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Science News for October 26, 2016


Political polarization among voters likely to have effect on future health policy

A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analysis found that Republican and Democratic voters have vastly different views on future health policy issues, influencing potential policy changes. The study suggests that party control will heavily impact future policies, including the Affordable Care Act.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 26, 2016

Precise quantum cloning: Possible pathway to secure communication

Researchers at ANU and UQ have developed a cloning method that produces higher-quality quantum clones than existing methods, with a success rate of about 5%. This breakthrough could enable ultra-secure encryption over long distances, overcoming the limitations of current quantum communication systems.

SourceCentre for Quantum Computation & Communication Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2016

Facebook updates could help understand -- and potentially treat -- mental health disorders

Researchers from the University of Cambridge suggest that social networks like Facebook can provide valuable data to improve knowledge of mental health disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. The study proposes using Facebook data to detect early signs of mental illness and potentially even offer support and interventions.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateOct 26, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Yale scientists edit gene mutations in inherited form of anemia

Researchers developed a novel gene editing strategy to correct thalassemia mutations in mice, alleviating symptoms and normalizing hemoglobin levels. The technique, which uses nanoparticles and synthetic DNA, has the potential to treat people with inherited blood disorders like sickle cell anemia.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2016

Children should be screened to prevent early heart attacks

A new screening strategy could prevent approximately 600 heart attacks in people under the age of 40 if implemented nationwide. The strategy identifies children with familial hypercholesterolaemia, a genetic disorder characterized by high cholesterol levels and increased risk of early heart disease.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 26, 2016

Arctic found to play unexpectedly large role in removing nitrogen

A new study by the University of Texas at Austin reveals that seabed microbes in the Arctic Ocean remove substantial quantities of nitrogen, accounting for 5% of global ocean nitrogen removal. The finding highlights the critical role of the Arctic in maintaining a balanced global nitrogen budget.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 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.

Mulberry extract activates brown fat, shows promise as obesity treatment

Researchers found that rutin extracted from mulberries activates brown adipose tissue to mimic cold-induced thermogenesis, enhancing energy metabolism and weight loss. This natural compound was tested on genetically obese mice and diet-induced obesity models, reducing adiposity and improving glucose homeostasis.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateOct 26, 2016

Understanding essential tremor

A large international collaborative study sheds new light on the genetics behind essential tremor, finding a strong correlation between the disease and the gene STK32B. The study aims to recruit 10,000 additional patients to understand how these genes contribute to the development of the disease.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBrain·DateOct 26, 2016

Wayne State awarded $2.28 million from NIH to study buprenorphine

Researchers led by Mark Greenwald will explore whether buprenorphine can decrease stress responses in recovering addicts, potentially helping avoid relapse. The four-year study aims to identify new therapeutic features of the medication and its impact on stress reactivity.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateOct 26, 2016

Why does our planet experience an ice age every 100,000 years?

Experts from Cardiff University propose that deep ocean storage of carbon dioxide may be responsible for the planet's 100,000-year ice age cycle. By analyzing tiny fossil remains, researchers found more CO2 stored in the oceans during ice ages at regular intervals every 100,000 years.

SourceCardiff University·JournalGeology·DateOct 26, 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.

Researchers identify new species of dragonfly in Brazil

Brazilian researchers have identified a new species of dragonfly named Erythrodiplax ana, characterized by its brown spot on each wingtip and bluish waxy body coating. The discovery highlights the importance of urban areas as habitats for biodiversity, with the species found near a spring used to draw off water in an urban area.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalZootaxa·DateOct 26, 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.

Soft or firm touch? Study reveals how amputee patients tell the difference

A new study explores the neural decoding of touch intensity in amputee patients, revealing that activation charge rate controls perceived sensation magnitude. This finding could lead to improved artificial touch in next-generation neuroprosthetics.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 26, 2016

Integrated neighborhoods more common across the US, study finds

A new study by Brown University researchers found that integrated neighborhoods, where black, white, Asian, and Hispanic residents coexist, are becoming more common in the US. This trend is seen in both diverse and less diverse metropolitan centers, with global neighborhoods emerging as a result of Hispanic and Asian immigration.

SourceBrown University·JournalDemography·DateOct 26, 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.

