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Science News for May 3, 2016


New research provides insights on seal species

A new study uses advanced techniques to identify a lost type specimen of the grey seal species, shedding light on its origins. The research has implications for conservation efforts and can be applied to study existing, lost, and novel specimens.

SourceWiley·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateMay 3, 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.

Sparing livers

Researchers found that curing hepatitis C virus (HCV) could spare approximately 10,500 livers from being transplanted into HCV-infected patients over a twenty-year period. This would also lead to an estimated 7,300 livers being transplanted into liver disease patients without HCV.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateMay 3, 2016

NASA repurposes passive thermal-control technology for CubeSats

NASA has successfully miniaturized passive thermal-control technology for CubeSats, overcoming challenges of regulating temperature in smaller satellites. The new device, tested through various cycles, will be flight-tested on the Dellingr spacecraft and enables longer-term space exploration missions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 3, 2016

Biophysics: Closing the ring

Physicists have found a novel pattern-forming mechanism in biological systems, with the discovery of a crucial protein that forms ring-shaped filaments to constrict bacterial cells. At high concentrations, FtsZ polymers self-organize into ring-like structures, leading to the formation of Z-rings and daughter cells.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 3, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Barrow researchers prove utility of imaging tool in surgeon's hand

Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute have developed a new imaging tool that enables neurosurgeons to visualize brain tumor cells in real-time during surgery. This technology, known as confocal laser endomicroscopy, allows surgeons to identify and characterize tumor tissue more accurately than traditional methods.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·JournalNeurosurgical FOCUS·DateMay 3, 2016

Early warning: Current Japanese encephalitis vaccine might not protect

A study suggests that current vaccines provide only partial protection against the G5 strain of Japanese encephalitis virus, and natural infection with a different strain may not offer protection. The findings indicate that an emerging crisis in South-East Asia is possible, warranting further research on vaccines.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 3, 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.

UM researcher lands CAREER grant to improve mass spectrometry

Robert Smith, a UM computer science assistant professor, was awarded a CAREER grant from the National Science Foundation to develop new analysis techniques for mass spectrometry. This advancement may lead to breakthroughs in fields like medical diagnostics, drug development, and research into Alzheimer's disease.

SourceThe University of Montana·DateMay 3, 2016

Underground fungi detected from space

Researchers have developed a method to detect and map fungal associations between forests and fungi using satellite data, providing insights into tree species' nutrient status and ecosystem productivity. This technique allows scientists to study complex processes like nutrient cycling at vast scales.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 3, 2016

New guidelines explain how to monitor and treat hyperthyroid cats

The new Guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners provide a concise explanation of what veterinary professionals know about the etiology and pathogenesis of clinical feline hyperthyroidism. The guidelines outline six clinical categories with associated management strategies to treat all hyperthyroid cats, regardl...

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateMay 3, 2016

A new vortex identification method for 3-D complex flow

A new vortex identification method has been proposed to accurately visualize vortices in complex 3D flows. The method uses a ratio of vorticity square over the sum of vorticity square and deformation square to define and identify vortex structures, offering a universal and accurate approach.

SourceScience China Press·DateMay 3, 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.

Satellites to see Mercury enter spotlight on May 9

Three NASA satellites will observe Mercury's transit, offering a rare opportunity to study planetary motion and the sun's effects. The event will also be used to calibrate space instruments and test spacecraft.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 3, 2016

Estimates of cheetah numbers are 'guesswork', say researchers

Researchers estimate cheetah populations in the Maasai Mara to be lower than previously thought, with an average of 1.28 adult cheetahs per 100km2. The 'spatially explicit' method used can distinguish between visiting and resident animals, providing a more accurate count.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 3, 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.

New insights on how oysters form shells

Researchers identified Pf-POU3F4, which promotes Aspein and Prismalin-14 expression in oyster shells. The study provides new perspectives on biomineralization and its similarities to bone and tooth formation in mammals.

SourceWiley·JournalFEBS Journal·DateMay 3, 2016

Extended rest between weight lifting sets could help muscle growth

Researchers from the University of Birmingham found that extended rest intervals can improve muscle growth by increasing myofibrillar protein synthesis. They recommend at least 2-3 minutes of rest between sets for novice weight trainers, while experienced lifters may not experience the same blunted response.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateMay 3, 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.

Replication of colored 3-D models simplified

Researchers developed a method to replicate complex, colored 3D models quickly and cheaply using an industrial production technique and accessible software. The technique has been tested with various objects, including a Chinese mask and car body shells, producing high-quality replicas.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateMay 3, 2016

Kids' eating habits highlight need for healthier lunchboxes

A study by the University of Adelaide found that 45% of children's daily energy intake came from discretionary foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. The research also revealed inadequate fiber and dairy intakes, as well as excessive salt consumption among boys and girls.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics·DateMay 3, 2016

Imodium for a legal high is as dumb and dangerous as it sounds

A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that loperamide, a key ingredient in Imodium, is being abused by people seeking to self-treat opioid withdrawal symptoms or euphoria. The medication's safety is compromised when used in high doses, leading to cardiac dysrhythmia and death.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMay 3, 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.

