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Science News for August 3, 2017


Yoga effective at reducing symptoms of depression

Researchers found that yoga, particularly Bikram and hatha yoga, significantly reduced symptoms of depression in studies involving veterans and university students. A multi-week regimen may be an effective approach when combined with standard therapies.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 3, 2017

Two sides to this energy story

Researchers at Rice University have developed a catalyst that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen, offering a potential solution for renewable energy. The catalyst uses laser-induced graphene, a low-cost material, to produce large bubbles of oxygen and hydrogen simultaneously.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 3, 2017

Steps toward a promising therapy for a rare bone disease

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute propose a therapeutic strategy to suppress formation of bony tumors in multiple hereditary exostoses, a rare disease affecting 1 in 50,000 people. Researchers identify BMP signaling as the culprit and demonstrate success with an inhibitor compound.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 3, 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.

Ancient asteroid family unveils the early solar system

A group of dark asteroids with related orbits have been identified as part of a previously unknown family, estimated to be roughly 4 billion years old. The discovery provides valuable information on the size distribution of original planetesimal bodies and challenges traditional theories of asteroid formation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2017

Forensic entomologist unearths Chinese migrant fly in Europe

A tropical insect, Synthesiomyia nudiseta, has been detected in corpses in North West Italy, according to a study by Dr Stefano Vanin. The research suggests that climate change and globalization have enabled the fly's migration from China.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalForensic Science International·DateAug 3, 2017

Discovery points to drugs that would 'short-circuit' deadly leukemia

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have found that survival of a deadly acute myeloid leukemia depends on production of heme, a molecular 'battery.' Researchers discovered that blocking heme synthesis kills leukemic cells, offering a potential new treatment strategy for AML.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 3, 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.

Smell loss may contribute to malnutrition in individuals with kidney disease

Research reveals that many patients with chronic kidney disease experience smell loss, which correlates with poorer nutritional status. Treatment with intranasal theophylline has shown promise in improving smell function and reducing markers of malnutrition in a small group of patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 3, 2017

Alaska's North Slope snow-free season is lengthening

A new study by CIRES and NOAA researchers found that the spring snowmelt has arrived nearly three days earlier every decade from 1975 to 2016, while the first snow has been happening later. The end result is an increase in length of the snow-free season by about one week per decade.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateAug 3, 2017

Cognitive hearing aid filters out the noise

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have made a breakthrough in auditory attention decoding (AAD) methods, bringing cognitively controlled hearing aids closer to reality. The new system can automatically separate individual speakers from a mixture, determine which speaker the user is listening t...

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateAug 3, 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.

Mysterious children's neurological disease is traced to a single error in one gene

Researchers identified a rare neurological disorder linked to an excess of ribosomal RNA, causing developmental regression and neurodegeneration. The study found that the same genetic change caused the condition in all affected children, paving the way for potential therapies to silence the mutant gene.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 3, 2017

Study finds climate plays role in decline of one of Asia's most critical water resources

A Kansas State University researcher found that climate variability, not the Three Gorges Dam, is the primary cause of a water supply decline in East Asia's largest floodplain lake system. The study found that 80% of the observed lake decline is due to simultaneous climate variability closely related to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation.

SourceKansas State University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateAug 3, 2017

Protein-rich diet may help soothe inflamed gut

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that a specific bacterium, Lactobacillus reuteri, can induce the development of tolerance-promoting immune cells in mice when fed a tryptophan-rich diet. This could lead to relief for people with inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 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.

What role does the gut play in type 2 diabetes?

Research examines how gastric emptying rates affect postprandial glucose levels and incretin hormone secretion. The study reveals the gastrointestinal tract's contribution to insulin regulation in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMetabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders·DateAug 3, 2017

University of Maryland School of Medicine receives grant to develop vaccine

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine are developing a vaccine to protect against Shigella and certain E. coli, leading causes of diarrheal diseases in young children and travelers. The $2.47 million grant will support translation from an animal-tested prototype to a human-ready vaccine for Phase 1 clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·DateAug 3, 2017

Eclipse to shed light on weather in space and on Earth

During the total solar eclipse on August 21, UMass Lowell faculty and students will conduct research on space weather using high-tech instruments. The goal is to better predict the weather and enhance GPS, satellite, and shortwave-radio communications.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateAug 3, 2017

