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Science News for May 12, 2016


Emotions in the age of Botox

Research at SISSA reveals Botox-based aesthetic procedures can impair emotional processing, particularly in subtle situations. The study confirms the importance of embodied cognition in understanding emotions and highlights a potential risk for those undergoing these treatments.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalToxicon·DateMay 12, 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.

Ingestible robot operates in simulated stomach

Researchers at MIT and partners developed a tiny origami robot that can unfold from a swallowed capsule and remove stuck objects or patch wounds. The robot uses external magnetic fields to navigate and is made of biocompatible materials, enabling potential medical applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 12, 2016

Obesity on the rise in Indonesia

A recent study reveals that obesity is on the rise in Indonesia, exacerbated by a 'double burden of malnutrition' affecting children. Children stunted due to undernutrition are more likely to become overweight, posing serious health risks.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 12, 2016

Gene and tonic: Genetic link in binge-drinking teens

Researchers identified a specific gene, KALRN, linked to impulsive behavior and binge drinking in teenagers. The study used a two-step approach to investigate genetic factors contributing to early experimentation with and abuse of alcohol.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateMay 12, 2016

Is sleeve gastrectomy a good choice for people with a sweet tooth?

A study published in Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques found that sleeve gastrectomy is effective for individuals classified as moderate or severe sweet eaters before the surgery. The procedure has shown promising weight loss results, even among those with high pre-surgery sweets consumption.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques·DateMay 12, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smartphone-based system may improve health of patients with chronic diseases

A new smartphone-based system improved blood pressure control, reduced medication errors, and increased patient engagement among patients with chronic kidney disease. The system provided personalized feedback and alerts to clinicians, leading to better patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 12, 2016

Finnish research shows inaccuracies in emission measurements of important greenhouse gas, N2O

A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland and others found significant inaccuracies in traditional chamber techniques for measuring nitrous oxide emissions from soils. The eddy covariance method with modern laser technology provides more accurate continuous measurements, averaging out spatial and temporal variations.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2016

Risks of heart attack, stroke may outweigh benefits of calcium supplement

A new analysis suggests that the moderate effect of calcium and vitamin D on fracture prevention is not large enough to outweigh the potential increased risk of cardiovascular disease. For 65-year-old women at low risk of bone fracture, the risks may outweigh the benefits.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateMay 12, 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.

Viruses detected in Swedish mosquito larvae

Researchers at Umea University have discovered that mosquito larvae in the Västerbotten region carry viruses that can cause infectious disease, including Sindbis virus and Inkoo virus. These findings indicate that the viruses can be transferred from female mosquitoes to their eggs.

SourceUmea University·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·DateMay 12, 2016

Scans reveal babies of mothers with gestational diabetes have more body fat

A new study published in Diabetes Care found that babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes have 16% more body fat at two months old compared to babies born to healthy mothers. The research used MRI scanning to measure body fat in 86 babies, revealing significant differences in body composition despite no differences at birth.

SourceImperial College London·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMay 12, 2016

Migrant money puts aid in the shade

A new study by Eric Akobeng reveals that international remittances have a significant impact on reducing poverty and inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings suggest a 10% increase in remittances as share of GDP leads to a decline in the number of people living on less than $1.25 per day, extreme poverty, and inequality.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance·DateMay 12, 2016

Bacteria are individualists

A recent study reveals that bacteria can differ significantly in their response to a lack of nutrients, allowing the group to continue growing even when some cells suffer. This phenomenon promotes flexibility and diversity within bacterial populations.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 12, 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.

Stopping cancer in its tracks

Researchers at the University of Chicago found that inhibiting autophagy, a cellular housekeeping process, effectively blocks tumor cell migration and breast cancer metastasis in tumor models. Autophagy is essential for tumor metastasis, and its inhibition can be an effective approach to block metastatic dissemination.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 12, 2016

Microwaved nanoribbons may bolster oil and gas wells

Researchers at Rice University developed a method to treat composite materials with microwaves, increasing their stability and strength in wellbores for oil and gas production. The treatment involved combining graphene nanoribbons with thermoset polymers and heating them with low-power microwaves.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 12, 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.

