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Science News for May 5, 2016


Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

That new baby isn't imitating you

Researchers tested young infants' imitation of facial and hand gestures, finding no evidence of innate ability to copy adults. Babies may learn to imitate through observation of others mimicking them.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 5, 2016

'Super males' emerge from male-dominated populations, study finds

Researchers at the University of Sheffield found that males in polyandrous populations outcompete their counterparts in monogamous populations, securing more mates. The study suggests that intense sexual competition can lead to the emergence of highly competitive individuals, known as 'super males'.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalEvolutionary Biology·DateMay 5, 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.

Gene cascade specifies 2 distinct neuron sets expressing Nplp1

Researchers identified two distinct neuronal cell lineages expressing Nplp1, driven by different spatiotemporal cues and converging on a common terminal selector cascade. The study provides new insights into neuronal cell fate specification and the role of feed-forward loops in regulating gene expression during development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 5, 2016

MIT scientists compile list of potential gases to guide search for life on exoplanets

A new approach aims to identify planets orbiting nearby stars that support life by focusing on creating a comprehensive list of molecules in their atmospheres. Researchers have searched for thousands of potentially biogenic gas molecules, sparking new research into identifying larger molecules and their potential as signs of life.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAstrobiology·DateMay 5, 2016

Processed fat cells show potential as treatment for refractory ischemia patients

Patients treated with processed autologous adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) demonstrated symptomatic improvement and reduced heart failure hospitalizations. The ATHENA trial results showed a trend towards lower rates of angina, despite no improvement in left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) or ventricular volumes.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·DateMay 5, 2016

Free-standing 2-legged robot conquers terrain

A University of Michigan robot, MARLO, can now walk down steep slopes and uneven ground using a novel feedback control algorithm. The algorithm's potential benefits extend to powered prosthetic legs and other two-legged robots.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMay 5, 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.

'Slow' NZ seabed quake sheds light on tsunami-earthquake mechanism

A slow slip event in New Zealand's Hikurangi margin showed that subduction plates may be accumulating much more stress and strain than previously thought. This finding helps assess earthquake occurrence risk in coastal areas near subduction zones, especially at locations of shallow depth.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 2016

Research findings reveal potential to reverse cancer-related nerve pain

A study by researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that gene therapy may be able to reverse cancer-related nerve pain. The treatment, which involves transferring a gene called KCC2 into the spinal canal, restored chloride levels and eliminated pain hypersensitivity in rats.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 5, 2016

Droughts can have detrimental impacts on aquatic invertebrates

A study found that temporary streams suffer from a significant decline in invertebrate species during droughts, with only three species remaining after a long drought and 24 species after shorter dry spells. The research highlights the potential consequences of climate change-related increases in drought length on aquatic ecosystems.

SourceWiley·JournalFreshwater Biology·DateMay 5, 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.

Emerging research investigates mango's health properties

Research suggests mango's anti-obesity, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and intestinal health roles. Studies in mice and humans reveal potential benefits of mango consumption on body composition, glucose homeostasis, and gut inflammatory markers.

SourceWild Hive·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMay 5, 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 study shows we are bad judges of friendship

Researchers found that only half of perceived friendships are reciprocal, while most people overestimate the level of mutual support in their relationships. The study's algorithm accurately determines the nature of friendships with high accuracy.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 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.

A filter that shaped evolution of primates in Asia

Fossil analysis reveals that a cooler period after the Eocene-Oligocene transition (EOT) significantly impacted Asian primate evolution, favoring lemur-like strepsirrhine primates. In contrast, Afro-Arabia fossils show anthropoid diversification during this time.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 2016

A study shows how the brain switches into memory mode

A study by University of Bonn researchers identifies hippocampal astrocytes as key regulators of memory processing, prioritizing new information over stored memories. The discovery sheds light on the cellular causes of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeuron·DateMay 5, 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.

