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Science News for October 12, 2016


Research will explore new therapies for Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease, a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by the loss of medium spiny neurons and motor control problems. A new award will support research to develop a stem cell-based therapy that swaps sick brain cells for healthy ones.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateOct 12, 2016

Eating may trigger bacterial therapy

Researchers at Rice University have received a $2 million NIH grant to create a library of programmed bacteria that can produce therapeutic drugs on-site in response to dietary triggers. The project aims to advance the development of a biological control system for safely and effectively turning bacteria on and off.

SourceRice University·DateOct 12, 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.

Fractional order modeling may reduce electric car drivers' anxiety

Researchers developed a fractional order model to estimate Lithium-ion battery charge, reducing errors of up to 1% compared to traditional methods. The model replicated the battery's performance and provided accurate results, promising to reduce drivers' anxiety on the road.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateOct 12, 2016

University of Tennessee professor studies drug website risk warnings

A recent study by University of Tennessee professors found that most consumers skim over risk warnings on drug websites, ignoring important information about potential side effects. The researchers suggest presenting risks before benefits and highlighting unique risks with graphics to increase attention.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalJournal of Risk Research·DateOct 12, 2016

Visual cortex plays role in plasticity of eye movement reflex

A new study published in Nature reveals that the visual cortex is involved in promoting plasticity of innate eye movements. Researchers used optogenetics to silence the visual cortex and observed a significant reduction in the activity of the optokinetic reflex, suggesting its role in mediating plasticity between the two reflexes.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature·DateOct 12, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Still wary of heparin from China, US considers options

The US Food and Drug Administration is making surprise visits to heparin plants in China to verify animal origins. Researchers are also working on developing a synthetic version of the drug to diversify sources.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 12, 2016

Genome engineering paves the way for sickle cell cure

Researchers have successfully corrected the mutated gene responsible for sickle cell disease in stem cells using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. The study holds promise for a new treatment by re-infusing edited stem cells into patients, potentially alleviating symptoms and improving lifespan.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 12, 2016

Efficiency plus versatility

A new method of micron-scale surface chemical patterning was developed at UCSB, allowing for the creation of engineered surfaces with patterned polymer brushes. This technology reduces processing time and adds versatility to design, making it suitable for industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 12, 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.

Framing spatial tasks as social eliminates gender differences

Researchers found that framing spatial tests as social tasks eliminated the gender gap in performance, with women performing just as well as men. The study suggests that traditional measures of spatial ability may be underestimating women's abilities and limiting their accessibility to STEM fields.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 12, 2016

Smokeless tobacco product snus may increase risk of death among prostate cancer patients

A new study published in International Journal of Cancer found that men with prostate cancer who used snus were at increased risk of premature death. Snus users had higher levels of nicotine and exposure to carcinogens compared to never-users, suggesting a potential link between snus use and prostate cancer progression.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateOct 12, 2016

Study finds Ebola treatment ZMapp holds promise, although results not definitive

A randomized controlled trial found ZMapp to be safe and well-tolerated, with a 40% lower risk of death for those who received the treatment. However, the trial was conducted during a public health emergency and enrolled too few participants to determine definitively whether ZMapp is superior to standard care alone.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 12, 2016

Vitamins A and C help erase cell memory

Researchers discovered vitamins A and C enhance epigenetic memory erasure by increasing TET enzyme activity, a crucial step for regenerative medicine. The study provides insights into the mechanisms of vitamin A and C action, with potential implications for treating vitamin A-resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2016

MS drug may reverse some physical disability

Researchers found that alemtuzumab improved disability scores by at least one point in nearly 28% of participants, compared to 15% of those receiving interferon. The treatment also showed significant improvements in thinking skills and mobility without tremor or clumsy movements.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 12, 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.