Experimental physicist Dmitry Budker receives an ERC Advanced Grant

Dmitry Budker, Experimental Atomic Physics professor at Mainz University, receives a EUR 2.5M ERC Advanced Grant to systematically search for dark sector particles. The project aims to identify new techniques using magnetic resonance and magnetometry to provide direct connections to the dark sector.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateMay 12, 2016

Surgical oncology societies: Global curriculum to address training variations, inadequacies

The Society of Surgical Oncology and European Society of Surgical Oncology propose a global curriculum to address training variations and inadequacies. The curriculum aims to create a robust workforce of well-trained surgical oncologists to meet the growing need resulting from the rising global cancer burden.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·JournalEuropean Journal of Surgical Oncology·DateMay 12, 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.

Dogs provide information about brain tumor development in humans

A recent study by Uppsala University researchers found that genetic analyses in dogs can identify genes linked to human brain tumors, specifically gliomas. The study identified three genes associated with glioma development in dogs, which are also present in humans and show reduced activity in tumor tissue.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 12, 2016

New gene for familial high cholesterol

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have identified a new gene linked to familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder causing very high blood cholesterol. High levels of lipoprotein(a) in the blood increase heart attack risk by five times.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMay 12, 2016

When foes become friends

Researchers discovered that a few changes in the genome are sufficient to turn a fungal plant pathogen into a potentially beneficial organism. The beneficial fungus has gained new genes and lost others, leading to reduced effector proteins needed to suppress the plant's immune system.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2016

Online therapy effective at treating depression and anxiety

A randomized controlled trial found online computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) to be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. The study, led by the University of Pittsburgh, showed that CCBT programs can provide significant improvements in mood and anxiety symptoms, even when used alone or in combination with int...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateMay 12, 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.

Boston Cancer Support to receive ASTRO Survivor Circle grant

Boston Cancer Support, a nonprofit organization, will receive an $8,500 ASTRO Survivor Circle grant to support its work providing patient transportation and online resources. The organization aims to alleviate one of the largest issues faced by cancer patients: affordable transportation to treatments.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateMay 12, 2016

New innovations to combat resistant infections

Researchers at the University of Bristol are developing novel diagnostic tests and nanopatterned surfaces to combat resistant infections. A new rapid diagnostic test can predict effective antibiotics, reducing reliance on strongest options. Novel antimicrobial surfaces could improve biomedical devices and implant success rates.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateMay 12, 2016

Kidney disease may increase hospitalized patients' risk of complications

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at a higher risk of experiencing hospital-acquired complications when hospitalized. A study of 536,549 adults found that CKD patients were 19% more likely to experience complications than those with normal kidney function, with the risk increasing as CKD severity worsened.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 12, 2016

Donor kidneys may be discarded due to 'weekend effect' at hospitals

Researchers have identified a 'weekend effect' contributing to the decline in donor kidney availability in the US. Organs procured on Fridays and Saturdays were more likely to be discarded than those during weekdays, with higher quality kidneys also being thrown away at a greater rate.

SourceElsevier·JournalKidney International·DateMay 12, 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.

Disrupted REM sleep can derail memory formation

A new study in mice shows that REM sleep is essential for consolidating both contextual and emotional memories. Inhibiting theta oscillations during REM sleep kept mice from forming these memories, while disrupting them outside of REM sleep had no effect.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 12, 2016

Zika virus: Optimized tests for reliable diagnosis

DZIF scientists have developed optimized assays and a control for quantifying viruses in blood and urine, improving the reliability of current tests. The new tests are more sensitive to low viral concentrations and comparable across different strains.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateMay 12, 2016

How Arctic spring kills birds in Africa

Scientists found that an early Arctic spring in Africa is killing red knots by disrupting their food supply. The birds' short beaks limit their access to shellfish, essential for survival.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScience·DateMay 12, 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.

