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Science News for May 18, 2016


Altered brain connectivity may explain cognitive impairment in pediatric leukemia survivors

A study published in Brain Connectivity suggests that pediatric leukemia survivors may experience cognitive impairment due to chemotherapy-induced brain damage. The research used diffusion tensor imaging to analyze the white matter connectome of ALL survivors and healthy young people, revealing significantly lower connectivity and grea...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBrain Connectivity·DateMay 18, 2016

Early introduction of allergenic foods reduces risk of food sensitization

A study of 1,421 Canadian children found that early introduction of allergenic foods decreases the risk of sensitization to these foods. Early introduction of eggs was especially beneficial, reducing the risk of sensitization to any of the three tested foods. The study suggests a shift in thinking from delayed food introduction to earl...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 18, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Antimicrobial in common toothpaste doesn't impact gut, oral microbiome

Researchers found that exposure to triclosan through household products did not significantly affect the gut or oral microbiome. The study, published in mSphere, suggests that people can safely use triclosan-containing toothpaste without worrying about its impact on their microbiome.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·DateMay 18, 2016

Harnessing engineered slippery surfaces for tissue repair

A new method enables the rapid release of intact cell sheets from a culture dish to damaged tissues, revolutionizing tissue repair. The technique leverages Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Surfaces (SLIPS) to induce slipperiness and detach cell sheets in just five minutes.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 18, 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.

NIH names Johns Hopkins a Center of Excellence for bioethics research

The Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics will lead a university-wide team studying the ethical, legal and social implications of applying genomics to infectious diseases. The grant establishes a Specialized CEER with over $4 million in funding to explore genomic ELSI issues in infectious disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateMay 18, 2016

Strategies for dealing with the cuckoo mafia

Researchers found that host birds only tolerate brood parasite eggs when threatened with retaliation by the parasitic birds. This 'mafia hypothesis' explains why some hosts accept parasitic eggs despite the risk of losing their own young.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 18, 2016

Large-scale HIV vaccine trial to launch in South Africa

A large clinical trial is set to begin in November 2016 to determine the safety and effectiveness of an investigational HIV vaccine regimen. The study, called HVTN 702, will enroll 5,400 adults at risk for HIV infection and assess the regimen's ability to prevent HIV infection among South African adults.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMay 18, 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.

Colors of autism spectrum described by CanChild researchers

Researchers at CanChild Centre developed an autism classification system that defines levels of social communications ability among children with autism spectrum disorder. The new system, called the Autism Classification System of Functioning: Social Communication, provides a standardized and simplified way for clinicians to talk about...

SourceMcMaster University·JournalDevelopmental Medicine & Child Neurology·DateMay 18, 2016

Could hepatitis C treatments help prevent virus transmission?

A team of researchers suggests that increasing HCV treatment rates among people with mild disease could reduce transmission, while targeting those with severe disease has little impact. The studies also highlight the importance of increasing HCV treatments to prevent End Stage Liver Disease and related cancers or deaths

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateMay 18, 2016

New study evaluates nicotine's relationship to body weight and food intake

A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research demonstrates that nicotine suppresses body weight gain in rats independent of food intake. The study suggests a potential link between nicotine exposure and weight regulation, offering insights into the development of obesity pharmacotherapies.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMay 18, 2016

York U's OUCH lab pain study links children's fear of needles to parent behaviour

Researchers at York University's OUCH lab found that past and continuing behaviour of parents is the biggest reason for a child's suffering from needle-related anxiety. The study, published in the journal Pain, highlights the importance of developing interventions to help parents support their children during painful medical procedures.

SourceYork University·JournalPain·DateMay 18, 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.

How depression and antidepressant drugs work

Researchers discover that depression results from deficiencies in both GABA and glutamate signaling, which can be restored with a single dose of ketamine. The study uses a mouse model to develop safer alternatives to current antidepressant medications.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 18, 2016

Digital health intervention does not lower heart attack risk

A digital health intervention using email and text messages aimed at improving diet and physical activity had no effect on reducing heart attack risk among a South Asian population. The study found that knowledge of genetic risk was not a motivator for behavior change.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMay 18, 2016

The Samfund to receive ASTRO Survivor Circle Grant

The Samfund, a Boston-based cancer organization, will receive $8,500 from ASTRO for its work in supporting young adult cancer survivors financially. The grant funding will support the development of new financial programs and tools to aid in recovery.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateMay 18, 2016

Robots get creative to cut through clutter

A Carnegie Mellon University software is helping robots cope with clutter, revealing their creativity in solving problems. The rearrangement planner software automatically finds a balance between 'pick and place' and 'push and shove' strategies to efficiently navigate cluttered environments.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 18, 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.