Reading the right sexual cues

A study found that male and female college students focus on nonverbal emotional cues when making quick judgments about a woman's sexual interest. However, those with rape-supportive attitudes relied more on attire and attractiveness. Cognitive training can improve perceptions of women's momentary sexual interest.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateOct 26, 2016

The buzz about edible bugs: Can they replace beef?

Research finds that insects can contribute well-rounded meals with essential minerals like calcium, copper and zinc. Crickets have higher levels of iron than other insects, making them a promising source of this crucial nutrient.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 26, 2016

Enabling direct carbon capture

Researchers develop fluorine-containing MOF for selective carbon dioxide capture, suitable for air and industrial applications. The material's unique geometry allows for efficient trapping of CO2 even at very low concentrations.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 26, 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.

Extreme cold winters fueled by jet stream and climate change

A new study found that climate change may be amplifying the effects of wavy jet stream patterns, contributing to severe cold winters. The research improves long-term forecasting of winter weather in populous regions, benefiting communities and economies.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 26, 2016

ECHO Program explores how environment affects kids' health

The ECHO Program aims to understand the early environmental origins of childhood health outcomes, including obesity and neurodevelopment. Researchers will track over 50,000 children across diverse backgrounds for seven years, analyzing existing data and combining standardized approaches.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateOct 26, 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.

First direct visualization of archaella's rotation using cross-kymography

A team of scientists at Gakushuin University has developed a novel 'cross-kymography' method to visualize the rotation and morphology of archaella, which enables the direct observation of these structures for the first time. This breakthrough reveals new insights into the swimming mechanism of archaea.

SourceGakushuin University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 26, 2016

Additional benefit of omega-3 fatty acids for the clearance of metabolites from the brain

Research suggests that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can enhance the glymphatic system, facilitating clearance of waste from the brain, including amyloid-β peptides. This improvement may provide benefits for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, traumatic brain injury, and sleep impairment.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateOct 26, 2016

Insight into neural language enables amputees to discern light touch to intense pressure

Researchers have developed a system that enables amputees to feel a range of intensity levels on their prosthetic hands, allowing them to hold objects, operate machinery, and interact with others. The system uses electrical stimulation to mimic natural touch, decoding the intensity of pressure in the nervous system.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 26, 2016

Imaging where cancer drugs go in the body could improve treatment

Researchers developed a way to attach labels to cancer drugs packaged in liposomes, allowing for imaging with PET to see where they accumulate in the body. This method shows promise in predicting drug delivery to cancer tissues in specific patients, potentially leading to more effective treatments and reduced side effects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 26, 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.

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.

Threatened by diversity

A study by UC Santa Barbara psychologist Brenda Major found that highly identified white Americans who feel threatened by diversity are more likely to support Donald Trump and endorse anti-immigrant policies. However, those less identified with their ethnicity tend to oppose Trump and support anti-bias norms.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGroup Processes & Intergroup Relations·DateOct 26, 2016

Wayne State awarded $3.2 million NIH grant for schizophrenia research

Researchers at Wayne State University will use a new $3.2 million NIH grant to investigate impaired learning and memory in schizophrenia from the perspective of brain plasticity, function and network dynamics. The study aims to explore interventions that may normalize abnormal markers of the illness.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateOct 26, 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.

FAU receives $4.4 million grant to increase Hispanics in computer-related careers

Florida Atlantic University has received a $4.4 million grant from the US Department of Education to increase degrees awarded to Hispanic and low-income students in computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering. The project aims to improve student success rates and provide employment opportunities in various settings.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·DateOct 26, 2016

Skin patch to treat peanut allergy shows benefit in children

A wearable patch delivering small amounts of peanut protein through the skin has shown safety and efficacy in treating peanut allergy in children aged 4-25 years. The low-dose and high-dose regimens offered similar benefits, with significant treatment effects seen in younger children.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 26, 2016

A step toward a UTI treatment that could thwart bacterial drug resistance

Scientists have developed a new class of small molecules that prevent bacteria from causing urinary tract infections by interfering with a critical factor on the surface of UTI-causing bacteria. The treatment, called C-mannosides, has shown promising results in animal testing and may move to clinical trials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateOct 26, 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.

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.

What happens to a pathogenic fungus grown in space?

