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Science News for October 18, 2016


NASA sees Tropical Storm Nicole going 'extra-tropical'

Tropical Storm Nicole has transitioned into an extra-tropical storm, characterized by a change in primary energy source from latent heat release to baroclinic processes. The storm is expected to bring rough surf and strong winds to Bermuda and the US East Coast, particularly through Wednesday night.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 18, 2016

After privatization, link found between new liquor establishments, violence

Research by Drexel University's Loni Philip Tabb found a significant increase in violent assaults for each additional establishment with a liquor license added to the area. Aggravated assault rates rose 8% in areas where new off-premises outlets were granted, and 5% for every on-premises outlet.

SourceDrexel University·JournalSpatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology·DateOct 18, 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.

More support needed for nurses facing mistreatment at work

New research highlights the need for nurses to receive more support when dealing with disrespectful behavior from colleagues. The study, led by Dr. Roberta Fida, found that self-efficacy plays a protective role in mitigating the negative effects of workplace incivility and burnout.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalHealth Care Management Review·DateOct 18, 2016

Obtaining of silicon nanowires becomes eco-friendly

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed a new, eco-friendly method for obtaining silicon nanowires, replacing hydrofluoric acid with ammonium fluoride. The produced nanowires show promising applications in micro- and optoelectronics, photonics, PV, sensorics, and biomedicine.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalNanoscale Research Letters·DateOct 18, 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.

Peptides vs. superbugs

A team of researchers has successfully developed liquid-crystalline nanostructures that protect antimicrobial peptides, allowing them to target and destroy bacteria without being degraded. This innovative approach could provide a new weapon in the fight against antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateOct 18, 2016

Study shows significant cost savings with a home-based palliative care program

A home-based palliative care (HBPC) program for individuals with advanced illnesses was associated with significant cost savings and improved quality of care. The study found a mean total cost of care per person reduced by $12,000, fewer hospital admissions, and greater use of hospice during the final three months of life.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateOct 18, 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.

Tuberculosis and HIV co-infection

A study published in the American Journal of Pathology reveals that HIV co-infection reduces dendritic cell function, leading to increased tuberculosis risk. The research suggests a new treatment strategy using host-directed therapy to strengthen immune cells.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateOct 18, 2016

Microbial life on Mars: The possibility must be considered conclude researchers in Astrobiology

Recent findings from the 1976 Viking mission and ongoing research suggest that microbial life on Mars is a possibility worth exploring. The presence of water, complex organic molecules, and methane in the Martian environment support a biological explanation for the results of the Viking Labeled Release experiment.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAstrobiology·DateOct 18, 2016

Study reveals high levels of vitamin D inadequacy in UK adolescents

UK adolescents are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency due to limited sun exposure and northern latitudes' insufficient sunlight during winter. A study revealed the necessary vitamin D intake for adolescents is between 10-30 ug/day to maintain adequate levels and avoid deficiency.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 18, 2016

Impaired recycling of mitochondria in autism?

Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital discovered a defect in mitochondrial recycling in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a genetic disorder associated with autism. The study found that two existing classes of drugs, carbamazepine and mTOR inhibitors, can enhance autophagy and replenish healthy mitochondria.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 18, 2016

Inspiration from the ocean

The UCSB team created a bio-inspired coating mechanism using zwitterionic molecules from mussel proteins, reducing processing time and energy requirements. This new method enables continuous roll-to-roll dip coating of organic electronic devices without toxic chemicals.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 18, 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.

A major challenge for young heart attack patients: Affordable health care

A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that financial barriers to healthcare services and medication significantly worsened quality of life, depressive symptoms, and stress among young adults with myocardial infarction. Despite the expansion of insurance coverage, young adults still struggle to access affordable care.

