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Science News for February 9, 2017


Noradrenaline enhances vision through β-adrenergic receptors

Research by Osaka University finds that noradrenaline modulates the primary visual cortex, reducing spontaneous neural activity and suppressing contrast sensitivity. This suggests a new therapeutic target for improving vision and machine learning in patients.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 9, 2017

A new sensitive and stable self-powered photodetector

A novel, sensitive and stable photodetector has been created based on a semiconducting junction called GdNiO3/Nb-doped SrTiO3. The device eliminates the need for an external power source, allowing for efficient separation of photo-generated carriers.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 9, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Climate change and fishing create 'trap' for penguins

Research reveals African penguins forage in wrong places due to climate change and fishing, leading to low survival rates. Models suggest breeding numbers could be 50% lower if birds can escape the ecological trap.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 9, 2017

Sticky gels turn insect-sized drones into artificial pollinators

Scientists have developed artificial pollinators using tiny drones coated with a sticky gel, which can pick up pollen from one flower and deposit it onto another. The innovation uses horse hairs to mimic the fuzzy exterior of a bee, allowing the drones to effectively collect and transfer pollen.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateFeb 9, 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.

Brain damage is not always damaging

A woman in Argentina endured multiple strokes, resulting in extensive brain damage, yet remained functional. Despite lesions in both hemispheres, her cognitive abilities and emotional recognition remained near-normal.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateFeb 9, 2017

NASA spacecraft prepares to fly to new heights

The MMS spacecraft flies in a highly elliptical orbit around Earth, mapped in three dimensions using a tetrahedral formation. The mission uses GPS signals to calculate location and design maneuvers for precise control.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 9, 2017

New mechanobiology technique to stop cancer cell migration

Researchers at OIST have developed a novel technique that targets lipid rafts on cancer cell membranes to block migration. The molecule works by physically pinning the cancer cell, causing it to rupture and leading to cell death.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalChem·DateFeb 9, 2017

ANU scientists make new high-tech liquid materials

Researchers at ANU have developed dynamic liquid materials that can be remotely controlled by changing wave patterns, enabling new techniques to manipulate micro-organisms. This breakthrough could lead to innovations in invisibility cloaking, superlenses and high-efficiency antennae.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 9, 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.

Researchers cast into doubt a tenet of the dominant evolutionary biology model

A team of researchers from Universitêl Laval cast doubt on the idea that genetic redundancy makes organisms more resilient to genetic perturbations. They found that paralogous genes in bread yeast were more often necessary for cellular function than previously thought, highlighting a potential vulnerability to mutations.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

Computer trained to predict which AML patients will go into remission, which will relapse

Researchers developed a computer machine-learning model that accurately predicts which AML patients will go into remission following treatment. The model was trained using bone marrow data and medical histories of AML patients, achieving 100% accurate predictions for remission and 90% accurate predictions for relapse.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 9, 2017

Dwarf star 200 light years away contains life's building blocks

A UCLA-led team of scientists has discovered a white dwarf star with an atmosphere rich in carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen, the components of water. The study suggests that the planetary system associated with the white dwarf contains materials necessary for life.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 9, 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.

New data reveal aging experiences of LGBT Americans

A new supplemental issue of The Gerontologist presents the findings of the largest national survey on LGBT older adults' health and well-being. Findings show that LGBT older adults face higher rates of disability, cardiovascular disease, depression, and social isolation.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateFeb 9, 2017

New research to help preserve the benefits people receive from nature

A new research framework developed by the University of Queensland aims to identify and track ecosystem services at risk due to growing human demand. The framework allows for analysis of supply and demand, natural system condition, and future demand changes, providing a basis for global assessments.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·DateFeb 9, 2017

Endangered African penguins are falling into an 'ecological trap'

African penguins are getting stuck in the wrong part of the sea due to fishing and climate change, leading to reduced food supply and higher mortality rates. Researchers suggest that translocating chicks to safe areas or implementing spatial fishing closures could help protect the endangered species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 9, 2017

Bacteria sleep, then rapidly evolve, to survive antibiotic treatments

Researchers found that bacteria can quickly adapt to antibiotic treatments by evolving dormancy mechanisms. Once tolerant, they rapidly acquire resistance mutations, making it difficult for antibiotics to kill them. This discovery has important implications for the development of new antibiotics.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 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.