Deep male voices not so much sexy as intimidating

Research found that deep-pitched male voices are seen as dominant by other males but have a smaller impact on attracting females. Human male traits imply physical aggression and formidability, providing competitive advantages in fighting or threatening other men more than they help attract women.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 5, 2016

T cells use 'handshakes' to sort friends from foes

Researchers developed DNA-based tension sensors to study T cell interactions. They found that T cells use precise mechanical tugs to test whether a cell is a friend or foe, with stronger tugs indicating a foreign invader. This discovery could aid in the development of immune therapies for cancer and treatments for autoimmune diseases.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 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.

Cells check DNA segregation at the end of their division

Researchers have identified a signaling pathway that prevents DNA damage during cell division, ensuring identical copies are passed on to daughter cells. Chromatin bridges can form if DNA replication is problematic, but these bridges do not always trigger an alarm signal.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 5, 2016

Fastest-ever molecular imaging reveals reaction crucial for vision

A team of researchers has developed a method to image molecular movement in real-time, revealing the fundamental processes of a chemical reaction. This breakthrough allows scientists to study the structure and behavior of proteins at the atomic level, shedding light on the chemistry necessary for life.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 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.

Our personal skin microbiome is surprisingly stable

A recent study found that human skin microbial communities remain highly stable over time, retaining unique signatures and resisting external perturbations. However, stability varied across individuals and sites, with oily areas showing more consistent bacterial and fungal communities.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 5, 2016

Weight loss surgery boosts good cholesterol in obese teen boys

Preliminary research finds that weight loss surgery increases HDL 'good' cholesterol and improves its heart-protecting actions in severely obese teens. The study shows improved metabolic health measured by HDL function after surgery, despite remaining obesity.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 5, 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.

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.

Getting a better measure of spin with diamond

A novel system uses thin slivers of diamond to measure electron beam polarization with unprecedented accuracy. The diamond-based detector provides direct and accurate measurements, overcoming previous uncertainties caused by laser beam distortions.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMay 5, 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.

Antibody appears to attack cancer cells, leaving other cells unscathed

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed an antibody that selectively attacks cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. The antibody works by targeting a specific protein on cancer cells, disabling their defense mechanism and triggering an immune response.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 5, 2016

Sepsis: Sneak attack or false alarm?

Gram-negative bacteria use vesicles to communicate with and influence neighboring cells, triggering a deadly response in the body. The vesicles can lead to inflammation, fever, and low blood pressure, making sepsis difficult to cure.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCell·DateMay 5, 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.

Rapid-response immune cells are fully prepared before invasion strikes

Researchers found that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are fully prepared for rapid response to infection, with their genetic information set up beforehand. ILCs release cytokines to transmit signals and defend the body's barrier regions against microbes.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·JournalCell·DateMay 5, 2016

Now 40, NASA's LAGEOS set the bar for studies of earth

LAGEOS, launched in 1976, revolutionized the study of Earth's tectonic plates, rotation, and gravitational field. The satellite achieved accuracies of less than half an inch, enabling precise measurements of plate movement and subtle changes in Earth's center of mass.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 5, 2016

Why are women less likely to be prescribed statins than men?

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital identifies four factors contributing to sex disparities in statin therapy among patients with coronary artery disease. Women were less likely to start or continue statin therapy due to lower cardiologist evaluations and higher rates of adverse reaction reports.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2016

Antibodies in breast milk help newborn mice tolerate good gut microbes

A new study reveals that breast milk immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies play a critical role in helping newborn mice tolerate beneficial gut microbes. This finding challenges previous research suggesting IgA antibodies are primarily responsible for teaching the neonatal immune system to tolerate gut microbes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 5, 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.

Role of poly(A) tails in mitosis

A new study by the IBS Center for RNA Research has found that poly(A) tail length is not linearly correlated with translation efficiency in somatic cells. The researchers used two techniques to compare poly(A) tail length and translation efficiency, finding a correlation between the two in a limited range.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 5, 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.

