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Science News for April 26, 2017


Common pesticide damages honey bee's ability to fly

Researchers found that neonicotinoid pesticide thiamethoxam impairs honey bee flight ability, affecting their ability to collect food and pollinate crops. Long-term exposure can be fatal, while short-term exposure increases activity levels but decreases accuracy of flight.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 26, 2017

Ingesting soy protein may ease severity of inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers found that soy-protein concentrate can exert antioxidant and cytoprotective effects in cultured human bowel cells and moderate inflammation in mice with induced IBD. The study suggests a potential dietary strategy for mitigating the severity of inflammatory bowel diseases.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateApr 26, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nanodiamond-enhanced MRI offers greater range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications

Researchers have developed a means of non-invasively tracking nanodiamonds with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), opening up new applications in disease diagnosis and therapy. The technique uses the Overhauser effect to boost the weak magnetic resonance signal of diamond, allowing for high-contrast imaging over indefinite periods.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 2017

HIPPO's molecular balancing act helps nerves not short circuit

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that genetic dysfunction disrupts the balanced production of Schwann cells in peripheral nerves. This imbalance leads to nerve insulation defects and can cause conditions like neuropathy and nerve sheath tumors.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 2017

Researcher says customized content on political websites hurts democracy

A University at Buffalo researcher warns that personalized content on political websites can lead to a 'filter bubble' effect, where users consume only information that aligns with their ideologies. This can result in increased polarization and reduced civil discourse, ultimately hurting democracy.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Light can improve perovskite solar cell performance

EPFL scientists have found that light plays a crucial role in controlling the morphology of perovskite crystals, leading to improved photovoltaic performance. The study reveals that the presence of light accelerates the formation of perovskites and enhances crystal growth.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2017

HHMI awards medical research fellowships to 79 students

The HHMI Medical Research Fellows Program has selected 79 medical and veterinary students for a year-long research experience, with 53% female awardees. The program provides a multilevel mentoring approach to help fellows establish a foothold in the research world.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·DateApr 26, 2017

Could Parkinson's disease start in the gut?

A recent study found that people who had a truncal vagotomy at least five years earlier were 40% less likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those who did not have the surgery. The study suggests that the gut may play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease, which often involves gastrointestinal problems.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Italian-style coffee reduces the risk of prostate cancer

A study of 7,000 Italian men found that drinking more than three cups of Italian-style coffee per day reduces prostate cancer risk by over 50%. Laboratory tests confirmed the protective effect of caffeine in reducing cancer cell proliferation and metastasis.

SourceIstituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed I.R.C.C.S.·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateApr 26, 2017

Readmission penalties don't correlate to heart attack outcomes

A UT Southwestern Medical Center study found no correlation between high early readmission rates and one-year mortality or long-term readmission rates for heart attack patients. However, hospitals with high penalties tend to serve more ethnic minorities and patients with severe disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateApr 26, 2017

Study finds major health benefits linked to indoor temperature variation

A new study finds that exposure to mildly cold or warm environments can increase metabolism and energy expenditure, helping tackle obesity. The research also shows increased insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes after 10 days of intermittent cold exposure.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalBuilding Research & Information·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Chronic fatigue syndrome linked to imbalanced microbiome

Scientists identify abnormal levels of specific gut bacteria in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), including those with and without irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study suggests that analyzing fecal microbiome may help subtype patients with ME/CFS.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalMicrobiome·DateApr 26, 2017

Scientists using high tech microscope find clues to an autoimmune disease

Scientists have discovered clues into how a destructive autoimmune disease works using a unique microscope capable of illuminating living cell structures. They were able to see clusters of antibodies atop astrocytes, the brain cell target of the autoimmune response in neuromyelitis optica.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateApr 26, 2017

Scientists propose mechanism to describe solar eruptions of all sizes

A new study proposes a unified model for solar eruptions, suggesting that smaller events like coronal jets can be explained by the same process as massive coronal mass ejections. The breakout model, which was previously used to describe CMEs, has been adapted to explain the formation of jets.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2017

ER health promotion advocates help teens struggling with substance use get treatment