From battle to business: UC researchers help veterans return to work

A University of Cincinnati survey reveals that many veterans face difficulties in the civilian workforce, including struggles with job fit, corporate practices, and adapting to a new culture. The research highlights the need for support systems and training programs to help veterans overcome these challenges and succeed in their careers.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateAug 3, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Humans have been altering tropical forests for at least 45,000 years

Tens of thousands of years of human impact on tropical forests have had significant consequences, including extinctions, soil erosion, and reduced biodiversity. However, indigenous agricultural strategies can minimize environmental damage when implemented sustainably.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Plants·DateAug 3, 2017

World's smallest neutrino detector finds big physics fingerprint

The COHERENT experiment, using the world's smallest neutrino detector, has found a compelling evidence for a neutrino interaction process predicted by theorists 43 years ago. The researchers detected coherent elastic scattering of low-energy neutrinos off nuclei, which is a long-sought confirmation in particle physics.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 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.

NIH awards grant for research to advance emergency care

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a grant to advance emergency care in Southern California. The Strategies to Innovate EmeRgENcy Care Clinical Trials Network (SIREN), led by LA BioMed, aims to conduct large-scale clinical trials to improve patient outcomes for cardiac arrest, trauma, and other medical emergencies.

SourceLA BioMed·DateAug 3, 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.

Improving students' academic performance -- there's an app for that

A mobile learning app using game elements such as leaderboards and digital badges was found to positively impact student academic performance, engagement, and retention. On average, app users achieved higher marks than non-users, with a 7.03% increase in grades.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education·DateAug 3, 2017

Carbon conversion

A Caltech team has identified a new additive that selectively converts CO2 into fuels containing multiple carbon atoms, including ethylene, ethanol, and propanol. The reaction resulted in an 80% conversion rate, with only 20% going into hydrogen and methane.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalDNA Research·DateAug 3, 2017

First observation of the hyperfine splitting in antihydrogen

Swansea University scientists have made a groundbreaking observation of spectral line shapes in antihydrogen, a key step towards understanding the origin of matter. The team has also precise determined the antihydrogen hyperfine splitting and measured its first transition line shape.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 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.

Research into childhood obstructive sleep-disordered breathing examined

A comprehensive review of published research on childhood obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (oSDB) identified key findings on diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Despite an increase in studies, there remains a need for holistic approaches to research, including more health service delivery, outcomes, and economics-focused research.

SourceElsevier·DateAug 3, 2017

NIH scientists track Zika virus transmission in mice

Researchers have developed a mouse model to study Zika virus transmission, finding that the virus can be transmitted sexually from males to females and vertically from pregnant women to their fetuses. The study suggests that the placenta may be a key barrier in preventing Zika virus infection of the fetus.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 3, 2017

Fat shaming in the doctor's office can be mentally and physically harmful

Research by American Psychological Association highlights the negative impact of fat shaming on patients' physical health and well-being. Studies show that overweight individuals may receive inadequate medical treatment, including under-dosing of antibiotics and chemotherapy, due to weight-based assumptions.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 3, 2017

Animals have it all over us when it comes to color

Animals use color in diverse ways, including for reproduction and predator-prey interactions, with species-specific purposes in mind. Mantis shrimp have four times as many colour receptors as humans, allowing them to perceive ultraviolet light.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 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.

Skin-ditching gecko inexplicably leaves body armor behind when threatened

A new study reveals that fish-scale geckos have a hidden strength in their fragile skin, containing bony deposits known as osteoderms. The geckos' ability to drop their skin as a defense mechanism is paradoxically paired with the presence of armor-like osteoderms.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalAfrican Journal of Herpetology·DateAug 3, 2017

11 organizations urge cautious but proactive approach to gene editing

A group of 11 organizations has issued a statement on germline genome editing in humans, recommending against human pregnancy-related editing and supporting publicly funded in vitro research. The statement outlines scientific and societal steps necessary before implementation of such clinical applications is considered.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 3, 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.

SNMMI publishes appropriate use criteria for hepatobiliary scintigraphy in abdominal pain

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has published appropriate use criteria (AUC) for hepatobiliary scintigraphy in abdominal pain. The new guidelines aim to ensure cost-effective and appropriate utilization of advanced diagnostic imaging services, helping referring physicians make informed decisions.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateAug 3, 2017

Study examines tolerance of political lies for shared views

A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that people are more lenient towards politicians' lies when they align with a shared moral goal. The study suggests that lying to uphold a morally right stance is perceived as acceptable and necessary, even if it means compromising honesty.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 3, 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.

