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Science News for November 29, 2016


Parents should avoid pressuring young children over grades, ASU study says

A new ASU study suggests that parents should focus on promoting kindness and decency in their children, rather than just academic achievement. Children who perceived their parents as valuing kindness equally or more highly performed better academically and had fewer psychological issues.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateNov 29, 2016

Life before oxygen

Scientists have discovered fossils of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in ancient rocks from South Africa and Western Australia, dating back to the Neoarchean Eon, 2.8 to 2.5 billion years ago. These findings suggest that life existed on Earth before the Great Oxidation Event, which led to a significant increase in oxygen levels.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalGeology·DateNov 29, 2016

Pitt civil engineering research going viral with bacteriophages

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are using cross-assembly phage (crAssphage) as an indicator of fecal contamination in water, which can help prevent disease outbreaks and improve public safety. The study aims to establish a correlation between crAssphage presence and pathogens in irrigation water.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateNov 29, 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.

Nanotechnology a 'green' approach to treating liver cancer

Researchers have developed a new minimally invasive approach using gold nanoparticles encapsulated by gum Arabic to target and destroy precancerous tumor cells in the livers of mice. The study shows that this 'green' nanotechnology approach can suppress liver preneoplastic lesions with minimal damage to healthy tissue.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateNov 29, 2016

Subsidized housing works better for some kids than others

A new study by Johns Hopkins University researchers found that subsidized housing significantly influences young people's standardized test scores and behavior. High-achieving children who lived in subsidized housing scored 8% higher on tests than similar peers, while low-performing students saw their scores drop. The study suggests th...

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalAmerican Journal of Community Psychology·DateNov 29, 2016

Daily reminders to increase calcium intake are effective

A UBC study shows that targeted email messages can increase calcium intake among Canadians, with participants consuming an extra 200mg of calcium per day. The research highlights the effectiveness of providing salient information and relevant strategies to promote healthy habits on a limited budget.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateNov 29, 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.

CSU researchers maximize research through new NIH grants

Colorado State University researchers Lucas Argueso, Tai Montgomery, and Tim Stasevich have been awarded $5.4 million in NIH grants to explore various research topics, including genome structure variation, microRNA functions, and histone modification dynamics.

SourceColorado State University·DateNov 29, 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.

Depression in soldiers linked to brain disruption from injury

Researchers found disrupted brain circuitry in service members with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) who developed depression symptoms, linking physical foundation to emotional processing and rumination. This study may lead to personalized treatment strategies for future care.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 29, 2016

Squeezed states of light can improve feedback cooling significantly

Researchers from DTU Physics demonstrated how quantum-engineered states of light can improve the efficiency of feedback cooling beyond classical bounds. They successfully cooled a mechanical oscillator's temperature by more than 140 degrees below room temperature using a novel technique involving squeezed light.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2016

Cycad seed tissue loaded with carbohydrates

Cycads' seed storage tissue contains 70% carbohydrates, including starch and sugars, which aid in embryo health during arduous oceanic journeys. The study highlights the importance of published research for informing plant conservation decisions.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalHortScience·DateNov 29, 2016

Deep insights from surface reactions

Using the Stampede supercomputer, researchers have developed a new method to study protein-ligand interactions without introducing disturbances. This technique, called Transient Induced Molecular Electronic Spectroscopy (TIMES), provides valuable information and insight for drug discovery, desalination, and bacterial energy production.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalACS Central Science·DateNov 29, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cancer patients take comfort in peer stories on online forums

A new study reveals that cancer patients find emotional support in personal stories from peers on online forums, not television entertainment. The researchers found that women make more use of these resources than men, providing a safe space for comfort and community.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Cancer Education·DateNov 29, 2016

NIJ grant to develop investigative tool for counterfeit bills

A team of experts from Sam Houston State University is developing a novel investigative tool using micro Raman spectroscopy to analyze inkjet printer signatures. The goal is to provide reliable leads in counterfeit cases while being time-effective and non-destructive.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateNov 29, 2016

Live cell imaging of asymmetric cell division in fertilized plant cells

Researchers at Nagoya University have successfully visualized asymmetric cell division in fertilized plant cells using live cell imaging. The study reveals how the direction of this division determines the body axis of flowering plants, with a small cell forming on top and a large cell at the bottom.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 29, 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.