A common nerve protein elevated in aggressive neuroblastomas

A common nerve protein, neuropeptide Y (NPY), is elevated in the blood of patients with aggressive neuroblastoma, associated with poor survival rates and disease relapse. NPY's release from tumors into the bloodstream may also serve as a marker for metastatic disease.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateOct 12, 2016

Getting maximum profit, minimal pollution

Researchers at USDA-Agricultural Research Service found that using less chicken litter than needed for maximum crop yields can increase farmer profits. The study aimed to calculate the optimal amount of chicken litter for cotton crops to balance yield and profitability.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateOct 12, 2016

Wind turbines killing more than just local birds, study finds

Researchers found that golden eagles killed at a wind farm in California came from up to hundreds of miles away, posing a threat to global populations. The study's findings suggest that environmental assessments should consider bird populations across entire regions, not just local areas.

SourcePurdue University·JournalConservation Biology·DateOct 12, 2016

Preschoolers' motor skill development connected to school readiness

A study published by Oregon State University found that preschoolers' fine and gross motor skills are indicative of later performance on two key measures of kindergarten readiness. Children with strong motor skills showed better executive function skills and social behavior.

SourceOregon State University·JournalResearch Quarterly for Exercise and Sport·DateOct 12, 2016

Diversity as natural pesticide

Research suggests that increasing plant diversity can limit the nutrient supply for insect pests, reducing their populations. By introducing different genotypes of the same crop species with varying nutrient levels, farmers may be able to control insects while maintaining consistent production.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·DateOct 12, 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.

The Sun's coronal tail wags its photospheric dog

Researchers discovered that solar flares accelerate sunspot rotation speeds, revealing a complex relationship between the Sun's magnetic fields. This phenomenon challenges current theories on solar flares and has significant implications for understanding energy transport in eruptions.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 12, 2016

Indigenous group add to evidence tying cesarean birth to obesity

A Purdue University study of an indigenous group of Maya people reinforces the link between Cesarean births and obesity. The study found that mothers who have high BMI and had a cesarean are going to have the fattest children in the village, with differences in child sizes suggesting birth method plays a role in development.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateOct 12, 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.

Real-time, observable MRI delivery updated to improve stem cell therapy for Parkinson's

Researchers used Real-time intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (RT-IMRI) to guide the transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons into brains modeled with Parkinson's disease. The study found that RT-IMRI guidance enhances cell survival and improves procedure efficacy and safety.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateOct 12, 2016

How protein fragments associated with Alzheimer's could trigger Parkinson's

A team of scientists identified how amyloid beta, associated with Alzheimer's, can induce cellular changes leading to Parkinson's. This discovery may provide an explanation for the co-occurrence of these neurodegenerative conditions and help researchers find ways to prevent such cases.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateOct 12, 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.

Antidepressants during pregnancy associated with childhood language disorders

Mothers who took antidepressants during pregnancy had a 37-percent increased risk of speech and/or language disorders in their offspring compared to mothers with depression but no treatment. The study, published online in JAMA Psychiatry, used a large sample population and followed children beyond age 3.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateOct 12, 2016

Nano-spike catalysts convert carbon dioxide directly into ethanol

Researchers at ORNL developed a nanoscale catalyst that converts carbon dioxide directly into ethanol with high selectivity. The process uses low-cost materials and operates at room temperature in water, making it suitable for industrially relevant applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalChemistrySelect·DateOct 12, 2016

Salty snow could affect air pollution in the Arctic

Researchers found that salty snow and sea ice can increase nitrogen oxide levels in the air, affecting ozone formation. The study suggests incorporating these factors into future models to better predict Arctic air pollution.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·DateOct 12, 2016

The Milky Way's ancient heart

Researchers found a dozen previously unknown RR Lyrae stars at the center of the Milky Way, indicating that galactic bulges may have formed through merging ancient globular clusters. The discovery provides strong evidence for an important theory of galactic evolution.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 12, 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.

Better models needed to predict risk of atrial fibrillation from medical records

A team of researchers found that widely accepted atrial fibrillation risk prediction algorithms do not accurately predict incidence when applied to electronic medical records. The study suggests that existing models may be incompatible with EMR data, leading to inconsistent predictions and potential misdiagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateOct 12, 2016

Study finds variable accuracy of wrist-worn heart rate monitors

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found variable accuracy of wrist-worn heart rate monitors, particularly during moderate exercise. The results suggest that these devices should be used with caution for individuals relying on them to track fitness or stay within safe heart rate thresholds.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateOct 12, 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.

How long should children play video games?