Less driving linked to a decrease in roadway fatalities

A decline in automobile travel from 2003-2014 showed a significant reduction in car crash deaths, particularly among young men. Physical activity levels remained unchanged during this period.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2017

New method of genetic engineering indispensable tool in biotechnological applications

Researchers have developed a new method of genetic engineering that creates artificial restriction enzymes with enhanced sequence specificity and defined sticky ends. This technology has the potential to revolutionize genomic research and gene editing by improving precision and reducing obstacles posed by existing restriction enzymes.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateFeb 9, 2017

Emphysema treatment could be optimized using network modelling

A computational model of emphysema has been developed to compare novel and traditional treatments, showing that mechanical forces play a critical role in disease progression. The study suggests that newer lung volume reduction techniques can achieve comparable outcomes as current surgical approaches.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateFeb 9, 2017

Neural network learns to select potential anticancer drugs

Scientists developed a generative neural network to create new pharmaceutical medicines with specific properties. The network, trained on millions of molecular structures, identified 69 potential anticancer compounds and hundreds more using a powerful extension of the method.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateFeb 9, 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.

New simple method quickly reveals kidney damage

The new method can pinpoint kidney damage in under three-quarters of an hour, using blood/urine with the help of fumarase. Researchers expect the method to be transferable to patients soon, and are currently testing it on patient blood samples.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 9, 2017

Rice takes deeper look at unconventional oil and gas

Researchers develop new method to analyze shale samples using NMR and molecular dynamics simulations, helping determine hydrocarbon presence and extraction difficulty. The approach improves identification of gas, oil, and water in organic shales.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging·DateFeb 9, 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.

MBL study illuminates the origin of vertebrate gills

A new MBL study has shed light on the origin of vertebrate gills, indicating they evolved around 600 million years ago. The research corrects a long-held misunderstanding that gills developed separately and independently in two vertebrate lineages.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 9, 2017

Malaria mosquitos sensitive to horseradish

Researchers at Lund University discovered that malaria mosquitos are sensitive to horseradish, similar to the effects of heat on vertebrates. This finding suggests a shared molecular mechanism underlying temperature sensing in insects and animals.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 9, 2017

UCI, NASA reveal new details of Greenland ice loss

Two research papers use OMG observations to document how meltwater and ocean currents interact along Greenland's west coast, improving seafloor maps used to predict future melting and sea level rise. The study also reveals the role of meltwater in cooling warmer subsurface water and tracking its impact on glacier melt rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalOceanography·DateFeb 9, 2017

An 'ignition key' revs up DNA shuffling to make antibodies

A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified a crucial enzyme, RAG-2, that enables precise DNA rearrangement during white blood cell development. This process is essential for producing novel antibodies that recognize and combat viruses and bacteria.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 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.

The Internet and your brain are more alike than you think

Researchers discovered that an algorithm called additive increase, multiplicative decrease (AIMD) is used both in engineered systems like the Internet and biological networks like the human brain. This finding sheds light on how the brain manages information and potentially helps understand learning disabilities.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeural Computation·DateFeb 9, 2017

Infection defense: Call for support by the killer cells

A recent study published in Immunity reveals how killer cells coordinate with dendritic cells to create an army of immune cells. The research, conducted by the University of Bonn, found that killer cells form a team and trigger chemical signals to recruit other cell types, leading to a coordinated and strong immune response.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 9, 2017

Researchers develop device that emulates human kidney function

A novel microfluidic device models human kidney function, exhibiting more natural cell behaviors than traditional culturing methods. The device's glomerular filtration system is crucial for healthy cell function and accurately predicting renal drug toxicity in humans.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalRSC Advances·DateFeb 9, 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.

Wave of the future: Terahertz chips a new way of seeing through matter

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new terahertz chip technology that can generate and capture intricate details of terahertz waves. The system uses tiny devices inside the microchip to read patterns created by the waves, enabling potential applications in medical imaging, communications, and drug development.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalIEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits·DateFeb 9, 2017

Research uncovers bacteria linking Crohn's disease to arthritis

New research uncovers a connection between Crohn's disease and spondyloarthritis, finding that IgA-coated E. coli bacteria trigger inflammation in Th17 cells. This discovery may lead to the development of diagnostic tools and therapies targeting both conditions.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2017

In-cell molecular sieve from protein crystal

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology create porous protein crystals with increased porosity, allowing for the accumulation and storage of exogenous molecules in living cells. The engineered crystals showed high stability and ability to retain fluorescent dyes in live cells.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 9, 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.