How light is detected affects the atom that emits it

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis use a new instrument to detect light in a way that reveals the atom's evolution and potential control over entangled partners. This approach may enable quantum control and enhance fluorescence imaging.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2016

Women's preference for smaller competition may account for inequality

A University of Michigan study found that women prefer smaller competition sizes, which may contribute to pay gaps and the underrepresentation of women in certain fields. Women feel more comfortable in smaller groups, where communal behaviors are more normative.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateMay 12, 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.

Why animals court their own sex

A recent study by Uppsala University researchers reveals that same-sex sexual behavior (SSB) is more common than thought and may have benefits in the opposite sex. SSB was found to increase reproductive performance in siblings of the opposite sex, suggesting a genetic mechanism driving its prevalence across various animal species.

SourceUppsala University·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateMay 12, 2016

Brain cells that aid appetite control identified

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a crucial role of NG2-glia cells in the median eminence in regulating appetite and body weight. The cells support and shelter leptin receptor neurons, enabling them to instruct the body when to stop eating, leading to potential new targeted anti-obesity approaches.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 12, 2016

Hedgehogs are indeed not so widespread in England any more

A recent 'HogWatch' survey conducted in England has provided new insights into the country's declining hedgehog population. The study suggests a moderate decline of up to 7.4% in areas frequented by hedgehogs, with possible constraints due to habitat fragmentation.

SourceSpringer·JournalEuropean Journal of Wildlife Research·DateMay 12, 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.

Victims of their own success

Acropora corals have thrived by leveraging environmental challenges, such as tropical storms, to grow and form new colonies. However, their rapid growth is vulnerable to global warming, diseases, and coral bleaching, threatening their future in marine regions.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 12, 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.

Queen's scientists develop new treatment to prolong life of those with cystic fibrosis

Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have discovered a new molecule that can potentially prolong the life of individuals with cystic fibrosis by improving airway hydration and mucous clearance. The treatment targets the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), preventing chronic infections and inflammation that cause progressive lung damage.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 12, 2016

Study of glioma susceptibility in dogs may yield insights for humans

A genome-wide association study of 39 dog breeds with gliomas identified three candidate genes associated with the tumor's development. These genes - CAMKK2, P2RX7 and DENR - have also been linked to cancer in humans. Further research into these genes may provide insights for potential treatments of glioma in both species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 12, 2016

Eyewitnesses' memories darken skin color

Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that eyewitness memories are biased against black suspects in drive-by shootings, with incorrect recall rates as high as 80%. This study highlights the potential for wrongful convictions and emphasizes the need to consider eyewitness testimony's limitations in the justice system.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMay 12, 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.

Action of nanoparticles on platelet activation and plasmatic coagulation

Research highlights the effects of nanoparticles on platelet activation and plasmatic coagulation, a complex process essential for human life. Studies demonstrate that nanoparticles can alter hemostasis in various diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, emphasizing the need for thorough testing and regulation.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Medicinal Chemistry·DateMay 12, 2016

Rare human disease found in dogs

A rare form of pulmonary hypertension has been discovered in dogs, with similar symptoms and potentially useful as a model for human PVOD. The study, published in Veterinary Pathology, could lead to new insights into the disease and its treatment options.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalVeterinary Pathology·DateMay 12, 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.

Loneliness in midlife

A study of 16,132 participants found that midlife loneliness is associated with low income, health restrictions, and limited social interaction. High income, professional status, and good job security are protective factors against loneliness in this age group.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateMay 12, 2016

Award enables research for more efficient accelerators

A researcher at Jefferson Lab has been awarded a $500K grant to develop new techniques for improving the efficiency of superconducting niobium cavities, which are used in particle accelerators. The goal is to reduce power consumption and increase the performance of these critical components.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateMay 12, 2016

Layout change can make licensing agreements more agreeable

Researchers found that simplified EULAs with separate pages and bullet points led to increased comprehension and a better attitude among users. This 'halo effect' enhances goodwill, transparency, and online safety for consumers concerned about privacy and security.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 12, 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.