A new study found that limited video game play time may provide benefits to children, including improved motor skills and higher school achievement scores. However, excessive gaming was linked to conduct problems, peer conflicts, and reduced social abilities.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateOct 12, 2016

Changing attitudes on genital cutting through entertainment

Researchers created movies addressing personal values and future marriage prospects to challenge negative attitudes, with a persistent effect lasting at least a week. The approach shows promise in increasing discussion and sustainable change through entertainment-embedded public information.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateOct 12, 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.

Just give me some privacy

Participants shared concerns about providers accessing their browsing history, verbal abuse, and harassment. Eleven Wikipedia editors expressed similar fears, despite helping shape the online resource.

SourceDrexel University·DateOct 12, 2016

Fighting pain through knowledge about sensory organs in the fingertips

Scientists have discovered a new mechanism by which Merkel cells in the skin transmit sensory information to nerve endings, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating conditions like diabetes, cancer treatment, and fibromyalgia. This understanding may also enable preventive care for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 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.

Clinical trial investigates new treatment for systolic heart failure patients

A pivotal Phase III clinical study is exploring the impact of vericiguat on patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The trial aims to assess whether adding vericiguat to standard treatment can improve heart and vascular function, reducing the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·DateOct 12, 2016

Study shows lads' mags make sexist jokes seem less hostile

A new series of studies found that men consider sexist jokes less hostile when presented in a lads' mag context, particularly among younger males and those with ambivalent sexism. The research suggests that exposure to extreme content can lead men to reject magazines altogether.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPsychology of Men & Masculinity·DateOct 12, 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.

Plugged-in parenting: How parental smartphone use may affect kids

A new study suggests that parents' excessive use of smartphones around young children can lead to internal tension, conflicts, and negative interactions. The study's findings highlight the need for parents to set boundaries and prioritize family time to maintain emotional well-being.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateOct 12, 2016

Smarter lunchrooms innovators

A new study from Cornell Center for Behavioral Economics in Child Nutrition Programs finds that career development opportunities are crucial for food service directors to adopt healthier lunchroom changes. Food service directors who participate in professional organizations and trainings are more likely to be aware of the Smarter Lunch...

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEvaluation and Program Planning·DateOct 12, 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.

New treatment approach for leukemia renders cancer genes powerless

Researchers develop targeted epigenetic approach to treat aggressive forms of leukemia by inhibiting key chromatin regulators. This method demonstrates promising results in reversing leukemia-causing gene activity and promoting normal blood cell development.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalCancer Discovery·DateOct 12, 2016

Study examines cancer rates among World Trade Center-exposed firefighters

Researchers discovered a nearly 4-fold increase in thyroid cancer among WTC-exposed firefighters, but this increased risk was not significant after controlling for biases. A separate finding showed a 1.4-fold increase in prostate cancer among WTC-exposed firefighters from 2005 to 2009.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateOct 12, 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.

Research to help TBI and stroke patients receives Department of Defense grant

A $1.65 million Department of Defense grant will support the development of a brain-machine-brain interface (BMBI) aimed at helping TBI and stroke patients regain motor function. The BMBI records signals from one part of the brain, processes them in real time, then bridges the injury by stimulating a second part of the brain.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateOct 12, 2016

Study reveals corals' influence on reef microbes

A new study reveals that corals selectively feed on specific types of bacteria, promoting their growth and influencing the surrounding microbial community. This interaction drives microbial growth and nutrient cycling, with corals releasing complex compounds to stimulate bacterial growth.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateOct 12, 2016

Jellyfish help scientists to fight food fraud

A new study by the University of Southampton uses jellyfish to track marine animals' movements and locations, providing a powerful tool against food fraud. The research can also be used to maintain healthy sustainable fish stocks and ensure consumer confidence in marine eco-labelling.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateOct 12, 2016

Diabetes: new hope for better wound healing

Researchers have found that impaired insulin metabolism affects neighboring cells involved in wound healing, leading to slow and incomplete healing. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating wounds in diabetics, with local treatment targeting insulin metabolism.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 12, 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.