SourceYale University·DateOct 18, 2016

Gene links risk of psychiatric disease to reduced synapse numbers

New research reveals that gene DIXDC1 may act as a general risk factor for psychiatric disease by interfering with brain connection regulation. Mutations in this gene are linked to reduced synapse numbers and impaired WNT signaling in neurons, leading to heightened anxiety, loss of motivation, and social interaction deficits.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 18, 2016

Protein network linked to cancer is critical to male fertility

Researchers discovered a network of proteins often linked to cancer plays a crucial role in male fertility and the birth of healthy offspring. The study, published in Cell Reports, sheds light on the precise epigenetic regulation of sex chromosomes and their impact on germline cells that produce male sperm.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 18, 2016

Study finds 'lurking malice' in cloud hosting services

A study of 20 major cloud hosting services found that up to 10% of repositories hosted by them had been compromised with hundreds of active malware buckets. Researchers created a scanning tool called BarFinder to identify bad content using unique features such as redirection schemes and gatekeeper elements.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateOct 18, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

It's not your ears, it's your brain

Researchers found that older adults' brains degrade speech processing in quiet environments, making it harder to comprehend speech amidst background noise. The study suggests that brain training techniques may help improve speech comprehension in older adults.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateOct 18, 2016

Space-based droplet dynamics lessons?

Researchers studying giant space droplets develop simple experimental device to predict their behavior, shedding light on fluid dynamics in low-gravity environments. The findings have potential applications in water processing, fuel systems, and habitats.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateOct 18, 2016

Cell softness predicts corneal transplant success

A study found that corneal cells' softness indicates their potential for stem-like activity, enabling rapid and cost-effective enrichment of limbal stem cells. This biomarker could improve clinical success rates for corneal transplant patients with naturally low limbal stem cell percentages.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 18, 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.

UT Dallas study: Resolving border issues is best step to peace for rival nations

A new UT Dallas study concludes that settling territorial conflicts has a greater impact on rival nations' relations than democratization or ending civil wars. Nations with settled boundaries are 30% more likely to be at negative peace, which reduces the risk of transitioning back into contentious relationships.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalConflict Management and Peace Science·DateOct 18, 2016

Today's self-taught typists almost as fast as touch typists

A recent study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that self-taught typists can type almost as quickly and accurately as touch typists, as long as they can see the keyboard. This challenges traditional typing techniques taught in schools, which may not be effective for nonstandard typists.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateOct 18, 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.

Depression's physical source discovered; potential for new treatments

Depression affects the lateral orbitofrontal cortex, leading to feelings of loss and disappointment. Reduced connectivity between reward and memory systems may also contribute to negative thoughts. The study provides new insights into depression's root cause, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treatment.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBrain·DateOct 18, 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.

Breaking up: a convoluted drama at nuclear scale, too

Scientists from Aarhus University used a state-of-the-art detector to measure the precise disintegration of carbon into three helium nuclei. Their findings reveal a sequence of fragmentations, relevant to developing aneutronic fusion reactions and improving our understanding of astrophysics phenomena.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal A·DateOct 18, 2016

Bacterial genes boost current in human cells

Researchers at Duke University have successfully delivered bacterial genes to human cells, enhancing electrical signaling and making cells more excitable. The technique could one day be used to treat cardiac arrhythmia, restore electrical functions to scarred tissues, or improve conductivity in genetic diseases.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 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.

Full-circle viewing: 360-degree electronic holographic display

A South Korean research team has developed a novel tabletop display system allowing multiple viewers to view a full 3-D image from any angle, giving complete 360-degree access. The system uses an aspheric lens to solve visual distortion and aims to create high-quality holographic images in the near future.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 18, 2016

Unraveling the science behind biomass breakdown

Scientists at ORNL discovered a chemical reaction that enhances the breakdown of cellulose in lignocellulosic biomass. The THF-water cosolvent phase separates on the faces of crystalline cellulose fibers, allowing certain enzymes to interact and increase hydrolysis.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 18, 2016

A protein makes the difference

Researchers discovered that a protein called SPARCL1 can prevent the formation of new blood vessels, inhibiting tumor growth in patients with a good prognosis. In contrast, tumors with poor prognoses lack this protein, leading to continued tumor growth.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 18, 2016

UM researchers study vast carbon residue of ocean life

Researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School used data from international scientific cruises to map the distribution of dissolved organic carbon in the Atlantic Ocean. They found that one third of global ocean net production comes from this basin, with nutrient arrival predicting DOC production.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 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.

