Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 17, 2016


Words, more words ... and statistics

Researchers used transitional probability to segment natural language and found it effective for 49-86% of word identification across languages. The method performed better on stress-timed languages, while mora-timed languages required relative thresholding.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateMay 17, 2016

Shape-shifting modular interactive device unveiled

The Cubimorph modular interactive device can change shape on-demand, featuring touchscreens on each of its six faces and a hinge-mounted turntable mechanism. Researchers from the University of Bristol presented their design rationale and prototypes demonstrating key aspects at ICRA 2016.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateMay 17, 2016

At attention, molecules!

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that molecules in ionic liquids reassemble without being prodded, taking time to complete. The team discovered a much thicker interfacial layer than previously known, with some layers reaching 1 micron thick.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalLangmuir·DateMay 17, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

30 percent of female physicians report sexual harassment

A survey of high-achieving physician-scientists found that nearly a third of women reported experiencing sexual harassment, with 30% reporting incidents in their professional careers. Women were more likely to perceive and experience gender bias than men.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateMay 17, 2016

Is an insulin pump the best therapy for everyone with type 1 diabetes?

A commentary published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics suggests that insulin pump therapy can lead to better blood glucose control and may be beneficial for all patients with type 1 diabetes. The author highlights the importance of pump technology, including sensor-controlled feedback and artificial pancreas systems.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateMay 17, 2016

Mortality outcomes for common surgical procedures at critical access hospitals

Studies found that patients undergoing surgery at critical access hospitals had lower heart failure, diabetes, obesity, and co-existing disease rates. Adjusted Medicare expenditures were also lower at these hospitals, with no significant difference in 30-day mortality rates or complication risks compared to non-critical access hospitals.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 17, 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.

'Virtual partner' elicits emotional responses from a human partner in real-time

Researchers develop virtual partner that elicits emotional responses from humans, exceeding intellectual capacity test. The study reveals coordinated motion between brains and machines can make therapeutic contributions to rehabilitation of diseases such as schizophrenia and autism.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal of Psychophysiology·DateMay 17, 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.

VA hospitals favor mitral valve repair vs. replacement

A study presented at the 96th AATS Annual Meeting found that VA hospitals have increased their use of mitral valve repair over replacement, with significant advantages in terms of mortality rates and complications. The rate of valve repair varied widely among centers, presenting an opportunity for quality improvement.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·DateMay 17, 2016

First clinical use of bioabsorbable vascular grafts in children shows promise

A team of surgeons from the Bakoulev Center for Cardiovascular Surgery successfully implanted bioabsorbable vascular grafts into five children born with single-ventricle congenital malformations. The grafts are designed to biodegrade, allowing the patient's own cells and proteins to reconstitute natural functioning tissue.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·DateMay 17, 2016

Sexual harassment and discrimination experiences of academic medical faculty

A recent study found that 52% of U.S. academic medical faculty women reported harassment in their careers, compared to 5% of men. Women were more likely to report perceptions and experiences of gender bias and sexual harassment, highlighting the need for efforts to mitigate unconscious bias and eliminate inappropriate behaviors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 17, 2016

Researchers may be one step closer to curing HIV

Scientists from KU Leuven discover a new way to treat HIV by blocking the virus's attachment to genetic material. Led by Professor Zeger Debyser and Doctoral student Lenard Vranckx, their research sheds light on eliminating the virus.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalEBioMedicine·DateMay 17, 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.

How do trees go to sleep?

Researchers from Austria, Finland, and Hungary used laser scanners to measure the daily movement of fully grown trees. The results show that trees droop their branches at night, with changes not exceeding 10 cm, indicating they go to sleep.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMay 17, 2016

UTHealth receives $1.55 million grant from the New York Life Foundation

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) has received a three-year, $1.55 million grant from the New York Life Foundation to establish the GIFT (Grief-Informed Foundations of Treatment) network. The network will refine, evaluate and validate assessment tools for grieving children to identify appropriate suppo...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateMay 17, 2016

Adding microbial xylanase to diets containing rice bran increases energy value for pigs

Research at the University of Illinois found that adding microbial xylanase to diets containing rice bran can increase its energy value for pigs. The study confirmed that xylanase increased the concentrations of digestible and metabolizable energy in full fat rice bran and defatted rice bran.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateMay 17, 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.