Health promotion advocates in pediatric emergency rooms identify young people experimenting with substances and connect them with necessary resources and treatment. Over four years, advocates screened 2,149 patients for risky behaviors and referred 81% to substance use disorder treatment services.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalTurkish Journal of Pediatric Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine·DateApr 26, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Nanotechnology designed to speed up the hardening of concrete

Researchers at Tecnalia and the ICMCB-CNRS have developed an ultrarapid synthesis method for nano-tobermorite, which speeds up concrete hardening. The technology enables mass production of high-quality tobermorite nanoparticles within minutes, not days.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 26, 2017

UT Dallas researchers investigate technique to accelerate learning

Researchers at UT Dallas are investigating a technique to accelerate language learning by stimulating the vagus nerve during specific tasks. The goal is to improve the brain's natural ability to learn and potentially benefit individuals with learning impairments or conditions such as autism.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateApr 26, 2017

Smartphone-controlled cells help keep diabetes in check

Researchers created custom cells that produce insulin when illuminated by far-red light, allowing for remote control via smartphone application. This innovation enables instant feedback between therapeutic cells and diagnostic devices, promoting stable blood glucose levels in diabetic animals.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Michael A Gimbrone, Jr, M.D., to receive the ASIP 2017 Gold-Headed Cane Award

Dr. Michael A Gimbrone, Jr has made significant contributions to the field of vascular biology through his research on endothelial cells and the development of methods for culturing these cells. His work has led to a paradigm shift in our understanding of vascular diseases and has paved the way for countless studies and discoveries.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 26, 2017

Food photos help Instagram users with healthy eating

A new study found that Instagram users use food photos as a tool to track their eating habits and achieve healthy eating goals. The research team conducted in-depth interviews with 16 people who consistently recorded and shared what they ate on Instagram, highlighting the benefits of using photos as a visual account of daily food intake.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateApr 26, 2017

System can 3-D print an entire building

MIT researchers have designed a system that can 3-D print the basic structure of an entire building, enabling faster, cheaper, and more adaptable construction. The system uses a robotic arm to direct various construction nozzles and can construct objects of any size.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·DateApr 26, 2017

Can aromatherapy calm competition horses?

New research suggests that inhaling lavender oil can reduce stress in competition horses by lowering cortisol levels. This study found a small decrease in heart rate after exposure to lavender oil during transport.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Bare bones: Making bones transparent

A new method called Bone CLARITY enables the observation of stem cells within intact bones, facilitating research into osteoporosis and bone interactions with other organs. Researchers used this technique to test a new drug developed for treating osteoporosis, revealing increased stem cell proliferation in response to the treatment.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 26, 2017

Corn with a cover of grass

A team of researchers, led by Cynthia Bartel, conducted a field study to explore the compatibility of perennial groundcover grasses with maize. The study aimed to reduce the environmental harm caused by removing maize stover while increasing the benefits of renewable biofuels.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateApr 26, 2017

Video captures bubble-blowing battery in action

Researchers have discovered how oxygen blows bubbles inside a lithium-air battery when it discharges, a crucial step towards improving the technology. The findings, published in Nature Nanotechnology, propose a new mechanism for bubble formation that could lead to smaller and more stable batteries.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 26, 2017

Teenagers can become disruptive if teachers use psychological pressure

A study by researchers at the University of Kent found that psychological pressure from teachers can contribute to disengagement among teenage pupils. The pressure includes threats of punishment or controlling language without explanation, leading to active or passive disengagement behaviors in class.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalLearning and Instruction·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Animal testing essential to medical progress but protocols could be improved

Leading scientists argue that animal testing is essential for medical breakthroughs, yet protocols can be improved to increase their credibility and usefulness. The authors propose four ways to enhance animal experiments, including intensifying studies and incorporating clinical trial rules.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalEuropean Journal of Internal Medicine·DateApr 26, 2017

The automation of art: A legal conundrum

The article discusses the challenges of copyright protection in the era of automated art, particularly with the rise of Deep Neural Networks. While DNN creations can generate original works, the issue of attribution and originality remains complex due to varying national laws and human inputs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Digital Humanities·DateApr 26, 2017

Rice's Lydia Kavraki wins ACM Athena Lecturer Award

Lydia Kavraki, a renowned computer scientist at Rice University, has received the Association for Computing Machinery's (ACM) Athena Lecturer Award. She is recognized for inventing randomized motion-planning algorithms in robotics and developing robotics-inspired methods for bioinformatics and biomedicine.