Improvements to online health information can help reduce barriers to care for pancreatic cancer

A new study found that online information about pancreatic cancer is often written at a reading level beyond the sixth grade, making it inaccessible to the general population. The research highlights the need for accurate and understandable health information to empower patients in making informed decisions about their care.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMay 5, 2016

Gene replacement therapy offers viable treatment option for fatal disease

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a gene replacement therapy to treat and control Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress Type 1 (SMARD1). The therapy, administered in a single dose, has shown significant improvements in muscle strength, protein expression, and life span in SMARD1 mice. This study provi...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateMay 5, 2016

Recipients of 2016 Gruber Cosmology Prize announced

The Gruber Foundation Cosmology Prize recognizes the first observation of gravitational waves by the LIGO team, confirming a key prediction of Einstein's theory of general relativity. This achievement opens up new means of studying the universe and provides direct evidence for the existence of black holes.

SourceInternational Astronomical Union·DateMay 5, 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.

Breastfeeding is good for yet another reason, researchers discover

Researchers at UC Berkeley discover that antibodies in mother's milk help promote a healthy balance between gut microbes and the mammalian host, preventing chronic inflammatory conditions. The study sheds light on how these antibodies interact with the newborn's immune system to establish lifelong immune responses.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell·DateMay 5, 2016

Advances in medical care have led to type 1 diabetes boom

Researchers found a direct correlation between increased life expectancy and the rise in type 1 diabetes cases globally. The study suggests that advances in medical care have reduced natural selection, allowing the underlying genetics of the disease to be passed from one generation to the next.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care·DateMay 5, 2016

Technique rapidly reveals individual gene function

A team of researchers developed a CRISPR-based technique to rapidly identify gene variants, improving efforts to map genes and determine their function. The method induces mitotic recombination, allowing for detailed mapping of trait variants, as demonstrated by identifying a genetic mutation affecting yeast sensitivity to manganese.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 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.

Climate change may contribute to rising rates of chronic kidney disease

Research suggests that climate change and resulting water shortages are linked to an increase in chronic kidney disease caused by dehydration and heat stress. The study found that rural hot communities are disproportionately affected, with risks increasing for cognitive dysfunction, malnutrition, and other conditions.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 5, 2016

Sea star juveniles abundant, but recovery is anything but guaranteed

A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found an unprecedented abundance of juvenile sea star offspring along the Oregon coast, but warns that a second wave of the deadly 'sea star wasting disease' could be disastrous. The disease nearly wiped out the population in 2014 and its impact on the ecosystem is still unknown.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2016

Scientists are first to discover sensory system that detects air humidity

A research team from Northwestern University and Lund University has identified a sensory system in fruit flies that directly detects air humidity, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. Understanding this ability could lead to new tools for mosquito control and inform the prediction of species distribution under global warming.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 5, 2016

Thinking differently could affect power of traumatic memories

A study from Kings College London and Oxford University found that training in concrete processing can reduce PTSD symptoms by altering the way people think about traumatic memories. Concrete processing involves focusing on how a situation is unfolding, whereas abstract processing involves analyzing why something is happening.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalBehavior Therapy·DateMay 5, 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.

UCI astronomers determine precise mass of a giant black hole

Researchers use ALMA's high-resolution data to map the rotation of cold molecular gas and dust orbiting a giant elliptical galaxy, determining the massive supermassive black hole at its center has a mass 660 million times greater than the Sun. The precise measurement is among the most accurate for a galaxy's central black hole.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 5, 2016

Intestinal worms boost immune system in a surprising way

Researchers discovered that intestinal worm infections trigger a significant increase in lymph node size and B-cell production, leading to enhanced antibody response. The study provides new insights into the complex interactions between the host and parasites.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 5, 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.