Debates: Linguistic trick boosts poll numbers

A study by University of Michigan professor Daniel Romero found that matching an opponent's linguistic style in presidential debates can lead to a bump in polls. Function words like conjunctions and quantifiers play a crucial role in this phenomenon, which is linked to processing fluency and easier understanding for third-party viewers.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateOct 18, 2016

Impact of the Fukushima accident on marine life, five years later

Recent studies have shown variable levels of radioactive contamination in fish, but population-level effects have not been observed. The long-term fate of the contamination remains unknown, with further research needed to understand its effects on marine ecosystems.

SourceSociety of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry·JournalIntegrated Environmental Assessment and Management·DateOct 18, 2016

First dinosaur bones found in Denali National Park

Paleontologists discover dinosaur bones and trackways in Denali National Park, providing new insights into the region's ancient ecosystem. The finds are significant as they confirm the presence of dinosaur fossils in the area, supporting the hypothesis that a distinct polar fauna existed during the Late Cretaceous Period.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateOct 18, 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.

New 3-D wiring technique brings scalable quantum computers closer to reality

Researchers at University of Waterloo developed a new extensible wiring technique for controlling superconducting quantum bits, enabling the creation of scalable quantum computers. The technique, called the 'quantum socket,' connects classical electronics with quantum circuits and can be extended to thousands of qubits.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateOct 18, 2016

A special bond: New receptors discovered for Helicobacter pylori

Researchers have identified a highly specific adhesion between Helicobacter pylori and human cells, which could be used diagnostically and therapeutically. This new approach aims to prevent the bacterium's attachment to stomach cells, potentially suppressing its damaging effects.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 18, 2016

A window into battery life for next-gen lithium cells

A team of researchers at the University of Michigan created a window in a battery to study dendrites, which cause fires in next-generation lithium metal batteries. They observed that small dendrites can be stable and even help prolong battery life, but large ones can reduce performance and raise safety concerns.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 18, 2016

The Higgs Bison -- mystery species hidden in cave art

A team of researchers discovered a previously unknown hybrid species of bison and cattle, known as the Higgs Bison, through ancient DNA analysis. The mystery species dominated European records for thousands of years before alternating with the Steppe Bison due to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 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.

Migraine sufferers have more nitrate-reducing microbes in their mouths

Researchers found significantly more nitrate-reducing microbes in the oral samples of migraine sufferers compared to non-migraineurs. The study suggests a potential connection between these microbes and migraines, though it remains unclear if they are a cause or result.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalmSystems·DateOct 18, 2016

Identity beats policy when it comes to voter choices

A new theory proposes that social identity and policy positions compete to shape voter choice. This model explains why voters often select candidates whose policies contradict their own interests, as people prioritize their self-image and social media signals over the practical benefits of voting.

SourceDuke University·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateOct 18, 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.

WSU portable smartphone laboratory detects cancer

Researchers at WSU have created a low-cost, portable laboratory on a smartphone that can analyze several samples at once to detect cancer biomarkers with lab-quality results. The device has been up to 99% accurate and can be used in clinics and hospitals without on-site labs.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateOct 18, 2016

Japan, Taiwan and New Zealand collaborate on seismic hazard models

The collaboration aims to refine national seismic hazard models by sharing expertise and research topics. The focus section discusses different modeling approaches and primary audiences, providing insights into the consequences of similar megathrust earthquakes in each region.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateOct 18, 2016