Current whale migration models are too simplified

Current whale migration models are too simplistic and don't account for the complexity of their ecological behavior. A deeper understanding of factors like reproductive patterns and local adaptations is needed to understand the diversity of migratory habits in baleen whales.

SourceWiley·JournalMammal Review·DateMay 3, 2016

Gutenberg Research Award 2016 goes to cell death researcher Vishva Dixit

Vishva Dixit's research on programmed cell death has significantly contributed to the understanding of apoptosis mechanisms, with implications for cancer treatment and neurodegenerative diseases. His work also revealed the association between inflammatory diseases and the immune system, shedding light on novel therapeutic strategies.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateMay 3, 2016

Exploring the mystery of how enzymes work via simulations

Enzymes play a crucial role in most biological processes by controlling energy transduction and genetic information. Researchers at USC determined that dynamics has little to do with accelerating enzyme-catalyzed reaction rates, clarifying the factors contributing to their activity. This discovery sheds light on the 100-year-old puzzle...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMay 3, 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.

HIV infections drop, but US falls short of national goals

Despite progress, US HIV infections declined by 11% and transmission rates fell by 17% between 2010 and 2015. However, the country failed to meet President Obama's 25% reduction in new infections and 30% decrease in transmission rate targets.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateMay 3, 2016

Web-based, self-help intervention helps prevent depression

A web-based guided self-help intervention has been shown to reduce the incidence of major depressive disorder in adults with subthreshold depression. The study found that 55 participants in the intervention group experienced MDD compared to 84 in the control group, resulting in a significant reduction in risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 3, 2016

Motorcycle right behind the racing cyclist can improve time in Giro prologue

Research at Eindhoven University of Technology found that motorcycles can reduce air resistance for cyclists by up to 14% when riding behind them. This could result in significant time gains in time trials, with some estimates suggesting an advantage of several seconds to a minute.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalJournal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics·DateMay 3, 2016

Active systems: Life is motion

Physicists have developed a way to differentiate between the active motions of living cells and those driven by random molecular movements. The method uses video imaging and analysis to identify non-equilibrium systems in living organisms.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateMay 3, 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.

Infants much less likely to get the flu if moms are vaccinated while pregnant

Researchers found that babies whose moms receive flu vaccinations while pregnant have a significantly reduced risk of acquiring influenza during their first six months of life. The study, published in Pediatrics, showed that infants born to vaccinated mothers had a 70 percent reduction in laboratory-confirmed flu cases and an 80 percen...

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 3, 2016

Placenta size and offspring bone development linked

The study found a positive association between placental size and offspring bone mass at various ages, even after adjusting for factors such as height, weight, and pubertal status. Larger bones in early life are expected to lead to stronger bones in older adulthood, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateMay 3, 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.

Herbal remedies are an overlooked global health hazard

Researchers warn that herbal remedies containing Aristolochia, used for over 2,000 years, can lead to kidney cancer and other health issues in genetically susceptible individuals. The authors call for global action to evaluate the safety and efficacy of botanical products.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalEMBO Reports·DateMay 3, 2016

NASA Study: Rising carbon dioxide levels will help and hurt crops

A NASA study finds that elevated carbon dioxide concentrations can increase crop yields by boosting photosynthesis and reducing transpiration, but this effect varies regionally. Some crops like wheat and rice benefit from higher CO2 levels, while others like maize may experience yield losses.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 3, 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.

New fabrication and thermo-optical tuning of whispering gallery microlasers

Scientists at OIST have developed a new method to fabricate glass microlasers, called whispering gallery microlasers, which are tiny optical devices that create intense light with one color or wavelength. The new technique allows for quick and easy fabrication of smaller devices for biosensing and optical communications.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 3, 2016

Seeking to rewind mammalian extinction

A team of experts aims to use cutting-edge techniques like induced pluripotent stem cells and gene editing to bring back the critically endangered species. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is leading the effort, which also involves collaborations with international partners.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalZoo Biology·DateMay 3, 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.

Algae use their 'tails' to gallop and trot like quadrupeds

Researchers discovered that single-celled algae can coordinate their flagella into leaping, trotting, or galloping gaits, similar to four-legged animals. The networks of elastic fibres within the cell play a crucial role in coordinating these diverse movements.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2016

Watch immune cells 'glue' broken blood vessels back together

Researchers discovered that macrophages can grab and repair broken blood vessel ends in zebrafish brains, suggesting a potential natural repair mechanism for microbleeds. This process, observed over three hours, involved adhesion molecules and mechanical traction forces.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateMay 3, 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.