Next-generation thermoelectrics

Researchers aim to improve thermoelectric performance in polymeric materials with $900,000 US Department of Energy funding. This study could yield new materials for efficient energy harvesting and waste heat recovery.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateOct 12, 2016

Brain receptor identified as link between obese mothers and children's high blood pressure

A study by King's College London has discovered a link between maternal obesity during pregnancy and increased blood pressure in children, with the 'fullness' hormone leptin playing a key role. Mice exposed to high levels of leptin in the womb developed high blood pressure and kidney damage later in life.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 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.

Indoor tanning associated with poor outdoor sun protection practices

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that adults who frequently tanned indoors were more likely to practice poor outdoor sun protection and have multiple sunburns. The results highlight the importance of emphasizing avoidance of indoor tanning and reiterating the need for sun protection and skin cancer screening.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateOct 12, 2016

New study reveals how scientists use social media

A new study surveyed 587 scientists on their attitudes towards social media, revealing that most see benefits in using Twitter for communication and sharing research within the scholarly community. Despite professional benefits, relatively few academic scientists currently use these tools.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 12, 2016

Modeling floods that formed canyons on Earth and Mars

Researchers propose new model of megaflood-carved landscapes, suggesting that deep canyons can be formed in bedrock by significantly less water than previously thought. This study applies numerical flood models to the 'channeled scablands' in eastern Washington State and Mars, revealing that channels were likely formed by flood dischar...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature·DateOct 12, 2016

Oldest known squawk box suggests dinosaurs likely did not sing

The discovery of a 66-million-year-old bird fossil in Antarctica reveals the oldest known syrinx, a vocal organ that produces bird calls. The finding indicates that this organ may have originated late in the evolution of birds, suggesting that other dinosaurs were unable to produce similar sounds.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·DateOct 12, 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.

Fruit fly model of deadly brain diseases could lead to blood test for vCJD

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a genetically modified fruit fly that can detect infectious prions in blood, leading to a potential breakthrough in diagnosing and preventing variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). This new test could be faster, more versatile, and more sensitive than current methods.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiochemical Journal·DateOct 12, 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.

Why do some STEM fields have fewer women than others? UW study may have the answer

A new UW study examines gender disparities across STEM fields and finds that a masculine culture discourages women from participating. The researchers identify three main factors: a masculine culture that makes women feel like they don't belong, a lack of pre-college experience in certain fields, and stereotypes about women's abilities.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateOct 12, 2016

Soybean nitrogen breakthrough could help feed the world

Washington State University biologist Mechthild Tegeder has made a groundbreaking discovery in increasing soybean yield by up to 36% through the use of specialized bacteria. The breakthrough could help address global food security challenges while reducing environmental pollution.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 12, 2016

People can simultaneously give a hand to endangered apes and stay at safe distance

The study highlights the risks of human presence on endangered ape populations, including disease transmission and habitat destruction. To mitigate these threats, Schultz proposes improving protocols and regulations for ecotourism and promoting understanding of interspecies disease transmission as a conservation threat.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBIORISK – Biodiversity and Ecosystem Risk Assessment·DateOct 12, 2016

Post-breastfeeding tissue remodeling explained by new research

A new study from the University of Manchester explains the process of post-breastfeeding tissue remodeling, discovering that milk-producing cells are transformed into cannibalistic cell-eaters. The study found a key role for the protein Rac1 in this cellular switch, which helps reshape the breast back to its normal state after weaning.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 12, 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.

Hypothyroidism symptoms linger despite medication use, normal blood tests

Research conducted by Rush University Medical Center found that patients with hypothyroidism who have normal TSH levels are more likely to take antidepressants, be less physically active, and exhibit lower energy levels. These findings indicate that persistent symptoms may not be solely in the patient's head.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 12, 2016

A stem cell gene found to command skeletal muscle regeneration

Researchers found that satellite cells differentiate into myofibres only when Prox1 is active. The study also revealed that Prox1 is expressed in adult slow muscle fibres, which have high metabolic activity and are linked to type 2 diabetes risk.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 12, 2016

Latino teens who care for others reap academic benefits

A new study found that Mexican-American youth with empathetic and caring behaviors towards others tend to perform better academically later on. Parents can play a significant role by encouraging these traits and maintaining boundaries while remaining engaged in their children's lives.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalChild Development·DateOct 12, 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.

