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Science News for May 13, 2016


Clarifying the role of CHOP/GADD153 in cell death

A study reveals CHOP/GADD153-dependent apoptosis is driven by micro-RNA miR-216b expression in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress, with significant implications for various diseases. The findings provide molecular insights into the role of CHOP in regulating cell death and have potential applications for novel therapies.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2016

Uncovering the secrets of Arctic seabird colonies

Seabirds nest in areas where food is concentrated due to ocean currents and climate. The locations of nearly two million seabird colonies along Norway's coast north of the Arctic Circle are influenced by fish larvae hot spots.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'OB Nest': A novel approach to prenatal care

Mayo Clinic's OB Nest study found that patient satisfaction improved with fewer office visits, empowering expectant women to take control of their care. The program provided personalized nursing care and home monitoring equipment, resulting in reduced patient burden and healthcare provider resources.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateMay 13, 2016

Omega-3 lowers childhood aggression in short term, Penn research shows

A randomized control trial found that incorporating omega-3 supplements into the diets of children with extreme aggression can reduce this behavior in the short term, especially its impulsive and emotional form. The study also explored the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a complementary treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMay 13, 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.

Natural regeneration of tropical forests reaps benefits

A study by the University of Connecticut team reveals that natural forest regrowth can store significant amounts of carbon, doubling in young second-growth forests and increasing by 120% in intermediate age forests. This approach offers a low-cost alternative to tree planting for reaching carbon mitigation targets.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 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.

Findings expand potential of cancer drug

Researchers have found that a specific blood marker is common among patients with a subset of metastatic colorectal cancer, increasing their chances of responding to the drug. This breakthrough builds on an international clinical trial and could lead to more effective treatment options for patients running out of time.

SourceQueen's University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMay 13, 2016

Florida archaeological site yields clues to early civilization in southeast US

A Florida archaeological site has provided new insights into the settlement of the Americas, revealing human presence in the southeastern United States up to 1,500 years earlier than previously thought. The site, dated to 14,550 years ago, includes stone tools and mastodon bones, providing a window into the lives of early inhabitants.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 2016

Gene mutation patterns in melanoma vary from North to South in New Zealand

Research suggests that melanomas from the South Island of New Zealand are more likely to carry gene mutations affecting treatment outcomes. The study found significantly higher rates of NRAS mutations in South Island patients compared to those from the North Island, with implications for targeted drug therapies and patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMay 13, 2016

Neuroscientists discover new learning rule for pattern completion

Researchers at IST Austria identified a new learning rule that strengthens connections between neurons in the CA3 region of the hippocampus, even when neurons fire in reverse order. This discovery may explain robust learning and storage of spatial information in the brain.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 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.

Berkeley Lab participates in new National Microbiome Initiative

The Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will participate in a new National Microbiome Initiative to advance understanding of microbiome behavior and protect healthy microbiomes. The initiative aims to investigate fundamental principles governing microbiomes across ecosystems and develop new tools to study them.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalmBio·DateMay 13, 2016

Possums in New Zealand prefer leaves high in available protein

Researchers at ANU found that New Zealand possums prefer leaves with high available protein content to eat, which can help limit their impact on native forests. This knowledge could inform targeted control programs to manage the possum population and protect sensitive tree species.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 13, 2016

Study finds nationality is not a good indicator of work-related cultural values

A new study published in Management International Review finds that nationality is not a good proxy for work-related cultural values. The researchers analyzed data from 558 studies on work-related values and found that approximately 80% of variation in these values was within countries, not between them.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalManagement International Review·DateMay 13, 2016

Psychology: The power of expectations

Researchers investigate how expectations influence pain perception, with results showing men's pain tolerance altered by sex-based expectations. The study highlights the importance of considering non-explicit expectation processes in psychology and therapy.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateMay 13, 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.

