regular peanut consumption begun in early infancy and continued until age 5 reduced the rate of peanut allergy in at-risk infants by 80% compared to non-peanut-consumers. After a one-year period of peanut avoidance, only 4.8% of original peanut consumers were found to be allergic.

SourceBenaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 4, 2016

Can social support be a bad thing for older adults?

A study published in Social Science & Medicine found that social support can reduce depressive symptoms but also lead to feelings of loss of control, increasing symptoms. This contradictory effect is more pronounced for women than men, highlighting the need for policy-makers to consider both positive and negative effects.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMar 4, 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.

Graphene slides smoothly across gold

Researchers discovered graphene's exceptional lubricity, enabling frictionless movement between mechanical parts. The study suggests graphene could revolutionize coatings and electromechanical devices by reducing energy consumption and increasing service life.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalScience·DateMar 4, 2016

Antidepressant use begins years before Alzheimer's diagnosis

A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that antidepressant use begins years before an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. The most common antidepressants prescribed were selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and mirtazapine.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateMar 4, 2016

Construction of Sacramento Kings arena using drone monitoring system developed at Illinois

The University of Illinois team has developed a predictive visual data analytics tool called Flying Superintendent to streamline construction progress monitoring. This technology utilizes drone-based images and 4D BIM to quickly identify performance problems, allowing project stakeholders to prioritize issues and take corrective actions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateMar 4, 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 national initiative to preserve the future of horticulture

The Seed Your Future initiative, launched by Longwood Gardens and ASHS, aims to educate students and parents about the importance of horticulture as a career path. With over 150 partner organizations, the program seeks to raise $10 million to promote careers in horticulture.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·DateMar 4, 2016

First code of conduct for the use of virtual reality established

Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have prepared a list of ethical concerns related to the use of virtual reality (VR). They recommend minimizing risks by providing clear warnings about potential psychological trauma, hallucinations, and unconscious influence. The authors also emphasize the need for regulations regard...

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateMar 4, 2016

How does corporate social responsibilty impact firm performance

A new study found that corporate social responsibility (CSR) positively impacts firm performance, with financial benefits expected from CSR investments. However, the study also reveals an increasing correlation between CSR and 'corporate social irresponsibility,' suggesting some firms use CSR to offset past wrongdoing.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 4, 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.

New insights reported about the Angelina Jolie gene

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center have discovered that BRCA1 serves as a limiter on a gene called COBRA1, regulating breast cell growth. This finding provides new insights into how BRCA1 mutations increase breast cancer risk in women.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2016

Overall fluidity of US labor market has been declining

Researchers examine declines in US labor market fluidity over three decades, finding a broad-based decline in transitions and larger decreases in Western states. The study suggests that social and community ties may play a role in explaining the trend.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·DateMar 4, 2016

Woodpecker drumming signals wimp or warrior

Researchers at Wake Forest University found that woodpecker pairs coordinate their defense behavior based on the intensity of drumming sounds from intruders. A longer drum is perceived as a tougher opponent, prompting coordination and aggression, whereas a shorter drum signals weakness.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMar 4, 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.

Study sheds new light on post-operative bleeding in newborns

Researchers found significant differences in blood clot structure between adults and neonates, which may pose an increased risk of thrombosis in newborns. The study suggests that using adult fibrinogen in neonatal patients may be detrimental to their health, highlighting the need for more effective treatment strategies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAnesthesiology·DateMar 4, 2016

Study offers clearest picture yet of how HIV defeats a cellular defender

Researchers have gained a clearer understanding of how HIV defeats a cellular defender by interacting with cyclophilin A. The study reveals that the virus uses cyclophilin A as a disguise to trick the cellular protein, allowing it to enter the nucleus and commandeer the cell.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2016

Evolving insights into cystic fibrosis lung infections

Recent research on cystic fibrosis lung infections highlights the ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to adapt and evolve in chronically infected patients. The review suggests that understanding this evolution is crucial for developing alternative treatment strategies to minimize symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateMar 4, 2016

Investigators trace emergence and spread of virulent salmonella strain

Whole-genome sequencing reveals the emergence and spread of the virulent Salmonella strain DT104 over 40 years in 21 countries. The strain's resistance to five antibiotics and ability to infect multiple livestock species contributed to its success.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 4, 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.

A case exemplar for national policy leadership: Expanding PACE program

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) model provides coordinated and comprehensive services to high-cost and high-need populations. Nurse-leaders Tara A. Cortes and Eileen M. Sullivan-Marx drove expansion through legislative advocacy and policy guidance.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateMar 4, 2016

Reducing opioid use prior to joint replacement surgery linked to better outcomes

Two studies found that patients who reduced their opioid use prior to joint replacement surgery had improved patient satisfaction and outcomes, fewer complications, and a reduced need for post-surgical opioids. Patients with chronic opioid use were more likely to experience prolonged pain and higher rates of post-operative complications.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 4, 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.

Cornell opens $25 million NSF platform for discovering new materials

The Platform for the Accelerated Realization, Analysis, and Discovery of Interface Materials (PARADIM) enables scientists to design and create novel materials with extraordinary properties. These materials will impact various fields including national security, clean energy, and human welfare.

SourceCornell University·DateMar 4, 2016