When dung beetles dance, they photograph the firmament

Researchers at Lund University discovered that dung beetles take photographs of the sky while dancing on a ball of dung, using this snapshot to navigate. This unique behavior allows them to orient themselves correctly in the savannah.

SourceLund University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 12, 2016

HRL receives DARPA award to STAMP learning into the brain

Researchers at HRL Laboratories are developing a man-portable system using high-definition transcranial current stimulation (HD-tCS) to tag specific memories and skills during learning. The STAMP method aims to improve consolidation by reactivating neural representations during sleep.

SourceHRL Laboratories·DateMay 12, 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.

LSU Health New Orleans ophthalmologist recommends UV protection inside cars

Dr. Jayne Weiss, an LSU Health New Orleans ophthalmologist, recommends using UV protection not just outdoors but also inside cars to prevent cataracts and skin cancer. She cites studies showing a 93% reduction in cell death when UV exposure is filtered through UV-absorbing auto glass.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 12, 2016

Study finds low levels of ultraviolet A light protection in automobile side windows

A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that automobile side windows have low levels of ultraviolet A (UV-A) light protection, with an average blockage rate of 71 percent. This is lower than the 96 percent blockage rate for front windshields, potentially contributing to increased rates of cataract and left-sided facial skin cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 12, 2016

An old new weapon against emerging Chikungunya virus

Researchers identified two existing compounds effective against the Chikungunya virus in an animal model, bringing a potential treatment within reach. The findings also suggest that these compounds may be useful for broadly acting antivirals against emerging viruses.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2016

NIH-led team discovers new HIV vaccine target

Researchers discovered a new vulnerable site on HIV called the fusion peptide, which has a simpler structure than other sites studied. A broadly neutralizing antibody targeting this site could help prevent HIV infection by binding to key cell-surface molecules.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateMay 12, 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.

Fighting hospital germs with sugar

Scientists have created a synthetic molecule that mimics the sugar coating on C. difficile bacteria, triggering an immune response and protecting against infection. The potential vaccine could be cost-effective and used to boost the immune system in patients.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2016

Two types of RGB laser light sources successfully demonstrated

Two new RGB laser light source modules developed by Osaka University and Shimadzu Corporation show superior performance in miniaturization, energy-saving, and color gamut compared to LEDs. The modules have potential applications in small electronic devices, large video systems, and projection mapping.

SourceOsaka University·DateMay 12, 2016

Suspense in the movie theatre air

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and Johannes Gutenberg University found that every movie leaves a characteristic pattern in the air, with increases in carbon dioxide and isoprene levels indicating suspense or humor. The study uses mass spectrometry to analyze exhaled air and differentiate between scenes in movies.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2016

New study suggests rethink of dementia causes

Researchers propose an out-of-control immune system as a common cause of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. The theory suggests that prolonged activation of the innate immune system leads to brain cell death, contributing to the decline in these diseases.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateMay 12, 2016

Social engineering: Password in exchange for chocolate

A large-scale study found that offering small gifts, such as chocolate, can increase the willingness of people to share their passwords with strangers due to the principle of reciprocity. In the experiment, 43.5% of participants shared their passwords when given chocolate beforehand, compared to 29.8% in control groups.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMay 12, 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.

Found: Surviving evidence of Earth's formative years

A team of researchers found material dating back to shortly after Earth's formation in rock formations from Baffin Island and the Ontong-Java Plateau. The discovery sheds light on the planet's internal dynamics over its last 4.5 billion years, providing new insights into the chemistry and processes that shaped our planet.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateMay 12, 2016

SmartPractice donates $50,000 to TGen cancer research

SmartPractice has donated $50,000 to TGen to support the development of liquid biopsies, which can detect breast cancer earlier and more precisely. The donation aims to identify genetic biomarkers in blood that could help prevent cancer from spreading.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateMay 12, 2016

Can psychological therapies help people who self-harm?

