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Science News for November 23, 2016


Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Health diagnosis through bio-signal measuring electrodes on IoT devices

Researchers developed bio-signal measuring electrodes that can be mounted on IoT devices, allowing for easy health diagnosis without additional equipment. The electrodes can measure brain waves, electrocardiograms, and other biological signals, and are expected to be applicable to medical fields.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 23, 2016

Your dog remembers what you did

Researchers found that dogs can recall a person's complex actions, even when they don't expect to be tested. The study used the 'Do as I Do' training method to demonstrate this ability.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 23, 2016

Study suggests home-based telemental health delivers better quality of life for veterans

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry suggests that home-based telemental health for depression can deliver a similar quality of life and patient satisfaction as in-person visits, overcoming barriers such as mobility issues and transportation costs. The trial enrolled 241 depressed elderly veterans who received eight ...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateNov 23, 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.

TSRI scientists develop vaccine against fatal prescription opioid overdose

Researchers at TSRI developed a vaccine that blocks the pain-numbing effects of oxycodone and hydrocodone in animal models, also decreasing the risk of fatal opioid overdose. The vaccine uses the immune system's ability to recognize and neutralize invaders, potentially depriving users of euphoria.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateNov 23, 2016

Greater job satisfaction for transgender employees

Research by Larry Martinez at Portland State University found that transgender employees' feelings of job satisfaction and alignment with their organizations increased as they transitioned further. Supportive coworkers who validated their preferred gender identity were key to more positive attitudes.

SourcePortland State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 23, 2016

Researchers run largest known transparent checkpointing process

A team of researchers successfully completed the largest known instance of transparent checkpointing using 32,768 CPU cores and 38 terabytes of memory. This breakthrough simplifies the work of computer scientists handling large amounts of data, allowing them to process and analyze billions of pieces of weather data without fear of loss.

SourceNortheastern University·DateNov 23, 2016

Harnessing the power of predatory bacteria as a 'living antibiotic'

Researchers have successfully used Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a predatory bacterium, to clear multi-drug resistant Shigella infections in zebrafish. The bacteria works alongside the host's immune system, showing promise as a living antibiotic for tackling drug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 23, 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.

Writing an equation for soil success

A team of scientists has developed an equation to measure soil physical quality, which can help determine the best use of a particular soil. The research, led by Robson Armindo, found that this approach can save time and money in crop production.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateNov 23, 2016

Internet of Things (IoT) will demand a step-change in search solutions

The Internet of Things (IoT) will require new search mechanisms to support billions of connected devices, demanding machine-to-machine searches and secure data access. Complex IoT technologies like smart cities, autonomous cars, and environmental monitoring need efficient indexing and ranking mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalIEEE Intelligent Systems·DateNov 23, 2016

$2 million grant to help youngest students learn science

Michigan State University researchers received a four-year, $2.2 million grant to develop kindergarten curriculum units that integrate science with literacy standards. The pilot project found that kindergartners who participated in the program outperformed their peers on tasks requiring evidence-based claims and science vocabulary usage.

SourceMichigan State University·DateNov 23, 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.

Screen to beam technology: The rise of haptic interfaces

Scientists have developed haptic interfaces to enhance collaboration and data analysis in X-ray crystallography. The technology enables real-time visualization and classification of experimental crystallization data on a cloud-based database, streamlining the process and reducing manual effort.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·DateNov 23, 2016

Hurricane risk to northeast USA coast increasing, research warns

Research warns that hurricanes are moving further north along the Northeast US coast, posing a greater threat to cities like New York. The study suggests that man-made emissions have overridden natural cooling effects, leading to more frequent and powerful storms.

SourceDurham University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 23, 2016

Study supports lower cut-off point for defining prediabetes

A large study published in The BMJ found that prediabetes, defined as impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all cause mortality. The study's findings support a lower cut-off point for defining prediabetes, including as low as 5.6 mmol/L.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 23, 2016

Molecular chameleons reveal bacterial biofilm

Researchers develop optical fingerprint to study Salmonella biofilms, providing new tool for understanding mechanisms of biofilm formation. The method is specific and non-toxic, allowing for the detection of biofilm components without harming bacteria.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateNov 23, 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.