A new study published in mSphere found that the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus behaves similarly in space as it does on Earth. The research, led by Benjamin Knox, compared fungal isolates from the International Space Station to reference isolates from earth and found no significant changes in growth or virulence.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·DateOct 26, 2016

Toxins from freshwater algae found in San Francisco Bay shellfish

A study by University of California - Santa Cruz researchers detected high levels of microcystin toxin in mussels from San Francisco Bay, which can accumulate in shellfish and pose a risk to human consumption. The findings highlight the need for added monitoring of freshwater toxins in coastal waters.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalHarmful Algae·DateOct 26, 2016

Finding patterns in corrupted data

Researchers have developed a new algorithm that can efficiently fit probability distributions to high-dimensional data, even when the dataset contains corrupted entries. The algorithm relies on two insights: selecting an appropriate metric for measuring distance from distributions and identifying regions where cross-sections should begin.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 26, 2016

Bitter political climate chills some scientific pursuits

A bipartisan probe into peer-review process and climate change research is chilling scientific pursuits, with over 2,000 scientists signing a letter urging an end to the probes. The investigation's scope has sparked concerns that it may protect oil companies and suppress science.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 26, 2016

New analysis of big data sheds light on cell functions

Researchers developed a way to integrate multiple big data sets from biology to understand cellular processes, discovering new regularities and biological consistencies. The study found pause sites dictate protein structure and folding, providing insights into cancer biology.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 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.

Genetic risk factor for binge eating discovered

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a genetic risk factor for binge eating, linked to decreased myelination. The findings could lead to novel therapeutic treatments targeting eating behaviors.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 26, 2016

Long-term oxygen treatment does not benefit some COPD patients

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that long-term oxygen treatment does not improve survival or reduce hospital admissions for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and moderately low blood oxygen levels. Researchers say these results underscore the need for new treatments for COPD.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 26, 2016

New tool may predict survival after gunshot wounds

Researchers developed a new tool called SPIN-Score to predict survival after gunshot wounds, using pupil response and motor tests as key predictors. The tool accurately predicted survival rates with an excellent accuracy of 96%, offering valuable insights for doctors and families making life-or-death decisions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 26, 2016

Pedestrians walk freely in a world of self-driving cars

A new study suggests that autonomous vehicles could facilitate pedestrian-oriented urban neighborhoods, as pedestrians can act unpredictably and force self-driving cars to stop. However, the adoption of autonomous vehicles may be hampered by their strategic disadvantage in urban traffic.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of Planning Education and Research·DateOct 26, 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.

Autonomous search agents could support researchers

Researchers have developed simulated search agents that significantly outperformed human participants in computer search challenges, offering a promising solution for automating literature review and suggesting relevant sources. The agents can be configured to mimic human behavior, providing a credible simulation of a human researcher.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateOct 26, 2016

Nickel-78 is a 'doubly magic' isotope, supercomputing calculations confirm

Researchers used Titan supercomputer to compute nickel-78's nuclear structure and found it to be doubly magic, with greater stability than its neighbors. This confirms a theoretical prediction and may improve our understanding of the origin, organization, and interactions of stable matter.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 26, 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.

Survey shows impact of sea star wasting disease in Salish Sea

The study found that sunflower sea star populations dropped dramatically after the disease outbreak, while other species such as leather stars and certain sea urchins increased in number. The virus outbreak is expected to have lasting effects on the ecosystem, potentially leading to more browsing on kelp.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 26, 2016

Home handy but not so stable: Steep rise in ladder-related falls

A new study reveals a 47% increase in ladder-related hospitalizations over the past decade, primarily affecting men aged 60+, who face the highest risk of serious injuries. The research highlights the need for improved injury prevention efforts to address this growing concern.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateOct 26, 2016

NASA provides a 3-D look at Hurricane Seymour

Hurricane Seymour became a major hurricane on Oct. 25, with heavy rainfall and a 3-D image of its structure provided by the Global Precipitation Measurement mission. The storm is moving toward the west-northwest at 15 mph, with expected weakening and rapid decline in forward speed.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 26, 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.