Gene therapy against brain cancer

Researchers at SISSA have developed a gene therapy approach targeting glioblastomas by introducing an active version of the Emx2 gene, which inhibits astrocyte growth and leads to tumour cell suicide. The treatment has demonstrated efficacy in both vitro and in vivo tests, with potential for preventing aggressive recurrence development.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMay 13, 2016

Prenatal stress could enhance protective mechanisms of babies

Research suggests that prenatal stress can lead to epigenetic adaptations in newborns, activating the oxytocin receptor gene and facilitating social behavior. This mechanism could indicate that babies develop more resilience to cope with future adversities.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateMay 13, 2016

Genetic history of the 'ship of the desert' revealed

A pioneering study reveals how long-distance movements in ancient camel caravan routes shaped the species' genetic diversity. The research combined genetic information from 1,083 living dromedaries with ancient DNA sequences to create an historic genetic picture of the species.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 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.

Rapid eye movement sleep: Keystone of memory formation

A study published in Science reveals that rapid eye movement (REM) sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation in mice. The research found that silencing neurons during REM sleep impaired spatial memory formation, suggesting a causal link between REM sleep and memory impairments observed in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateMay 13, 2016

New ice age knowledge

Researchers have found a major carbon dioxide reservoir at depths of 2000-4300 meters in the South Pacific. The study suggests that during the last ice age, a sea ice cover on the Antarctic Ocean closed oceanic ventilation windows, leading to slowed deep water circulation and increased storage of old carbon dioxide.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2016

Attosecond physics: Using laser pulses to direct protons

A team of physicists at LMU Munich has used laser pulses to selectively remove and reattach hydrogen atoms from a hydrocarbon molecule, opening up new possibilities for chemical synthesis. This technique could lead to the creation of new substances by controlling individual steps in chemical reactions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 13, 2016

UW researchers unleash graphene 'tiger' for more efficient optoelectronics

Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a way to harness light energy by exploiting quantum-level interactions in graphene. By aligning graphene with boron-nitride, they created a superlattice that enables efficient optoelectronics, allowing one photon to transfer its energy to multiple electrons.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 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.

Study: Symptoms of 'chronic multisymptom illness' may be common in Iraq, Afghanistan vets

A study of over 300 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans found that nearly 50% met the criteria for mild to moderate CMI, with common symptoms including fatigue, joint pain, and difficulty remembering. The study suggests a link between deployment and CMI, but notes limitations in the research and recommends further investigation.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateMay 13, 2016

Another reason for wine lovers to toast resveratrol

Researchers found resveratrol supplements can help counteract the negative effects of a high fat/high sugar diet on hind leg muscles. The study, published in Frontiers in Physiology, showed that resveratrol supplementation helped maintain muscle function and fatigue resistance.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateMay 13, 2016

UM researchers earn $1.4 million grant to study biomass

Researchers will identify and overcome barriers to using biomass from fuels-reduction and forest-restoration treatments. The goal is to sustainably use forest-based feedstocks to offset fossil fuels, improving environmental sustainability and human health while minimizing costs.

SourceThe University of Montana·DateMay 13, 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.

Steps that lead to genes being switched on revealed in atomic simulation

Researchers at Imperial College London have created a computer simulation of gene expression interactions, revealing the sequence of events that lead to genes being switched on. This breakthrough could lead to the design of molecules that interfere with or disrupt the process, potentially tackling diseases.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 13, 2016

Beware of microbial traffic jams

A team of researchers found that rapidly proliferating yeast cells can exert forces of up to 150 psi, equivalent to nearly five times atmospheric pressure. This jamming phenomenon may contribute to microbial pathogenesis and biofouling, with potential consequences for environmental systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 13, 2016

Wildfires: More people, less fires

A study by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Swedish-US partners found that demographic development has a significant impact on wildfires, with population growth reducing fire frequency. However, this does not mean the risk of fires will decrease, as growing population density in fire-susceptible regions increases the risk.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 13, 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.