Huge reduction in African dust plume impacted climate 11,000 years ago

Researchers reconstructed the African dust plume over the last 23,000 years and observed a dramatic reduction in dust beginning around 11,000 years ago. This weakened plume may have allowed more sunlight to reach the ocean, increasing its temperature by 0.15 degrees Celsius, leading to an increase in monsoon rains over North Africa.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 23, 2016

World of viruses uncovered

A pioneering study of invertebrates has uncovered 1445 viruses, including several new families, revealing people have only scratched the surface of the world of viruses. The research, led by Professor Edward Holmes, suggests these viruses have been associated with invertebrates for potentially billions of years.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2016

Alcohol may increase risk of some types of stroke but not others

Researchers found a divergent association between alcohol consumption and different types of stroke, with heavy drinking increasing the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Light to moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke but no effect on hemorrhagic stroke.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 23, 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.

Hopping to the frontier

Researchers have discovered that a common species of Asian tree frog (Hyla japonica) may be two separate species, with distinct evolutionary relationships between East and West Japan. The study's findings could lead to reassignment of the species' scientific name and shed light on the historical mystery surrounding its discovery.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateNov 23, 2016

Stuttering related to brain circuits that control speech production

Researchers found neuro-metabolite alterations across the brain linking stuttering to changes in brain circuits that control speech production and circuits supporting attention and emotion. Disturbances in neuronal or membrane metabolism contribute to the development of stuttering.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJAMA·DateNov 23, 2016

Genomics reveals hen harrier is 2 distinct species

A study published in Avian Research has confirmed the Hen Harrier and Northern Harrier as two distinct species using genomics and molecular phylogenetics. The classification will aid national conservation efforts, particularly for the European Hen Harrier under threat from grouse hunts.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalAvian Research·DateNov 23, 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.

Active-duty military find PTSD relief through individual cognitive therapy

A randomized clinical trial led by Duke University School of Medicine researcher found that individual cognitive therapy relieved PTSD symptoms better and quicker than group therapy. Nearly half of participants who received one-on-one therapy improved so much they no longer carried a PTSD diagnosis, whereas almost 40 percent of those i...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 23, 2016

Consuming high amounts of saturated fats linked to increased heart disease risk

A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found that consuming high amounts of four major saturated fatty acids increases the risk of coronary heart disease. Replacing these fats with healthier alternatives, such as whole grains and plant proteins, may reduce this risk.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 23, 2016

DNA influences selection of partners for educational achievement

A study found that people with genes for high educational achievement tend to marry and have children with similar DNA. This assortative mating increases genetic and social inequality in future generations. The researchers argue that this could lead to a cycle of increasing inequality.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalIntelligence·DateNov 23, 2016

NASA sees Tropical Storm Otto heading toward landfall in Central America

Tropical Storm Otto is strengthening into a hurricane as it approaches Central America, with maximum sustained winds reaching 75 mph. The storm's center will move onshore within the hurricane warning area on Thursday and reach the Pacific coast of southern Nicaragua or northern Costa Rica early Friday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 23, 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.

TGen awarded $200,000 by NVIDIA Foundation to accelerate its technology

The grant will help TGen accelerate the computer processing of transcriptomes from thousands of cells using a complex computational algorithm. This process will advance precision medicine by quickly informing doctors with the best options for attacking each individual patient's cancer.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateNov 23, 2016

Aviation enhancements, better biosensors could result from new sensor technology

A University of Missouri research team has developed enhanced piezoelectric sensors that can amplify signals, cut costs, and improve reading accuracy. The new technology has wide applications in aviation, detecting structural damage in buildings and bridges, and boosting the capabilities of health monitors.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 23, 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.

