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Science News for April 6, 2017


Making spines from sea water

Scientists have discovered that sea urchins extract calcium ions from seawater through a process where they drink in water and manipulate the ions within their cells. This method is more energy efficient than previously thought, but presents new challenges for understanding how these cells concentrate and expel ions.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2017

Married couples with common ancestry also share similar genes

Researchers explored genetic similarity between spouses from three generations of white people in the Framingham Heart Study. They found that individuals preferred spouses with the same ancestry, but this preference decreased over time, resulting in a more genetically diverse population.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 6, 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.

UC San Diego biologists discover timesharing strategy in bacteria

Researchers found that bacteria face with limited nutrients will enter an elegant timesharing strategy, alternating feeding periods to reduce competition. The study reveals that structured communities of bacteria use electrical signals to coordinate behaviors and optimize resource utilization.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2017

More than half of the racial college completion gap explained by pre-college factors

A new study by NYU Steinhardt School found that over 60% of the racial gap in college completion rates can be attributed to pre-college factors. The study analyzed data from kindergarten to college completion for Texas students and found that poverty and academic preparation were key drivers of the achievement gap between Hispanic and ...

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Journal of Higher Education·DateApr 6, 2017

When peaceful coexistence suddenly turns into competition

Researchers found that warmer temperatures led to the extinction of smaller springtail species, while larger species survived due to their ability to adapt and escape predators. This study highlights the complex interactions between species under climate change conditions.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·DateApr 6, 2017

Fatty liver diagnosis improved with magnetic resonance

Researchers at Linköping University developed a non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy test to diagnose fatty liver disease. The new method can detect liver damage with as little as 3% fat content, increasing sensitivity and accuracy.

SourceLinköping University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateApr 6, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA infrared imagery shows wind shear blowing Cyclone 14P apart

Cyclone 14P is being blown apart by strong westerly wind shear, weakening its maximum sustained winds and pushing strongest storms east of the center. Infrared light imagery from NASA's Aqua satellite reveals cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 6, 2017

Scientists show how cells react to injury from open-heart surgery

Researchers identify that cardiac muscle cells both destroy and create new mitochondria in response to ischemia/reperfusion injury, which can cause long-term effects or fatal heart failure. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments to speed up healing from open-heart surgery.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 6, 2017

NASA's Hubble takes close-up portrait of Jupiter

The Hubble Space Telescope captured the largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter, at unprecedented resolution. The telescope revealed exquisite details in Jupiter's atmosphere, including small-scale storm systems and wind patterns that reach speeds of up to 400 miles per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 6, 2017

The Arctic Ocean is becoming more like the Atlantic

The eastern Arctic Ocean is exhibiting vertical mixing similar to the Atlantic Ocean, leading to record-breaking losses of sea ice in summers. The changes have substantial impacts on the Arctic Ocean system, including enhanced atmosphere-ocean interactions and altered freshwater storage patterns.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 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.

Homing system delivers drugs to specific neurons

Researchers have developed a way to deliver drugs to specific types of neurons in the brain, allowing for more precise study and treatment of neurological diseases. The new method, DART, reveals how movement difficulties in Parkinson's Disease are controlled by the AMPA receptor, offering a new approach to treating the disease.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2017

When old growth beats old school

A study from the University of Vermont found that imitating old-growth forests enhances carbon storage in managed forestland. The new technique, called structural complexity enhancement, showed higher levels of carbon storage than conventional forestry methods.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEcosphere·DateApr 6, 2017

Cognitive decline after surgery tied to brain's own immune cells

A new study suggests that brain inflammation and cognitive decline following surgery are triggered by the brain's own microglia. In a mouse model, experimental oral drug depletion of microglia ahead of surgery prevented memory loss and reduced inflammatory molecules in the hippocampus.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 6, 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.

Physicists develop ultrathin superconducting film

Researchers at Saarland University create a flexible, ultra-thin superconducting film with potential applications in space technology and medical devices. The material can screen electromagnetic fields and levitate magnets, making it ideal for applications where weight is an issue.

SourceSaarland University·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·DateApr 6, 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.