Girls from progressive societies do better at math, study finds

Research shows that girls from countries with high levels of gender equality perform better in math, with an increase of 7.47 points relative to boys. The study found a significant positive correlation between the Gender Gap Index and math scores, suggesting that values on women's role in society play a crucial role.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateMay 13, 2016

Retreat of the ice followed by millennia of methane release

Researchers found that methane release from the ocean floor followed ice sheet retreats, but the process occurred over a prolonged period. The study used radiometric dating to determine the timing of the releases, which were too slow to impact atmospheric methane concentrations.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2016

Conservation laws need reshaping to protect sea turtles, research finds

A study by researchers from the University of Exeter found that marine turtle trade continues despite conservation efforts, with a shift towards commercial harvesting in certain islands. The study suggests refining conservation interventions and focusing on suppliers and consumers for more robust solutions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalOryx·DateMay 13, 2016

Coral stress test found in the genes

Researchers have identified unique genetic markers that indicate higher stress tolerance in corals, enabling the development of novel reef restoration strategies. These markers can be used to create fine-scale distribution maps and guide selective breeding programs for more resilient corals.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 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.

2016 NIH Addiction Science Awards announced at ISEF

The 2016 NIH Addiction Science Awards recognized projects that investigated the relationship between stress, sleep, emotion, and cognition in adolescents. Kashfia Rahman won first place with her project on negative attitudes about stress impacting key factors influencing addiction vulnerability.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateMay 13, 2016

Using precision-genetics in pigs to beat cancer

Researchers are exploring genetically modified pigs as a valuable alternative to rodent models for cancer research, leveraging precision-genetics and genetic similarities between swine and humans. This approach could lead to more accurate modeling of the disease and identification of effective treatments.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateMay 13, 2016

The granite of Sierra de Guadarrama requests designation of origin

Berroqueña stone, traditionally used in Madrid's monuments such as El Escorial and Puerta de Alcalá, is proposed for Global Heritage Stone Province status. This recognition would promote trade and employment in rural areas of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalGeoscience Canada·DateMay 13, 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 better hologram for fraud protection and wearable optics

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have created compact holograms using nanostructures sensitive to light polarization, improving anti-fraud holograms and wearable optics. These holograms can encode multiple images and protect against counterfeiting.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 2016

Proton-conducting material found in electrosensory organs of sharks

Researchers found a remarkable proton-conducting material in the jelly of sharks' unique electrosensory organs, with conductivity only 40 times lower than Nafion. The discovery may contribute to future studies on shark sensing and unconventional sensor technology.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 2016

When selling good karma goes bad

A new UCR study examines how consumers' beliefs about karma influence their responses to charitable appeals in advertising. People with karmic beliefs respond more favorably to donating time but are discouraged if the motivation is perceived as selfish.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 13, 2016

Hubble spies a spiral snowflake

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has captured a striking image of the spiral galaxy NGC 6814, showcasing its luminous nucleus and sweeping arms. The galaxy's extremely bright center is believed to host a supermassive black hole with a mass about 18 million times that of the sun.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 13, 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.

Myocardial fibrosis identified as new therapeutic target

Researchers found that myocardial fibrosis in obstructive sleep apnea patients is associated with increased risk of heart failure hospitalization and death. The study suggests that quantifying myocardial fibrosis could help identify patients at higher risk, paving the way for a personalized approach to treating cardiovascular disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMay 13, 2016

New findings explain the connection between melatonin and type 2 diabetes

A new experimental and clinical study from Lund University shows that the sleep hormone melatonin impairs insulin secretion in people with a specific gene variant. The researchers found that carriers of this gene have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with impaired insulin secretion and increased glucose levels in their blood.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 13, 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.

Carbon capture is substantial in secondary tropical forests

Research suggests that protecting natural forest regrowth in secondary tropical forests can significantly reduce carbon emissions. These young and middle-aged forests have the potential to capture equivalent amounts of carbon as Latin America and the Caribbean between 1993 and 2014. If left alone for 40 years, they could play a substan...

SourceClemson University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 2016