This is your brain on God: Spiritual experiences activate brain reward circuits

A study published in Social Neuroscience found that devout Mormons' spiritual experiences are associated with activation in the nucleus accumbens, a critical brain region for processing reward. The researchers also found that spiritual feelings activate regions linked to focused attention and moral reasoning.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalSocial Neuroscience·DateNov 29, 2016

New forecast tool helps ships avoid blue whale hotspots

A new forecasting system called WhaleWatch has been developed to predict locations of blue whales off the West Coast. The system produces monthly maps of blue whale 'hotspots' to alert ships where there may be an increased risk of encountering these endangered whales.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateNov 29, 2016

China's 'missing girls' theory likely far overblown, study shows

A University of Kansas study suggests that China's one-child policy led to an underreported number of births, rather than a large-scale sex-selective abortion. The researchers found that local government officials made agreements with farmers to allow extra children in exchange for social stability, resulting in a significant number of...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalThe China Quarterly·DateNov 29, 2016

DFG to fund 14 new Collaborative Research Centres

The DFG is establishing 14 new Collaborative Research Centres to investigate topics such as the practices of comparison, neutrinos, dark matter, and the robustness of vision. The CRCs will receive a total of €117.4 million in funding over an initial four-year period.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateNov 29, 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.

Crunching the numbers: Researchers use math in search for diabetes cure

Researchers have successfully reactivated oscillations in insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells using mathematical models and microfluidic devices. By delivering controlled glucose levels to dormant cells, scientists can test how insulin-producing cells get turned off and whether they can be reactivated.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 29, 2016

Sports that will save your life revealed: New research

A study by University of Sydney found that cycling, swimming, and racquet sports reduce risk of death from cardiovascular disease and other causes. Participation in these activities lowered the risk of death from CVD by 56% for racquet sports, 41% for swimmers, and 36% for aerobics.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateNov 29, 2016

Platypus venom could hold key to diabetes treatment

Australian researchers have discovered that the platypus and echidna have evolved changes in the hormone GLP-1, making it resistant to rapid degradation. This finding has potential for developing new type 2 diabetes treatments with a long-lasting form of insulin.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 29, 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.

UTA electrical engineering professor is named an IEEE Fellow

Qilian Liang, a UTA electrical engineering professor, has been named an IEEE Fellow for his groundbreaking work in fuzzy logic systems. His research has led to applications in military product development and knowledge processing within sensor networks.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateNov 29, 2016

Possible origin of Saudi Arabia's Ghawar supergiant oil field

Scientists propose a novel plate tectonic scenario for the genesis of major Mesozoic oil fields. The model suggests that rapid continental movement and changes in latitude could have led to the emplacement of organic carbon at equatorial latitudes, eventually sealing it with sediments deposited at sub-tropical latitudes.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateNov 29, 2016

Metamaterials open up entirely new possibilities in optics

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a method to manipulate light using metamaterials, allowing it to follow any predetermined path along a surface. This innovation has vast applications in optical chips for reliable data delivery and faster routers.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·DateNov 29, 2016

Alcohol consumption shows no effect on coronary arteries

Researchers using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) found no association between light to moderate alcohol consumption and coronary artery disease (CAD). The study analyzed 1,925 consecutive patients and characterized plaques, but no relationship was found between atherosclerosis, clinical risk factors, and patient drinki...

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 29, 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.

Digital microbes for munching yourself healthy

A research team at the University of Luxembourg has developed a computer model of the human gut microbiome, capturing the metabolic processes of 773 bacterial strains. The model, called AGORA, can simulate metabolic processes and investigate how they affect other microbes and the human host.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 29, 2016

Young children's spatial talk predicts their spatial abilities

A new study reveals that young children's ability to describe spatial relationships is more important than the number of spatial words they know. Children who can adapt to different images and supply relevant information tend to perform better in spatial skills tests.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalChild Development·DateNov 29, 2016

Brain pattern flexibility and behavior

A study analyzing brain region connectivity found that people with more flexible brain states perform better on executive-function tasks. The researchers discovered five general brain patterns, with those in the most flexible states excelling in high-level cognition.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalNeuroImage·DateNov 29, 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.

Omnipath sends strong signal

Researchers can now analyze biological signaling pathways with unprecedented accuracy thanks to OmniPath, combining 27 public databases on signalling interactions. The tool provides a comprehensive and unified collection of literature-curated signalling pathways based on an analysis of 41,000 scientific papers.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 29, 2016

Researchers explore 2-D materials to devices faster, smaller and efficient

A new study by an international team of researchers highlights how manipulation of 2D materials can improve device speed, size, and efficiency. The findings could unlock new possibilities for electronic and photonic devices, enabling applications such as sensing, fingerprinting minute amounts of biomolecules, and energy harvesting.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 29, 2016

A new technique of antibiotic efficiency testing developed

Russian scientists have developed a new technique for antibiotic efficiency testing, which measures antimicrobial activity and determines the mode of action. The system allows for the analysis of thousands of compounds per day and provides insights into the efficacy of new germicides.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateNov 29, 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.