Carnegie Mellon develops bio-mimicry method for preparing and labeling stem cells

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new method for preparing and labeling mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that allows them to be tracked using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This breakthrough technology uses a bio-mimicry approach to create an environment similar to the body, enabling MSCs to internalize iron-ox...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 18, 2016

Biomarker may predict endometrial cancer recurrences

Researchers discover USP14 as a promising biomarker for predicting endometrial cancer recurrence. Women with high levels of USP14 are seven times more likely to recur than those with low levels, highlighting the potential for tailored treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Academic Health Center·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMay 18, 2016

Fish can adapt some to warmer ocean waters, but not necessarily to extreme heat

Researchers found that some fish species can adjust their metabolisms to warmer temperatures, but not their tolerance for extreme heat. This 'plastic floor' of adaptation has limitations, with fish unable to tolerate temperatures beyond a certain threshold, dubbed the 'concrete ceiling'.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 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.

Sexual transmission involved in tail end of Ebola epidemic

A study published in Virus Evolution found that unconventional transmission routes like semen and breast milk contributed to the tail-end of the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone. The research used real-time sequencing of Ebola virus genomes to track the source of infection for some final cases.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalVirus Evolution·DateMay 18, 2016

How to calm an anxious mind

Researchers at Concordia University have discovered a more effective way to treat anxiety disorders by incorporating safety behaviors into therapy. The study found that patients who used new safety behaviors during exposure therapy had better outcomes than those who relied on traditional safety behaviors.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Anxiety Disorders·DateMay 18, 2016

Foreign language teachers facing a confidence conundrum

Researchers at Michigan State University found that foreign language teachers often prioritize accuracy over speaking skills, leading to feelings of inadequacy. To address this issue, the study emphasizes the need for professional development programs that cater to different teacher needs and promote collaboration.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSystem·DateMay 18, 2016

Ensuring artisanal Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is the real deal

Researchers analyzed over 300 samples of Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano cheeses using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. They found that PDO-labeled parmesan contained unique cyclopropane fatty acids, while adulterated products showed different fatty acid profiles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 18, 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.

IRIS releases new imagery of Mercury transit

The NASA-funded Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) captured striking images of Mercury during its May 9, 2016 transit across the sun. By observing this phenomenon, researchers can calibrate IRIS and gather data on the sun's lower atmosphere.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 18, 2016

Research suggests new contributor to heart disease

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered a new culprit behind heart disease: the fragmentation of elastic fibers within the arterial wall. This finding could revolutionize the way we detect and treat heart disease, as it suggests that traditional strategies may not be effective in addressing the underlying cause.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAtherosclerosis·DateMay 18, 2016

3-D-bioprinted placenta could lead to new treatments for preeclampsia

Scientists have bioprinted a 3-D model of placenta tissue that mimics the organ's complex structure, which could lead to better understanding and treatment options for preeclampsia. The 3D model includes trophoblasts, epidermal growth factor, and other key components, showing improved cell migration towards the growth factor.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateMay 18, 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.

What big eyes you have! Spider adaptation widened dietary net

Researchers discover large secondary eyes in a spider species enable it to catch larger, more nutritious prey, which may explain the evolution of these enlarged eyes. The findings suggest the spiders' nocturnal nature and reliance on vision to hunt for prey on the ground.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 18, 2016

How repeated spot microdischarges damage microdevices

Researchers found that repeated spot microdischarges in microelectronic devices cause a temperature increase, which reduces the electric field and leads to preferential breakdown at the previous discharge location. This study provides insights into the role of residual heat build-up and its impact on device stability.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMay 18, 2016

USF scientists discover Antarctic sponge extract can help kill MRSA

Researchers from USF have isolated a natural product chemical from an Antarctic sponge that can eliminate over 98% of MRSA cells. The extract, named darwinolide, has shown promise in treating biofilm-based infections, which are resistant to current antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalOrganic Letters·DateMay 18, 2016

Hubbard Brook: Lessons from the forest

The Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest has been a hub for long-term ecological research, revealing the impact of acid rain, clear-cutting, and climate change on forest ecosystems. The research has informed policy measures and inspired collaborations among federal agencies and academic scientists.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·DateMay 18, 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.