The first observation of a coherent neutrino-nucleus collision

Researchers detect coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEνNS) using a specialized setup at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The observation validates theoretical predictions and paves the way for technological applications such as non-intrusive nuclear reactor monitoring.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2017

Hereditary cancer syndromes focus of JAMA Oncology collection

A collection of articles on hereditary cancer syndromes, including Li-Fraumeni and Lynch syndromes, has been published in JAMA Oncology. The studies focus on the effectiveness of intensive cancer surveillance programs for individuals with these rare syndromes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 3, 2017

Arts engagement can help counter divisions in society

A new study by psychologists at the University of Kent shows that arts engagement predicts 'prosociality' and volunteering. The research found that people's greater engagement in the arts was more strongly associated with charitable giving and volunteering than demographic variables such as age, education, or income.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 3, 2017

Study reveals exactly how low-cost fuel cell catalysts work

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have discovered a new class of low-cost fuel cell catalysts that match the performance of precious metal-based catalysts. Direct atomic-level observations have provided unique insights into their efficiency potential.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 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.

New research offers hope for faster acting antidepressants

Researchers have identified serotonin's role in inhibiting a specific brain cell type, which may lead to faster-acting and more effective antidepressants. By targeting this protein, scientists hope to develop more targeted treatments with fewer side effects.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateAug 3, 2017

Current threats to our oceans are revealed

A new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science reveals current threats to ocean health, including climate change, marine plastic pollution, and conservation efforts. The research also highlights the importance of integrated coastal zone management and marine protected areas in mitigating these issues.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateAug 3, 2017

Farmers selected maize for agricultural use at high elevations

Scientists analyzed ancient maize genomes to understand its adoption at high elevations. They found that desirable phenotypes were selected for by high-altitude farmers over thousands of years, rather than being introduced from modern-day Mexico.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2017

Swearing is a sign of the times

A recent study by San Diego State University researchers found that the use of swear words in books has increased significantly over time, reflecting a growing value on individual freedom. The study analyzed tens of thousands of books published between 1950 and 2008 and discovered a steadily rising trend of taboo words being used.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalSAGE Open·DateAug 3, 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.

The future of search engines

A team of researchers from the University of Texas at Austin has developed novel approaches to information retrieval that leverage artificial intelligence, crowdsourcing, and supercomputing. Their method combines input from multiple annotators to determine the best overall annotation for a given text, improving accuracy in extracting d...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateAug 3, 2017

Prediciting TB's behavior

A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that molecular tests detecting genetic mutations rendering TB resistant to drugs may be equally reliable as traditional culture-based tests in predicting treatment outcomes. The research, led by Harvard Medical School scientists, used cough secretion samples from 171 patients ...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 3, 2017

Penn Medicine's Matthew Kayser receives Clinical Scientist Development Award

Matthew S. Kayser, MD, PhD, a Penn Medicine assistant professor, has received a Clinical Scientist Development Award from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation to explore biomarkers for treatment response in insomnia and depression. The grant will support his research project using a metabolomics platform.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateAug 3, 2017

NASA eyes Tropical Storm Nalgae negotiating wind shear

Tropical Storm Nalgae is experiencing wind shear affecting its eastern side with cloud top temperatures reaching -63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is also hindered by an upper atmospheric system inhibiting development in other quadrants.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 3, 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.

Drug therapy from lethal bacteria could reduce kidney transplant rejection

Researchers found that treating patients with IdeS drug before transplantation significantly reduced donor-specific antibodies, allowing successful kidney transplants. The enzyme, produced by Streptococcus pyogenes, can remove organ-rejecting antibodies, making kidney transplantation possible.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 3, 2017

Man versus (synthesis) machine

Researchers used active machine learning to discover new conditions for synthesizing gigantic polyoxometalate molecules. The algorithm outperformed human experimenters, covering a broader range of the 'crystallization space' and discovering unexpected crystals.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 3, 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.