Schmallenberg virus may reappear, warn experts

Schmallenberg virus is unlikely to be circulating in southern England, but its reappearance is possible as herd immunity decreases. The virus causes mild clinical signs in adult cattle and can damage the fetus in pregnant females, leading to abortions, stillbirths, and congenital defects.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateOct 26, 2016

Making a new pitch for coal

Researchers are working on a $1.6 million project to create a new use for coal, turning it into a carbon-fiber material that could help revitalize struggling coal communities. The process produces substantially less CO2 than traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateOct 26, 2016

Gene therapy shows promise for treating Niemann-Pick disease type C1

Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to correct the faulty NPC1 gene in mice with Niemann-Pick disease type C1, improving symptoms and lifespan. The treatment has the potential to halt disease progression and improve quality of life for patients.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateOct 26, 2016

Next-generation smartphone battery inspired by the gut

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a prototype of a next-generation lithium-sulphur battery, inspired by the cells lining the human intestine. The new design overcomes a key technical problem hindering commercial development and offers a fivefold energy density boost compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 26, 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.

New evidence that politics, not economics, drives inequality

A new study from Ohio State University found that political factors, particularly presidential administrations, are the primary drivers of rising income inequality in the US. The research used IRS data to analyze economic and political factors contributing to inequality over 33 years.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateOct 26, 2016

Young stellar system caught in act of forming close multiples

Scientists have observed a young stellar system fragmenting into multiple stars, supporting two theories on star formation: disk fragmentation and cloud instability. The discovery was made using ALMA and VLA observations of the L1448 IRS3B system in the Perseus constellation.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateOct 26, 2016

A songbird's travelogue

A study using geolocation technology tracked the 10,000-kilometer migration of Great Reed Warblers from Turkey to sub-Saharan Africa, revealing key regions of importance for the species. The research highlights the lack of protection many of these regions receive, posing a threat to bird populations.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateOct 26, 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.

How AIDS conquered North America

Researchers reconstructed the origins of the AIDS pandemic in unprecedented detail by recovering genetic material from 40-year-old serum samples. The study suggests that HIV emerged in New York City around 1970 and spread rapidly across North America, with the city serving as a critical hub for the epidemic.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateOct 26, 2016

Nutrition information... for cows?

Researchers developed a single calibration that can be used with multiple NIRS instruments to accurately measure the percentage of alfalfa and grass in forage mixtures.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateOct 26, 2016

Neurobiology: Epigenetics and neural cell death

Early epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in determining the fate of neurons during embryogenesis. Deregulation of Uhrf1, a key epigenetic gene, leads to activation of endogenous retroviruses, causing accumulation of retroviral proteins and cell death.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 26, 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.

Australian desert telescope views sky in radio technicolor

The GaLactic and Extragalactic All-sky MWA survey has produced a catalogue of 300,000 galaxies observed by the Murchison Widefield Array, revealing unprecedented radio technicolour views of the sky.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 26, 2016

Iron supplements in the fight against lead

A study led by ETH Zurich researchers found that iron fortification reduces blood lead concentration in children, particularly those with iron deficiency. The trial involved over 450 Moroccan schoolchildren who received iron-fortified biscuits and showed a significant reduction in blood lead levels.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 26, 2016

Seeing the forest through the trees

A UT researcher is leading a $3-million grant to develop a user-friendly interface for recording and sharing tree genomic data. The project aims to create an ecosystem of community databases for analyzing tree genomics data, providing tools for researchers and promoting public awareness of healthy trees.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateOct 26, 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.

Neuro chip records brain cell activity

A new technology, developed by University of Calgary researchers, enables recording brain cell activity for weeks with higher resolution than conventional methods. This allows researchers to investigate neurological diseases and cognitive functions like learning and memory in animal models.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 26, 2016

School pincipals shape students' values via school climate

A new study published in Psychological Science reveals that school principals' personal values influence the school atmosphere and ultimately shape students' values over time. The researchers found a consistent pattern for three out of four value categories, with one exception that may be attributed to unstudied mechanisms.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 26, 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.