Researchers shed light on pathway from virus to brain disease

Researchers found that a mutation in the protein shell of the John Cunningham polyomavirus can affect the immune system's response to the infection, leading to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. This discovery may help prevent the disease in autoimmune patients on immunosuppressant therapies.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMay 18, 2016

How your brain learns to ride the subway -- and why AI developers care

A team of researchers from Google DeepMind and the University of Oxford used a navigational game to decode human brain's decision-making processes. They found that brain activity increases with the number of line changes between participants and their destinations, rather than individual stations.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 18, 2016

Stellar mystery deepens

A Monash University-led research team has discovered that about half of the stars in the M4 globular cluster are dying prematurely, skipping the Red Giant phase and becoming White Dwarfs millions of years ahead of schedule. The cause of this phenomenon remains a mystery, but it is believed to only occur in sodium-rich/oxygen-poor stars.

SourceMonash University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 18, 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.

New horned dinosaur had spikes at back of neck shield

A new species of horned dinosaur, Machairoceratops cronusi, has been discovered in southern Utah with distinctive back spikes. The discovery increases known centrosaurine diversity and may provide insights into the early evolutionary history of horned dinosaurs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 2016

Hard water linked to risk of eczema in infants

Research suggests that high levels of water hardness in homes may be linked to the development of eczema in early infancy. Living in a hard water area was associated with an up to 87% increased risk of eczema at three months of age, independent of domestic water chlorine content.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 18, 2016

Luminous proteins offer new method to discover viral infections

Researchers at Umeá University have developed a new method to directly follow viral infections in living organisms, making infected cells produce fluorescent proteins. This method enables the manipulation of cells to produce specific proteins, allowing for detailed study of immune system responses.

SourceUmea University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 18, 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.

Ocelot density in the Brazilian Amazon may be lower than expected

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that ocelot densities in the Brazilian Amazon may be stable but lower than predicted. The research used camera-trap surveys to estimate ocelot density in a pristine forest area and found an average of 25 ocelots per 100 km2, which is lower than expected for the region.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 2016

Stellar cannibalism transforms star into brown dwarf

A team of astronomers discovered a brown dwarf born as a full-fledged star, stripped to its current mass through stellar cannibalism. The brown dwarf was detected in a binary system with a tight orbit around a white dwarf, where the white dwarf's gravity removes about 90% of the companion's mass.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature·DateMay 18, 2016

OU team develops new antibiotic to fight MRSA

A University of Oklahoma team has developed a new antibiotic formulation that combines traditional antibiotics with polymer BPEI to revive efficacy in obsolete drugs. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce economic burdens by treating MRSA infections.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Journal of Antibiotics·DateMay 18, 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.

Ramizol®: A new treatment for Clostridium difficile associated disease

A new class of styrylbenzene antibiotics, Ramizol®, has been developed to target Clostridium difficile associated disease. The drug stays in the gastrointestinal tract and reaches high concentrations to yield a therapeutic effect, with benefits including low frequency of resistance.

SourceBoulos and Cooper Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd·JournalThe Journal of Antibiotics·DateMay 18, 2016

New drug combination shows promise for resistant leukemia

Researchers discovered a new way to kill rapidly multiplying cancer cells using necroptosis, an alternative form of cell death. This approach may lead to more effective treatments for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) who have resisted traditional therapies.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 18, 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.

New species of horned dinosaur with a spiked 'shield'

A new species of horned dinosaur, Spiclypeus shipporum, has been identified in Montana, featuring sideways-protruding horns and unique bony spikes. The fossil discovery provides insights into the Late Cretaceous period's dinosaur diversity and highlights the importance of dietary specializations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 2016

Novel gene therapy shows potential for lung repair in asthma

A new gene therapy has been developed to repair lungs damaged by chronic allergic asthma, reducing inflammation and improving airway structure and function. The study used a novel biodegradable platform to deliver the thymulin gene therapy, showing effective results in mice with experimental asthma.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 18, 2016

Scientists predict extensive ice loss from huge Antarctic glacier

A new study predicts that Totten Glacier in Antarctica may cross a critical threshold within the next century, triggering an irreversible period of rapid retreat and contributing up to 2.9m to global sea-level rise. The glacier's instability is linked to its geology, which will become unstable if it retreats another 100-150km.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateMay 18, 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.

HIV: Identification of receptors in patients spontaneously controlling infection

Researchers discovered that HIV controllers' CD4+ T cells express specific T cell receptors targeting the HIV capsid protein, enabling sensitive detection and control of viral replication. These findings offer potential for developing immunotherapy strategies to restore antiviral responses in patients with HIV.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 18, 2016

Researchers develop new way to decode large amounts of biological data

Researchers have developed a new computing technique that can analyze large amounts of genomic information, which could lead to better understanding of diseases and environmental issues. The approach, called GISMO, uses Gibbs sampling to find biological signals in the data, improving upon conventional sequence alignment programs.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 18, 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.