Financial status affects success of students with learning disabilities

A University of Iowa study found that only one third of students with learning disabilities receive accommodations, with wealthier students being more likely to access these resources. The disparity may be attributed to a desire for independence and financial constraints.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalLearning Disabilities Research and Practice·DateMay 17, 2016

Higher consumption of potatoes may increase risk of hypertension

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found a significant association between eating four or more servings of boiled, baked, mashed potatoes or French fries per week and an increased risk of high blood pressure. Replacing potato consumption with non-starchy vegetables was associated with a lower risk of hypertension.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 17, 2016

Research finds skull condition thought extinct is actually widespread

New research from North Carolina State University finds cribra orbitalia, a condition with porous bone inside the eye sockets, is common in both North America and South Africa, affecting 12.35% of modern North Americans and 16.8% of modern South Africans. The high rates may be linked to iron-poor diet and intestinal parasites.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateMay 17, 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.

Nudging health in food pantries

Researchers found that placing protein bars at the start of the dessert line increased selection by 46%, while keeping them in original packaging boosted selection by 59%. These simple changes made healthy foods more convenient and appealing to clients.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMay 17, 2016

Long-term memory has back-up plan, researchers find

A team of scientists has identified a back-up mechanism for memory storage that takes over when the molecular mechanism of primary long-term memory storage fails. They found that mice engineered without an enzyme crucial to long-term memory storage still form memories because they deploy an alternative method, involving PKCλ/ι.

SourceNew York University·DateMay 17, 2016

Humans have been causing earthquakes in Texas since the 1920s

Earthquakes triggered by human activity have been widespread throughout Texas since the 1920s, according to a new review of evidence. Oil and gas operations are the primary cause, but specific techniques have varied over time.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateMay 17, 2016

How efficient can solar cells be? UNSW nudges closer to physical limits

Researchers at UNSW have developed a new solar cell configuration that delivers a world-record 34.5% efficiency in sunlight-to-electricity conversion, nudging closer to the theoretical limits of such devices. The device uses a four-junction mini-module with a hybrid receiver to extract maximum energy from unfocussed sunlight.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·DateMay 17, 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.

New insights into human rare disorders with dogs

A study by the University of Helsinki reveals three novel canine genes associated with human rare disorders, including Caffey disease and van den Ende-Gupta syndrome. The discovery highlights the potential of comparative research for developing diagnostics and treatments.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 17, 2016

Evolution: Building blocks of life

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have identified a plausible reaction mechanism for the production of key components of RNA under conditions similar to those on the young Earth. The discovery validates a pathway that could explain how chemical evolution proceeded before the formation of the first cells.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateMay 17, 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.

A narrow band of green light could improve migraines

A new study from Harvard Medical School reveals that pure green light significantly reduces photophobia and headache severity in patients with migraines. The narrow band of green light is least likely to exacerbate migraine, providing a potential therapeutic option for sufferers.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalBrain·DateMay 17, 2016

Ocean acidification puts NW Dungeness crab at risk

A new study by NOAA Fisheries finds that ocean acidification may slow development and reduce survival of Dungeness crab larvae, which are key to the Northwest marine ecosystem. The research suggests that lower pH levels could extend vulnerable larval periods or jeopardize timing in relation to food sources.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalMarine Biology·DateMay 17, 2016

Care for COPD: Could more be done?

A new report highlights seven areas of focus within COPD care, including improving access to education, medications, and non-medication interventions. The report also emphasizes the need for more research funding and development of cost-effective treatments.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateMay 17, 2016

Fine-tuning for intestinal immune cells

A new study reveals that food components can significantly influence the intestinal immune system by binding to an important controller, the Ah receptor. The researchers found that the interaction between the Ah receptor and its repressor is crucial for balancing the immune response.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 17, 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.