Hair analysis may help diagnose Cushing syndrome, NIH researchers report

Researchers found that high cortisol levels in hair samples tracked closely with standard diagnostic techniques for Cushing Syndrome. The study's findings suggest that hair analysis may prove useful as a less-invasive screening test or confirmatory tool for the condition.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateFeb 9, 2017

Researchers identify new cause of brain defects in tuberous sclerosis patients

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have identified a new cause of brain defects in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) patients. The study reveals that a protein called connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) impedes oligodendrocyte development and myelination in the brains of TSC patients.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2017

Chemicals hitch a ride onto new protein for better compounds

Chemists have developed a new technique called redox activated chemical tagging (ReACT) that selectively links chemicals to proteins. This method could transform the way drugs are developed, proteins are probed, and molecules are tracked and imaged.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

Sorting machine for atoms

Physicists at University of Bonn create method to quickly and precisely sort large numbers of atoms, pushing development of future quantum computers forward. The technique allows atoms to interact with each other in targeted manner to exploit quantum-mechanical effects for calculations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 9, 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.

Language barriers may interfere with access to kidney transplantation

Patients with primary non-English language fluency face disparities in completing kidney transplant evaluations, ultimately affecting their access to a transplant. Researchers found that linguistically isolated households were linked to lower likelihoods of transitioning to active waitlist status and incomplete evaluations.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 9, 2017

Dial-an-interpreter can help docs get patients' consent

A study by University of California San Francisco researchers found that installing a bedside interpreter-phone system improved understanding of healthcare procedures among patients with limited English. The system reduced errors and disparities in care, especially for Chinese- and Spanish-speaking patients.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2017

Big data for the universe

The Reference Catalog of Galaxy SEDs (RCSED) contains value-added information about 800,000 galaxies, derived from the elaborated data analysis. The catalog presents properties such as stellar composition, brightness at various wavelengths, and galaxy spectra obtained by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateFeb 9, 2017

Large scale antibiotic resistant genes found in estuarine wetland due to human activity

A large-scale study detected high levels of antibiotic resistance genes in estuaries along China's coastline, with some samples containing up to 100 million genes per gram of sediment. The study suggests that human activity, particularly inadequate wastewater treatment, is the primary cause of this environmental pollution.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 9, 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.

Direct radiolabeling of nanomaterials

Researchers have developed a direct radiolabeling method for nanomaterials using nanographene, eliminating the need for chelators. This approach significantly improves bioimaging accuracy and reduces biases. The method was tested in mice models and showed promising results.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 9, 2017

Antibiotic use for travelers' diarrhea favors particularly resistant super bacteria

A recent study found that antibiotic use among travelers increases the risk of contracting antibiotic-resistant ESBL intestinal bacteria. In fact, up to 80% of those taking antibiotics brought the most resistant strains back home with them. The use of antibiotics while traveling selects for the broadest spectrum of resistance.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalTravel Medicine and Infectious Disease·DateFeb 9, 2017

Ancient horse fossils hint factors driving evolution different than thought

A new study analyzing ancient horse fossils reveals that patterns of migration and environmental changes are key drivers of evolutionary development. Contrary to the rapid phenotypic evolution theory, researchers found no significant difference in body size evolution between lineages with high and low speciation rates, suggesting that ...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

The Deccan Traps: Double, double magma trouble

Researchers used time-reversed convection modeling to reconstruct ancient mantle structure, finding a second upwelling contributing to the Deccan Traps eruption. A currently active hotspot, Réunion, was also active 65 million years ago.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 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.

NASA spots Tropical Cyclone Carlos south of La Reunion Island

Tropical Cyclone Carlos was detected by NASA's Terra satellite as it moved south of La Reunion Island. The storm showed a tight circle of thunderstorms around its center and maximum sustained winds of 63.2 mph (102 kph). Further intensification is expected over the next 24 hours before weakening due to vertical wind shear

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 9, 2017

Scientists estimate solar nebula's lifetime

The team estimated the solar nebula's lifetime using ancient meteorites that formed 4.653 billion years ago, suggesting it disappeared within the first 4 million years of the solar system's formation. The findings indicate that gas giants Jupiter and Saturn must have formed early in the solar system's history.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 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.

Meta-lenses bring benchtop performance to small, hand-held spectrometer

Researchers developed hand-held spectrometers using meta-lenses, enabling real-time monitoring of pollutants and toxic chemicals. The devices can be customized and mass-produced, offering significant potential for applications in healthcare diagnostics and environmental monitoring.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Photonics·DateFeb 9, 2017

New drug screening system could help speed development of a cure for HPV

Scientists have developed a new system to aid identification of potential drug targets and treatments for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The system uses genetic engineering techniques to quickly test the effects of chemicals on viral growth, identifying compounds that can block HPV replication.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 9, 2017

Researchers show how Lou Gehrig's disease progression could be delayed

A team of biomedical scientists has identified a molecule that targets the EphA4 receptor, a gene associated with rapid ALS progression. The research aims to delay motor neuron death and explore potential applications in spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease, and some cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateFeb 9, 2017

Doctors create 'MAGIC algorithm' to predict bone marrow transplant patients' risk of dying

Researchers at Mount Sinai Health System have developed an algorithm that predicts bone marrow transplant patients' risk of developing graft-versus-host disease. The 'MAGIC algorithm' uses two proteins in blood samples to determine a patient's risk, allowing for early intervention and potentially saving lives.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 9, 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.