Mimicking the ingenuity of nature

Scientists at the University of Würzburg have developed a supramolecular ruthenium macrocycle that mimics photosystem II, improving water oxidation efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The new catalyst enables the production of high-energy-density fuels like hydrogen, methane, or methanol.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 3, 2016

Introducing the disposable laser

Researchers have developed a way to print lasers using an inkjet printer, creating 'lasing capsules' that can be easily disposed of after use. The tech estimates production costs at just a few cents per unit.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 3, 2016

Placebo effects in women are boosted by vasopressin

A new study found that vasopressin increases placebo analgesic effects in women, particularly those with lower acute stress and anxiety. The findings suggest a new mechanism for the neurobiology of placebo effects and open up research directions for understanding the vasopressin system.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 3, 2016

Stocks overvalued longer and more often than previously thought, says study

Researchers at Columbia University have found that individual stocks may be overpriced for longer periods of time and more often than previously thought. The study estimated the number of bubbles in the US stock market between 2000 and 2013, counting up to 13,000 bubbles, or an average of four bubbles per stock.

SourceColumbia University·JournalMathematics and Financial Economics·DateMay 3, 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.

Bacteria use traffic-cop-like mechanism to infect gut

Researchers at Washington State University and Harvard University have discovered a critical mechanism that enables bacteria to efficiently infect the gut. The 'type III secretion system' directs bacterial traffic, controlling whether bacteria become trapped inside vacuoles or break out into cell fluid.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2016

Adults with bipolar disorder at equal risk for anxiety or depression following mania

A national survey of over 34,000 adults found that individuals with bipolar disorder are equally likely to develop anxiety as depression after experiencing an episode of mania. This study may lead to a broader clinical definition of bipolar disorder that includes episodes of mania along with anxiety or depression.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 3, 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.

Can personality traits affect likelihood of using mindfulness-based stress reduction?

A study found that specific personality traits, such as neuroticism and extraversion, were associated with individual differences in the use of MBSR during and post-training. The findings suggest that MBSR programs can be tailored to targeted populations based on their personality traits.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMay 3, 2016

NYU researchers technology banishes ambient babble from cochlear implants

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a novel noise reduction technology called SEDA, which tunes out ambient talkers and tunes in on the person the wearer wants to listen to. This algorithmic approach can improve speech clarity for those with hearing loss and has potential applications beyond cochlear implants.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateMay 3, 2016

University of Kentucky researchers discover three new primate species

The discovery of three new mouse lemur species in Madagascar highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect these tiny primates. The study, which used advanced statistical methods, provides insight into the evolutionary process and has significant implications for clarifying diversity in other species.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMay 3, 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.

Media research: What readers think about computer-generated texts

An experimental study found that readers prefer articles attributed to real journalists, but rate computer-generated texts as more credible. The study suggests that readers' expectations and limited experience with computer-based reports contribute to these differing assessments.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournalism·DateMay 3, 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.

An experiment seeks to make quantum physics visible to the naked eye

A team of physicists has proposed an experiment that could detect entangled photons directly, paving the way for new applications in quantum physics. The experiment involves amplifying entangled photons 100-fold and using a special technique to preserve their quantum physical effect.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalOptica·DateMay 3, 2016

Scientists reveal how cell corrects errors made in gene transcription

Researchers at HKUST elucidated the dynamics of backtracking in RNA polymerase II, revealing a stepwise process that detects mis-incorporated RNA and corrects errors. The study provides insight into fundamental mechanisms of transcription and may help understand human diseases and aging related to transcription infidelity.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 3, 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.

Armen Sarvazyan awarded Silver Medal of the Acoustical Society of America

Armen Sarvazyan has been awarded the Helmholtz-Rayleigh Interdisciplinary Silver Medal by the Acoustical Society of America for his contributions to ultrasound imaging and its applications. He made significant findings on elasticity imaging technology and developed ultrasonic devices for biomolecular interactions.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 3, 2016

Macrophage population activates repair in murine heart attack model

A study by Ken Suzuki and team found that M2 macrophages play a crucial role in repairing damaged myocardial tissue after a heart attack. Supplementing with these cells or using the cytokine IL-4 can restore repair capabilities and potentially reduce the risk of cardiac rupture.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 3, 2016

Mapping the circuit of our internal clock

Researchers have identified a core group of neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus that share information during resynchronization, while those outside this central hub behave like acquaintances. Understanding the SCN's neural network structure is crucial for tackling illnesses like diabetes and posttraumatic stress disorder.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2016

Research points to a new treatment for pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a link between cholesterol metabolism and pancreatic cancer spread, pointing to potential new treatment using drugs for atherosclerosis. Controlling cholesterol metabolism reduces tumor growth and metastasis in mice.