Exploiting male killing bacteria to control insects

Researchers discovered a key mechanism driving a bacterium that kills male insects, which could be exploited to control pest species. The study found that the bacteria targets the dosage compensation complex, leading to genome-wide misregulation of gene expression.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 5, 2016

Study points to therapeutic target for common and aggressive ovarian cancer

A new study published in Cell Reports identifies microRNA molecule miR551b as a promising candidate biomarker and therapeutic target for treating ovarian cancers. The research found that targeting miR551b expression could block STAT3 activity, offering potential for treating the most common and deadly form of ovarian cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 5, 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.

Scientists to use microbes and methane to create sustainable Omega 3

Researchers at the University of Nottingham are using synthetic biology and microorganisms to ferment methane gas into valuable nutritional supplements. The project, called PUFA, has the potential to provide an alternative source of Omega 3 fatty acids that are both sustainable and economical.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateMay 5, 2016

Starving cancer the key to new treatments

Researchers identified a vital supply route for cancer cells to obtain nutrients, blocking this pathway led to significant tumor growth reduction. The discovery offers new hope for developing targeted treatments with fewer side effects.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 5, 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.

Antibody targets and destroys cells implicated in systemic lupus erythmatosis

A new antibody, CSL362, specifically targets and depletes plasmacytoid dendritic cells and basophils involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This depletion reduces production of type 1 IFN and prevents expansion of antibody-producing cells, showing promise as a potential therapeutic target for SLE treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateMay 5, 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.

Improved insulin signaling reduces atherosclerosis in mouse models

Researchers found that increased insulin signaling reduces atherosclerosis development and improves aorta function in atherosclerosis-prone mice. The anti-atherogenic effects were linked to induction of nitric oxide and activation of downstream pathways, including endothelin receptor B (EDNRB).

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateMay 5, 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.

Molybdenum disulfide holds promise for light absorption

Researchers at Rice University have successfully absorbed 35-37% of incident light in atomically thin MoS2, paving the way for efficient and inexpensive photovoltaic solar panels. The team's findings enhance light absorption by 5.9 times compared to using MoS2 on a sapphire substrate.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Photonics·DateMay 5, 2016

First gene linked to temperature sex switch

A study in GENETICS identifies the first gene associated with temperature-dependent sex determination in reptiles, highlighting the role of genetic variation and climate change. The research found that a specific DNA sequence variation at the CIRBP gene influences sex ratio in snapping turtles.

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateMay 5, 2016

The price of IVF: Study examines financial savings vs. medical complication costs

A new UVM study examines the trade-offs between IVF financial savings and medical complications from multiple embryo transfers. The research found increased rates of cesarean-section deliveries, premature births, and low birth weight with two or more embryos transferred into the mother at one time.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalApplied Health Economics and Health Policy·DateMay 5, 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.

River shaping from floods happens in moderation

Researchers found that moderate floods have a significant impact on river shaping, increasing erosion rates. However, extreme floods have limited additional effect on channel geometry, suggesting that landscapes can stabilize over long-term climate shifts.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 2016

Why vultures matter -- and what we lose if they're gone

The primary threat to vultures is the presence of toxins in carrion they consume, leading to declines or extinctions of most vulture species worldwide. In their absence, other scavengers proliferate, causing a cascading effect on food webs and human populations.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMay 5, 2016

A crack in the mystery of 'oobleck' -- friction thickens fluids

Researchers from NIST and Georgetown University have deciphered the mechanisms behind 'oobleck''s switch between liquid and solid states. They found that shear-thickening fluids are driven primarily by frictional contacts, with hydrodynamic forces playing a supporting role at lower concentrations.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 5, 2016

A sex difference in sports interest: What does evolution say?

A recent review article synthesizes theoretical and empirical work on sex differences in sport involvement, finding females' underrepresentation reflects their lesser sports interest. The authors propose adaptive hypotheses for sports, including the importance of social skills and courtship displays.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalEvolutionary Behavioral Sciences·DateMay 5, 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.