$2 million grant to speed the development of new vector control products

A $2 million Gates Foundation grant will support the development of novel test protocols to accelerate the creation and deployment of next-generation vector control products. The project aims to improve the understanding of vector control approaches and produce better-informed products to combat malaria in Africa.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2017

How best to treat infections and tumors

A new mathematical analysis provides guidance for treating infections and tumors with drug resistance, suggesting that containment may extend effective life and improve patient outcomes in some cases. The study identifies two main factors influencing the choice between containment and aggressive treatment.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 9, 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.

New engineered material can cool roofs, structures with zero energy consumption

Researchers developed a scalable metamaterial film that efficiently reflects solar energy while allowing objects to shed heat through infrared thermal radiation. The material has been successfully tested in field trials, demonstrating significant radiative cooling powers even under direct sunlight with zero energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

Research reveals novel quantum state in strange insulating materials

Scientists have confirmed novel theoretical work on Mott insulators, revealing a unique form of magnetism that arises when these materials are cooled below a critical temperature. This discovery helps to shed light on the complex interactions between electrons in these materials, which are crucial for developing new electronic devices.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 9, 2017

Study examines how behavioral science can help tackle problem of idling engines

A study by academics at the University of East Anglia suggests that insights from behavioral science can help design road signs to encourage drivers to switch off their engines while waiting at railway crossings. Researchers found that simple visual and written cues doubled the rate of people turning off their engines, with a more effe...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateFeb 9, 2017

Stanford researchers among those discussing the future of conservation

Conservationists from around the world gather to discuss a critical shift in thinking, recommending a more vigorous application of information from the fossil record. They suggest embracing novelty in ecosystems while preserving natural diversity, highlighting cases where conservation can benefit both humans and nature.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

Life begets life: The diversity of species on Earth is generating itself

A new research hypothesis proposes that biodiversity is autocatalytic, with species enabling the existence of others and creating niches for coexistence. This view offers a possible answer to the fundamental question of why so many species can coexist in the same ecosystem.

SourceNational Research Tomsk State University·JournalEcological Modelling·DateFeb 9, 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.

Fossil treasure-trove reveals post-extinction world ruled by sponges

A team of researchers has discovered a vast array of exceptionally preserved fossils, including delicate skeletons and soft tissues, from the immediate aftermath of the Ordovician mass extinction. The Anji Biota records an astonishing range of diverse sponge species, with many thriving in large and complex ecosystems.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 9, 2017

International team of researchers develop new model for earlier treatments for AMD

An international team of researchers has developed a cell culture model that can reproduce the major elements of drusen, the hallmark deposit of AMD. The model confirms that RPE cells in early AMD are functional and that Bruch's membrane conditions play a key role in disease progression.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateFeb 9, 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.

Gene variant identified for Kawasaki disease susceptibility

Researchers have identified plausible gene variants that predispose some children to developing Kawasaki disease, a common acquired heart disease in children. A variation of the toll-like receptor 6 gene and another variant in tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2 were linked to the pro-inflammatory state during KD's acute stage.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 9, 2017

Fossil record should help guide conservation in a changing world

Conservationists should focus on preserving diverse ecosystem structures and functions, rather than just saving species. This approach can help create more resilient environments that can adapt to climate change and habitat loss. By studying the fossil record, experts hope to guide conservation efforts towards a more sustainable future.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

Subsea mining moves closer to shore

Researchers from GEOMAR suggest that subsea mining in coastal areas could be a promising alternative to deep-sea mining. The continental shelf, which has primarily been explored for oil and gas deposits, holds many mineral resources, including gold, nickel, and lead-zinc deposits.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 9, 2017

Dual-function nanorod LEDs could make multifunctional displays

Researchers developed dual-function nanorod LEDs that can emit, detect, and respond to light. These LEDs can be used in display arrays that adjust brightness based on ambient light conditions and recognize objects through touchless gestures or laser stylus input.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 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.