Lenvio Inc. exclusively licenses ORNL malware behavior detection technology

Lenvio Inc. has exclusively licensed Hyperion, a malware behavior detection technology from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), to quickly identify malicious software behavior. This technology improves upon traditional signature detection methods, providing a new class of cyber protection against large-scale cybersecurity threats.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateApr 6, 2017

Turning skin cells into blood vessel cells while keeping them young

Scientists have identified a molecular switch that converts skin cells into cells making up blood vessels, which could be used to repair damaged vessels in patients with heart disease. The technique boosts levels of an enzyme that keeps cells young and may circumvent the usual aging that cells undergo during culturing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalCirculation·DateApr 6, 2017

Nuclear architecture emerges at the awakening of the genome

Scientists have discovered that the 3D organisation of the genome arises when the first zygotic genes are transcribed, and these boundaries are maintained throughout development. This finding helps explain why the TAD organisation of genomes is similar across tissue types and evolutionary conserved regions between species.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateApr 6, 2017

Wise plant analysis

A new database of plant metabolites and computer tool have been developed to identify healthful antioxidants in tomato skins. The researchers found that valuable substances produced by exotic plants may be derived from more common species, and these findings suggest a broader range of potential uses for plant metabolism.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 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.

Neuroscientists identify brain circuit necessary for memory formation

Researchers discovered that memories are formed simultaneously in the hippocampus and long-term storage location in the cortex. Traces of memories remain in the hippocampus for two weeks before becoming mature, challenging standard models of memory consolidation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2017

New $1.5 million NIH grant targets oral complications of HIV

Case Western Reserve University researchers aim to combat chronic inflammation by targeting oral complications in HIV patients, which can lead to malnourishment and further weaken the immune system. The team will investigate regulatory T-cells and study tissues from HIV-positive patients taking common antiretroviral drugs.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateApr 6, 2017

Kids' hands may be a source of significant nicotine exposure

A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and San Diego State University found that children carry high levels of nicotine on their hands even when no one is actively smoking around them. This exposure is associated with various health problems, including respiratory issues and asthma attacks.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalTobacco Control·DateApr 6, 2017

USDA announces funding to support 1890 land-grant universities

The USDA is providing $18 million in funding to support 19 historically black land-grant colleges and universities, aiming to enhance their research, teaching, and extension programs. This investment will benefit students, professors, and institutions, with a focus on addressing nutritional security challenges and fostering a strong ag...

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateApr 6, 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.

Device boosts interaction between light and motion

A Brazilian research team developed an optomechanical device that boosts the coupling between light waves and mechanical waves to higher levels than similar devices. This enables the creation of highly customizable sensors for detecting force and motion, as well as potential applications in telecommunications as optical modulators.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 6, 2017

Salk scientists expand ability of stem cells to regrow any tissue type

Salk scientists have discovered a chemical cocktail that enables cultured mouse and human stem cells to generate both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. This breakthrough could lead to better disease modeling, drug discovery, and tissue regeneration, particularly in the field of organ regeneration.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateApr 6, 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.

Honey bees have sharper eyesight than we thought

Research reveals that honey bees can see objects as small as 1.9°, 30% better than previously recorded, and detect smaller details, improving navigation and survival. This discovery has implications for understanding insect vision and could aid in designing bio-inspired robotics.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateApr 6, 2017

SNMMI publishes appropriate use criteria for bone scintigraphy in prostate and breast cancer

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has published appropriate use criteria (AUC) for bone scintigraphy in patients with prostate or breast cancer. The new AUC aim to improve healthcare outcomes by making the use of bone scintigraphy more consistent and reducing unnecessary imaging costs.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 6, 2017

Keys to attracting scientific talent in the health sciences

The study identifies variables that attract and repel young Spanish researchers, highlighting the importance of social capabilities in retaining scientists. Attracting researchers involves differential advantages such as research career, training, funding, and institutional prestige, while retention focuses on social factors like work ...

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 6, 2017

How a beneficial gut microbe adapted to breast milk

A study reveals that Bifidobacterium longum has adapted to the infant gut by producing an enzyme called LnbX, which enables growth on a sugar abundant in human milk. This adaptation suggests a possible evolutionary route for the breast milk-driven symbiosis between gut microbes and humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateApr 6, 2017

Keeping the code: How cultural beliefs affect police, court decisions

Researchers at Florida State University discovered that adopting a 'code of the street' culture can increase arrest and conviction rates. They found that individuals who adhere to this code are disproportionately more likely to be arrested and convicted, even after controlling for factors like poverty and unemployment.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateApr 6, 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.

Why do some with radical views become terrorists yet others don't?

