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Science News for October 27, 2016


Alcator C-mod bows out with a new world record

The Alcator C-Mod tokamak achieved a record-breaking plasma pressure of 2.05 atmospheres, exceeding previous values by approximately 70 percent. This result validates the high-field approach to fusion energy, which could lead to smaller and cheaper fusion power plants.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 27, 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.

To treat one rare blood disorder, scientists exploit another

Researchers develop a new therapy that prolongs thrombin production, potentially treating both hemophilia A and B, including those with antibodies against standard therapy. The treatment could also accelerate clot formation in patients with factor V Leiden, offering a more effective and long-acting alternative to current therapies.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateOct 27, 2016

It's what underneath that counts

New research reveals that ancient rocks can supply energy to microorganisms kilometers below Earth's surface through reactions between water and minerals. This discovery has significant implications for the search for life on Mars, where similar geological settings may support microbial life.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2016

50-year-old bacteria could be alternative treatment option for cancer

Scientists have developed a non-toxic strain of Salmonella to target and kill cancer cells, reducing tumor size by 20% in mice with prostate cancer. The bacteria's ability to penetrate cell barriers makes it an ideal candidate for bacteriotherapy, a promising new approach to treating cancer.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 27, 2016

A new method to help solve the problem of nuclear waste

Researchers have developed a simple process to create reactive actinide oxide nanocrystals, enabling the production of dense nuclear fuels and potential applications in waste management. This new approach could lead to more efficient and sustainable solutions for nuclear energy.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Chemistry·DateOct 27, 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.

Want to exercise more? Get yourself some competition

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that competition significantly motivates people to exercise more than friendly support. The study, which recruited nearly 800 Penn students, showed that attendance rates were 90% higher in competitive groups compared to a control group. Meanwhile, team support actually led to lower ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateOct 27, 2016

For 10 months out of the year, common swifts live in mid-air

Researchers attached data loggers to common swifts to track their flight activity, confirming they spend over 99% of their non-breeding period in the air. The birds likely save energy during the day by soaring on upward currents and ascend at dawn and dusk.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 27, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Effect of facial expression on emotional state not replicated in multilab study

A coordinated replication effort across 17 labs failed to replicate the 1988 study suggesting that facial expressions can trigger emotional reactions. The multilab study used a standardized protocol with over 1,900 participants but found no evidence that inducing particular facial expressions affected their emotional state.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateOct 27, 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.

Scientists develop 'world-first' 3-D mammary gland model

Researchers developed a three-dimensional mammary gland model that mimics healthy breast tissue structure and function. The model enables the study of disease mechanisms and drug screening, providing a significant breakthrough in understanding breast cancer.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 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.

Prognostic role of side where colon cancer occurs

A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that left-sided primary tumor location is associated with a nearly 20 percent reduced risk of death. This difference was independent of many clinical factors like tumor stage and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 27, 2016

Researchers root for more cassava research

A recent Tansley Review found that cassava yields have stagnated since 1961, with potential for 25-100% improvements in yield, water, and fertilizer use efficiency. Researchers highlight the importance of improving photosynthesis to increase sustainable food productivity.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNew Phytologist·DateOct 27, 2016

NASA analyzes Tropical Cyclone Kyant before its demise

Tropical Cyclone Kyant formed in the Bay of Bengal on October 25, 2016, and was analyzed by NASA's GPM core satellite. The satellite detected intense storms with heavy rainfall rates of over 215 mm per hour, and some thunderstorms had unusually high storm tops reaching above 20 km.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 27, 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.

Prescription medication tragedies could be prevented by simple pictures

Simple images designed to convey information about prescription drugs could help save lives by reducing non-adherence to treatment. The study found that including pictograms on written medication instructions helps seniors take their drugs correctly, especially those with lower education levels.

SourceElsevier·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateOct 27, 2016

Bioluminescent sensor causes brain cells to glow in the dark

A team of Vanderbilt scientists has developed a bioluminescent sensor that causes brain cells to glow in the dark, enabling researchers to track the interactions within large neural networks. The new technique uses calcium ions to detect neuron activity, offering a powerful tool for studying brain function.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2016

Neurobiology: Supporting the damaged brain

Researchers successfully integrated transplanted embryonic nerve cells into the visual cortex of adult mice, demonstrating functional connectivity and restoration of network function. This breakthrough holds promise for treating acquired brain diseases, including neurodegenerative illnesses and stroke-induced damage.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateOct 27, 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.