A Cochrane Review evaluated the evidence for psychosocial interventions in adults who self-harm. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was found to be effective in reducing self-harm behaviors and improving emotional well-being. The review included 55 trials with a total of 17,699 participants.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateMay 12, 2016

Gene regulatory mutation linked to rare childhood cancer

A single defect in a histone gene has been linked to pediatric cancers, with researchers finding that the mutation can form a tumor on its own. The discovery could lead to new treatment options for metastatic breast cancer and provide insights into human development.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateMay 12, 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.

More potent, inexpensive gene silencing agents described in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics

Researchers have developed single-stranded silencing RNAs (ss-siRNAs) with improved potency and activity, using inexpensive chemical modification to enhance their therapeutic potential. The study's findings have the potential to democratize gene therapy research, enabling more researchers to explore new treatments.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateMay 12, 2016

Andrei Goga's UCSF team finds new approaches to eradicate aggressive breast cancers

Researchers have identified a promising approach to treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by targeting the MYC oncogene. The study found that selective killing of MYC-overexpressing TNBC cells can be achieved through inhibition of cell cycle progression and fatty acid oxidation.

SourceUS Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 12, 2016

Fluorescent jellyfish gene sheds light in 'fitness landscape'

Researchers have mapped the 'fitness landscape' of a jellyfish gene, showing how multiple mutations interact to affect protein function and fluorescence levels. The study provides insights into how genetic changes combine to influence traits and diseases.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 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.

Hubble catches views of a jet rotating with Comet 252P/LINEAR

Astronomers observe a narrow, well-defined jet of dust ejected by the comet's icy nucleus, which appears to rotate like a water jet. The comet's close approach to Earth and sun results in large amounts of dust and gas being ejected, creating a dynamic spectacle.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 12, 2016

Diabetes drug found no better than placebo at treating NAFLD

A randomized clinical trial found that sitagliptin was not significantly better than a placebo in reducing liver fat in patients with NAFLD. However, advanced imaging techniques such as MRI-PDFF and magnetic resonance elastography proved to be accurate and useful in measuring disease state and progression.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateMay 12, 2016

Melatonin signaling is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes

A study published in Cell Metabolism found that a genetic variant of the melatonin receptor gene, MTNR1B, may predispose individuals to type 2 diabetes by increasing sensitivity to insulin-inhibiting effects of melatonin. This increased sensitivity can lead to lower insulin secretion and higher blood sugar levels.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 12, 2016

In Sierra Leone, short reconciliation ceremonies restore social ties

A new study in Sierra Leone found that short reconciliation ceremonies helped communities recover from civil war, increasing trust and public goods contribution. However, the process also had negative effects on individuals' anxiety and depression, suggesting policymakers need to restructure such processes to reduce psychological costs...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 12, 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.

Poaching of old forest elephant matriarchs threatens rainforests

The loss of oldest female elephants guides their families to resources and holds decades of social knowledge. This could cause cascading effects on ecosystem function, as these females play a crucial role in seed dispersal and maintaining habitats.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Biology·DateMay 12, 2016

Badges acknowledging open practices significantly increase reported data

A new study found that badges acknowledging open practices significantly increase reported data and materials sharing, making research findings more accessible and reliable. The initiative, which awards badges to publications meeting specific sharing criteria, has been shown to improve the quality and availability of research data and ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 12, 2016

Finger-specific key presses could speed up computer interaction

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a system that allows users to trigger different keyboard shortcut commands by pressing the same key with different fingers, hands, or hand postures. The system uses a built-in computer vision algorithm to identify fingers and hands on the keyboard.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateMay 12, 2016

ESOC 2016: Trials with impact for stroke patients

The MR CLEAN trial demonstrated the effectiveness of physical removal of blood clots in improving outcome for stroke patients. The HERMES collaboration found that patients with large ischemic core volumes can still benefit from thrombectomy, while the ACTION study showed promise with intravenous natalizumab for acute ischemic stroke. O...