Older adults embracing 'living apart together'

Researchers at the University of Missouri are studying 'Living Apart Together' (LAT) relationships among older adults, who are increasingly forming new partnerships without shared residences. LAT couples face challenges such as family caregiving and decision-making, highlighting the need for open discussions with families and partners.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateFeb 9, 2017

New study links brain stem volume and aggression in autism

A new study published in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders found an inverse correlation between brain stem volume and aggression in children with autism. The researchers discovered that a smaller brain stem is associated with greater aggression, suggesting a potential target for treatment.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·DateFeb 9, 2017

Digital photography could be a key factor in rural health care

A UBC Okanagan study used digital cameras to collect photos from older patients with atrial fibrillation, providing valuable insights into their daily care and environmental context. The images revealed nuances of living with a chronic condition in rural communities.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalChronic Illness·DateFeb 9, 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.

'Tolerant' bacteria drive resistance to antibiotics

A new study reveals that disease-causing bacteria become resistant to antibiotics by acquiring mutations that allow them to tolerate the antibiotic. The research found that strains with pre-existing tolerant mutations developed resistance more quickly than those without tolerance.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

Los Alamos research on cancer's origins key part of huge grant

A global research team led by Professor Mike Stratton will study genetic samples from five continents to understand the causes of cancer. The project aims to identify unknown causes, determine environmental factors, and figure out how they lead to cancer.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·DateFeb 9, 2017

Broken pebbles offer clues to Paleolithic funeral rituals

A new study examines marine pebble tools from an Upper Paleolithic burial site in Italy and finds that flat, oblong pebbles were brought up from the beach, used as spatulas to apply ochre paste, then broken and discarded. The intent may have been to 'kill' the tools, thereby discharging their symbolic power.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalCambridge Archaeological Journal·DateFeb 9, 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.

Climate change responsible for the great diversity in horses

A new study by CSIC researchers reveals that environmental factors were the primary driver of horse diversification over 20 million years. The team found that newly evolved species were ecologically similar, with external factors such as ecosystem fragmentation and energy availability playing a key role.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 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.

Why malaria mosquitoes like people with malaria

Researchers discovered that malaria parasites produce HMBPP, which stimulates red blood cells to release carbon dioxide and volatile compounds attracting malaria mosquitoes. The parasite uses this system to transfer from one host to another, making it harder to control the spread of malaria.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

Evidence points to fish oil to fight asthma

A study published in Journal of Clinical Investigation--Insight found that omega-3 fatty acid products can reduce IgE production, a common allergen responsible for asthma symptoms. However, patients with severe asthma who rely on high-dose oral steroids may not benefit from fish oil supplementation.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 9, 2017

Scientists identify aggressive pancreatic cancer cells and their vulnerability

Researchers identified a gatekeeper protein SMARCB1 that prevents aggressive pancreatic cancer cells from transitioning into a resistant type. Depletion of SMARCB1 leads to mesenchymal status, a mobile and invasive cell state, making these cells vulnerable to therapies targeting proteostasis.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 9, 2017

The firefly among fish

The flashlight fish uses its bioluminescent light organs to detect prey in the dark, adjusting flash frequency to the context. Researchers also found that the fish blink at a high rate during feeding and are regulated by lighting conditions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 9, 2017

Recreational amphetamine use may hasten biological aging of the heart

Research suggests that recreational amphetamine use may hasten the biological ageing of the heart, with effects seen in both men and women. The study found that amphetamine users showed signs of premature ageing of the heart, even after accounting for other cardiovascular risk factors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart Asia·DateFeb 9, 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.

Staying cool without an air conditioner

A new film developed by Yao Zhai and colleagues can dissipate the sun's thermal energy, resulting in a cooling effect. The material is lightweight, easily conforms to curved surfaces, and relatively easy to mass produce, making it a promising solution for passive radiative cooling.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

GW researcher finds genetic cause of new type of muscular dystrophy

Researchers from GW University and St. George's University of London discovered a mutation in the INPP5K gene linked to short stature, muscle weakness, intellectual disability, and cataracts. This finding suggests a new type of congenital muscular dystrophy, with potential for targeted therapies.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 9, 2017

Words can sound 'round' or 'sharp' without us realizing it

A new study found that people unconsciously map sounds to shapes, influencing awareness before conscious recognition. The 'bouba-kiki' effect, observed across cultures and age groups, shows that soft-sounding words pair with round shapes and sharp-sounding words with angular shapes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 9, 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.

Footballing success in the young can be measured in the brain

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that executive cognitive functions in children and young people can be quantified and linked to their performance on the football pitch. The study found strong results for simpler forms of executive function, such as working memory, to be associated with success.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 9, 2017

We like taking selfies but not looking at them

A study found that while 77% of participants take selfies regularly, 82% would prefer fewer selfies on social media. Participants perceived their own selfies as more self-ironic and authentic, while those taken by others were seen as less authentic.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 9, 2017