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Science News for November 16, 2016


Shell-swinging snails knock out predators

Researchers found two snail species in Japan and Russia that use their shells to hit and knock over carabid beetles. This active defense strategy is unique and suggests the importance of predator-prey interactions in animal evolution.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 16, 2016

Glowing tumors help Penn surgeons cut out brain cancer with precision

Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed a fluorescent dye technique that makes tumors glow brightly during surgery, enabling surgeons to distinguish between healthy and cancerous tissue. The tool has shown promise in patients with brain cancer, demonstrating the ability to identify tumor margins and reduce recurrence rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNeurosurgery·DateNov 16, 2016

Matchmaking for coffee?

Researchers found that intercropping Arabica coffee with macadamia tree HAES 816 improves environmental conditions and increases coffee production. The partnership reduces competition between crops and provides a source of income for farmers, making it a promising strategy for Brazilian coffee producers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateNov 16, 2016

Researching proinsulin misfolding to understand diabetes

Scientists at the University of Michigan are studying protein degradation in pancreatic beta cells to better understand diabetes at the molecular level. They found that proinsulin misfolding can lead to diabetic disease and identified a way to stimulate the degradative pathway to restore normal insulin secretion.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateNov 16, 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.

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.

How to stop human-made droughts and floods before they start

A new Concordia research study examines sources of streamflow variability and change in Alberta's headwaters, providing a scientific methodology to understand the effects of natural and anthropogenic drivers on river flows. The study aims to develop effective management strategies for water security in Canada and globally.

SourceConcordia University·JournalHydrological Processes·DateNov 16, 2016

Physiotherapy treatment does not benefit ankle sprains

A randomized controlled trial found that physiotherapy treatment for mild to moderate ankle sprains has little clinical benefit compared to basic self-management. Fewer than half of patients achieved 'excellent recovery' by six months in the physiotherapy group.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 16, 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.

New software continuously scrambles code to foil cyber attacks

Shuffler, a new program, continuously scrambles code to prevent hackers from exploiting bugs and carrying out malicious activities. The technique is faster and more user-friendly than existing solutions, making it a promising defense against cyber attacks.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateNov 16, 2016

Where cells go: Mechanical and chemical cues collaborate to guide them

Research reveals that cells use a shared molecular network to respond to both chemical and mechanical cues, allowing them to combine conflicting signals into a unified path. This finding takes scientists closer to understanding biological processes like embryonic development, tumor metastasis, and wound healing.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2016

First-ever study shows e-cigarettes cause damage to gum tissue

A University of Rochester Medical Center study reveals that e-cigarettes can cause damage to gums and teeth, similar to conventional cigarettes. The study found that flavoring chemicals play a role in damaging cells in the mouth, and nicotine contributes to gum disease.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateNov 16, 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.

Severe dizziness treated with steroid injections into the eardrum

A new study by Imperial College London suggests that steroid injections into the ear are as effective as gentamicin in treating severe Meniere's disease. Patients who received steroid injections had better speech discrimination and fewer side effects compared to those who received gentamicin.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 16, 2016

What makes patients more likely to land back in the hospital? Social factors play key role

A new study suggests that social determinants of health and disability significantly impact readmission risk for patients with heart failure, pneumonia, or a heart attack. The factors that make the most difference vary greatly from condition to condition, and are largely not something a hospital can change through treatment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 16, 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.

Nepalese porters do it the hard way

Researchers investigated Nepalese porters' load-carrying techniques and found that they do not use energy-conserving mechanisms like African women. Instead, porters move at a slow speed and take frequent breaks to conserve energy.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 16, 2016

Does interleukin-10 reduce age-related insulin resistance?

New research published in The FASEB Journal suggests that IL-10 may protect against the normal insulin resistance associated with aging. Scientists used transgenic mice to show that IL-10 helped reduce inflammation and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, a significant step toward improving quality of life as people age.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 16, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tiny electronic device can monitor heart, recognize speech

Researchers developed a tiny, soft, and wearable acoustic sensor that measures vibrations in the human body, allowing for monitoring of human heart health and recognition of spoken words. The device can gather continuous physiological data and has implications for remote healthcare and communication for people with speech impairments.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 16, 2016

Lyndra scientists develop ultra long-acting oral drug delivery platform

Lyndra's technology enables prolonged gastric residence and can deliver small molecule therapies for up to seven days. The study demonstrated the long-acting controlled release of invermectin for up to 14 days, promising a significant dent in the problem of patients not taking their medicines as prescribed.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 16, 2016

A father's influence makes for better grades

A new study found that fathers' warmth positively affects teenagers' optimism, self-efficacy, and academic achievement. Fathers' involvement is particularly beneficial for low-income families, leading to better math grades and language ability in girls and boys.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateNov 16, 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.