ALMA measures mass of black hole with extreme precision

A team of astronomers used ALMA to measure the speed of carbon monoxide gas orbiting a supermassive black hole, calculating its mass as 660 million times greater than our Sun. This precise measurement is crucial for understanding these cosmic behemoths and their role in galaxy evolution.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 5, 2016

Potato plants trigger aboveground defenses in response to tuber attacks

Researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute discovered that potato plants boost chemical defenses in their leaves when Guatemalan tuber moth larvae feed on their tubers. This response protects against leaf-eating pests like beet armyworms, allowing plants to maintain sugar production and grow more tubers. The study may help reduce pota...

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalOecologia·DateMay 5, 2016

Floods and coastal erosion may expose contents of UK landfills, study finds

A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that historic UK landfills in England and Wales contain high levels of contaminants that could harm marine life if eroded or flooded. The analysis of two landfill sites in Essex revealed pollutants at concentrations exceeding marine sediment quality guidelines, posing a significant...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·DateMay 5, 2016

Testing non-breast cancer genes in high-risk women leaves more questions than answers

A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's Abramson Cancer Center found that testing non-breast cancer genes in high-risk women does not add clinical benefit. The study analyzed a large panel of genes and found that many variants were of uncertain significance, adding complexity to genetic counseling.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 5, 2016

Type 2 diabetes drug trials unnecessarily exclude women

Research reveals that type 2 diabetes drug trials frequently exclude women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or may become pregnant without clear justification. The criteria most often excluded women who were currently pregnant or breastfeeding, but more than 50 studies excluded all women of childbearing potential.

SourcePenn State·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMay 5, 2016

Research collaboration IDs serum biomarkers that predict preclinical IBD development and complications

Using clinical data from over 7 million US armed forces members, researchers identified patients with Crohn's disease and found that specific antimicrobial antibodies in their serum samples were associated with increased risk of complications. These biomarkers could potentially predict IBD development and inform preventive strategies.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateMay 5, 2016

Stem cell therapy shows potential for difficult-to-treat RA patient population

A study using stem cell therapy to treat refractory angina (RA) demonstrated promising results, including improved exercise time, reduced angina, and lower mortality rates. The treatment showed potential for difficult-to-treat RA patient population, offering a new approach for patients with limited treatment options.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·DateMay 5, 2016

Bee model could be breakthrough for robot development

Researchers at the University of Sheffield developed a computer model to understand how bees use vision to avoid collisions. The model suggests that adding speed detection capabilities to existing motion-direction detecting circuits could enhance the navigation and routing algorithms for autonomous flying robotics.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield - Faculty of Engineering·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 5, 2016

Drug combination could help reduce risk of death in type 2 diabetes

A new study by Cardiff University found that combining insulin with metformin reduces mortality and heart attacks in people with type 2 diabetes. The researchers tracked 12,020 patients for three and a half years on average, finding no difference in cancer risk between single-insulin therapy and combination treatment.

SourceCardiff University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2016

SkinTrack technology turns arm into smartwatch touchpad

Carnegie Mellon researchers have developed SkinTrack technology that converts the entire lower arm into a touchpad, providing continuous touch tracking and discrete location detection. The system allows for functionality similar to buttons or slider controls, while maintaining high accuracy.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 5, 2016

Superbug infections tracked across Europe

Scientists have developed a web-based system to track the spread of antibiotic-resistant MRSA and other superbugs across Europe, providing valuable insights for infection control teams. The tool, Microreact.org, uses whole-genome sequencing to identify patterns of resistance and help policymakers implement prevention strategies.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalmBio·DateMay 5, 2016

Sylvester researchers develop novel disease model to study multiple myeloma

Researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed an animal model of multiple myeloma, allowing them to better understand its mechanisms and test potential treatments. The study has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with this incurable disease.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 5, 2016