Study compares effectiveness of preventive medicines for pediatric migraines

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that commonly prescribed preventive medicines for pediatric migraines are no more effective than a sugar pill. Instead, a multi-disciplinary approach and the expectation of response may be key to preventing headaches in children and teens.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 27, 2016

Prototype device for measuring graphene-based electromagnetic radiation created

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed a bolometer device that measures electromagnetic radiation energy flow using graphene oxide. The device operates at room temperature without additional cooling, demonstrating the potential of graphene in practical applications.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 27, 2016

A culprit cell that drives plaque buildup in arteries

Researchers found that removing aging macrophages from atherosclerosis-prone mice reduced plaque buildup by 60%, suggesting a potential cellular target for therapy. The study also showed that suppressing senescence limited disease progression and reduced markers of plaque instability.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 27, 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.

Fixing deficits in boundary plasma models

Scientists at DIII-D National Fusion Facility have successfully reproduced radiation patterns in simulations, providing a breakthrough in fusion research. By eliminating molecular physics and accurately accounting for divertor plasma parameters, researchers have made significant progress towards designing radiating exhaust solutions.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 27, 2016

NASA missions harvest a passel of 'pumpkin' stars

Astronomers using Kepler and Swift missions discover 18 stars that rotate rapidly, producing X-ray emissions at more than 100 times the sun's level. These stars are believed to have formed from the merger of two sun-like stars in close binary systems.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 27, 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.

Medicaid policies that help smokers quit also save on health care costs

A recent study found that Medicaid policies requiring tobacco-cessation counseling actually decrease the use of anti-smoking medications among smokers, with a one-quarter to one-third reduction. This is due to barriers erected for smokers who want to quit.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateOct 27, 2016

Gamma ray camera offers new view on ultra-high energy electrons in plasma

Researchers at General Atomics have developed a gamma ray camera to image energetic electrons in ultra-hot fusion plasma, providing unprecedented insights into their behavior. The device reveals that radiation forces can sap high-energy electrons, while collisions with other electrons are more effective at lower energies.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 27, 2016

Biological Station lands $2 million grant to explore floodplain biodiversity

The University of Montana's Flathead Lake Biological Station has been awarded a $2 million grant to explore the diversity of insects, crustaceans, and other arthropods in river floodplains. The project aims to assess the genetics, populations, and functional trait diversity among floodplain arthropods using novel genomic tools and mode...

SourceThe University of Montana·DateOct 27, 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.

Mutant plants reveal temperature sensor

Scientists have discovered that plant light sensors also respond to temperature, allowing plants to detect changes in growth conditions. Mutant plants revealed a previously unknown conversion process where thermal reversion occurs without light, affecting the plant's response to temperature and light intensity.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateOct 27, 2016

R. Goldston receives 2015 Nuclear Fusion Award

Goldston's paper presented a new model for estimating scrape-off layer width, which depends on plasma drift rate across closed surfaces, and has been largely confirmed by experiments worldwide.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateOct 27, 2016

Male birth control shots prevent pregnancy

A new study found that injectable contraceptives for men can reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies in their female partners. The hormone-based method, which involves injecting a combination of progestogen and testosterone, was effective in nearly 96% of continuing users.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 27, 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.

Battle hymns and lullabies: SLU scientist sheds light on the T cell orchestra

Researchers discover that tolerance is induced only when antigens are acquired and presented to T cells by specialized dendritic cells. Dendritic cells also cause short-term activation of T cells under non-infection conditions, but without long-term effects. This improved understanding may lead to new ways to control the immune response.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalImmunity·DateOct 27, 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.

Hospital rooms and patients equally likely to transmit pathogens

A Duke University study reveals that hospital rooms and patients can spread germs through contact with healthcare personnel. The research found that nurses' clothing and patient room surfaces were frequently contaminated with pathogens, highlighting the need for enhanced infection control measures.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateOct 27, 2016

Scientists measure how ions bombard fusion device walls

Researchers at West Virginia University have directly measured the 3D patterns of flowing plasma striking fusion and space propulsion device walls. The measurements show that plasmas accelerate parallel to the wall before impact, causing rapid erosion of the devices' lifetimes.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 27, 2016

Chimps and bonobos had a fling in the past

A new whole-genome analysis reveals that chimpanzees and bonobos had a historical genetic flow, which sheds light on processes that may have played a recurring role in great ape evolution. The study found evidence of gene flow between the two species between 200-550 thousand years ago.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 27, 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.