Controlling bleeding disorders with fitted hydrogel casts

Researchers developed a hydrogel-based embolic agent that can form robust and safe blockages in blood vessels, eliminating common caveats of existing embolization methods. The new approach holds promise for treating patients with bleeding disorders or receiving blood-thinners.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 16, 2016

Scientists discover heterospecific mating in spiders

Researchers from Slovenia and South Africa discovered heterospecific mating in African golden orbweb spiders, where males mate with females of different species. The study suggests that such interactions could play a role in determining community structure and may be costly to rarest species.

SourceZRC SAZU·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 16, 2016

A slushy ocean may lie beneath Pluto's heart-shaped basin

A subsurface ocean of water ice may lie beneath Pluto's heart-shaped region, aligning almost exactly opposite its moon Charon. The existence of this ocean solves a longstanding puzzle and provides an explanation for the planet's gravitational tug-of-war with its moon.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 16, 2016

Some hog workers developing drug-resistant skin infections

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that some hog workers are carrying livestock-associated, antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their noses and may be developing skin infections. The researchers suggest that these bacteria can spread more broadly between animals and humans if not properly controlled.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 16, 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.

UTSA Commercialization Centers among national awardees of EDA grant funding

The UTSA SBDC Technology Commercialization Center and Office of Commercialization Innovation have secured a $500,000 matching grant from the EDA for their three-year project. This grant will facilitate knowledge transfer, technology commercialization, and entrepreneurship capacity-building activities in four regions of Texas.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateNov 16, 2016

Winners of the 2016 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards

The 2016 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored journalists for their consequential medical research stories, including a Swedish documentary that raised questions about a surgeon's research conduct. The awards also recognized investigative reporting on topics such as breast cancer and research ethics.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateNov 16, 2016

Astronomers unveil 'heart' of Eta Carinae

An international team of astronomers has imaged the Eta Carinae star system in unprecedented detail, revealing a region where extremely high-velocity stellar winds collide. The observations provide valuable insights into the basic parameters of the binary system and its internal structure.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateNov 16, 2016

Discovery of neurotransmission gene may permit early detection of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have identified a gene that may permit early detection of Alzheimer's disease. The RGS2 gene is involved in neurotransmission signaling and its reduced expression increases the sensitivity of brain neurons to toxic effects of amyloid-β, a protein associated with the disease.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateNov 16, 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.

Large forest die-offs can have effects that ricochet to distant ecosystems

A study led by the University of Washington found that large forest die-offs can alter global climate patterns and affect vegetation on the other side of the world. Removing trees in western North America causes cooling in Siberia, while forests in South America benefit from increased precipitation.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 16, 2016

Brookhaven Lab to lead and partner on DOE exascale computing projects

The Brookhaven-led SOLLVE project aims to standardize OpenMP functionality features for exascale applications, while the CODAR co-design center focuses on developing services for online data analysis and reduction. This will enable scientists to gain insights from data at exascale systems.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateNov 16, 2016

Dry adhesive holds in extreme cold, strengthens in extreme heat

Researchers have developed a dry adhesive that bonds in extreme temperatures, offering properties for space exploration and electronics management. The gecko-inspired adhesive maintains strength in liquid nitrogen and molten silver, and even gets stickier with increasing heat.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 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.

It's how you splice it: Scientists discover possible origin of muscle, heart defects

Researchers found that four key muscle-cell proteins undergo a critical splicing transition in fetal forms, essential for adult muscle function. Disrupting this transition leads to major structural problems and muscle weakness in adult mice, highlighting the importance of alternative splicing in maintaining muscle health.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 16, 2016

Gut-resident capsule may offer new weapon against malaria

A new ingestible capsule can deliver drugs for weeks, potentially revolutionizing treatment against malaria and other diseases with poor adherence. The star-shaped capsule was successfully tested in pigs and showed promise in boosting local malaria elimination when combined with standard anti-malarial drugs.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 16, 2016

Efficient approach for tracking physical activity with wearable health devices

A team from North Carolina State University has created an efficient method for analyzing data from wearables to track physical activity. By adjusting the time increment used to assess activity, they were able to accurately identify five activities (golfing, biking, walking, waving, and sitting) while reducing power consumption.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateNov 16, 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.