SourceRice University·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Clearing out old cells could extend joint health, stop osteoarthritis

Researchers report that selectively removing old or 'senescent' cells from joints could prevent and even reverse the progression of osteoarthritis. The treatment promotes an environment for new cartilage to grow and repair joints, reducing pain and degradation in joint health.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 26, 2017

Researchers identify genes that help trout find their way home

Scientists have identified key genes involved in the homing behavior of rainbow trout, which use Earth's magnetic field to navigate back to their birthplace. The study found that changes in gene expression are triggered by disruption of the fish's internal compass, pointing to a possible role for iron-based magnetite particles.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 26, 2017

Digital life project uses 3-D to document endangered frogs

The Digital Life project has released 15 three-dimensional models of live frogs, including several endangered species, to raise awareness about their vulnerability to ecological threats. The project aims to promote conservation, education, and science by showcasing the extraordinary beauty and diversity of these animals.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateApr 26, 2017

Study signals need to screen genes for stem cell transplants

Researchers found that human pluripotent stem cells can acquire mutations in the TP53 gene, a tumor suppressor responsible for controlling cell growth and division, highlighting the need for genetic screening methods to exclude mutated cells from scientific experiments and clinical therapies.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2017
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New test assesses sperm function

A new test evaluates sperm's capacitation ability, allowing for more accurate diagnoses of male infertility. The Cap-Score Sperm Function Test shows promise in increasing conception rates among men with unexplained infertility.

SourceWiley·JournalMolecular Reproduction and Development·DateApr 26, 2017

Stabilizing molecule could pave way for lithium-air fuel cell

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new stabilizing molecule that could improve the efficiency of lithium-air fuel cells, addressing issues such as poor rechargeability and high overpotentials. The molecule protects electrodes from degradation and promotes ion transport, paving the way for more sustainable energy solutions.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Headless dinosaur reunited with its skull, one century later

Researchers at the University of Alberta successfully reunited a headless Corythosaurus skeleton with its skull, previously collected in 1920. This discovery highlights the growing field of study in paleontology and showcases new methods for matching specimens.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCretaceous Research·DateApr 26, 2017

Emerging companies aim to treat conditions that medication cannot relieve

Several emerging companies are developing innovative neuromodulation therapies to alleviate conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, spinal cord injury, and persistent pain. BioInduction Ltd.'s Picostim and BlueWind Medical's RENOVA iStim aim to provide targeted stimulation for various clinical indications.

SourceInternational Neuromodulation Society·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Berkeley Lab scientists discover new atomically layered, thin magnet

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a new atomically layered, thin magnet in a two-dimensional material, revealing intrinsic ferromagnetism and unprecedented control over ferromagnetic behavior. The discovery has major implications for nanoscale memory, spintronic devices, and magnetic sensors.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2017

Do medical marijuana laws promote illicit cannabis use and disorder?

Research finds that medical marijuana laws are associated with higher rates of illicit cannabis use and disorders, particularly in states with earlier laws. The study analyzed data from three national surveys and found significant increases in cannabis use and disorders between 1991-1992 and 2012-2013.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 26, 2017

Sun's eruptions might all have same trigger

Researchers found that coronal jets and CMEs are triggered by magnetic reconnection, a process where stressed filaments break through their magnetic restraints. The study provides a theoretical universal model for solar eruptions, covering all scales from small jets to large CMEs.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Engineers shine light on deadly landslide

A recent landslide in Washington killed 43 people, prompting researchers to investigate the disaster. The study found that the landslide's height and potential energy were primary factors, but also revealed the importance of sediment type, precipitation, and erosion.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering·DateApr 26, 2017

Media portrayal of public shooters can perpetuate stereotypes

Researchers found that media portrayals of public shooters vary based on the race of the shooter, with black and Hispanic shooters more likely to be labeled as thugs. White shooters, on the other hand, are often attributed to mental illness, perpetuating negative stereotypes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAdvances in Journalism and Communication·DateApr 26, 2017