Blood test for early osteoarthritis diagnosis unveiled

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a blood test to detect early-stage osteoarthritis (OA) and distinguish it from other self-resolving inflammatory joint diseases. The test identifies biomarkers in plasma proteins damaged by oxidation, nitration, and glycation, enabling early detection and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateOct 27, 2016

Climate change means major ecosystem shifts for the Mediterranean Basin

A new study suggests that global warming above 1.5°Celsius will drastically transform Mediterranean ecosystems, producing species never seen before in the past 10,000 years. The region's biodiversity and services, including clean water and carbon storage, are critical to human well-being.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 27, 2016

Stability of exhausted T cells limits durability of cancer checkpoint drugs

Researchers found that exhausted T cells, which are supposed to fight cancer, have a distinct epigenetic profile that prevents them from becoming durable memory cells. This limits the effectiveness of checkpoint inhibitors, which temporarily boost their activity but don't lead to long-lasting benefits.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateOct 27, 2016

Computer model is 'crystal ball' for E. coli bacteria

Researchers at UC Davis created a computer model that predicts the behavior of E. coli bacteria, using a massive dataset called Ecomics, which includes profiles of gene expression and protein activity across various conditions. The model, MOMA, can help scientists design experiments and identify key pathways for antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2016

$3 million NSF grant to send UIC students on historic arctic expedition

The University of Illinois Chicago will send 15-20 UIC undergraduates on a 17-day journey across the Canadian Arctic's Northwest Passage as part of a $3 million NSF-funded project. Students will participate in climate and marine research, learn navigation and sailing skills, and contribute to live broadcasts streaming from the ship.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateOct 27, 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.

Neutrons verify new quantum state

Researchers have proved the existence of spin-spirals in a quantum liquid, where neighboring spins fluctuate collectively as spirals. This phenomenon, known as a 'spiral spin-liquid', was observed using polarized diffuse neutron scattering on an instrument at Forschungszentrum Jülich.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 27, 2016

Fusion reactor designs with 'long legs' show promise

Researchers found that long-leg plasma exhaust channels can handle high power densities, exceeding material limits. The configuration promotes the build-up of high gas pressures in the legs, enabling a stable radiating layer to fully accommodate plasma heat exhaust.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 27, 2016

Midwater ocean creatures use nanotech camouflage

Researchers discovered that midwater crustaceans have transparent bodies and optical coatings on their legs and bodies that reduce reflections by up to 250-fold. The coatings appear to be made of living bacteria, with each species having its own symbiotic optical bacteria. This discovery has potential technological applications.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 27, 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.

New approach tests the strength of immunity

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a new test to determine immune cell strength, which could help predict patient reactions to various threats. The CaFlux test uses calcium channel detection to assess T-cell responses, offering insights into potential allergies or autoimmunity.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2016

With cancer genome sequencing, be your own control

Researchers found thousands of genetic translocations in both healthy and cancerous mouse cells, highlighting the importance of considering individual genetic backgrounds. By using 'de novo assembly', scientists can compare a patient's cancer cells to their own healthy cells, reducing errors in translocation discovery.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalBMC Genomics·DateOct 27, 2016

Expanded the available genetic information about the migratory locust

Researchers from the University of Granada have discovered 62 satellite DNA families in the migratory locust, a species with no previously known satellite DNA. This discovery expands the genetic information available to date about the species, revealing new insights into its genome and potential applications for chromosome identification.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 27, 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.

Center of gravity for African research funding shifts closer to Africa

The Wellcome Trust is transferring two major research programs, DELTAS Africa and H3Africa, to AESA's Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa, aiming to increase Africa-led research and address pressing health challenges. This shift reflects a significant change in international funding partnerships with African insti...

SourceWellcome Trust·DateOct 27, 2016

Underfed worms program their babies to cope with famine

A Duke University study finds that underfed worm mothers buffer their babies from early starvation's effects, consistent with the thrifty phenotype hypothesis. Baby worms reared in lean conditions thrive despite prenatal malnutrition.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 27, 2016

ABA: Evolution of a plant hormone

Researchers found that the plant hormone ABA did not yet regulate water balance in early land plants like ferns. Instead, it played a key role in sex determination. The study suggests that the evolution of ABA's function changed as plants transitioned to flowering plants.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 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.

Extinguishing a fusion fire in a flash of light

Researchers found that injecting large quantities of neon gas can rapidly cool and extinguish magnetically confined fusion plasmas hotter than the sun's center. This process converts plasma heat into an intense flash of light, uniformly illuminating the interior wall to avoid damage.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 27, 2016

Customized vitamin D supplements may benefit pregnant women

A new study found that vitamin D supplements are less effective in raising levels in pregnant women if they deliver in winter or have low early pregnancy levels. Customized doses can be used to protect bone health and maternal health.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 27, 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.