Genital size doesn't matter -- for fish

Researchers at ANU tested breeding habits of fish to disprove theory that larger genitals make males more attractive or successful in fathering offspring. They found females don't find bigger genitals more attractive, contradicting previous studies and human research.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2016

Early-capture HIV study allows for characterization of acute infection period

Researchers analyze high-risk individuals and track their HIV status to understand the evolution of symptoms and signs during acute infection. The study reveals a correlation between peak viremia and set-point viremia, establishing a critical window for intervention strategies.

SourceThe U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 18, 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.

Two-pronged attack on chemotherapy-resistant leukemia cells

Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered a new way to kill off resistant leukemia cells via necroptosis, a cell death program that can bypass traditional apoptosis. SMAC mimetics, which activate necroptosis, showed promise in killing leukemia cells in 33% of patient samples tested.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 18, 2016

Your friends have more friends than you do

A recent study by McGill University researchers found that users tend to follow those with more connections than themselves, resulting in a phenomenon known as the Generalized Friendship Paradox. This paradox suggests that even active and influential users experience it, with up to 90% of users experiencing this effect.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 2016

The proof is in the pudding

Scientists detect and quantify metastability induced by disorder in granular materials for the first time. The team uses a parameter from liquid crystal physics to measure force chain orientation, confirming the relationship between disorder and metastable energy states.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 18, 2016

Sounding rocket EVE supporting tune-up of SDO EVE instrument

The EVE sounding rocket will provide under-flight calibration for the SDO EVE spectrometers, supporting the calibration of other solar soft X-ray and extreme ultraviolet spectrometers. This mission aims to gather data for a tune-up of satellite instruments, helping scientists understand degradation trends.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 18, 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.

Antidote to opioid drug overdoses could become more accessible

A highly effective antidote to opioid overdoses, naloxone, is becoming more accessible to patients and bystanders. New intranasal spray and autoinjector devices have been developed to address issues with getting the drug to those in need.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 18, 2016

Gentle strength for robots

Researchers have developed a soft actuator that allows robots to move freely without harming humans. The actuator uses hyperelastic membranes and electric fields to control movement, enabling robots to give way in case of doubt, making them suitable for applications where human safety is a concern.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 18, 2016

You were right: Rotational motion is relative, too, Mr. Einstein!

Researchers demonstrate that rotational motion in the universe follows general relativity principles, connecting it to dark energy content and inertial dragging. The study yields a prediction that 73.7% of the present content of the universe is in the form of dark energy.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateMay 18, 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.

Study shows GMU's Lyme disease early-detection test is effective

Researchers at George Mason University have successfully developed an early-detection urine test for Lyme disease that accurately identifies the bacteria protein, even in patients with active cases. The test has shown promise for diagnosing other diseases, including Ebola, malaria, and tuberculosis.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateMay 18, 2016

Scientists discover the evolutionary link between protein structure and function

Researchers discovered a crucial connection between protein structures and molecular functions by analyzing ancient genetic sequences. They found that tiny gene segments determine the formation of active sites in proteins, enabling them to perform specific functions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 18, 2016

Study links student loans with lower net worth, housing values after college

A new study suggests that student loan debt compromises young people's ability to accumulate wealth after college, particularly for black young adults. The researchers found that those with outstanding balances on their student loans when they graduated or dropped out of college had lower net worth, fewer financial and nonfinancial ass...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateMay 18, 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.

Educational debt for emergency medicine bigger than average mortgage

The study found that emergency medicine residents carry an average of $212,000 in educational debt, surpassing the national average mortgage of $168,000. This debt significantly impacts their career decisions and overall financial well-being.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMay 18, 2016

Syracuse University chemists add color to chemical reactions

Researchers design a perovskite nanoparticle that changes color when interacting with ions and small molecules during chemical reactions. This allows for qualitative monitoring of reactions with the naked eye and quantitative analysis with simple instrumentation.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 18, 2016

First evidence of icy comets orbiting a sun-like star

An international team of astronomers has detected icy comets and carbon monoxide gas around a nearby sun-like star using ALMA. The findings provide early insights into the properties of comet clouds in stellar systems just after their birth.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 18, 2016

Staying a step ahead of cancer

Researchers designed a novel mTOR inhibitor, Rapalink, to combat drug-resistant tumors. In animal experiments, Rapalink reduced the size of tumors resistant to earlier-generation inhibitors.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 18, 2016

Bending hot molecules

A novel study reveals a method for controlling hot molecule reactions using precise temperature modulation and degree of bending. The researchers found that resonant energy positions decrease as molecular bending increases, affecting interaction likelihood with electrons.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMay 18, 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.