Hard rocks from Himalaya raise flood risk for millions

Scientists at University of Edinburgh have found that landslides in southern Himalayan regions can increase flood risk by altering river paths with gravel and pebbles, while softer rocks in northern regions produce dispersed sand downstream. The study helps improve flood risk maps for the Ganga Plain, affecting millions.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2017

More women with atrial fibrillation die after ER discharge than men

A University of Alberta study found that women with atrial fibrillation have a 40% higher risk of dying within a month of hospital discharge compared to men. The study analyzed data from 21,062 Albertans and controlled for factors such as age and health-related variables.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

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 model could help predict major earthquakes

Researchers at Nagoya University and their colleagues studied historical seismic events to shed light on the mechanisms behind earthquakes at a plate boundary. They found that stronger earthquakes involved ruptures at different sites, providing new insights into risk prediction tools for assessing earthquake likelihood and intensity.

SourceNagoya University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 26, 2017

Rationale and prospects of targeting bacterial 2-component systems

Researchers review key two-component systems in pathogens causing CF lung disease, finding potential for histidine kinase inhibitors to treat infections. TCS inhibitors alone or combined with existing treatments show promise for addressing antibiotic resistance in CF patients.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Drug Targets·DateApr 26, 2017
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 chicken-egg question: Where do baby genes come from?

Researchers found that new genes are more likely to appear in full form rather than gradually evolving through proto-genes. This is because non-coding DNA sequences give rise to highly ordered proteins, which are often deleterious to the organism.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Newly prescribed sleeping pills increase risk of hip fracture

A new study by Cardiff University and King's College London found that newly prescribed sleeping pills like benzodiazepines and 'Z-drugs' significantly increase the risk of hip fracture in people over 65. The study also identified a 53% increase in fracture risk for medium-term users and a 20% increased risk for long-term users.

SourceCardiff University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 26, 2017

p53 critical to recovering from acetaminophen overdose

Researchers found that the p53 protein plays a key role in preventing acetaminophen-induced liver damage and promoting regeneration. Activation of p53 helps prevent injury progression while inhibition stimulates liver repair, offering hope for new treatment options.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

'First arrival' hypothesis in Darwin's finches gets some caveats

Researchers confirm importance of first arrival for promoting species diversification in a test tube experiment with bacterial species. The study extends the 'first arrival' hypothesis with caveats, suggesting that earlier arrival allows for greater diversification if competing species are similar ecologically.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalEvolution·DateApr 26, 2017

Penn researchers quantify the changes that lightning inspires in rock

Researchers at Penn University studied the effects of a lightning strike on granite rock, using X-ray diffraction analysis to determine the mineral content and temperature. The study found that the rock was raised from ambient temperatures to at least 1,700 degrees Celsius, with organic material trapped in the glass layer.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Mineralogist·DateApr 26, 2017

Several EPA programs face possible elimination under Trump proposal

The Trump administration's proposed plan for the EPA includes defunding several programs related to climate change, public health, and pollution. The plan would cut $2.6 billion from the agency's budget, affecting more than 4,000 jobs and various research grants.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Larger schooling fish found to have stronger attraction forces

Researchers found that larger schooling fish exhibit stronger attraction forces compared to smaller fish. Computer simulations validated the results, revealing a key role for interdisciplinary statistical approaches in understanding social interactions.

SourceUppsala University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Want to better comply with dietary guidelines, and save money? Cook dinner at home

A study by Oregon State University researchers found that households cooking at home three times a week scored an average of 67 on the Healthy Eating Index, compared to 74 for those cooking six times a week. This suggests that eating home-cooked dinners is associated with better diet quality and lower calorie intake.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 26, 2017

Nanoparticles can travel from lungs to blood, possibly explaining risks to heart

Researchers tracked gold nanoparticles after inhalation, finding they accumulated at inflamed vascular sites and preferredentially reached susceptible areas of the cardiovascular system. This suggests that nanoparticles could increase the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 26, 2017

Researchers explore personalized pharmacotherapy to treat panic attacks

Researchers investigated whether easily identifiable patient characteristics can improve treatment outcomes for panic disorders. They found correlations between longer illness duration and lower response rates to venlafaxine XR, higher age and increased side effects with paroxetine, and longer treatment durations and improved response ...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalPersonalized Medicine in Psychiatry·DateApr 26, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Link discovered between immune system, brain structure and memory

