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Science News for May 24, 2016


PET imaging with special tracer can detect and diagnose early Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have developed a new method for detecting and diagnosing preclinical Alzheimer's disease using PET imaging with PiB, which binds to amyloid plaques in the brain. The study found that PiB retention was prominent in cortical areas of the brain, consistent with post-mortem studies of Aβ plaques.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateMay 24, 2016

NSF grant will help decipher cells' electric properties

Researchers will focus on ion channels and their role in producing electrical pulses, with potential applications in understanding heritable diseases of the nervous system. The study aims to identify genetic changes that enable fast or slow channel operation.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 24, 2016

Targeted treatment for liver cancer under way

Researchers at University of Eastern Finland found that inhibiting Aurora kinase A protein can inhibit liver cancer cell growth, offering potential new treatment option. The study's findings can be used to develop treatments for patients with p53-altered liver cancer.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 24, 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.

MD Anderson study uncovers early genetic changes in premalignant colorectal tissue

Researchers identified 2,314 genetic changes in polyps and adjacent mucosa, revealing potential drug targets for colorectal cancer prevention. The study also found similarities between premalignant and cancerous tissue, suggesting that polyps with more genetic changes may be more likely to develop into CRC.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateMay 24, 2016

Harnessing nature's vast array of venoms for drug discovery

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute develop a method to rapidly identify and optimize venoms for therapeutic use, finding potential treatments for multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. They create a library of venom genes and use a cell-based selection system to find potent molecules that block key targets.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 24, 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.

Researchers find higher than expected carbon emissions from inland waterways

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters found that greenhouse-gas emissions from lakes and inland waterways may be up to 45% greater than previously thought. The researchers used a yearlong series of continuous measurements to gather data, revealing higher nighttime emissions and storms creating spikes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 24, 2016

Great apes communicate cooperatively

Research on great ape communication reveals cooperative turn-taking sequences in both bonobos and chimpanzees, differing in their styles of gaze-based and signal-pause response based interactions. These findings suggest that cooperative communication may have arisen to coordinate collaborative activities more efficiently.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 24, 2016

Money really does matter in relationships

Researchers found that wealthy men prioritize physical attractiveness and engage in short-term mating, while committed women may adopt more consistent strategies due to reproductive costs. The study suggests evolutionary psychology principles influence mate selection across cultures.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 24, 2016

Light can 'heal' defects in new solar cell materials

Researchers at MIT have discovered a process to remove defects in new solar cell materials using intense light, improving their efficiency and consistency. The technique, called photo-induced cleaning, uses illumination to migrate ions that sweep away most of the defects in the material.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2016

Gigantic ultrafast spin currents

Researchers from TU Wien have proposed a new method to create gigantic spin currents in a very small period of time using ultra short laser pulses. The spin current is injected into silicon without creating a charge current due to a spin-selective effect, leading to extremely strong spin-polarization.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 24, 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.

More than a myth: Drink spiking happens

A study by the American Psychological Association found that 7.8% of college students reported being drugged, with women more likely to be victims and experience negative consequences. The research highlights the need for interventions targeting those who engage in drink spiking, focusing on consent and the dangers of overdosing.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Violence·DateMay 24, 2016

Exercise, future anticancer therapy?

A groundbreaking Phase 3 clinical trial aims to demonstrate that intense physical exercise can extend the life of patients with metastatic prostate cancer, potentially reducing mortality by at least 22% and offering a new anticancer therapy.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·DateMay 24, 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.

Money back guarantees for non-reproducible results?

An editorial published by The BMJ argues that money back guarantees are not the answer to improving data reproducibility in research. Instead, it advocates for open science and open data as key solutions. This approach would involve making all protocols, hypotheses, raw data, methods, and analyses publicly available.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 24, 2016

High-speed camera captures amazing lightning flash

Scientists capture lightning flash using high-speed camera at 7,000 frames per second as part of research on thunderstorm dynamics. The camera will be used to study upward electrical discharges from starters, jets and gigantic jets.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·DateMay 24, 2016

Urine tests not reliable for dehydration in older adults

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that urine tests are not reliable for detecting dehydration in older adults. The researchers tested 383 participants over 65 and found that urine tests were too low to be useful, missing some dehydrated individuals and incorrectly identifying others.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 24, 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.

Study shows how air pollution fosters heart disease

A decade-long study of thousands of Americans found that exposure to fine particulate matter and traffic-related pollutants accelerates the progression of coronary artery calcium scores. This acceleration is associated with a 20% faster rate of calcium deposits in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 24, 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.