Mind your busyness

A new study finds that busier lifestyles are associated with better processing speed, working memory, and episodic memory in older adults. The research suggests that busyness may stimulate learning and improve cognition, but more experimental work is needed to confirm this association.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateMay 17, 2016

External stenting can relieve chronic airway obstruction in children

A novel technique called external stenting (ES) has been developed to relieve airway obstruction in children. The procedure involves suspending the airway wall to a rigid prosthesis, allowing for growth and stability. Long-term outcomes show high survival rates and successful weaning from ventilators.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·DateMay 17, 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.

Simple screening test can predict heart failure severity

A simple screening test can accurately predict the severity of heart disease in patients with heart failure. The test calculates a patient's sarcopenia score based on their age, grip strength, and calf circumference, making it a useful evaluation method for daily clinical practice.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateMay 17, 2016

Plasma physics' giant leap

Researchers analyze MMS data to understand magnetic reconnection, a process that produces powerful phenomena including solar flares and large releases of plasma from the sun's corona. The mission provides high-resolution measurements of particles and electric and magnetic fields at the electron scale.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience·DateMay 17, 2016

Middle-school kids see several alcohol ads a day

A new study found that middle-school kids ages 11-14 see two to four alcohol ads per day, with outdoor billboards and signs being the most common source. The findings suggest that policymakers should pay attention to outdoor alcohol advertising, which is under local communities' control.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateMay 17, 2016

Squeezing out mountains, mathematically, on Jupiter's moon Io

A computer model simulates the formation of Io's mountains through the compression of rocks due to volcanic activity. The study suggests that this mechanism could have operated on early Earth, explaining why mountains like those on Io might have emerged first as land.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 17, 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.

Mason researchers keep networks moving to stay safe from hacker attacks

Researchers at George Mason University are working on a new method called 'shuffling' to quickly separate hackers from legitimate users and isolate bad actors. The approach aims to prevent denial-of-service attacks that can cripple online businesses with downed websites, financial losses, and damaged client relationships.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateMay 17, 2016

Chronic fatigue patients more likely to suppress emotions

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that chronic fatigue syndrome patients are more likely to suppress their emotions due to a heightened fight-or-flight response. This suppression is associated with increased anxiety and distress, which can worsen fatigue symptoms.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateMay 17, 2016

Plants display nature's optofluidic machinery

Plants utilize microfluidics and optics to control movement, photosynthesis, and water transport, highlighting the intersection of light and fluid in plant physiology. Researchers explore how plants optimize energy conversion, conserving water through stomata control.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Photonics·DateMay 17, 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 advances understanding of colon cancer and colitis

A University of California, Riverside study explains how the balance of two transcription factor isoforms in the colon influences the risk of developing colon cancer and colitis. Maintaining a balance between these isoforms is crucial for reducing disease risk.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMay 17, 2016

Dynamic DNA polymers can be reversed using biocompatible techniques

Scientists create synthetic polymers that decompose without harsh elements, opening doors for biomedical applications such as drug delivery and bioimaging. Preliminary testing shows growth and depolymerization of straight and branched polymers are possible in water and extracellular matrix.

SourcePenn State·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 17, 2016

Relationship satisfaction depends on the mating pool, study finds

A study at the University of Texas at Austin found that relationship satisfaction depends on how a partner compares with other potential mates. Participants reported being happier and devoted more effort to relationships when their partners fulfilled their ideal preferences.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateMay 17, 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.

Critical shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons anticipated by 2035

Researchers warn of a looming crisis in cardiothoracic surgical services as the number of trained professionals dwindles and demand increases, particularly among an aging population. By 2030, there will be approximately 3,000 cardiothoracic surgeons needed to cover 854,000 cases, with each surgeon's workload projected to increase by 121%.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·DateMay 17, 2016

Making plants fit for climate change

Researchers are breeding barley to make it more resistant to drought and heat, helping farmers avoid yield loss due to climate change. By identifying key molecular switches, they aim to create crops that can efficiently manage water under extreme weather conditions.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateMay 17, 2016

Study shows how neurons reach their final destinations

Researchers at Drexel University discover that motor proteins and sliding microtubules play a crucial role in guiding neurons to their correct destinations. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 17, 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.