For refugees seeking asylum, medical exams are in short supply

A new study highlights the importance of medical evaluations in refugee asylum cases, but notes a shortage of doctors to conduct them. Lawyers say independent, thorough exams can provide corroboration and reveal additional details, strengthening cases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Forensic and Legal Medicine·DateNov 29, 2016

EDGE bioinformatics brings genomics to everyone

EDGE brings genomics expertise to everyone with a user-friendly web-based platform that integrates cutting-edge tools and reduces data analysis times from days to minutes. The platform has already helped streamline data analysis for groups worldwide, including those in Thailand, Georgia, Peru, and Egypt.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateNov 29, 2016

Sustainable Development Goals lead to lower population growth

Achieving the SDGs would lead to a global population of between 8.2 and 8.7 billion by 2100, peaking by 2060, according to a new study. The study highlights the impact of increasing female education and universal access to reproductive health services on reducing fertility rates and population growth.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 29, 2016

Huntington's disease affects muscle as well as neurons, study reveals

Researchers discovered that Huntington's disease affects muscle maturation, leading to disrupted skeletal muscle function and potentially improving motor symptoms. The study suggests targeting skeletal muscle tissue may provide a new opportunity to improve patient care.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateNov 29, 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.

Glowing crystals can detect, cleanse contaminated drinking water

Tiny, glowing crystals can selectively capture heavy-metal toxins like lead and mercury from water sources, making them a promising tool for cleaning up contaminated drinking water. The LMOFs' open framework allows them to take in large amounts of contaminants, and they can be reused multiple times.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 29, 2016

Using drugs for different diseases than initially intended for

Researchers discover over 31,000 repurposable drug candidates for various diseases, including Parkinson's and tuberculosis. The study uses computational methods to identify shared properties between genes, drugs, and diseases, promising a more efficient and cost-effective approach to pharmaceutical discoveries.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalDrug Discovery Today·DateNov 29, 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.

Belize's Glover's Reef providing refuge for new generation of sea turtles

A recent study by WCS found over 1,000 juvenile hawksbill sea turtles at Glover's Reef, indicating a positive conservation effort. The protected waters provide a safe haven for the species to thrive, with a high survival rate and promising implications for the Caribbean region.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateNov 29, 2016

Mysteries of enzyme mechanism revealed

An international team has made a breakthrough by trapping an intermediate in the mechanism of heme peroxidase enzymes and determining its structure using neutron beams. This finding could change our understanding of how these enzymes work, shedding new light on their role in biochemical processes.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 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.

New website uses big data to address underrepresentation of women in philosophy

A new website created by Nicole Hassoun and a group of professors and students at Binghamton University uses big data to rank university philosophy departments and academic journals by gender, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in philosophy. The site aims to provide better data for setting targets and evaluating performance...

SourceBinghamton University·DateNov 29, 2016

UA researcher explores male perceptions about HPV

A University of Arizona researcher is investigating how men perceive their role in preventing the spread of human papillomavirus (HPV). Her study found that most college-age males had heard of HPV but lacked knowledge about a vaccine that could prevent related cancers for both males and females. The researcher emphasizes the importance...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateNov 29, 2016

Genetic link to fatal health condition could aid future treatment

Researchers discovered a genetic link between abdominal aortic aneurysm and four genes, which could help doctors understand the condition better. The study found that early detection is key to preventing fatal internal bleeding, and a new research programme will investigate the effect of these genes on AAA growth.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalCirculation Research·DateNov 29, 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.

New approach predicts price trends in the stock options market

A new research paper from the University of Luxembourg outlines a method to identify patterns in options traders' behavior influenced by short-term market perceptions. Sophisticated investors use these patterns for profit, but the approach can exacerbate expected price plunges.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalThe Journal of Derivatives·DateNov 29, 2016

A new record at BESSY II: 10 million ions cooled for the first time to 7.4 K

A team at HZB and Univ. of Freiburg has cooled 10 million ions to 7.4 K using a novel method, allowing for cryogenic X-ray spectroscopy and studying magnetism and ground states of molecular ions. This achievement paves the way for developing new materials for energy-efficient information technologies.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 29, 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.

Neuro Kinetics announces transformational concussion paper published on PLOS ONE

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals the potential clinical utility of an integrated, multi-modal battery of oculomotor, vestibular, and reaction time tests for detecting concussions. The results show promising sensitivities and specificities, paving the way for objective diagnostic tools at the point of injury or in emergency rooms.

SourceNeuro Kinetics, Inc.·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 29, 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.