SourcePurdue University·JournalOncogene·DateMay 3, 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.

The intermediates in a chemical reaction photographed 'red-handed'

A team of researchers has successfully imaged all steps in a complex organic reaction, revealing the mechanisms behind it. The study used atomic force microscopy to visualize the bond configuration of reactants, intermediates, and products, providing new insights into the stabilization of intermediates.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 3, 2016

Survival of the oldest

Researchers identified factors that make some species more resilient to extinction, including color variation, live birth, and low-latitude habitats. These species are more likely to adapt to future climate changes, helping conservationists predict which species are most at risk.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateMay 3, 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.

Turn up the heat to increase altitude tolerance

New research suggests that heat-based exercise is a more efficient means of improving altitude tolerance than normobaric altitude training. Heat-based training reduced physical strain and improved time-trial performance in cyclists, with similar effects on blood cells as low-oxygen training.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateMay 3, 2016

UNIST professor named to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Steve Granick, a renowned expert in colloids and polymers, has been selected for membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is one of 176 new fellows and 37 foreign honorary members to be formally inducted on October 8, 2016.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateMay 3, 2016

New tool allows scientists to visualize 'nanoscale' processes

Scientists at UC San Diego have developed a new tool that allows them to visualize nanoscale mixing processes occurring in liquids. This technique enables researchers to study chemical interactions and kinetics, previously impossible with traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMicroscopy and Microanalysis·DateMay 3, 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.

Ebola vaccine: Promising phase I trials

A phase I trial of the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine in Africa and Europe has shown promising results, with antibodies detectable after six months. The vaccine stimulates a strong immune response and appears to control virus replication.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 3, 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.

Why we steer the way we do

Researchers from the University of Leeds found that human steering in a driving simulator is influenced by visual speed signals, not just road edges. The study's findings suggest that our brains process information from across the whole visual scene to guide steering, similar to how insects choose their flight paths.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 3, 2016

Udall Foundation honors CSU students

The CSU students were recognized for their research and community service in the environment and tribal public policy categories. They will participate in a Scholar Orientation and receive up to $7,000 in scholarships to support their junior or senior year.

SourceColorado State University·DateMay 3, 2016

First recommendations published on imaging assessment of prosthetic heart valves

The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging has released new guidelines for the imaging assessment of prosthetic heart valves. The guidelines provide recommendations for a multimodality approach to diagnose and manage complications, including echocardiography as the first-line imaging modality. The study aims to improve assessme...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging·DateMay 3, 2016

New drug against nerve agents in sight

Researchers at Umea University and Swedish Defence Research Agency develop a three-dimensional structure of the HI-6 nerve agent antidote, revealing its binding mechanism to acetylcholinesterase. The breakthrough provides new insights into designing effective antidotes against sarin and other nerve agents.

SourceUmea University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 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.

Shared sanitation facilities and risk of diarrhea in children

The study found that sharing sanitation facilities with one or two households was associated with an increased risk of diarrhea in young children. Private household sanitation facilities were not found to be associated with this risk at all sites, suggesting a global health priority for access to these facilities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 3, 2016

ASU scientists discover how one microorganism erodes coral reefs

Researchers at Arizona State University found that a particular type of cyanobacteria can bore into and live within solid carbonates, hastening coral reef erosion. The microbe orchestrate cell-to-cell calcium transport, developing specialized cells to store and regulate calcium levels.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2016

Planet Nine: A world that shouldn't exist

New research by astronomers at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics examines scenarios for Planet Nine's formation and finds most have low probabilities. The simplest solution suggests the solar system created an extra gas giant, boosting Planet Nine into its wider orbit over time.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 3, 2016

USC Roski Eye Institute researchers publish largest eye study among Latinos

The study found that Latinos diagnosed with bilateral AMD and large drusen had a substantially lower health-related quality of life compared to those with single-eye lesions. The research also indicates an earlier decline in quality of life due to early-stage AMD, highlighting the need for earlier stage interventions.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 3, 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.

'Eve' and descendants shape global sperm whale population structure

A new study found that more than 1,000 sperm whales have a mitochondrial DNA profile from a single 'Eve' ancestor tens of thousands of years ago. The females in this ancestral lineage are responsible for shaping the global population structure, showing strong fidelity to local areas.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMay 3, 2016

Yoga and aquatic exercise can help combat MS symptoms

Researchers found that yoga and aquatic exercise significantly improved symptoms of multiple sclerosis, including reduced fatigue, depression, and paresthesia. The study, involving 54 women with MS, showed a significant reduction in moderate to severe depression in those who exercised three times a week.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateMay 3, 2016