Nylon fibers made to flex like muscles

MIT researchers create a new system for producing artificial muscle fibers that contract and expand like natural muscles, using ordinary nylon fiber. The approach harnesses the bending motions of nylon fibers by selectively heating one side to produce complex patterns of movement.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 23, 2016

Educational intervention improves rate of knee replacement among black patients

A decision aid significantly increased the rate of total knee replacement surgery among black patients, who were more likely to undergo surgery when informed about treatment risks and benefits. The intervention also led to a higher uptake of surgery among those willing compared to unwilling patients, women, and younger patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateNov 23, 2016

Jet lag and obesity share similar pathways to liver cancer

Researchers found that jet lag increases both obesity-related liver disease and liver cancer risk by disrupting the body's internal homeostasis. The study suggests that lifestyle changes leading to chronic jet lag can also increase liver cancer risk in humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 23, 2016

Climate model predictions are telling a consistent story

A study by Aarhus University scientists uses three independent climate modeling methods to demonstrate that wheat yield will decline with global temperature increases. The models project a 5.7% decline in global wheat production for each 1°C temperature rise, with warmer regions expected to suffer the most.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 23, 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.

Suicide rates drop among members of White Mountain Apache tribe

A comprehensive community-based effort led to a significant drop in suicide rates, with a 38.3% decrease in overall deaths and attempts. The program, developed by the tribe in collaboration with Johns Hopkins researchers, tracks and triages individuals with suicidal thoughts and provides culturally tailored interventions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 23, 2016

New quantum states for better quantum memories

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology developed a new method to create durable quantum states in nitrogen atoms and microwaves, increasing the lifetime of quantum memory by more than an order of magnitude. This breakthrough enables important quantum-technological applications with faster data processing times.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 23, 2016

Thinning and retreat of West Antarctic glacier began in 1940s

Research reveals that the grounding line of Pine Island Glacier retreated from a prominent seafloor ridge by 1945, with final ungrounding occurring in 1970. The team's findings suggest that ice-sheet retreat continued even when climate forcing weakened.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 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.

Break a sweat: Wearable sweat tech offers new way to track health

A new sweat-sensing skin patch can track biomarkers like electrolytes, glucose, and pH to monitor health and fitness. The device was tested in healthy volunteers and showed reliable results with minimal discomfort.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 23, 2016

For wearable electronic devices, NIST shows plastic holes are golden

Researchers at NIST have developed a way to build safe, nontoxic gold wires onto flexible plastic film, potentially enabling wearable health monitors. The discovery uses porous membranes with tiny holes, which keep the gold from cracking and improving conductivity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·DateNov 23, 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.

How to protect your laptop -- even when it's asleep

Researchers at Concordia University have designed a new software solution called Hypnoguard to safeguard laptop data while the computer is in sleep mode. The system uses encryption and password-based authentication to protect critical data from unauthorized access.

SourceConcordia University·DateNov 23, 2016

Individual cognitive processing therapy had better PTSD improvement

A randomized clinical trial found that individual cognitive processing therapy improved PTSD severity more than group therapy, with patients receiving individual sessions experiencing twice the improvement. Depression and suicidal ideation also improved equally with both forms of therapy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 23, 2016

Should parents lie to children about Santa?

Psychologists warn that lying about Father Christmas can erode children's trust in their parents, while also being a way for adults to re-enter childhood imagination. The authors argue that the harsh realities of adult life may require a 'better' creation to believe in.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateNov 23, 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.

Creative activities promote day-to-day wellbeing

Researchers found that engaging in daily creative activities led to increased feelings of enthusiasm and higher 'flourishing' states. The study supports the idea that everyday creativity can cultivate positive psychological functioning.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·DateNov 23, 2016

Stop playing seek-and-hide with latent HIV

Researchers at Centre for Genomic Regulation develop new technology to detect latent HIV, shedding light on expression landscape of the virus in human genome. The technology shows that different HIV reactivation drugs target different locations within chromosome, leading to more selective treatment.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 23, 2016

Researchers put mouse embryos in suspended animation

UCSF researchers found a way to pause the development of early mouse embryos for up to a month in the lab by inhibiting a master regulator of cell growth. The treatment could improve outcomes in assisted reproduction and regenerative medicine, while also potentially slowing cancer growth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2016

Countdown to the space mission 'Solar Orbiter'

Four Kiel University instruments will measure electrons, protons and ions in the Solar Orbiter space probe. The instruments passed tests with flying colours, providing valuable insights into sun particle radiation and its effect on Earth.

SourceKiel University·DateNov 23, 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.