Study: Most newborns with epilepsy benefit from genetic testing

A new study published in Neurology found that most newborns with epilepsy (83%) have identifiable genetic causes, which can help guide treatment and connect families with condition-specific support groups. Genetic testing can provide comfort and closure for families, allow for tailored treatment, and improve diagnostic outcomes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeurology·DateAug 3, 2017

Scientists create stem cell therapy for lung fibrosis conditions

Researchers develop a potential stem cell treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis by harvesting lung stem cells noninvasively and multiplying them in the lab. The therapy has shown promising results in treating IPF in rodent models.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateAug 3, 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.

Age of first exposure to pornography shapes men's attitudes toward women

A study of 330 undergraduate men found that early exposure to pornography was significantly associated with certain sexist attitudes, including a need for power over women and promiscuity. The researchers discovered an unexpected positive correlation between age of first exposure and adherence to playboy masculine norms.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 3, 2017

Clever experiment documents multiscale fluid dynamics

University of Chicago physicists create thin-core vortices and measure total helicity for the first time, showing it maintains a constant value during viscous fluid flow. The study overcomes experimental challenges by precisely positioning dye using a Sharpie marker, advancing understanding of vortex behavior.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2017

Why are doctors underusing a drug to treat opioid addiction?

A survey found that many physicians are unwilling to increase their use of buprenorphine, citing lack of time and reimbursement as major concerns. Providing access to counseling services for patients and mentoring for physicians could help boost prescription rates.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 3, 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.

Countering atopic dermatitis immune reactions

Researchers from Hokkaido University successfully treated mice with atopic dermatitis using HLA-G1, a protein that inhibits immune responses. The treatment showed marked improvement in skin lesions and reduced immune response compared to untreated mice.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInternational Immunopharmacology·DateAug 3, 2017

Aggressive breast cancers may contribute to racial survival disparities

Researchers found that black women are more likely to have aggressive breast cancer subtypes, such as basal-like and HER2-enriched tumors. The study suggests that genomic testing could help explain the disparity in survival rates between black and white women with breast cancer.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 3, 2017

NASA team miniaturizes century-old technology for use on CubeSats

A team of NASA scientists and engineers has developed a miniaturized version of a century-old technology to probe the ionosphere. The Concentration vs. Height for an Orbiting Electromagnetic Sounder (ECHOES) device uses digital signal processing to analyze radio wave signals and determine electron density in the ionosphere.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 3, 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.

SwRI part of international team identifying primordial asteroids

A team of astronomers identified a relatively unpopulated region of the main asteroid belt containing pristine relics from early solar system history. They also discovered the oldest known asteroid family extending throughout the inner region of the main asteroid belt.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2017

Bioprinted veins reveal new drug diffusion details

A team of international researchers developed a bioprinted 3D vascularized liver tissue model that mimics in vivo drug administration, providing a more accurate system for drug toxicity testing. The new model's endothelial layer delays drug diffusion response, offering a potential mechanism to optimize drug absorption.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateAug 3, 2017

Temperatures rising

New research by Dick Startz suggests that achieving the global temperature goals laid out in the Paris Climate Agreement is unlikely, with a 95% chance of temperatures increasing by more than 2 degrees Celsius by 2100.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 3, 2017

The biology of color

A new study synthesizes advances in animal coloration research, including digital imaging and large-scale comparative analyses, revealing the complex biological trait's function and patterns of evolution. Key findings include understanding how animals perceive and produce color, as well as its integration with other sensory information.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 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.

New research offers a blueprint for tackling addiction

Researchers have developed a novel method to treat addiction using optogenetically-inspired deep-brain stimulation, which could provide continued benefits and improve on existing treatments. The method targets brain circuits responsible for addiction and shows promise in animal models.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2017

Animal coloration research: On the threshold of a new era

Recent technological advances enable researchers to study animal coloration more comprehensively. The authors of a review article highlight recent progress and set out key questions for the future, shedding light on evolutionary processes and the intricacies of function.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 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.

The biology of color

New research reveals coloration's significance in individual survival and reproduction, influencing camouflage, mate choice, and social signaling. The study also explores the evolution of color production and perception across species.

SourceThe City University of New York·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2017

Believing the future will be favorable may prevent action

Researchers found that people tend to believe others will come around to their point of view over time, leading to diminished likelihood of taking action. The study's findings shed light on causes and consequences of political polarization across cultures.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 3, 2017

Researchers want to know how early life affects the adult brain

Researchers studied zebrafish to understand how early life affects brain development and behavior in adults, finding that visual environment influences spontaneous brain activity. Dark rearing also reduced the larvae's ability to catch prey, suggesting environmental input impacts brain wiring and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 3, 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.