Making spintronic neurons sing in unison

Scientists have successfully synchronized two types of nano-oscillators, one driven and the other mutual, achieving robust synchronization over long distances. This breakthrough enables future oscillatory networks for wave-based neuromorphic computing.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 16, 2016

UK study to help chronic pain sufferers back to work

A novel study at the University of Warwick aims to design a package of care and support for people with chronic pain to overcome obstacles to returning to work. The study will use Individual Placement Support (IPS) and provide work placements, aiming to improve health outcomes and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateNov 16, 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.

Smoking electronic cigarettes kills large number of mouth cells

Researchers at Université Laval found that e-cigarette vapor kills a large number of mouth cells within days, damaging the mouth's first line of defense against microbial infection. The study exposed gingival epithelial cells to e-cigarette vapor and observed significant cell death after just one day

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalJournal of Cellular Physiology·DateNov 16, 2016

Allergies during pregnancy contribute to changes in the brains of rat offspring

A study by Ohio State University researchers found significant changes in the brain makeup of fetuses and newborn rats exposed to allergens during pregnancy. Animals exposed before birth showed signs of hyperactivity, antisocial behavior, and decreased anxiety, similar to ADHD. The study could help explain the links between maternal al...

SourceOhio State University·DateNov 16, 2016

Distant star is roundest object ever observed in nature

Researchers used asteroseismology to determine the oblateness of a slowly rotating star, revealing a difference of only 3 kilometers between equatorial and polar radii. The star's small oblateness is surprising, as it rotates three times more slowly than the Sun.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 16, 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.

Owl-inspired wing design reduces wind turbine noise by 10 decibels

Researchers at Lehigh University developed a 3D-printed wing attachment inspired by owl feathers, reducing wind turbine noise by 10 decibels without impacting aerodynamics. The design can also reduce roughness and trailing-edge noise, with implications for improving man-made aerodynamic designs.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·DateNov 16, 2016

LSU Health New Orleans reports innovations in defining sources of GI bleeding

A team of physicians at LSU Health New Orleans has developed a novel technique to identify hidden sources of gastrointestinal bleeding. The method, which combines endoscopy with the administration of antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents, was found to be safe and effective in identifying the source of bleeding in 56% of patients.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateNov 16, 2016

Next-generation biomaterial being developed to treat bleeding

Researchers at Mayo Clinic are developing a universal shear-thinning biomaterial that can be injected through an endovascular catheter, creating an impenetrable cast of the vessel and preventing further bleeding. This alternative to metallic coils may improve treatment outcomes for patients undergoing coil embolization.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 16, 2016

Study links mothers with rheumatoid arthritis and kids with epilepsy

A study published in Neurology shows a link between mothers with rheumatoid arthritis and children with epilepsy. Children born to mothers with rheumatoid arthritis were up to 90% more likely to develop epilepsy than those without RA. The study suggests changes in the environment for the fetus may play a role in developing epilepsy.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 16, 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.

Controversial drug approval stirs deep concerns -- and hope

The FDA approved Exondys, a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, based on data from just 12 patients, raising concerns about scientific evidence and patient advocacy. Families of the boys involved attest to the drug's effectiveness, but critics argue that the agency bowed to pressure rather than making a decision based on evidence.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 16, 2016

Improving cryopreservation for a longer-lasting blood supply

Scientists develop glucose-based molecules to reduce ice formation in red blood cells frozen at -80 degrees Celsius. The new protectants lower the concentration of glycerol needed, enabling faster processing and transfusion of thawed cells.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateNov 16, 2016

Fast-cooking dry beans provide more protein, iron than 'slower' varieties

New research suggests that fast-cooking dry beans retain more protein, iron, and other minerals compared to slower-cooking varieties. This finding has significant implications for addressing global nutrient deficiencies, particularly among people with limited access to food options.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 16, 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.

Whole-fat milk consumption associated with leaner children, research finds

A study of 2,745 children found that those who consumed whole-fat milk had lower body mass index scores and higher vitamin D levels compared to those consuming low-fat or skim milk. The researchers hypothesize that feeling fuller from drinking whole milk may lead to healthier eating habits.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 16, 2016

Cholesterol important for signal transmission in cells

Researchers at FAU discovered that cholesterol strongly influences CXCR4 dimerization and signal transmission in human cells. Their computer simulations revealed that cholesterol is required for the correct formation of GPCR pairs, which affects their function.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 16, 2016

Looking for a city's DNA? Try its ATMs

Researchers at New York University discovered that ATM keypads harbor a range of human skin microbes, as well as microorganisms from food and environmental sources. The study's findings suggest that ATMs can serve as a repository for understanding a city's microbial community.