Studies reveal that genes involved in immune regulation are linked to brain thickness and memory functions, particularly emotional experiences. A specific gene variant is also associated with increased activity in regions of the brain important for traumatic memories.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 2017

Illuminating the secret of glow-in-the-dark mushrooms

Scientists have elucidated the molecular components involved in fungal bioluminescence, discovering a fluorescent mushroom species that produces a unique equivalent of oxyluciferin. Fungal luciferase may interact with multiple derivatives of fungal luciferin, leading to changes in emission intensity and color.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 26, 2017

New study deems dairy 'excellent' source of protein for children

Researchers at University of Illinois conducted a study to calculate protein scores for eight sources of protein derived from both plants and animals. The digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) method was used, which showed all dairy proteins met Food and Agriculture Organization standards as 'excellent/high' quality sources.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

The clever cell

The University of Konstanz's biological chemistry working group has decoded a molecular mechanism that inhibits bacterial populations' swarming motility. This mechanism enables bacteria to produce various natural substances using minimal resources, which may aid in combating infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateApr 26, 2017

Conservation endocrinology sheds light on a changing world

Researchers using endocrine markers can monitor ecological responses to climate change and plan conservation efforts. This emerging field aims to improve conservation biology by studying the impact of environmental stressors on species health.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateApr 26, 2017

Synthetic two-sided gecko's foot could enable underwater robotics

Researchers have developed a double-sided adhesive that can stick and unstick to surfaces in wet conditions, inspired by geckos' ability to attach and release their feet. This material could enable underwater robotics, sensors, and other bionic devices with improved friction and adhesion levels.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateApr 26, 2017

New consensus published on preventing and treating sport-related concussions

Researchers at the University of Calgary have published a new international consensus statement on concussion in sport, which includes new guidelines for detecting, assessing, treating, and preventing sport-related concussions. The statement emphasizes the importance of recognizing and removing athletes from the sporting environment if...

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Longer-lasting pain relief with MOFs

Researchers have developed MOFs that can load and deliver ibuprofen, resulting in twice as long-lasting pain relief compared to commercial formulations. The compounds reach the bloodstream quickly and could be used for delivering other drugs orally.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateApr 26, 2017

Barley genome sequenced

A team of researchers has completed the sequencing of barley's complete genome, providing new insights into gene families key to the malting process. The breakthrough could aid in breeding and optimizing genetic diversity in crops like rice and wheat.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2017

Virtual humans help aspiring doctors learn empathy

Researchers developed a virtual reality program to teach medical students advanced communication skills, including delivering difficult news and managing patient reactions. The study found that the simulation was an effective tool in teaching these skills, which transferred to real-life clinical situations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Saturn spacecraft toting CU Boulder instrument starts swan song

Cassini-Huygens mission has fostered dazzling discoveries, including in-depth studies of Saturn's rings, methane lakes on Titan, and hot water plumes from Enceladus. The spacecraft will enter Saturn's atmosphere and vaporize after final ring-dive on September 15.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateApr 26, 2017

Human forebrain circuits under construction -- in a dish

Researchers created 3D brain organoids that replicate human forebrain circuitry, revealing the role of cell migration in autism. They successfully corrected defective neuron migration using a drug, paving the way for personalized treatments.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2017

Study offers new theoretical approach to describing non-equilibrium phase transitions

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed a new way to mathematically describe non-equilibrium phase transitions in physics, shedding light on key technologies for next-generation electronics. By combining quantum mechanics and topology, they created a mathematical tool to understand out-of-equilibrium processes.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Early blood signatures of vaccine immunogenicity

Researchers have identified early plasma cytokine signatures that correlate with and predict the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of vaccines based on living viruses. This breakthrough can inform and accelerate rational development of new vaccines, especially during outbreaks and epidemics.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 26, 2017

No, complex is not complicated, it is rather simple

Researchers at Bilkent University have designed the simplest experimental system to date, revealing that particles can form autocatalytic aggregates with rich complex behaviors. The study employs only two parameters: laser power and beam position, allowing for controlled emergence of complexity.

SourceBilkent University Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 2017