Bumpy surfaces, graphene beat the heat in devices

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new way to dissipate heat in next-generation microelectronic devices by using bumpy surfaces with graphene. The interface between gallium nitride semiconductors and diamond heat sinks was improved, allowing phonons to disperse more efficiently. This improvement can lead to better reliabil...

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 29, 2016

Telescopic walls could rise on demand to stop flood waters

Jorge Cueto's PhD thesis focused on developing telescoping structural systems for 'rise on demand' flood walls, which can be installed below ground level and raised when flooding occurs. His company, Smart Walls Construction LLC, recently received a $225,000 NSF grant to test and commercialize the invention.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateNov 29, 2016

Evidence of brain injury found in young NFL players

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found evidence of brain injury and repair in young NFL players compared to a control group. PET imaging revealed higher levels of a biomarker associated with brain injury in eight of the 12 brain regions studied, suggesting a link between concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateNov 29, 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.

World-first research sheds light on the origin of the baleen whale

Monash University scientists have uncovered evidence of how baleen whales evolved from biting prey with teeth to filtering using baleen. The discovery sheds light on the complex evolutionary change that led to the rise of filter-feeding in these massive creatures.

SourceMonash University·JournalMemoirs of Museum Victoria·DateNov 29, 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.

Study explains evolution phenomenon that puzzled Darwin

A Northwestern University research team developed a mathematical model that predicts the evolution of two distinct subspecies in ornamented animals, one with flashy ornaments for attracting mates and one with subdued ornaments. The study found evidence from nature agrees with the model, showing many species split into these subgroups.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateNov 29, 2016

Creating new physical properties in materials

A collaborative effort demonstrates that the physical properties of SrTiO3 can be changed by a simple electrical treatment, creating the effect known as piezoelectricity. This discovery opens a new chapter for research into new materials and unusual properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 29, 2016

Ultrafast imaging reveals existence of 'polarons'

Scientists have discovered a new way to study the atomic structure of materials, revealing the existence of 'polarons' that affect the flow of current. The ultrafast electron diffraction technique captures subtle lattice distortions, showing that electrons and atoms move cooperatively, driving deformations in the material's lattice.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·Journalnpj Quantum Materials·DateNov 29, 2016

Understanding the way liquid spreads through paper

A team of Indian researchers created a model to describe the diffusion of liquids through paper, revealing new theoretical details. The study aims to control liquid spreading for precise creation of products involving paper-based technologies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 29, 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.

Use of prescription analgesics differs significantly between persons with and without Alzheimer's

A recent study found that approximately one-third of Alzheimer's patients use prescription pain relievers, comparable to those without the disease. However, the type and frequency of analgesics used differed significantly between groups. Paracetamol was most commonly used, while anti-inflammatory medications were less frequent.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Pain·DateNov 29, 2016

Enzyme research provides a new picture of depression

Researchers found that individuals lacking the CYP2C19 enzyme have a lower risk of depression and larger hippocampi in adulthood. Increased expression of the enzyme is associated with higher suicidal incidences in depressed patients, suggesting that early life influences may contribute to depression's development.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 29, 2016

Marijuana use gender gap widens, mainly among low-income Americans

A study found that marijuana use prevalence increased by 6% among men earning less than $20,000 annually between 2007 and 2014, compared to only 2% for women in the same income group. This widening gender gap is linked to economic hardship and insecurity during the Great Recession.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateNov 29, 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.

Ants communicate by mouth-to-mouth fluid exchange

Researchers discovered that ants share proteins and hormones through trophallaxis, allowing them to collectively influence colony growth and development. This process enables ants to cast 'quantitative ballots' for their colony's future by administering different amounts of growth-promoting components to their larvae.

SourceeLife·DateNov 29, 2016

Groundwater helium level could signal potential risk of earthquake

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered a correlation between groundwater helium levels and stress on inner rock layers near the epicenter of earthquakes. The study found that high-stress areas had higher helium-4 levels in groundwater, suggesting a potential risk indicator for earthquakes.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 29, 2016

Walking faster after stroke, managing chemobrain after cancer

Researchers at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute present studies on improving walking speed in stroke patients and managing cancer-related cognitive dysfunction, also known as chemobrain. Occupational therapy was found to improve everyday functioning and manage issues like mood, stress, and fatigue in cancer survivors.

SourceAllina Health·DateNov 29, 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.

Learning makes animals intelligent

Researchers have developed an associative learning model that explains how animals create effective behaviors, such as self-control and tool use. The model suggests that genetic regulation of learning influences species-specific behavior and intelligence.