Measuring a black hole 660 million times as massive as our sun

Researchers use ALMA to accurately measure the mass of a supermassive black hole at the center of galaxy NGC 1332, shedding light on how galaxies and their black holes form. The findings suggest a coordinated growth between galaxies and their central black holes.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 5, 2016

Oregon scientists link signaling network to heart valve defects

Researchers at the University of Oregon found that manipulating a cellular signaling network in mice can help understand how heart valves initially form. The study revealed that Wnt/beta-catenin signaling enables transitions between stages of valve development, controlling growth and size.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalDevelopment·DateMay 5, 2016

Study links sleep duration and frequent snoring to poorer breast cancer survival

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that women who slept less than 7 hours per night and were frequent snorers before their cancer diagnosis had a poorer prognosis. The study suggests that poor sleep quality may contribute to accelerated tumor growth and shortened cancer survival.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateMay 5, 2016

Immunization rates climb when pediatricians have easy access to vaccination records

The study found significant improvements in up-to-date vaccination rates, with a 7% increase from 75% to 82%. Over-immunization for adolescents also decreased significantly. The data exchange allowed clinicians to easily access patient immunization information, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary vaccinations.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 5, 2016

Portable device worn on eyeglasses offers hope for people with low vision

A miniature camera using optical character-recognition technology mounted on eyeglasses significantly improves the ability to read and perform daily living activities. The device, called OrCam, recognizes text, faces, and commercial products, offering a new hope for those with age-related macular degeneration or advanced-stage glaucoma.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 5, 2016

Scientists watch bacterial sensor respond to light in real time

Researchers used the world's most powerful X-ray laser to take snapshots of an ultrafast structural transition in a protein, capturing atomic motions as fast as 100 quadrillionths of a second. The technique could benefit studies of light-driven atomic motions and reveal how visual pigments respond to light.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 2016

World's shallowest slow-motion earthquakes detected offshore of New Zealand

Researchers have discovered a slow-slip event that lasted two weeks, resulting in 15-20 centimeters of movement along the fault. The finding increases understanding of the relationship between slow slip and normal earthquakes, highlighting the potential for using offshore monitoring systems to predict damaging earthquakes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 2016

Progress and promise of gene transfer and gene editing to cure beta-thalassemias

Promising results from clinical trials of globin gene transfer have eliminated the need for blood transfusions in some individuals with beta-thalassemias. Gene editing technologies hold promise to correct beta-globin deficiencies and reactivate fetal hemoglobin production, potentially leading to a cure for severe globin disorders.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateMay 5, 2016

How a female sex hormone may protect against STIs: Study

A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that estradiol, a female sex hormone, enhances anti-viral responses in mice infected with HSV-2. The researchers discovered that estradiol primes dendritic cells to initiate anti-viral T cell immunity, providing protection against STIs.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 5, 2016

IU-led study reveals new insights into light color sensing and transfer of genetic traits

An international team led by IU biologist David M. Kehoe uncovered the regulation of a system that allows Synechococcus to efficiently capture sunlight and perform photosynthesis. The study also provides insight into how genes can be easily transferred between cells in the marine environment through horizontal gene transfer.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2016

Study finds link between handedness and mathematical skills

Researchers discovered a moderate correlation between handedness and mathematical skill, accounting for around 5-10% of mathematics scores. The study also found that degree of handedness influenced by age, task type, and gender, with lateralized children performing worse in certain tasks.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMay 5, 2016

Depressed moms not 'in sync' with their children

A study found that mothers with depression are not physiologically synchronized with their kids, even during positive interactions. The researchers measured heart rate variability and found that depressed moms missed matching their children's physiology, leading to a mismatch in social engagement.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMay 5, 2016

Researchers track critical development in the young brain

A recent study published in NeuroImage tracked the rate of myelination in children's brains, revealing insights into the rapid growth of nerve fibers during childhood. The findings have implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders and diseases like multiple sclerosis and leukodystrophies.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNeuroImage·DateMay 5, 2016