Researchers investigate factors driving violent extremism, including community resilience and psychological constructs like humiliation, to better understand why some with radical views become terrorists. They also examine methods for assessing risk and preventing radicalization.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateApr 6, 2017

Death by insulin -- management of self-harm and suicide in diabetes management

The article highlights the link between diabetes and depression, as well as the importance of assessing psychosocial stresses in diabetes management. It also discusses the management goals for patients who engage in self-harming or suicidal behavior, emphasizing the need for frequent glycemic monitoring and a multi-disciplinary approach.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Diabetes Reviews·DateApr 6, 2017

Stem cell drug screen yields potential alternative to statins

Researchers found that cardiac glycosides, a class of heart failure drugs, can reduce LDL cholesterol levels in patients who don't respond to statins. The study used liver-like cells generated from patient stem cells and showed significant reductions in ApoB levels, indicating potential for a new treatment option.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 6, 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.

Where does your blood actually come from?

Scientists at Lund University have developed a new understanding of how human blood cells form during embryonic development, showing that endothelial cells undergo dramatic changes to become blood cells. The research provides critical insights into the origins of blood and its regulation in development.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 6, 2017

Gold-plated crystals set new standard for natural gas detectors

Researchers at Duke University have developed a sensor that detects specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy using gold-plated crystals. The technology outperforms existing detectors in size, weight, power, speed and cost, making it ideal for detecting methane or natural gas leaks, monitoring crop health and recycling plastics.

SourceDuke University·JournalOptica·DateApr 6, 2017

To save honey bees, human behavior must change

A new study suggests that human activity is driving the spread of honey bee pathogens, leading to colony losses. The research argues for collective actions to mitigate this issue, including stronger regulations and increased education among beekeepers.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateApr 6, 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.

Leaf vein structure could hold key to extending battery life

Researchers have designed a porous material inspired by leaf veins that improves rechargeable battery performance and gas sensing. The material enhances the charge and discharge process, reducing stresses and increasing battery life by up to 25 times.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2017

Study helps explain varying outcomes for cancer, Down Syndrome

Researchers found that aneuploidy, a condition causing abnormal chromosome numbers, can lead to varying outcomes in genetically identical cells. The study's findings have significant implications for cancer treatment, as it may explain why some cancer cells respond differently to therapy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateApr 6, 2017

Cardiologist warns against dissolvable stents in NEJM

Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee advises against bioresorbable stents due to their high cost, longer insertion time, and lack of improved results compared to conventional drug-eluting stents. The recent clinical trial results show a higher risk of device thrombosis with Absorb stents.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso·JournalNEJM Catalyst·DateApr 6, 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.

WSU researchers improve technology to save sperm stem cells

Researchers at Washington State University have made a breakthrough in preserving sperm stem cells, which could improve fertility for boys undergoing cancer treatment. The new technology has shown an eight-fold improvement in viable sperm stem cells, allowing for potential long-term preservation and return to fertility.

SourceWashington State University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 6, 2017

Giant viruses may simply be a Frankenstein of mini viruses

A group of giant viruses, called Klosneuviruses, were identified as acquiring components from many other viruses and proteins in an evolutionarily recent timeframe. The analysis suggests that these whopper viruses did not evolve from a cellular ancestor but rather are derived from a much smaller virus through extensive gene gain.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2017

Distinct bacterial communities share nutrients for the common good

Researchers found that bacteria in two separate populations can synchronize their oscillations to coordinate nutrient sharing, promoting growth. This communication strategy is similar to engineered systems and allows each community to take turns consuming limited resources, leading to a faster average growth rate.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 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.

Gene mutation helps explain night owl behavior

A recent study has identified a gene mutation as the cause of delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD), a common sleep disorder affecting up to 10% of the public. The CRY1 protein plays a crucial role in regulating the circadian clock, and a single-point mutation can lead to prolonged sleep onset times and irregular sleep patterns.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateApr 6, 2017

Stem cell consortium tackles complex genetic diseases

A collaborative effort analyzed iPS cells to understand how individual mutations contribute to polygenetic diseases, revealing that smaller collections of cells can produce results and identifying small changes in gene expression with dramatic effects on cells. The study also found that some effects manifest before cell differentiation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 6, 2017

Inflammation: It takes two to tango

A systematic analysis of chemokine interactions reveals two structural types with different functional effects on inflammation. The study identifies potential therapeutic targets using specially designed peptides that selectively inhibit atherosclerosis and acute inflammation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 6, 2017
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.