How a fungus inhibits the immune system of plants

Researchers discovered a fungus, Piriformospora indica, that colonizes plant roots and suppresses their immune defense through the protein FGB1. This allows the fungus to avoid being attacked like disease-inducing fungi, facilitating a long-term symbiotic relationship.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2016

Fatty liver: Turning off TAZ reverses disease

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center discovered that inactivating the TAZ protein in liver cells reverses fibrosis, a primary feature of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This finding has potential implications for treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a serious condition that can lead to liver failure and cancer.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 27, 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.

Psychopathy increases risk of violence in romantic relationships

A recent study conducted at UBC's Okanagan campus found that individuals with higher levels of psychopathic personality traits are more likely to engage in intimate partner violence. The research also suggests that it is the personality traits themselves, rather than substance use, that are associated with violence.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalLaw and Human Behavior·DateOct 27, 2016

From Germany comes a new twist for fusion research

The Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) experiment in Germany has achieved impressive initial plasma results, pushing the boundaries of magnetic confinement. The device uses a unique twist design to optimize plasma confinement on both individual-particle and macroscopic scales.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 27, 2016

Breakthrough in Z-pinch implosion stability opens new path to fusion

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have demonstrated improved control over and understanding of implosions in a Z-pinch, enabling the creation of thermonuclear fusion-relevant densities and temperatures. The breakthrough was enabled by unforeseen physics that led to unprecedented implosion stability due to helical modes rather...

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 27, 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.

Concern that radiation may contribute to development of Alzheimer's

Researchers found that chronic low-dose-rate ionizing radiation can induce molecular changes in the brain resembling Alzheimer's disease. Studies exposed mice to cumulative doses of radiation, inducing changes in the hippocampus, a key region for learning and memory.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateOct 27, 2016

Learning Morse code without trying

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a system that teaches people Morse code in four hours using vibrations felt near the ear. Participants were 94% accurate keying a sentence and 98% accurate writing codes for every letter, even while playing games and feeling the taps without paying attention.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateOct 27, 2016

Mimicking life-like cigarette smoke exposure in human lung airway chips

Researchers have developed a device that mimics the effects of cigarette smoke on human lungs, providing new insights into how non-smokers and COPD patients respond to smoke. The device enables the comparison of physiological responses in healthy individuals and COPD patients before and after exposure to cigarette smoke.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalCell Systems·DateOct 27, 2016

Bubble nucleus discovered at MSU

Scientists have confirmed a long-suspected phenomenon, finding a bubble-like center of protons in the silicon-34 nucleus. The discovery was made possible by the use of an unstable, radioactive isotope and takes advantage of MSU's NSCL facility.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 27, 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.

The formation of a multi-ring lunar crater

Two studies based on GRAIL data provide clearer pictures of the Orientale impact basin, one of the largest and youngest craters on the Moon. The studies reveal that the transient crater has a smaller diameter than previously thought and estimate a minimum amount of material redistributed from the lunar crust during the impact.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 27, 2016

A metabolic switch to turn off obesity

A research team at CRCHUM discovered that the ABHD6 enzyme in certain brain neurons plays a key role in controlling body weight. Blocking this enzyme disrupts normal metabolism and prevents mice from losing weight, even under ideal conditions.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 27, 2016

Natural compound reduces signs of aging in healthy mice

Researchers found that supplementing healthy mice with NMN reduced signs of aging such as weight gain, loss of insulin sensitivity, and declines in physical activity. Long-term effects showed improved energy metabolism, better liver function, and increased tear production.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 27, 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.

JILA team spots elusive intermediate compound in atmospheric chemistry

JILA physicists identified a long-missing piece of the puzzle of fossil fuel combustion contributing to air pollution and a warming climate. They observed a key molecule that appears briefly during a common chemical reaction in the atmosphere, revealing the reaction mechanism and quantified product yields.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateOct 27, 2016

Mayo Clinic research links senescent cells and atherosclerosis progression

Senescent cells drive the formation of fatty streaks in animal models of atherosclerosis. These lesions progress to larger plaques through the recruitment of immune cells, ultimately leading to unstable plaques prone to rupture. Eliminating senescent cells selectively can reduce plaque size and preserve cap integrity.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalScience·DateOct 27, 2016

Mitochondria control stem cell fate

The study found that when mitochondria are disrupted, stem cells lose their ability to self-regenerate, but stressed cells initiate a growth program leading to tissue regeneration. This highlights the fundamental role of functioning mitochondria in regulating intestinal tissue renewal.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2016

Supercomputing the p53 Protein as a promising anticancer therapy

Researchers used Stampede supercomputer to simulate largest atomic level system of p53 protein, identifying new 'pockets' to reactivate the tumor suppression protein. The simulations revealed complex dynamics between p53 and DNA sequences, offering insights into a potential anticancer therapeutic strategy.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalOncogene·DateOct 27, 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.

