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Science News for November 11, 2016


Exclusive: Biotechnology leaders surveyed about impact of Trump presidency

A survey of over 1600 biotechnology professionals predicts that the Trump presidency will negatively impact NIH research funding and STEM education. Foreign-born researchers educated in American universities are also expected to leave the country due to a perceived

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateNov 11, 2016

Anesthesia changes neuronal choreography

A recent study published in Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience has made significant discoveries about the effects of anesthesia on brain activity. The researchers found that neurons under anesthesia become highly synchronized and more sensitive to environmental stimuli, which challenges traditional views on consciousness.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateNov 11, 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.

A new type of convection is proven in granular gases

Researchers from the University of Extremadura and Sapienza University of Rome have discovered a new type of convection in granular fluids. This lateral-wall thermal convection is produced by inert walls and exhibits distinct properties compared to traditional fluid dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Extremadura·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 11, 2016

New discovery paves way for pancreatic cancer treatment

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have made a groundbreaking discovery that could pave the way for pancreatic cancer treatment. The study reveals that exosomes, tiny vesicles released by supporting cells, can educate cancer cells on how to survive chemotherapy, making the disease resistant to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalOncogene·DateNov 11, 2016

Pain sensors specialized for specific sensations

A recent study published in Science Advances found that over 85% of pain-sensing neurons are sensitive to one specific type of painful stimulus. This challenges previous findings suggesting most neurons respond to all types of pain.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 11, 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.

What does it take to make a memory? Study says new proteins

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified a sub-region in the medial prefrontal cortex that synthesizes proteins for contextual fear memory. Inhibiting protein synthesis before memory formation prevents long-term recall, highlighting the critical role of early protein synthesis.

SourceScripps Research Institute·DateNov 11, 2016

Research finds new approach for quantifying nitrate discharge from groundwater to streams

A new approach has been developed to measure the rate of movement of nitrate from groundwater into streams, which is critical for understanding how this pollutant moves through the environment and assessing water quality management. The research found that the rate of nitrate input to the aquifer dropped by 6 percent in 2013, while the...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateNov 11, 2016

New findings about the honey bee infecting deformed wing virus

Researchers developed a new laboratory system to study the deformed wing virus, showing viral antigens in all body areas, particularly in gland tissue. The discovery could lead to targeted strategies against disease-causing viruses and improve bee colony survival.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 11, 2016

Meteorites reveal lasting drought on Mars

New evidence from meteorites on Mars indicates a lasting drought on the planet, making it difficult for life to exist today. The study calculates a chemical weathering rate that shows rust formation takes thousands of times longer on Mars than in driest deserts on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 11, 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.

Pest control: Wicked weeds may be agricultural angels

A study by Cornell University researchers suggests that certain weeds, like milkweed, can be beneficial to crops and the environment. By incorporating these weeds into agricultural systems, farmers may reduce their reliance on pesticides and herbicides, while also supporting biodiversity and pollinator health.

SourceCornell University·JournalWeed Science·DateNov 11, 2016

Even physicists are 'afraid' of mathematics

A new study published in New Journal of Physics found that physicists pay less attention to articles with dense mathematical details, indicating real and widespread barriers to scientific communication. The researchers suggest improving clearer presentation of technical work is key to bridging this gap.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateNov 11, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Traumatic stress changes brains of boys, girls differently, Stanford study finds

A recent study found structural differences between the sexes in one part of the insula, a brain region involved in emotion processing. This difference may help explain why girls are more likely to develop PTSD than boys after experiencing trauma. The findings suggest sex-specific treatments for traumatic stress and emotion dysregulation.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateNov 11, 2016

Using pectin to advance neuron-like electronic systems

A team of Italian scientists has created a hybrid device that links biological and electronic systems, leveraging pectin to replicate memristive behavior. The device features a double-layered polyelectrolyte structure that enables it to learn and perform logic/classification functions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateNov 11, 2016

When and how to introduce peanut-containing foods to reduce allergy risk

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends introducing peanut-containing foods as early as 4-6 months for high-risk infants with severe eczema and/or egg allergy. Early introduction has been shown to benefit infants who are sensitized to peanuts in studies like LEAP.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 11, 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.

Development of a wearable medical device for type 2 diabetes

A new wearable medical device has been found to reduce visceral fat and improve blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. The device, which uses mild electrical stimulation and heat shock, has shown significant improvements in glycated hemoglobin values and insulin resistance.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 11, 2016

Before a cure, a crusade to stop lung cancer from spreading

Lung cancer is expected to result in an estimated 158,080 deaths in 2016 due to limited treatment options. Researchers are exploring signals within lung cancer cells that cause them to grow quickly and spread to other organs like the liver.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateNov 11, 2016

College students with food allergies find big challenges in staying safe

A study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that most colleges lack integrated systems to support students with food allergies. The study's lead author, Ruchi Gupta, MD, notes that these students value feeling secure and willing to work with school officials to create education around their needs.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 11, 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.