Buckle up! Climate change to increase severe aircraft turbulence

A new study finds that climate change will lead to a significant increase in severe turbulence, with some flights experiencing turbulent conditions twice as often as currently. The research suggests that the average amount of light turbulence will rise by 59% and moderate turbulence by 94%.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 6, 2017

Overactive bladder drug linked with increased risk of depression

A recent study found that women with overactive bladder who received antimuscarinics were 38% more likely to develop depressive disorder within three years. The use of these drugs was associated with an increased risk of depression, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and consideration of alternative treatment options.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateApr 6, 2017

Scientists created nanopowders for the synthesis of new aluminum alloys

Researchers developed a new technology using nanopowders to modify aluminum alloys, improving operational properties and reducing energy costs. The innovative method has the potential to transform the metallurgy industry, with key customers including major producers of primary aluminum.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalPhysics of the Solid State·DateApr 6, 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.

Are your muscles genetically prepared to run a marathon?

Researchers found that athletes with favorable genetic profiles have lower levels of muscle damage and fatigue during marathons. The study's findings open the door for personalized training based on an individual's genetic makeup.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 6, 2017

Synthetic biologists engineer inflammation-sensing gut bacteria

Researchers at Rice University engineered bacteria capable of sensing colitis in mice, detecting elevated thiosulfate levels and finding a potential biomarker for human colitis. The breakthrough could lead to orally ingestible bacteria for monitoring gut health and disease.

SourceRice University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateApr 6, 2017

Discovered: Novel group of giant viruses

A new group of giant viruses, dubbed Klosneuviruses, has been discovered with a more complete set of translation machinery genes than any other virus known to date. These viruses are thought to have evolved from smaller viruses and encode proteins involved in protein biosynthesis, expanding our understanding of viral evolution.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 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.

What is threshold for lips perceived as artificial, unnatural-appearing?

A new study provides quantitative measurements to help guide clinicians in counseling patients seeking lip augmentation. The research found that there is no single fixed guideline for predicting subjective perception of lips, highlighting the importance of personalized consultation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateApr 6, 2017

Coming to a lab bench near you: Femtosecond X-ray spectroscopy

Researchers capture snapshots of electronic structure during a transient state of a reaction using femtosecond pulses of X-ray light on a tabletop apparatus. The study provides insights into the ring-opening reactions of cyclic molecules, relevant to photobiological synthesis and optoelectronic technologies.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2017

Solving medical 'cold cases' through genetics

A team of researchers identified a genetic mutation responsible for an adult's rare and severe immune system disorder. They developed a molecular therapy using Morpholino Antisense Oligonucleotide that corrected the mutation and allowed the patient's immune system to function properly.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateApr 6, 2017

Pet exposure may reduce allergy and obesity

A University of Alberta study found that babies from pet households had higher levels of microbes linked to lower allergy and obesity risks. Exposure to pets in the womb or after birth increased abundance of bacteria Ruminococcus and Oscillospira, which have been linked to reduced childhood allergies and obesity.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalMicrobiome·DateApr 6, 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.

NIH-funded research to explore economic stability's impact on HIV infection

A new research initiative aims to reduce HIV infection and transmission by providing job readiness and employment skills to young men who have sex with men and young transgender women. The project, funded by the NIH, will explore how economic stability can prevent adolescent homelessness, drug use, and migration to high-risk environments.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateApr 6, 2017

Unraveling the mystery of snowflakes, from the Alps to Antarctica

Researchers at EPFL's Environmental Remote Sensing Laboratory developed an algorithm to classify six different classes of snowflakes, improving precipitation measurement and forecast accuracy. The study used high-resolution images of snowflakes taken from three angles and analyzed their shape, geometry, and electromagnetic properties.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateApr 6, 2017

USDA announces $4.2 million to repay educational loans for veterinarians

The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture is providing $4.2 million to repay veterinary school loans for eligible veterinarians who serve in areas with a shortage of veterinary resources. This assistance aims to retain veterinarians in rural America, where they can provide essential services to farmers and ranchers.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateApr 6, 2017

Feeding fat to fungi: Evidence for lipid transfer in arbuscular mycorrhiza

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can obtain lipids from their host plants, which are essential for their growth and reproduction. This discovery highlights the importance of lipid transfer in these symbiotic relationships, suggesting that AM fungi depend on their hosts for survival and nutrient uptake.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNew Phytologist·DateApr 6, 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.