Racial and ethnic differences found in psychiatric diagnoses and treatment, according to researchers

Non-Hispanic blacks are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia as non-Hispanic whites, but they're significantly less likely to receive medication for treatment. The study found that racial-ethnic differences in diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions were significant across 11 private healthcare delivery s...

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateMay 17, 2016

Allan Sandage's last paper unravels 100-year-old astronomical mystery

Allan Sandage's last paper reveals that physicist George Gamow and astronomer Walter Adams had previously discovered subgiants in the 1940s, which would have accelerated the development of stellar evolutionary theory. The study shows that these early findings were largely ignored due to biases in the time.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateMay 17, 2016

First peek into the brain of a freely walking fruit fly

UC San Diego scientists create innovative imaging system to study brain activity in free-moving fruit flies, providing first glimpse into neural processes underlying mating, learning, memory, and more. The 'Flyception' technique enables real-time monitoring of brain activity at unprecedented speed and precision.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 17, 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.

Novel nicotine inhaler doubles smoking quit rates

A novel nicotine inhaler has been shown to double smoking quit rates compared to placebo inhalers. The study, published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research, suggests that inhaled nicotine from a standard inhaler is highly effective in helping smokers quit.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMay 17, 2016

Altered purine metabolism linked to depression

People with major depressive disorder may have altered purine metabolism, with higher levels of xanthine and lower inosine and guanosine. This dysregulation may be the body's compensatory mechanism to combat increased oxidative stress caused by depression.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateMay 17, 2016

High-power prismatic devices may further expand visual fields for patients with hemianopia

Researchers have designed three new eyeglasses using high-power prisms to optimally expand the visual fields of patients with hemianopia, a condition that affects over one million Americans. The new devices address limitations of existing prism technology and may provide additional range of vision when scanning in both directions.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateMay 17, 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.

Cell division and inflammatory disease link revealed

Researchers have identified a new connection between inflammatory signals and cell division, revealing how cells adapt to environmental changes. The discovery sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of diseases such as Crohn's disease and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateMay 17, 2016

UNIST welcomes Korean branch of Fraunhofer Research Group

UNIST partners with Fraunhofer ICT to develop composite materials for eco-friendly vehicles. The new project center will focus on full industrial-scale trials and take UNIST to the forefront of automotive innovation.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateMay 17, 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.

HIV-infected patients more likely to lack cancer treatment

A new study finds HIV-infected patients are more likely to lack cancer treatment for various cancers, including head and neck, upper gastrointestinal tract, and lung cancers. The disparity remains after adjusting for insurance status and comorbidities.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer·DateMay 17, 2016

Asthma overdiagnosed in Canadian adults

A study of 701 Canadian adults found that 30% of those diagnosed with asthma did not have current asthma after medication withdrawal. Careful testing revealed no evidence of airflow obstruction or bronchial hyper-reactivity in 37.5% of subjects.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 17, 2016

UW team first to measure microscale granular crystal dynamics

The University of Washington team observed and analyzed collective interparticle vibrations in two-dimensional microscale granular crystals for the first time. This understanding allows for designing materials with unique properties, such as customizable impact energy absorption.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 17, 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.

Europa's ocean may have an Earthlike chemical balance

Scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory found that Europa's ocean could have a comparable balance of hydrogen and oxygen to Earth's oceans, suggesting the presence of a habitable environment. This discovery draws attention to the complexity of Europa's rocky interior and its potential for supporting life.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 17, 2016

Increased vegetation in the Arctic region may counteract global warming

Increased Arctic vegetation may counteract global warming by reducing decomposition and releasing stored carbon, according to a Lund University study. The study found that warmer temperatures trigger bacteria and fungi to break down nutrient-rich shrubs rather than moss, leading to reduced soil nitrogen.

SourceLund University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 17, 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.

Vanderbilt University awarded $4 million grant to examine 'genetic privacy'

Researchers at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine have received a grant to examine the likelihood of genomic information being identified and how effective legal efforts can reduce these risks. The center will also explore the relationship between history, public opinion, and literature on privacy concerns.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateMay 17, 2016

New study shows how shift work affect cognitive functions

A new study published in Neurobiology of Aging found that shift workers performed worse on a cognitive test compared to non-shift workers. Those who had quit shift work for more than five years showed similar results to non-shift workers.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateMay 17, 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.