Elder abuse under-identified in US emergency departments

Elder abuse affects approximately 1 in 10 older adults in the US, with 23 million emergency department visits annually. A new study estimates that only 1 in 7,700 visits result in a formal diagnosis of elder abuse, highlighting a major missed opportunity for patient safety and unmet care needs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 18, 2016

National catalog of protest data gives researchers more complete picture of events

A new national study of protest events offers a more comprehensive look at demonstrations across the US, revealing smaller event sizes and wider geographic coverage than newspaper reports. The study, published in Sociological Methods & Research, provides researchers with a richer dataset to analyze social movements and policy debates.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalSociological Methods & Research·DateOct 18, 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.

New study: Estimated burden of healthcare-associated infections

A new study estimates the combined burden of six healthcare-associated infections to be higher than that of diseases like influenza, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis together. The estimated annual burden is approximately 2.5 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in the EU/EEA.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 18, 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.

Other people are less attention-grabbing to the wealthy

Research shows that people from higher social classes tend to spend less time looking at others compared to those from lower social classes, a difference rooted in spontaneous cognitive processes. This finding suggests that social class affects how relevant others are to us in terms of our own goals and motivations.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 18, 2016

When it comes to polymer fragility, size does matter

Researchers find that longer polymer chains exhibit higher fragility due to incomplete molecular scale relaxation, leading to new insights for material design. The study resolves a long-standing puzzle in polymeric materials, shedding light on their unique properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 18, 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.

Mizzou collaboration develops treatment for canine megaesophagus

Researchers at Mizzou have identified a defect in the lower esophageal sphincter as a potential cause of megaesophagus, a devastating disease in dogs. A new treatment approach uses video fluoroscopic swallow studies and therapies like Botox to improve symptoms and quality of life for affected dogs.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateOct 18, 2016

Resveratrol can help correct hormone imbalance in women with PCOS

A new study found that resveratrol supplements can lower total testosterone levels by 23.1% in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), while also improving diabetes risk factors such as fasting insulin levels. The results suggest resveratrol may be a promising treatment for PCOS and related metabolic problems.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 18, 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 1950s: The decade in which gravity physics became experimental

The 1950s saw significant advancements in gravity physics through experiments, transforming it into an accepted field of physical science. Robert Dicke's research group pioneered this shift, uncovering empirical evidence that substantiates Einstein's general relativity theory.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateOct 18, 2016

New evidence that hormone levels measured in hair can affect IVF success

A new study found that elevated cortisol levels measured in hair can predict IVF success rates, with women having almost a third less chance of conceiving. The technique enables doctors to measure cumulative hormonal function over 3-6 months, providing a more reliable measure than short-term methods.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateOct 18, 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.

Better, stronger: Polymer breakthrough to improve things we use everyday

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new process for making polymers that can be tailored to specific properties, enabling the creation of stronger and more effective products. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for industries such as medicine, mobile phones, computers, and clothing.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 18, 2016

BU researcher awarded grants to better understand Alzheimer's disease

Boston University School of Medicine professor Sudha Seshadri has been awarded three grants totaling $20 million to study healthy brain aging, stroke, and dementia. Her research aims to identify biomarkers for AD and explore reversible lifestyle and vascular risk factors that contribute to dementia risk.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateOct 18, 2016

Soil moisture, snowpack data could help predict 'flash droughts'

Scientists found that analyzing snowmelt and soil moisture could have predicted the 2012 US drought up to four months in advance. The study used a combination of observations and a regional model ensemble to improve seasonal drought forecasts.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateOct 18, 2016

NASA watching Supertyphoon Haima close in on Philippines

Supertyphoon Haima is a Category 5 hurricane with powerful bands of thunderstorms and a clear eye, approaching the Philippines with maximum sustained winds near 161 mph. The storm is forecast to clip the extreme north of Luzon Island before heading toward mainland China.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 18, 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.