A viral explanation for celiac disease

Researchers discovered that viral infections can break oral tolerance to dietary antigens, leading to celiac disease. The study highlights the previously unexplored connection between viral infection and immune responses in mice.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2017

New tool illuminates cell signaling pathways key to disease

Researchers have developed a new technique that allows for precise mapping of cellular signaling networks involved in human biology and disease. This breakthrough opens up exciting avenues for understanding and treating psychiatric diseases, including opioid addiction.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateApr 6, 2017

Study identifies 'night owl' gene variant

Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered a genetic mutation in the CRY1 gene that slows the internal biological clock, causing delayed sleep phase disorder. The mutation affects up to 1 in 75 people and can be present in families, with relatives sharing similar signs of persistent sleep problems.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateApr 6, 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.

A NASA infrared look at the Southern Indian Ocean's 15th tropical cyclone

Tropical Cyclone 15S has the capability to produce heavy rainfall due to its extremely low cloud top temperatures, detected by NASA's Aqua satellite. The storm is forecasted to dissipate in three days, but will continue tracking south-southwestward around an elongated area of subtropical high pressure.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 6, 2017

Ingredients for lasting memories

Researchers found evidence of long-lasting engram cells in the frontal part of the brain, which mature as new memories become permanent. These cells were activated naturally only after weeks of conditioning, suggesting a maturation process that requires input from hippocampal engram cells.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2017

Scientists link California droughts and floods to distinctive atmospheric waves

A recent study found that a specific wave pattern in the upper atmosphere, called wavenumber-5, is associated with California's droughts and floods. The wave pattern emerges during the northern winter and can lead to persistent extreme events like heat waves, droughts, and floods. Scientists hope that this new understanding of wavenumb...

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalJournal of Climate·DateApr 6, 2017

Archaeogenetic findings unlock ancestral origins of Sardinians

A recent study has uncovered the ancestral origins of Sardinian populations, revealing a high percentage of unique genetic signatures. The research team analyzed DNA samples from modern Sardinians and ancient skeletal remains, finding that 78.4% of modern mitogenomes cluster into 'Sardinian-specific haplogroups'.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 6, 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.

Hospitals put your data at risk, study finds

A recent study by Michigan State University researchers found nearly 1,800 large data breaches in patient information over a seven-year period. Hospitals were responsible for most of these breaches, which highlights the need for increased data protection in the healthcare industry.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 6, 2017

Irish researchers make major breakthrough in smart printed electronics

Researchers at AMBER Centre have fabricated the first printed transistors consisting entirely of 2-dimensional nanomaterials, opening the path for industry to cheaply print electronic devices. The breakthrough could unlock applications such as smart food packaging and labels, and even window panes displaying weather forecasts.

SourceAMBER Centre·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2017

Seemingly innocuous virus can trigger celiac disease

A new study links common reovirus infection with the development of celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder caused by an improper immune response to gluten. Reovirus-induced immune responses can lead to the loss of oral tolerance to gluten, setting the stage for celiac disease.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2017

Cancer commandeers immature immune cells to aid its successful spread

Scientists have discovered that cancer can commandeers immature immune cells, called MDSCs, to facilitate its spread. MDSCs are normally part of the immune system's anti-tumor response but, under the influence of tumor-secreted cytokines, they can help tumors grow and metastasize.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 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.

Financial math models may help build a better HIV vaccine

Researchers used financial math models to accurately predict changes in HIV surface proteins over 30 years. By analyzing structural properties and 'volatility,' they can design vaccines that match the virus's evolving targets.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 6, 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.

ASH awards $750,000 to preserve promising biomedical research

The American Society of Hematology has awarded $150,000 in Bridge Grants to five researchers to sustain their hematologic research proposals. The grants will help preserve programs at institutions across the US and encourage the retention of promising researchers in uncertain NIH funding environments.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·DateApr 6, 2017

Rutgers researchers determine structure of tuberculosis drug target

Rutgers scientists determine the structure of tuberculosis drug target Mtb RNA polymerase and discover a new class of compounds, Na-aroyl-N-aryl-phenylalanamides (AAPs), that potently inhibit it. The findings reveal potential for developing improved anti-tuberculosis drugs.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 6, 2017

Attitudes vary across groups regarding meal choice in restaurants

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that there are areas of convergence between parents, children, and restaurant executives regarding healthy meal choices. Common ground includes the importance of taste and familiarity, which can inform efforts to promote healthier options.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateApr 6, 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.

Next Generation TimeTree: An expanded history of life on Earth at your fingertips

The next generation TimeTree web combines molecular sequencing data with geological timelines and environmental information. Users can now explore the history of life on Earth in detail, tracing species evolution through time and comparing divergence times between species.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 6, 2017