Thinning out the carbon capture viscosity problem

Researchers used computer modeling to predict viscosity in CO2 capture materials, allowing for the design of low-viscosity liquids that can efficiently bind carbon dioxide. This could lead to cost savings and improved efficiency in carbon capture technology.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 17, 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.

Mom's exposure to BPA during pregnancy may put her baby on course to obesity

A Columbia University study found a strong association between prenatal exposure to BPA and measures of body fat in children at age 7. The researchers, who analyzed data from over 369 mother-child pairs, also discovered that prenatal BPA exposure was positively associated with higher levels of adiposity in girls.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 17, 2016

NTU Singapore launches S$42 million 3-D printing research center

The new research centre will focus on the construction, maritime and aerospace sectors, with goals of creating more efficient production processes and stronger walls. The centre is led by NTU Professor Chua Chee Kai and has attracted significant funding from industry partners.

SourceNanyang Technological University·DateMay 17, 2016

Study proves removing beach debris increases sea turtle nests

A new University of Florida study proves removing beach debris significantly increases the number of sea turtle nests. The study shows that clearing beaches of flotsam and jetsam increased nest numbers by as much as 200 percent, while leaving detritus decreased them by nearly 50 percent.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateMay 17, 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.

Infertility risk posed by endometriosis may be half of previous estimation

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital suggests that the majority of women with endometriosis do not experience infertility, contradicting previous estimates. The study found a higher risk of subsequent infertility in women under age 35, but only half of cases previously thought to be related to endometriosis.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMay 17, 2016

Genetic switch turned on during fasting helps stop inflammation

A molecular pathway in brain helps halt spread of intestinal bacteria into bloodstream, strengthening gut barrier to prevent immune system activation. Researchers discover genetic switch Crtc plays key role in maintaining this barrier.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2016

Many physicians make lack a firm understanding of the costs of medical tests & procedures

A recent study found that 92.2% of physicians believe doctors should control costs, but only 36.9% have a clear understanding of test and procedure costs. Primary care physicians reported greater awareness of the Choosing Wisely campaign, which aims to identify low-value services.

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateMay 17, 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.

Chemical emitted by trees can impact St. Louis' ozone levels

Research finds that isoprene emitted by trees can influence ozone production in the St. Louis area, particularly at night and into the morning. The study suggests that a specific combination of nighttime chemistry and morning isoprene emissions can drive elevated ozone levels in urban areas downwind of major deciduous forests.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 17, 2016

No link between eating dinner after 8 p.m. and obesity in children

Researchers at King's College London examined eating habits of 1,620 children to determine if timing of evening meals was associated with obesity. They found no significant risk of being obese or overweight when eating dinner between 8pm and 10pm compared to earlier times.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateMay 17, 2016

Cooling, time in the dark preserve perovskite solar power

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory found that perovskite solar cells degrade due to accumulated charge carriers and self-heal when exposed to darkness. Temperature control can stabilize device performance by reducing degradation mechanisms.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 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.

Endogenous retroviruses: Lethal reawakening

Researchers have discovered that the activation of endogenous retroviral genes in B cells can lead to programmed cell death and disrupt immune system development. This occurs when the silencing mechanism fails, allowing viral proteins to accumulate and trigger an unfolded protein response, ultimately leading to apoptosis.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalDevelopment·DateMay 17, 2016

Exposure to narrow band of green light improves migraine symptoms

A new study found that a narrow band of green light significantly reduces photophobia and can reduce headache severity in patients with migraines. The researchers discovered that blue and red lights generated larger signals in the brain, while green light generated smaller signals.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalBrain·DateMay 17, 2016

Can sesame-based ingredients reduce oxidative stress?

A systematic review published in Journal of Medicinal Food found that consuming sesame-based ingredients can increase antioxidants and reduce oxidative stress in individuals with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Sesame oil has also been shown to prevent atherosclerosis in preclinical studies.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Medicinal Food·DateMay 17, 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.