Cell Labelling via Photobleaching: A precious ally for scientific research

Researchers introduce a novel method for labelling individual cells using photobleaching, enabling precise targeting of unique cells in vast populations. This technology has the potential to transform our understanding of diseases by allowing researchers to study specific cells responsible for disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2016

We need the full picture to plan for climate change impacts

A new study highlights the importance of an integrated, cross-sectoral approach to climate change assessment to provide a more complete picture of impacts. Single sector studies often misrepresent the spatial pattern and magnitude of impacts due to omitted interdependencies within human and environmental systems.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 24, 2016

New tools to manipulate biology

Researchers at Université de Genève have developed new tools to manipulate biology, including a novel co-factor that enables proteins to perform tasks previously thought impossible. Meanwhile, another team has created a method to visualize mRNA in live animals, providing real-time insights into cellular processes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalACS Central Science·DateMay 24, 2016

High performance golf club comes with annoying sound

Researchers at Penn State tracked the cause of a loud noise made by a type of golf club and found it was due to vibrations in the club head. The vibrations were strongest in the most sensitive range of human hearing, leading to an annoyingly loud sound that some players compared to a cookie tray hitting a car.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 24, 2016

Health academics back EU remain campaign

A group of health academics warn that a UK exit from the EU would lead to cuts in health and social care spending, increasing pressures on hospitals. The authors also express concern about the impact on the NHS workforce and loss of access to free healthcare for UK citizens abroad.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateMay 24, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Prohibition 2016: Assessing the UK's Psychoactive Substances Act

The UK's Psychoactive Substances Act has been criticized by experts due to its broad definition of psychoactivity and lack of a clear way to establish it. The Act's blanket prohibition on new substances may not be feasible or effective in reducing harm, as judges lack evidence on specific drug harms, making sentencing challenges.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·DateMay 24, 2016

Obesity rising in least walkable Ontario neighborhoods

A new study found that highly walkable Ontario neighborhoods experienced a drop in diabetes cases, while less walkable areas saw a rise in obesity rates. The research, led by Dr. Gillian Booth, analyzed 9,000 neighborhoods over a decade and involved 3 million people.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateMay 24, 2016

Closing the evidence gap on public attitudes toward genetic data handling

A new global research project, Your DNA Your Say, aims to gather opinions from across the world on sharing genetic information. The survey, launched by the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH), seeks to understand public attitudes on data sharing, its use in genomic medicine, and potential harms.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·DateMay 24, 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.

Tiny wasp sniffs out, picks up 'good vibrations' to battle ash borer

Researchers discovered the optimal temperature of 25 degrees Celsius for Spathius galinae, a host-specific parasitic wasp targeting emerald ash borer. The wasp's unique ability to detect vibrations in bark allows it to locate larvae and is highly host-specific, minimizing the risk of impact on other species.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBiological Control·DateMay 24, 2016

Closing in on the elusive rotational-vibrational CH5+ spectra

A team of theoretical chemists at Queen's University compared experimental and theoretical methods for interpreting the rotational-vibrational CH5+ spectra. They were able to develop a new assignment of the experimental results, reducing errors from 30 cm-1 to 2 cm-1.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMay 24, 2016

Coral bleaching 'lifeboat' could be just beneath the surface

A UN report finds mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) may preserve some species and replenish shallow reef populations, providing a refuge from bleaching. Cooler, deeper water in MCEs could be more hospitable to many species than warmer surface water, offering a stable environment.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·DateMay 24, 2016

New study surveys genetic changes linked with Parkinson's disease

A recent study found that genetic modifications, such as differential gene expression and alternative splicing, contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease. The research identifies specific genes implicated in the disease, suggesting new avenues for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNeurology Genetics·DateMay 24, 2016

Optics breakthrough to revamp night vision

A new type of ultra-thin film can absorb almost 99% of light, revolutionizing night vision and sensing devices. This technology has the potential to save millions of dollars in defence and agriculture applications.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalOptica·DateMay 24, 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.

Once-a-week text messages to Kenyan women greatly improved likelihood of getting HIV test: Study

A Canadian government-funded study found that sending short, informative text messages to young Kenyan women's phones can significantly reduce the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The study showed a 67% increase in HIV testing among participants who received weekly texts compared to those in a control group.