SourceNew York University·JournalmSphere·DateNov 16, 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.

Researchers receive Patent for Humanity award

Researchers have developed a portable, battery-operated device that can quickly and accurately detect malaria in the bloodstream using magnets and lasers. The Magneto-Optical Detector (MOD) has the potential to save $1.2 billion annually on anti-malaria efforts by reducing false positives and negatives.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateNov 16, 2016

Tapia receives AAAS' Public Engagement with Science Award

Richard Tapia, a Rice University mathematician, has been recognized for his remarkable career blending world-class scholarship, admirable mentoring and profound contributions to science. He has inspired thousands of underrepresented minority students to pursue careers in STEM fields through his popular talks and programs.

SourceRice University·DateNov 16, 2016

New analysis adds to support for a subsurface ocean on Pluto

A liquid ocean beneath Pluto's surface is suggested as the best explanation for its unique features, including Sputnik Planitia. The study provides evidence for a subsurface ocean and challenges traditional theories about Pluto's composition.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateNov 16, 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.

Social media activism is driving corporate agendas

Research by INSEAD found that social media activists can elicit corporate responses by threatening a firm's public image, particularly those with high social and political standing. Companies with greater image vulnerability are more sensitive to threats and respond faster to donations.

SourceINSEAD·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateNov 16, 2016

Getting stroke treatments to people earlier to prevent debilitating outcomes

A five-year project is building on longstanding partnerships with Flint community collaborators to boost stroke awareness and get treatment to more stroke patients. The 'Stroke Ready' program will address barriers to timely evaluation and treatment, helping to reduce the risk of disability by over 30 percent.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateNov 16, 2016

New records set up with 'Screws of Light'

Researchers at the University of Vienna have made significant breakthroughs in transmitting twisted light over long distances, exceeding 100 kilometers. They also demonstrated record-breaking quantum entanglement with 5-digit quantum numbers using a novel technique developed in Australia.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 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.

More human-like model of Alzheimer's better mirrors tangles in the brain

Researchers developed an improved animal model of Alzheimer's disease using tau protein isolated from patient brains. The model replicates the formation and spread of brain fibrils associated with AD, offering new opportunities for investigating therapies to stop or slow their progression.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 16, 2016

Pluto follows its cold, cold heart

Research suggests Pluto's subsurface ocean could be responsible for its current location. The 'heart' region, Sputnik Planitia, may have accumulated ice that made the planet roll over, creating cracks and tensions in the crust. This process, called true polar wander, allows planets to reorient without changing their spin axis.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateNov 16, 2016

New biomaterial for preventing uncontrolled bleeding

Researchers have developed a new biomaterial that can prevent uncontrolled bleeding in patients who cannot form blood clots. The injectable material, known as a shear-thinning biomaterial (STB), is made up of gelatin and nanoparticles and has been shown to be effective in animal models.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 16, 2016

What can Pokémon Go teach the world of conservation?

Researchers explore how Pokémon Go inspires high levels of behavioral change among users, discovering non-virtual wildlife and learning basic natural history concepts. The game's success highlights opportunities for conservation, but also potential challenges such as replacing real-world nature interactions with virtual ones.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalConservation Letters·DateNov 16, 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.

Tackling blood diseases, immune disorders

Magenta Therapeutics secures license to transform blood stem cell transplants with new technologies. The suite of technologies could improve the lives of patients with blood diseases and immune disorders.

SourceHarvard University·DateNov 16, 2016

Vitamin D reduces respiratory infections, says CU Anschutz study

A study by CU Anschutz found that high doses of vitamin D reduce acute respiratory illness (ARI) in older nursing home residents. The findings suggest a 40% reduction in ARI among those taking higher doses of vitamin D.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 16, 2016

World's fastest quantum simulator operating at the atomic level

Researchers have created a quantum simulator that can simulate the dynamics of many electrons interacting with each other within one billionths of a second. This ultrafast quantum simulator will serve as a basic tool to investigate the origin of physical properties of matter, including magnetism and superconductivity.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2016

Teen stalking victims: Analysis of consequences reveals disturbing trends

A new study found that 14% of teenage girls and 13% of boys report being stalking victims, leading to increased symptoms of depression and risky behavior. The survey also revealed that teens in the victim class were more likely to engage in behaviors such as binge drinking and sexting.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 16, 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.