Depression prevalence in patients with mild cognitive impairment

A meta-analysis of 57 studies representing almost 21,000 patients reveals a pooled prevalence of depression in mild cognitive impairment patients at 32%, varying by source and setting. Further research on depression in MCI patients is warranted to inform clinical decisions and public health policy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 23, 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.

Uncovering the secrets of friction on graphene

Using computer simulations, researchers at MIT and others have made significant strides in understanding the way graphene behaves when something slides along its surface. The findings reveal that the quality of contact between two surfaces is more important than the true contact area in explaining a material's frictional behavior.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2016

Experts call for fair vaccine pricing, not 'random acts of charity'

Vaccine producers are accused of using monopoly power to determine who lives or dies, with prices often exceeding $120 per dose in wealthy countries. Experts argue for fair pricing that takes into account research and manufacturing costs, public health importance, and collective value creation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 23, 2016

Pioneers in IVC filter removal

Interventional radiologists at Rush University Medical Center have developed methods to remove filters that previously couldn't be removed, achieving a 100% retrieval rate. The team uses specialized tools and medical expertise to perform minimally invasive procedures.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateNov 23, 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.

Molecular chameleons reveal bacterial biofilms

Researchers have developed a new method to detect bacterial biofilms using molecular chameleons, which emit a unique optical fingerprint. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding of biofilm formation and its applications in medical care and the food industry.

SourceLinköping University·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateNov 23, 2016

Just add water: New discovery in plant-disease mechanism

A new study by Michigan State University scientists reveals that certain virulent bacteria can directly inject a protein into plant cells, increasing water content and disease prevalence. This discovery highlights the critical role of humidity in plant-disease outbreaks, particularly under conditions of prolonged high humidity.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2016

Scientists trace 'poisoning' in chemical reactions to the atomic scale

Researchers used a combination of measurements to gather detailed information on problematic carbon-based deposits in catalysts, known as coke. They found that uneven distribution of aluminum in zeolite catalysts caused coke buildup, which blocks chemical reactions vital to fuel production and other processes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 23, 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.

Ames Laboratory scientists create first intermetallic double salt with platinum

Researchers have successfully created the first intermetallic double salt with platinum, Cesium Platinide Hydride (4Cs2Pt?CsH), which exhibits a translucent ruby red crystal structure. The compound is highly unstable and can only exist in an inert environment, similar to outer space conditions.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 23, 2016

New Neiman Institute study evaluates national trends in enteral access procedures

A study by the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute found a decline in new enteral access procedures for Medicare patients over the past two decades. Meanwhile, maintenance services increased, with radiologists and emergency physicians surpassing gastroenterologists and surgeons as leading providers.

SourceHarvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateNov 23, 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.

Cancer signaling pathway could illuminate new avenue to therapy

A study published in Nature Cell Biology reveals a pro-growth signaling pathway common to many cancers that can be targeted with precision, leading to the efficient killing of cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. The researchers identified a scaffolding protein IQGAP1 as a key player in this pathway.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 23, 2016

Study suggests that parental health behaviors may influence children's sleep

A new study found that parental confidence in helping children get enough sleep is positively associated with child sleep duration. Additionally, higher parent sleep duration was also linked to increased child sleep duration, suggesting that addressing insufficient sleep among children may require family-based interventions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateNov 23, 2016

Biologist awarded diabetes research prize for studies of fat cells

Peter Arner's research revealed processes that contribute to obesity and diabetes, including the turnover of fat tissue and the production of adipokines. His work also showed that fat cells are renewed relatively rapidly, regardless of weight loss, and that a molecule called TNFα alters leptin levels.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateNov 23, 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.

Changes in the diet affect epigenetics via the microbiota

Research in mice shows that microbes communicate with hosts by sending metabolites that act on histones, influencing gene transcription. Diet composition impacts microbiome and epigenetic changes, with healthy diets promoting beneficial metabolite production.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 23, 2016

Gut's microbial community shown to influence host gene expression

A study has identified the gut microbiome's role in regulating host gene expression through the epigenome. A plant-based diet favors a healthier microbiome and promotes interplay between microbes and host cells. This research suggests that a Western diet may disrupt this communication, leading to potential health issues.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 23, 2016