SourceTerry Collins Assoc·JournalSexually Transmitted Diseases·DateMay 24, 2016

On target: University of Oklahoma researchers aim for Zika vaccine

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center are working to develop a vaccine for the Zika virus, using their experience with West Nile virus. They aim to identify specific parts of the virus that can be targeted by the immune system, and have received $230,000 in NIH funding for their research.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateMay 24, 2016

Low hormone levels linked to obesity in teens

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that obese teenagers have lower levels of the hormone spexin, which may contribute to weight gain and obesity. The study suggests that spexin may play a role in regulating body fat mass and energy balance.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 24, 2016

Study documents African monkeys eating bats

Researchers found that African monkeys in Tanzania and Kenya are consuming bats as a food source. This predation behavior could facilitate the transmission of zoonotic diseases between animals and humans.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEcoHealth·DateMay 24, 2016

Swallowable, gas-filled balloons aid fight against obesity

A new treatment option is being developed to help people with obesity - swallowing gas-filled balloons that reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness. Patients using the Obalon 6-month balloon system lost an average of 6.81 percent of their weight, compared to 3.59 percent in the control group.

SourceDigestive Disease Week·DateMay 24, 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.

UW experts develop method for including migration uncertainty in population projections

Statisticians at the University of Washington have developed a probabilistic model that incorporates global migration patterns to project populations worldwide. The study challenges existing predictions for countries like Germany and the US, predicting a larger population in Germany if immigration continues and a 10% chance of exceedin...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2016

Silencing cholera's social media

A new study reveals how LuxO, a key response regulator in Vibrio cholerae's quorum-sensing cascade, regulates the pathogenicity of the disease-causing bacterium. The researchers discovered an unusual inhibitory mechanism that permanently switches on LuxO, opening doors for potential therapeutic interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 24, 2016

Can telehealth fill gap in autism services?

A federally funded pilot study shows telehealth training successfully improved social communication skills in children with autism, with parents seeing benefits regardless of coaching sessions. The study suggests that telehealth can fill a gap in autism services, especially for rural and underrepresented communities.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMay 24, 2016

Air pollution exposure may raise heart disease risk

A new study found that air pollution exposure can worsen blood sugar levels, cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease. Participants with diabetes experienced higher changes in blood glucose and cholesterol levels when exposed to higher levels of particulate matter.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 24, 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.

Clue for efficient usage of low-cost nickel catalysts

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a method to form bonds between two butadiene molecules, an alkyl group, and benzene rings using a cheap nickel catalyst. This technique enables the synthesis of high-value terminal olefins from cheap butadiene, which can be used in various industrial applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 24, 2016

Gaps in vaccine coverage highlighted with new report and online tool

A new data visualization platform, VIEW-hub, reveals stark numbers on where shortfalls exist in vaccine introduction and coverage. Globally, 72% of child deaths from pneumonia and diarrhea occur in just 15 countries, with India and Nigeria being the worst-affected. The platform provides real-time data updates to monitor introduction an...

SourceInternational Vaccine Access Center·DateMay 24, 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.

Deep learning enters the beauty industry

Insilico Medicine presents research on applying deep learning to biomarker development and cosmetics applications at INNOCOS World Beauty Innovation Summit. The company's app RYNKL evaluates anti-aging interventions using machine learning methods, minimizing animal testing.

SourceInSilico Medicine·DateMay 24, 2016

Research points to possible new prevention strategies for ovarian cancer

Research finds radically-altered subcellular activity in women carrying BRCA1/2 mutations, opening door to new preventative strategies and non-invasive test development. These changes were similar to those seen in ovarian cancer specimens, providing hope for reducing invasive surgery.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2016

Nonprofit exec turnover more turbulent than previously thought

A new study from North Carolina State University finds that nonprofit executive transitions are often plagued by problems and challenges. Most executives do not leave due to voluntary retirement, but rather for reasons such as dismissals for wrongdoing or new job opportunities. The study highlights the importance of a good fit between ...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNonprofit Management and Leadership·DateMay 24, 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.

How much can a mode-2 wave move?

Mode-2 waves can carry beneficial and detrimental materials between ecosystems, trapping them inside layers of different densities. Researchers found that larger bulges result in more material carried by the wave, while small regions of turbulence can cause it to break down.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 24, 2016

Hubble finds clues to the birth of supermassive black holes

Italian researchers used Hubble data and computer models to identify two objects as potential seeds for supermassive black holes. These early black hole seed candidates are seen less than a billion years after the Big Bang and have an initial mass of about 100,000 times the Sun.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 24, 2016

Lessons today's banks should take from Great Depression Chicago

A new study by Dr Natacha Postel-Vinay shows that banks in 1920s Chicago, which experienced a severe real estate boom and bust, were more likely to fail due to their heavy investment in mortgages. The research suggests that today's banks should be cautious not to over-invest in real estate loans.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Journal of Economic History·DateMay 24, 2016

Zika conspiracy theories on social media putting vulnerable people at risk

Researchers monitored social media in real-time to identify Zika conspiracy theories that could be affecting people's health-related decisions. The study found nearly 140,000 Tweets with keywords 'vaccine' and 'Zika,' highlighting the need for public health authorities to address concerns and debunk unscientific claims.