Europe's largest medical congress returns to Paris in 2019

The European Society of Cardiology is hosting its annual congress in Paris at the end of August 2019. The event is expected to be highly successful, building on the success of the 2011 edition, which was also held in Paris and received positive reviews.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateOct 18, 2016

Can we find more benign nanomaterials?

The team aims to find and design more benign nanomaterials using advanced computational methods. They will use the XSEDE network to study nanoparticles, including their interactions with human health and the environment.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateOct 18, 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.

Brand-new cochlear implant technology born from frictional electricity

Researchers developed an artificial basilar membrane that mimics human cochlear function using frictional electricity, addressing major issues with existing implants. The technology proves effective in restoring impaired animals' listening capabilities.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateOct 18, 2016

Ames Laboratory scientists gain insight on mechanism of unconventional superconductivity

Ames Laboratory scientists investigated the properties of iron-based superconducting materials, finding that transition temperature and magnetic field penetration depth depend on composition and disorder. The study provides new knowledge on unconventional superconductivity and will aid in discovering high-temperature superconductors.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 18, 2016

Azure-winged magpies show human-like generosity

Researchers found that azure-winged magpies provided food to their group members spontaneously and without being asked, showing a high level of prosocial behavior. This suggests that cooperative breeding may have promoted the emergence of prosocial tendencies in these birds.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 18, 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.

Graphene cracks the glass corrosion problem

Researchers have demonstrated graphene coating can protect glass from corrosion, preserving transparency and strength. The graphene coating prevents the adsorption of water on the glass surface, reducing dissolution of silicate structures.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 18, 2016

New tools identify key evolutionary advantages from ancient hominid interbreeding

Researchers have developed statistical tools to pinpoint genomic regions that confer benefits to modern humans, such as the EPAS1 gene, which helps Tibetans adapt to high altitudes. The study suggests these interbred regions may have enabled archaic humans to survive in Eurasia and were passed on to present-day populations.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 18, 2016

Scientists model outer membrane of 12 bacterial species to speed new drugs for 'bad bugs'

Researchers have revealed the bilayer properties of 21 distinct Lipid A types from 12 Gram-negative bacterial species through biomolecular systems simulation. This study provides crucial information for developing new antibiotics against 'bad bugs' like superbugs, with the goal of accelerating drug development and improving treatment o...

SourceLehigh University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 18, 2016

Web of power: How to manage the energy internet

Researchers at Northeastern University have proposed a way to optimize power exchange between the main grid and multiple microgrids using consensus-based algorithms. These algorithms allow decentralized generators to communicate with each other and with the main grid, ensuring reliable and cost-effective energy distribution.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateOct 18, 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.

Migration ranges of flying birds depend on body size and flight style

A study of 196 bird species reveals that body size affects their migration patterns, with smaller birds traveling longer distances than larger ones. Soaring birds, such as raptors and albatrosses, have larger migration ranges independent of body size due to low energy consumption.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalEcology Letters·DateOct 18, 2016

SNPRC scientists develop MRI-guided neural stem cell delivery method

Researchers at SNPRC have developed an operational technique for delivering neural stem cells to the brain with low invasiveness and high accuracy, targeting the basal ganglia to treat Parkinson's disease. The technique revealed a pulsatile dispersion of injected cells, which could enhance cell survival and efficacy.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateOct 18, 2016

Cancers causing the largest loss of healthy life years associated with known major preventable risk factors

Eleven cancers causing most loss of healthy life years in the US are closely associated with preventable risk factors like smoking and alcohol. Lung cancer accounts for 24% of the burden, followed by breast, colorectal, pancreatic, prostate, leukemia, liver, brain, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and ovarian cancers.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 18, 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.

RI-MUHC researchers discover new path to stop the spread of cancer

Researchers at the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) have discovered that some cancer cells can draw blood from existing mature blood vessels, allowing them to continue spreading. This breakthrough could lead to more personalized treatment options and improve the lives of patients with colon cancer.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 18, 2016