What a twist: Silicon nanoantennas turn light around

Researchers developed a silicon nanoantenna that scatters light in a particular direction depending on the intensity of incident radiation. The nanoantenna allows for the dynamic modification of its properties, enabling faster control over light propagation and paving the way for ultrafast processing of optical information.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·DateNov 16, 2016

Ant bridges connect shy tropical tree crowns

A new study by STRI researchers confirms that trees in tropical forests are like islands, with different species living on each one. The number of ant species found on a tree is positively correlated with the size of the liana-free area around it.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalEcography·DateNov 16, 2016

Marijuana could help treat drug addiction, mental health

A UBC study found that marijuana use could help some alcoholics and opioid addicts kick their habits, as well as alleviate symptoms of depression, PTSD, and social anxiety. However, cannabis may not be recommended for conditions like bipolar disorder and psychosis.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalClinical Psychology Review·DateNov 16, 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.

Visualization of the behavior of sugar transport proteins

A team of researchers at Osaka University developed a method to visualize intracellular protein trafficking, specifically the glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4), which is associated with type II diabetes. The study reveals that abnormalities in the N-glycan chain lead to transient translocation and rapid internalization of GLUT4.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 16, 2016

Moral values influence level of climate change action

A new study by Cornell University researchers reveals that moral values like compassion, fairness, and purity influence individuals' willingness to take climate change action. The findings suggest that both liberals and conservatives value these moral principles, with compassion and fairness being the strongest predictors of action.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 16, 2016

Indonesian fires exposed 69 million to 'killer haze'

Wildfires in Indonesia and Borneo exposed 69 million people to unhealthy air pollution, resulting in thousands of premature deaths. The study estimates that between 6,150 and 17,270 premature deaths occurred due to breathing in the polluted air.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 16, 2016

New hydrogel can take organoids from dish to clinic

EPFL scientists have developed a patent-pending hydrogel that can grow organoids in a standardized and controlled way, overcoming current limitations. The breakthrough provides a fully controllable and tunable environment for growing miniature organs, shedding light on the influence of physical factors on stem cell behavior.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateNov 16, 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.

Bacteriophages cure bacterial infections

Phage therapy, which uses viruses to kill bacteria, has shown no adverse effects in clinical trials and holds promise for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. Researchers plan to use phages against E. coli in the gut or MRSA on the skin, with a goal of establishing a central repository for phages.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·DateNov 16, 2016

Charter schools enroll more girls, with boys more likely to leave

A new study by NYU researchers found that charter schools enroll a larger share of girls than traditional public schools, with the gap peaking at 3.1 percentage points in high school. Boys are also more likely to exit charter schools than girls, but this difference is not enough to fully explain the gender gap.

SourceNew York University·JournalEducational Policy·DateNov 16, 2016

HC-based NGS impacts treatment decisions in lung cancer patients with adenocarcinoma

A study of 101 advanced lung cancer patients found that hybrid capture-based next-generation sequencing (HC-based NGS) identified clinically actionable genomic alterations (GAs) in 50% of patients, leading to changes in treatment strategy. The overall response rate to targeted therapies was 65%, with median survival not yet reached.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateNov 16, 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.

New capsule achieves long-term drug delivery

Researchers have developed a new drug capsule that can remain in the stomach for up to two weeks, gradually releasing its payload. This technology could simplify disease treatment and lead to improved efficacy in mass drug administration campaigns.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 16, 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.

Ultra-long acting pill offers new hope in eliminating malaria

Researchers have developed a long-acting drug delivery capsule that can safely stay in the stomach and deliver medicine for up to two weeks, potentially providing a new way to combat malaria and other infectious diseases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 16, 2016

Climate Resilience through Sweetpotato (CReSP) announced

The CReSP initiative aims to benefit at least 50 million people in high-vulnerability regions by promoting climate-smart and nutritious sweetpotato varieties. Orange-fleshed sweetpotato varieties have been shown to reduce chronic malnutrition and child stunting when promoted with nutrition counseling.

SourceInternational Potato Center / Centro Internacional de la Papa·DateNov 16, 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.

New AI algorithm taught by humans learns beyond its training

Researchers at U of T Engineering developed an AI algorithm that learns directly from human instructions, exceeding conventional training methods by 160% and outperforming its own training by 9%. The algorithm's potential lies in applying heuristic training to fields like medicine and transportation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems·DateNov 16, 2016