Twilight observations reveal huge storm on Neptune

Researchers discovered a massive storm system near Neptune's equator, about 1/3 the size of Neptune's radius, with bright clouds forming at low latitudes. This unexpected feature was observed during twilight and is thought to be linked to high-pressure dark vortex systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateAug 3, 2017

Lizard blizzard survivors tell story of natural selection

A new study tracks natural selection in green anole lizards that survived a record-breaking winter in Texas, revealing a shift towards more robustness against cold weather. The research provides valuable insights into how extreme weather events affect natural populations and the evolution of species.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2017

New clue to solving the mystery of the sun's hot atmosphere

A new study reveals the elemental composition of the Sun's corona is strongly linked to its 11-year solar magnetic activity cycle. This discovery suggests that changes in magnetic activity may influence the heating of the Sun's corona, and potentially other star atmospheres.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 3, 2017

Isotope fingerprints in feathers reveal songbirds' secret breeding grounds

Scientists used isotope signatures to determine where Myrtle warblers breed during the summer, finding they migrate from Vancouver's Pacific Coast to these high latitude areas. This discovery highlights adaptations for longer migrations and potentially genetic influences on migration routes.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateAug 3, 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.

Researchers: Too much information can be a good thing

Researchers found that presenting a large amount of information is suitable for recalling interchangeable behaviors, but relatively few recommendations are best for remembering key, complete sets of recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateAug 3, 2017

Fast, noninvasive technique for probing cells may reveal disease

Researchers develop noninvasive method to gauge cell stiffness, a key indicator of diseases like cancer and asthma. By analyzing particles' movements at high frame rates, scientists can determine a cell's mechanical properties without direct contact.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids·DateAug 3, 2017

Gaining weight between pregnancies boosts diabetes risk

A Norwegian study found that increasing Body Mass Index above one unit from first to second pregnancy drastically increases the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women with BMI less than 25 in first pregnancy showed a strongest risk associated with weight gain, while overweight women who reduced their BMI by more ...

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 3, 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.

Gene therapy via skin could treat many diseases, even obesity

Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a novel gene therapy approach that uses skin transplants to treat type-2 diabetes and obesity. The method uses CRISPR technology to deliver a hormone that stimulates insulin production, reducing blood glucose levels and promoting weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 3, 2017

New injectable antiretroviral treatment proved to be as effective as standard oral therapy

A Phase II clinical trial found that an injectable antiretroviral treatment was as effective as standard oral therapy in suppressing viral loads in HIV patients. The treatment, which involves a combination of carbotegravir and rilpivirine injected every 4 or 8 weeks, showed improved adherence rates and quality of life for patients.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 3, 2017

Lizards demonstrate rapid evolution in the face of extreme cold

A study found that green anole lizards in the south developed greater resistance to cold temperatures after a severe winter, similar to their northern counterparts. The population showed significant genetic divergence in response to the extreme weather event.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 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.

Spousal age gap affects marriage satisfaction over time

Marriages with significant spousal age gaps experience declining marital satisfaction over time, particularly after 6-10 years. Couples with large age gaps are more susceptible to economic shocks, leading to increased marital dissatisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Population Economics·DateAug 3, 2017

NASA sees high clouds fill Typhoon Noru's eye

Typhoon Noru has developed high clouds that have filled its eye, according to NASA data captured on August 3. The storm is forecast to make landfall along the western central coast of Kyushu, Japan in three days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 3, 2017

Natural compound coupled with specific gut microbes may prevent severe flu

A new study shows that a particular gut microbe can prevent severe flu infections in mice by breaking down flavonoids, which are commonly found in foods like black tea and blueberries. The research identifies a specific metabolite called desaminotyrosine that enhances interferon signaling, reducing lung damage from flu infection.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 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.

Dark Energy Survey reveals most accurate measurement of universe's dark matter

The Dark Energy Survey (DES) collaboration has made the most accurate measurement ever made of the present large-scale structure of the universe. The new result rivals the precision of cosmic microwave background measurements, supporting the theory that dark matter and dark energy make up 26% and 70% of the cosmos, respectively.

SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·DateAug 3, 2017