Drug used for pain, anxiety may be linked to birth defects

A study published in Neurology found that pregabalin, commonly used to treat pain and anxiety, is associated with a higher risk of major birth defects. Women taking pregabalin during pregnancy were three times more likely to have a child born with a major defect compared to those who did not take the drug.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 18, 2016

New study finds major earthquake threat from the Riasi fault in the Himalayas

A new study suggests that the Riasi fault in Indian Kashmir has been building up pressure for thousands of years, potentially leading to a magnitude 8.0 or greater earthquake. The fault's lack of recent seismic activity increases the likelihood of a major event, posing a significant threat to millions of people in the region.

SourceOregon State University·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateMay 18, 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.

How will the next leader of WHO tackle future health emergencies?

The next WHO director general must establish a well-coordinated system for preventing and responding to outbreaks, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and engage private sector foundations during public health emergencies. This is according to experts' analysis of key questions for prospective candidates.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 18, 2016

Panda poop study provides insights into microbiome, reproductive troubles

A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology found that captive giant pandas experience gastrointestinal problems when switching from bamboo stalks to leaves, leading to reproductive issues. The researchers analyzed the bacteria in the pandas' poop and discovered a unique population of microbes associated with digestive dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateMay 18, 2016

Mechanism for herbicide resistance in Palmer amaranth identified

A new study by the University of Illinois reveals that Palmer amaranth populations are resistant to PPO-inhibiting herbicides due to a genetic mutation involving the deletion of three nucleotides. This mutation is expected to spread rapidly, making it essential for farmers to switch to alternative herbicides.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPest Management Science·DateMay 18, 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.

ADHD may emerge after childhood for some people, according to new study

A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that nearly 70% of young adults with ADHD did not meet criteria for the disorder in childhood, suggesting that adult-onset ADHD may have different causes. Adults with late-onset ADHD had high levels of symptoms and impairment, as well as other mental health disorders.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 18, 2016

ADHD in young adulthood examined in JAMA Psychiatry studies

Two new studies from JAMA Psychiatry explore the causes and developmental patterns of ADHD in young adulthood. They found that many individuals with ADHD at age 18 did not have a childhood diagnosis, and those with 'late-onset' ADHD showed fewer externalizing problems but comparable symptoms to those with persistent ADHD. The findings ...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 18, 2016

Calcium channels team up to activate excitable cells

A team of researchers has found that voltage-gated calcium channels open in unison to allow calcium ions into and activate excitable cells like neurons and muscle cells. This cooperative behavior could lead to improved therapies targeting aberrant calcium channels in malfunctioning cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateMay 18, 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.

How viruses infect bacteria: A tale of a tail

EPFL scientists have described the atomic-level mechanism of bacteriophage infection using state-of-the-art tools. The breakthrough reveals how the baseplate coordinates attachment and contraction of the viral tail, shedding light on a complex process that has major implications for medicine and research.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateMay 18, 2016

Evidence of repeated rapid retreat of the East Antarctic ice sheet

Researchers have found direct evidence of past changes in the Totten Glacier's glacial history, revealing unstable zones prone to rapid collapse. This study sheds light on the region's vulnerabilities and warns of potential catastrophic consequences for sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·DateMay 18, 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.

Mille-feuille-filter removes viruses from water

A simple paper sheet can remove resistant viruses from water, improving access to safe drinking water for millions. The mille-feuille filter uses cellulose nanofibers and has a unique layered internal architecture.

SourceUppsala University·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateMay 18, 2016

First national study of US parks finds low use by adults, seniors and females

A new RAND Corporation study reveals that neighborhood parks in the US are underutilized by adults, seniors, and younger females, with those aged 65+ using walking loops as a primary source of physical activity. The study also highlights a gender gap in park use among children and teens, with females representing only 40% of observed y...

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 18, 2016

Some antibiotics may worsen complications in transplant patients

A recent study found that broad-spectrum antibiotics can raise the risk of complications from stem cell transplantation, including graft-versus-host disease. The study suggests that selecting antibiotics that spare

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 18, 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.

Pursuing the destruction of HIV-infected cells

Researchers at Rutgers University and Dartmouth College find that oral drug deferiprone kills HIV-infected cells in lab cultures and suppresses the virus in patients in a limited clinical trial. The treatment approach has potential as a new strategy for destroying the DNA harbored in HIV-infected cells.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 2016

NASA super pressure balloon begins globetrotting journey

The SPB is testing and validating its technology for long-duration flights at mid-latitudes, with the goal of 100+ days. The balloon is carrying a gamma-ray telescope and infrasound instrument to study galactic positrons and black holes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 18, 2016