A skin graft for bad burns

Researchers have developed an innovative skin graft process that combines split thickness skin grafts with a specially engineered sheet of stem cells to maximize natural healing power. The new technique shows promising results in treating large or complicated burn injuries, preserving hair follicles and oil glands.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalTheranostics·DateOct 27, 2016

Fruit flies: Food, camera, action!

A team of neuroscientists studied fruit flies' behavior when deprived of specific nutrients, discovering that their brain mechanisms influence food choices and exploration patterns. The findings suggest individual variability in metabolism and feeding behavior may be linked to physiological and neural characteristics.

SourceJLM&A, SA·DateOct 27, 2016

Could apps be the answer to self-managing diabetes?

A systematic review of 14 studies found that mobile app users with type 2 diabetes experienced a reduction in average blood glucose levels, with an approximate 0.5% decrease in HbA1c. Younger patients reported more benefits from using apps.

SourceCardiff University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateOct 27, 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.

Ten months in the air without landing

Researchers at Lund University found that common swifts spend 10 months in the air, migrating and hibernating without landing. The birds' physiology is still not fully understood, but the discovery provides new insights into animal behavior.

SourceLund University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 27, 2016

Customizing vitamin D supplements to the individual would ensure benefits are felt

A new study suggests that pregnant women respond differently to vitamin D supplementation depending on their individual attributes, such as season of delivery and weight gain during pregnancy. Tailoring supplement levels according to these factors may be necessary to achieve optimal vitamin D concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 27, 2016

Getting the most out of fractional models

Researchers developed a method to ensure fractional order stochastic differential inclusions can be controlled. This breakthrough applies to complex systems like financial markets and quantum systems. The team demonstrated controllability for both convex and nonconvex cases, enhancing device design and functionality.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateOct 27, 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.

'Super emitters' are responsible for more than half of US methane emissions

A new study reveals that a small number of super-emitting natural gas wells are responsible for more than half of US methane emissions. The findings suggest that focusing on finding and fixing the biggest leaks can significantly reduce emissions.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 27, 2016

Study yields rich dossier of cancer-linked protein's associates

Researchers at Brown University have identified 98 proteins that are likely to bind to the cancer-linked enzyme PP2A, making them potential partners in crime worth investigating. The discovery could help scientists predict how strongly each protein binds PP2A and offer clues on how to prevent disease-causing misregulation.

SourceBrown University·JournalStructure·DateOct 27, 2016

Nurses' scrubs often contaminated with bad bugs

A study found that nurses' scrubs are frequently contaminated with bacteria, including MRSA, spread from patients and hospital rooms. This highlights the importance of infection control strategies, such as hand washing, using disposable gloves, and regular cleaning of patient rooms.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·DateOct 27, 2016

New warning over spread of ash dieback

Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered that asexual spores of the ash dieback fungus can germinate on leaves or infect seedlings via soil, spreading the disease more quickly than previously thought. This finding reveals additional routes for the fungus's spread and increases the risk to trees and ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 27, 2016

A turbulent solution to a growing problem

Researchers at UCLA's DIII-D National Fusion Facility discovered that plasma turbulence weakens inside large magnetic islands, allowing small islands to grow instead. This finding could lead to improved control of harmful magnetic islands and more efficient operation of fusion devices like ITER.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 27, 2016

New tool detects malicious websites before they cause harm

Researchers developed a system called PREDATOR that identifies potentially malicious website registrations and blocks them, reducing the window for harm. The tool detected 70% of known blacklisted sites based on registration data alone with a false positive rate of 0.35%.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·DateOct 27, 2016

'Neighbor maps' reveal the genome's 3-D shape

Researchers created a three-dimensional map of chromosomes, revealing their complex 3D structure. The 'neighbor maps' method uses proximity pairs to infer chromosome organization and geometry.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 27, 2016

Placebo sweet spot for pain relief found in brain

Researchers pinpoint unique brain region for placebo response in pain relief, enabling targeted pain therapy and more accurate clinical trials. This finding could lead to personalized medicine for the 100 million Americans with chronic pain.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 27, 2016

Fighting the gram-negatives

A team of scientists from Germany has identified a class of quinone-like substances with an epoxide functional group that can kill problematic Salmonella pathogens. The compounds work by interfering with the bacterial stress response system, making them a potential tool in the fight against multidrug resistance.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 27, 2016

Steering a fusion plasma toward stability

Researchers have created a 'stability map' to track fusion plasma rotation and collisionality in real-time. This allows for the detection of potential instability and control over the plasma, potentially avoiding disruption of fusion reactions.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 27, 2016