SourceElsevier·JournalVaccine·DateMay 24, 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.

Human trials of cancer drug PAC-1 continue with new investment

Clinical trials of the anti-cancer agent PAC-1 are continuing to expand, thanks to a $7 million angel investment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted PAC-1 orphan drug status for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, a deadly brain cancer with limited therapeutic options.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMay 24, 2016

Acupuncture used in clinical settings reduced symptoms of menopause

A new study published in the journal Menopause found that acupuncture significantly reduced hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. The treatment resulted in a 36.7% decline in frequency of hot flashes after six months, with benefits persisting for another year.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalMenopause·DateMay 24, 2016

Sequencing analysis identifies genomic alterations in colorectal precancers

A study using whole-exome sequencing has identified genomic alterations in both colorectal adenomas and at-risk mucosa, shedding light on the evolution of normal mucosa to precancer. The research provides a catalog of genomic changes preceding colorectal cancer development in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateMay 24, 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.

Footprints of baby planets in a gas disk

Researchers found two gaps in the gas disk that overlap with dust gaps, suggesting infant planets carve out the gaps. The team estimates a planet mass 0.8 times Jupiter's at the inner gap, but the outer gap's origin remains unclear.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 24, 2016

Internet addiction and school burnout feed into each other

A longitudinal research project found a link between digital addiction and school burnout in Finnish adolescents, with excessive internet use contributing to school burnout and potentially leading to depression. The study suggests that promoting school engagement and motivation can prevent these issues.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateMay 24, 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.

Getting the most out of natural gas

Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully upgraded methane into methyl bromide, a base material for fuels and chemicals, through oxybromination chemistry. The new catalyst, vanadium phosphate, enables closed-bromine recycling, making the process more efficient and environmentally friendly.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 24, 2016

Can't resist temptation? That may not be a bad thing

Children raised in poverty exhibit a unique behavioral adaptation: they tend to seize opportunities quickly, rather than delaying for rewards. This counterintuitive finding is linked to high vagal tone, which may facilitate rapid decision-making in uncertain contexts.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 24, 2016

Do dressings prevent infection?

A recent Cochrane review found insufficient evidence to conclude that dressings reduce surgical site infection. However, dressings may provide a barrier to direct injury and reduce patient anxiety. The authors recommend using basic, low-absorbency dressings at a cost of a few pence per dressing.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 24, 2016

Diamonds closer to becoming ideal semiconductors

Scientists have developed a new technique to dope single-crystal diamonds with boron at relatively low temperatures without degrading the crystal. This breakthrough enables selective doping, allowing for more control when making devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 24, 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.

Single-step hydrogen peroxide production could be cleaner, more efficient

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a new way to synthesize hydrogen peroxide in a single step, which could make it an economically feasible oxidant for various chemical processes. The method uses a palladium-based catalyst and avoids the decomposition reaction that typically occurs during synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2016

Study shows which new moms post the most on Facebook

A study by Ohio State University found that new mothers who feel societal pressure to be perfect parents and strongly identify with their motherhood role tend to post more frequently on Facebook. This behavior can lead to stronger emotional reactions to comments, including feelings of validation or disappointment. The study also found ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalSex Roles·DateMay 24, 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.

Poverty marks a gene, predicting depression

A study by Duke University scientists reveals a biological pathway for depression in adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged families. The research shows that these individuals accumulate epigenetic tags on a gene linked to depression, leading to increased amygdala activity and higher risk of depression symptoms.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 24, 2016

Depression lowers women's chances of pregnancy, BU study finds

Women with severe depressive symptoms have a decreased chance of becoming pregnant, while psychotropic medication use does not appear to harm fertility. The study found a 38% decrease in the average probability of conception among women with severe depressive symptoms.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 24, 2016

Wildfire -- it's not spreading like wildfire

A new analysis of global data reveals that global area burned has seen an overall slight decline over past decades, with around 4% of the global land surface affected by vegetation fires each year. The researchers also found that there is increasing evidence that there is less fire in the global landscape today than centuries ago.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMay 24, 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.