High-storage sodium ion batteries

KAUST researchers have developed a process for two-dimensional anodes made from tin selenide, which stores sodium ions through a dual mechanism involving conversion and alloying reactions. This results in the highest reported energy density of any transition metal selenide.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateOct 26, 2016

Elderly Chinese immigrants feel at home in US with living conditions, independence, study finds

A study found that elderly Chinese immigrants in the US feel at home due to favorable social policies like Medicare and Medicaid, as well as affordable cost of living. However, language barriers continue to be a significant issue, with many unable to speak fluent English and relying on family members for translation.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalJournal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology·DateOct 26, 2016

Upper Paleolithic humans may have hunted cave lions for their pelts

A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that Upper Paleolithic humans might have exploited cave lions for their pelts, leading to their eventual extinction. The researchers analyzed fossilized toe bones from the La Garma site and found evidence of human modification, which they believe could be part of a single lion pelt.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 26, 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.

Entire Himalayan arc can produce large earthquakes

A new study confirms that the entire 2,400-kilometer Himalayan mountain range is seismogenic and can produce large earthquakes. Researchers discovered a major earthquake in Bhutan in 1714 using historical records and geologic data, shedding light on the region's potential for natural hazards.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 26, 2016

Warmth under climate change has cascading effect, destabilizing forest ant communities

A five-year study in Harvard and Duke forests found that adding warmth predicted in climate-change models destabilized forest ant communities. The loss of stability makes communities less resilient and slower to rebound when disturbed, with relative abundance of thermophilic species growing while heat-intolerant species declining.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 26, 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.

Plant diversity alleviates the effects of flooding on crops

A long-term experiment found that plant mixtures with high diversity alleviated flooding effects on crops, while monocultures were more vulnerable. Soil properties improved in diverse mixtures, allowing for faster water drainage and higher oxygen levels.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateOct 26, 2016

Vaccination of newborn mice with bacteria suppresses asthma as adults

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have found that neonatal vaccination with certain bacteria can prevent adult asthma in mice. The protective effect is due to the selection of specific immune system B cells that produce IgA antibodies, which bind and inhibit allergens before triggering asthma.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateOct 26, 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.

UH receives $1.45 million boost to prepare STEM teachers

The University of Houston is using a $1.45 million National Science Foundation grant to bolster its teachHOUSTON math and science teacher preparation program. The new program will offer scholarships, professional development, and mentoring to support future teachers in the STEM fields.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 26, 2016

Stimulation of dopamine neurons induces arousal of mice receiving general anesthesia

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that stimulating dopamine neurons in mice receiving general anesthesia triggers signs of arousal, including movement and increased respiratory rate. This finding could lead to the development of new therapies to treat conditions like traumatic brain injury and coma.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 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.

$2.74 million NIH grant to improve asthma management in youth

A team of researchers led by Wayne State University will use naturalistic observations and next-generation genetic sequencing techniques to identify everyday family behaviors that impact youth asthma. The study aims to develop novel, developmentally sensitive interventions to reduce asthma morbidity and inform family-based interventions.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateOct 26, 2016

Georgia State finds perception of e-cigarette harm growing among US adults

A study by Georgia State University found that the perception of e-cigarette harm among US adults has tripled over the last few years. Adult smokers now believe e-cigarettes are equally or more harmful than traditional cigarettes, a significant increase from nearly 12% in 2012.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 26, 2016

Worms against the wheeze

Researchers at James Cook University have identified a protein secreted by hookworms that suppresses asthma in mice and shows promise as a treatment for humans with allergies. The study builds on previous research into possible treatments for inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 26, 2016

Early supplementation may help offset early-life stress on the adult brain

New research suggests that early-life stress can impair learning and memory in later life, but improving nutrition may help prevent these effects. Early micronutrient supplementation has been shown to improve cognitive function in adult offspring of stressed mice.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateOct 26, 2016

OU-led team discovers rare, newborn tri-star system using ALMA

A rare triple-star system has been discovered by a University of Oklahoma-led research team using ALMA observations, providing insights into the formation of young binary and multiple star systems. The team found that the disk surrounding the tri-star system appeared susceptible to fragmentation, leading to the creation of newborn stars.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature·DateOct 26, 2016

'Brainprint' researchers get $900K in funding

Researchers at Binghamton University will continue to investigate brain biometric technology with a new $900,000 grant. The project aims to strengthen understanding of the human brain's unique cognitive and psychological properties to improve secure authentication.

SourceBinghamton University·DateOct 26, 2016