Targeting fat to treat cancer

A team of researchers at the Salk Institute has found a way to obstruct the creation of fat molecules in cancer cells, stalling their growth. This approach involves inhibiting an enzyme called Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase, which is crucial for lipid synthesis activity.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 12, 2016

Snow could reduce need for air conditioning

A recent UBC study found that directing building air handling units through a snow dump can reduce summer air-conditioning bills. The study's results show promising potential for this type of system to be used in large buildings and institutions.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalClean Technologies and Environmental Policy·DateOct 12, 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.

Diagnostics of the future: New polymer warns of dangerous kidney disease

A new polymer designed to detect acute kidney injury can identify the condition in its initial stages, allowing for simple treatment and good prognosis. The polymer selectively captures lipocalin-2, a protein biomarker for acute kidney injury.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 12, 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.

Plant diversity could provide natural repellent for crop pests

A new study published in Nature found that plant diversity can suppress insect pests by being variable, not just low quality on average. Researchers discovered that bugs have narrow ranges of nutrient levels where they flourish, making it easier to control pests.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateOct 12, 2016

Who are you calling a good liberal?

A recent study by Jacob Neiheisel found that liberal branding can affect election outcomes, with stronger influence on down-ballot races. The researcher analyzed campaign ads and survey data from the 2004 US presidential election, revealing that name-calling has a role in shaping voters' attitudes towards candidates.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateOct 12, 2016

Two tales of a city to understand sustainability

Scientists at Michigan State University have developed a new framework to understand the complex relationships between urban water management and global sustainability. The study uses telecoupling processes to analyze the water dynamics of Beijing, China's capital city, and its impact on distant regions. By combining local and global p...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcology and Society·DateOct 12, 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.

Ultra-thin ferroelectric material for next-generation electronics

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a ultra-thin ferroelectric material called hafnium oxide (HfO2) that exhibits ferroelectricity below 450°C, making it compatible with silicon-based semiconductors and suitable for applications in novel random-access memory and transistors.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 12, 2016

Nature: No single protein determines queen development in honeybees

A recent study found that no single protein in royal jelly determines a honeybee's queen development. Instead, the nutrient mix is essential for larval growth and caste determination. The researchers' experiments produced intercastes with characteristics of both workers and queens.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature·DateOct 12, 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.

Soft robots that mimic human muscles

Researchers have developed soft robots that mimic human muscles, using muscle-like actuators to provide safe and efficient movement. These robots have the potential to be used in patient rehabilitation, handling fragile objects, biomimetic systems, and home care, among other applications.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 12, 2016

Modern roof shapes tested against big blows

Researchers at James Cook University found that complex roof shapes can lead to high forces on connections between the roof and house frame, increasing the risk of roof cladding loss. Poorly maintained houses or minor construction defects can exacerbate this issue.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalAustralian Journal of Structural Engineering·DateOct 12, 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.

Waterloo-led experiment achieves the strongest coupling between light and matter

Researchers at University of Waterloo's IQC recorded interaction 10 times larger than previously seen between photons and qubit, enabling investigation of light-matter interactions in a new domain. The ultrastrong coupling may lead to exploration of new physics related to biological processes, exotic materials, and relativistic physics.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 12, 2016

Dysfunction in neuronal transport mechanism linked to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have confirmed that mutation-caused dysfunction in a process cells use to transport molecules within the cell plays a previously suspected but underappreciated role in promoting Alzheimer's disease. The study found that treating mutated neurons with a beta-secretase inhibitor rescued endocytosis and transcytosis functions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 12, 2016

NASA sees large eye in Hurricane Nicole

Hurricane Nicole strengthens as it approaches Bermuda, with a large eye detected by NASA's GOES Project. The storm is expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Thursday, Oct. 13, with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph and higher gusts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 12, 2016

Academic 'gender gap' similar in US, India

Academically talented US girls outperform boys in verbal abilities, while India's gifted girls trail behind in math but excel in language. The study analyzed 320,554 and 7,119 top-performing students from the US and India, respectively.

SourceDuke University·JournalIntelligence·DateOct 12, 2016