Babies fed directly from breast may be at less risk for ear infections

Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital found that breastfeeding for six months reduces the risk of ear infections by 30% and diarrhea by 25%. However, pumping breast milk from a bottle also provides some protection against ear infections and may reduce diarrhea risk compared to formula feeding.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 24, 2016

A warning system for tsunamis

Scientists at the Australian National University have created a new algorithm that can accurately predict tsunamis by analyzing real-time ocean sensor data. The Time Reverse Imaging Method takes data from sensors to recreate what the tsunami looked like when it was born, allowing for better predictions of its trajectory.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 24, 2016

Clinical trial demonstrates success of low FODMAP diet

A clinical trial conducted by Michigan Medicine demonstrated the effectiveness of a low FODMAP diet in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study found that over 50% of patients on the low FODMAP diet experienced major improvements in abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and stool urgency compared to the control group.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMay 24, 2016

Does discrimination contribute to lower rates of flu vaccination in racial/ethnic minorities?

A study found that racial/ethnic minorities are less likely to receive flu vaccinations, with those who report discrimination being about half as likely to be vaccinated. However, after adjusting for other factors, the difference becomes nonsignificant, suggesting that perceived discrimination may not be the primary cause of the dispar...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateMay 24, 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.

Barium leaches directly from fracked rocks, Dartmouth team finds

Researchers found that chemical reactions between injected freshwater and fractured shale caused barium to leach directly from the rock. They also discovered a specific depth interval where barite grains were 'bitten' by pyrite, leading to barium mobilization in clay minerals.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateMay 24, 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.

Vitamin A may help improve pancreatic cancer chemotherapy

Researchers have found that a combination of vitamin A and chemotherapy can reduce cancer cell proliferation and invasion in pancreatic cancer. The approach targets both cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells, blocking multiple cell signalling pathways used by cancer cells to become aggressive.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·DateMay 24, 2016

Living near a landfill could damage your health

Research in Italy found a strong association between living near landfills and increased risk of lung cancer, as well as hospitalizations for respiratory diseases. Exposure to air pollutants from waste treatment plants was linked to higher rates of respiratory symptoms among residents.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateMay 24, 2016

New way of growing blood vessels could boost regenerative medicine

Researchers have developed a new method to grow blood vessels in a 3D scaffold, reducing transplant rejection risks and increasing tissue integration. The technique uses human platelet lysate gel and endothelial progenitor cells, paving the way for fully vascularized tissues or organs.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 24, 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.

People power crucial for low-carbon future, new research shows

A new study by Johan Schot and colleagues emphasizes the crucial role of ordinary people in driving a transition to a low-carbon energy system. The research identifies five key types of users who interplay to create and change technology and society's application of it, including User-Producers, User-Legitimators, and User-Citizens.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Energy·DateMay 24, 2016

Mucus may play vital role in dolphin echolocation

Researchers develop model that suggests mucus plays crucial role in dolphin sonar click production. The model accurately reproduces two distinct parts of a dolphin click: an initial loud thump and extended ring.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 24, 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.

May repairs full of mistakes develop into cancer?

Researchers at Osaka University found that DNA damage response errors can lead to tumor formation when proteins are not removed correctly. Ku protein plays a key role in DNA repair, but its incorrect function can result in genetic information loss and cancer.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 24, 2016

Colorectal cancer rate rising among younger people

Researchers found a significant increase in colorectal cancer cases under 50 years old, with advanced stages at diagnosis. The study suggests healthcare providers need to be more vigilant in detecting symptoms in younger patients.

SourceDigestive Disease Week·DateMay 24, 2016

As more states legalize marijuana, adolescents' problems with pot decline

A study of over 216,000 adolescents found a 24% decline in marijuana-related problems and a 10% decrease in marijuana use between 2002 and 2013. Behavioral problems also decreased, suggesting a link between early treatment and reduced substance abuse.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMay 24, 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.

Revealing the nature of magnetic interactions in manganese oxide

Researchers confirmed the 'superexchange' model explaining MnO's long-range magnetic order by studying short-range magnetic interactions. The study used a new mathematical approach called mPDF analysis to measure correlations in fluctuating moments, providing crucial information about magnetic interactions and their role in superconduc...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 24, 2016

Why vocal fry?

Researchers are studying the lowest vocal register, called vocal fry, to better understand its emotional properties and how it affects listeners. The technique has become popular in pop and country music, with female singers' use of vocal fry rating them as more expressive.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 24, 2016

More than half of EU citizens questioned now think e-cigarettes are harmful

A recent EU survey found that over 50% of Europeans believe e-cigarettes pose a health risk, despite continued use surging across member states. The study also reveals that current smokers and ex-smokers are more likely to have tried e-cigarettes, highlighting the need for better understanding of their impact on public health.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateMay 24, 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.