SourceEuropean Stroke Organisation (ESO)·DateMay 12, 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.

Size of brain region is associated with response to PTSD treatment

A study found that patients with a larger hippocampus are more likely to respond to exposure-based therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The researchers examined the relationship between hippocampus volume and response to treatment in 50 participants with PTSD.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateMay 12, 2016

The world's first wireless satellite

The University of Würzburg researchers developed Skith, a technology for the world's first wireless satellite, allowing for reduced design effort and costs. The system uses miniaturized high-speed real-time radio modules with short ranges, boosting technical reliability and flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateMay 12, 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.

Four synchronized planets reveal clues to how planets form

The Kepler-223 planetary system has unusually long-term stability due to gravitational interactions between its four planets, which return to the same positions relative to each other and their host star. Numerical simulations suggest that slow migration during formation could have placed these planets into their balanced configuration.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2016

Marijuana use in pregnancy is major risk for preterm birth

International research found a direct link between continued marijuana use during pregnancy and pre-term birth, with 6% of pre-term births potentially preventable. Marijuana use was independently associated with a five-fold increase in pre-term birth risk, regardless of other risk factors.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalReproductive Toxicology·DateMay 12, 2016

Scientists find what might be responsible for slow heart function under general anesthesia

Researchers identified three critical protein domains affected by anesthesia, which directly impacts heart pumping function, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring in patients under general anesthesia. The study opens doors to developing new anesthetics without depressing heart function as a side effect.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMay 12, 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.

New insights into how magnetic lines around Earth reconnect

High-resolution measurements from NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission have provided new insights into the reconnection process of Earth's magnetic field lines. The results suggest that this process is driven by electron-scale dynamics, shedding light on the complex interactions within magnetized plasmas.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 12, 2016

Breast cancer drug found to reduce seizures

A Northwestern University study found that a class of drugs inhibiting estrogen production can quickly and effectively suppress brain seizures. The effect was profound and clear, suggesting a new approach to treating seizures by shutting down the brain's production of estrogen when a seizure first begins.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMay 12, 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.

A sixth sense protects drivers except when texting

A study by the University of Houston found that drivers' natural ability to correct themselves while driving is more effective than previously thought. When drivers are distracted or upset, their brain's automatic error correction system helps them stay on course, but texting significantly disrupts this process.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2016

EuroPCR 2016 abstracts now online

New techniques and devices are being developed to treat heart failure, mitral valve regurgitation, and coronary artery lesions. Studies show high procedural success rates and improvements in heart function and quality of life.

SourcePCR·DateMay 12, 2016

Cooperation, not struggle for survival, drives evolution

Researchers in Switzerland conducted an empirical experiment proving that avoidance of competition and endogenosymbiosis drive the evolution of biological diversity. This contradicts traditional views suggesting that competition is the main driver of speciation.

SourceNational Research Tomsk State University·JournalBiologia·DateMay 12, 2016

Interpreting clinical sequencing results for genome medicine

Two papers address challenges in interpreting clinical genome and exome sequencing results. The CSER Consortium has developed approaches for using sequencing to diagnose rare diseases, cancer, and other conditions. A new set of guidelines may help different labs interpret sequencing results consistently.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 12, 2016

Brain images reveal first physical evidence that AA prayers reduce cravings

Long-term AA members who recited AA prayers after viewing drinking-related images reported less craving for alcohol than those who just read a newspaper. Brain activity increased in areas responsible for attention and emotion, suggesting an innate ability to minimize the effect of alcohol triggers.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateMay 12, 2016