Scientists develop tissue-engineered model of human lung and trachea

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have developed a tissue-engineered model of the human lung and trachea, which contains diverse cell types found in the respiratory tract. This breakthrough model has the potential to improve our understanding of lung regeneration and lead to new therapies for damaged lungs.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalTissue Engineering·DateNov 11, 2016

Access to asthma meds, plus flu vaccines, keep kids with asthma healthy

Two studies show that schools implementing asthma care programs and vaccinating children with asthma against the flu can significantly improve attendance rates. A total of 90% of students were able to return to class after receiving treatment, compared to 11% without access to these services.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 11, 2016

Pneumonia rates linked to hospital ventilators have not dropped

A new study has found that ventilator-associated pneumonia rates have been stable and substantial since 2005, with approximately 10% of critically ill patients developing the condition. The study's findings contradict previous data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighting a need for further research into preven...

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJAMA·DateNov 11, 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.

Pesticide exposures can cause changes in oral microbiome

Researchers found pesticide exposure associated with decreased bacterial diversity and specific taxon reductions in farmworkers' oral microbiomes. Azinphos-methyl detection correlated with lower Streptococcus and Halomonas populations.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 11, 2016

Plant's POEM: 'No need to fertilize, for increase in seed size'

Plant biologists at ITbM, Nagoya University, have made a key discovery that the contents in pollen tubes alone can increase the size of seeds, without the need for fertilization. This new plant phenomenon, named as POEM (pollen tube-dependent ovule enlargement morphology), shows that even in the absence of fertilization, release of the...

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 11, 2016

Magnetic Resonance Imaging to predict the salt content of Iberian ham

Researchers from University of Extremadura develop non-destructive method using Magnetic Resonance Imaging to quantify salt content of Iberian ham and classify it according to salt penetration. This methodology enables real-time results and can be applied to other quality parameters.

SourceUniversity of Extremadura·JournalJournal of Food Engineering·DateNov 11, 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.

Plants modulate accumulation of metabolites at organ level

Researchers used a new approach to measure metabolic diversity in various plant tissues, revealing distinct profiles for each tissue. The study identified specific genes regulating the biosynthesis of ecologically-important secondary metabolites, shedding light on how plants modulate their metabolite accumulation at the organ level.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2016

New maps created by Stanford scientists reveal safe locations for wastewater injection

Stanford scientists created detailed stress maps to understand earthquake triggers in Texas and Oklahoma, identifying problematic faults and ideal orientations for earthquakes. The maps help predict seismic activity resulting from fluid injection, enabling companies and regulators to avoid these faults and prevent induced earthquakes.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 11, 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.

Study examines effectiveness of probation program

A randomized control trial tested the HOPE program against traditional PAU, finding no significant differences in re-arrest rates or time to re-arrest. The study suggests that strict supervision practices can be effective, but more work is needed to determine the model's effectiveness for specific types of probationers.

SourceWiley·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateNov 11, 2016

America's top reporters on aging chosen for fellowship program

The Gerontological Society of America has selected 16 distinguished reporters for the Journalists in Aging Fellows Program. The fellows will develop major aging-focused stories or series during GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting, exploring concerns such as elder isolation, homeless seniors, and the digital future.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateNov 11, 2016

Ventilator-associated pneumonia rates remain stable, substantial

A study analyzing Medicare Patient Safety Monitoring System data found that ventilator-associated pneumonia rates remained stable and substantial from 2005 to 2013, affecting approximately 10% of ventilated patients. The researchers also found that interventions purported to reduce VAP were often supported by limited evidence.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 11, 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.

Protozoan parasite increases risk of colitis, study reveals

Researchers have discovered that mice infected with the common gut parasite Tritrichomonas muris are at an increased risk of developing inflammatory colitis. The study highlights the need for a better understanding of cross-kingdom interactions between host and protozoa within the gastrointestinal tract.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 11, 2016

Skipping breakfast and not enough sleep can make children overweight

A new study published in Pediatrics found that children who skip breakfast and have irregular sleep patterns are more likely to become overweight or obese. The research, based on data from over 19,000 UK children, highlights the importance of early life factors such as smoking in pregnancy and disrupted routines in predicting weight gain.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 11, 2016

Keeping our balance -- a tale of two systems

Scientists have identified two sensory channels that transmit information to the brain about movement using fundamentally different approaches. The discovery suggests a legacy of the differences between navigating in water and air, with one channel sending smooth signals resembling sound waves and another rapid signals like drumbeats.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 11, 2016

Skin bacteria could protect against disease

Research suggests that skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes produces a protective protein called RoxP, which shields against UV radiation-induced oxidative stress and potentially various skin diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 11, 2016

Crowd workers help robot keep conversation fresh

A Disney Research team created an automated method of crowdsourcing multiple lines of dialogue for robots, using a persistent interactive personality that can translate high-level goals into simple narratives. The method was tested in a trivia contest and resulted in 716 unique lines of dialogue.

SourceDisney Research·DateNov 11, 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.

Surgery for back pain reduces problems with sex life-related pain

A study published in Spine found that surgery significantly improves sex life-related pain and disability in patients with degenerative spinal conditions. After three months, less than 20% of patients still experienced pain, compared to 40% without surgery. The improvement persisted for four years.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalSpine·DateNov 11, 2016