SourceStockholm University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 29, 2016

Drugs prevent heart damage during breast cancer treatment, study show

A landmark clinical trial conducted by researchers at the University of Alberta found that beta blockers and ACE inhibitors effectively prevent a drop in heart function from cancer treatment. The study showed improved safety for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, with potential benefits to survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 29, 2016

Human groups key to preserving natural resources

A new study using mathematical modeling found that societies divided into multiple groups are more likely to conserve natural resources and survive than those without sub-group divisions. This is because each group can learn from the successes and failures of others, leading to better institutions for managing resources.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalEcological Economics·DateNov 29, 2016

Researchers tweak enzyme 'assembly line' to improve antibiotics

Scientists at NC State University have discovered a way to make pinpoint changes to an enzyme-driven assembly line that will enable the creation of new antibiotics with desired properties. By tweaking the function of individual modules in the enzyme, researchers can design man-made molecules with precise control.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateNov 29, 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.

Military environment

Researchers at the University of Delaware developed models to improve environmental conservation on military bases, resulting in a 21% increase in military readiness and environmental protection. The study found that by considering the cost-effectiveness of project selections, the DoD can achieve significant benefits with reduced costs.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalLand Economics·DateNov 29, 2016

Georgia State opens South Pole Solar Observatory in Antarctica

The new observatory will record high-resolution images of the Sun every five seconds, measuring internal gravity waves and their role in transporting energy and momentum. The data will aid in understanding space weather events, solar coronal heating, and the structure of the Sun's atmosphere.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateNov 29, 2016

Shorebirds studied in 'Noah's ark'

Researchers analyzed incubation rhythms of 32 monogamous shorebird species across 729 nests, finding significant within- and between-species diversity. The study suggests that the risk of egg loss from predators is a key factor determining incubation bout lengths, with cryptic nest behavior influencing this relationship.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalNature·DateNov 29, 2016

New research explores patients' satisfaction with their radiologists

A new study using national patient ratings website data found that most US radiologists receive favorable satisfaction scores from their patients. The study also showed that radiologists in the Northeast scored lower than those elsewhere, and online reviews tend to be strongly positive or negative.

SourceHarvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute·DateNov 29, 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 develop novel wound-healing technology

A WSU research team has successfully used a mild electric current to kill drug-resistant bacterial infections, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, responsible for chronic and serious infections in lung diseases and wounds. The technology uses an antibiotic in combination with the electric current to disrupt biofilm matrices, damage ...

SourceWashington State University·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateNov 29, 2016

New tool enables viewing spectrum from specific structures within samples

Researchers at the University of Chicago created a new tool to view the spectrum from specific structures within samples. The instrument, a spatially selective microscope, allows users to zero in on the spectrum from specific regions of interest and capture standard fluorescence images of the whole field of view.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateNov 29, 2016

How do musician's brains work while playing?

A study by Eriko Aiba found that professional musicians' brains process musical information differently, depending on their prioritization strategy. Some prioritize sight and others rely on auditory memory to learn music, leading to the development of efficient learning methods tailored to individual brain strategies.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 29, 2016

Walking a tight line to study the properties of soft materials

Scientists employed kinesin motor proteins to detect stretching and compressing of soft silicon-based material polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The study found that microtubules moved faster and aligned themselves in response to stretching, while slowing down and aligning perpendicular to compression.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 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.

Research planned for unique spinning nuclei nets prize

Elena Long's research aims to study the structure of nuclei by exploring how six quarks give rise to a binding force. She plans to use a new target made of deuterated ammonia to apply strong magnetic fields and measure polarization, gaining insight into matter's underlying structure.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateNov 29, 2016

Mayo Clinic finds myocarditis caused by infection on rise globally

Researchers found that myocarditis is affecting both children and adults worldwide, with men being twice as likely as women to develop severe reactions. Early diagnosis is key to preventing long-term heart damage, and new investigational therapies are soon to be tested.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 29, 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.

Using sound to stop destructive beetles in their tracks

Researchers at the University of Hawaii are using acoustics to understand and track the movement of the invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle. By analyzing the beetle's chirp signatures, they hope to develop a new method for tracking and mitigating its impact on Hawaii's palm trees.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 29, 2016

New insight into why leukaemia drug is successful

Researchers at the University of Southampton have characterised the molecular mechanisms behind idelalisib's effectiveness in treating chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The study found that the drug disrupts survival signals and prevents tumour cell communication, leading to cancer cell death.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalLeukemia·DateNov 29, 2016

ASH launches digital, open-access journal

The American Society of Hematology launched Blood Advances, an open-access online journal, to fill a niche in hematologic research. The journal features multimedia content, rapid publication, and interactive discussion tools.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·DateNov 29, 2016