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Science News for January 31, 2017


UTA aerospace engineering professor named AIAA Fellow

Frank Lu, a UTA aerospace engineering professor, has been named an AIAA Fellow for his sustained contributions to gasdynamics and detonation-based technologies. He is the first UTA faculty member to earn this honor, which recognizes his novel experimental facility and measurement techniques.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateJan 31, 2017

Paracetamol study could open door for way to treat liver damage

Researchers discovered that paracetamol damages liver cells by disrupting tight junctions, leading to cell death and organ dysfunction. The study aims to develop alternative methods for testing paracetamol toxicity and identify potential targets for new drugs.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 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.

Research journey to the center of the Earth

Scientists have identified three potential light elements - hydrogen, silicon, and sulfur - that could make up the remaining 5% of the Earth's core. These findings are based on experiments simulating the core's extreme conditions and matching them with seismological observations.

SourceTohoku University·DateJan 31, 2017

Land-use change possibly produces more carbon dioxide than assumed so far

A new study suggests that land-use change may be responsible for higher CO2 emissions than previously thought, emphasizing the need for reforestation efforts to combat climate change. The research highlights the crucial role of forests, grasslands, and croplands in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 31, 2017

Habitat features and social behavior impact how baboons move as a group

A study published in eLife found that individual baboons tend to follow the path taken by their group mates, while also being constrained by environmental factors such as vegetation density. The research used GPS tracking and drone-based imaging technology to understand how habitat and social features impact animal movement.

SourceeLife·DateJan 31, 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.

Optimized compiler yields more-efficient parallel programs

Researchers at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory have developed a new variation of a popular open-source compiler that optimizes before adding code necessary for parallel execution. This approach results in more-efficient parallel programs, surpassing existing compilers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 31, 2017

Climate change scientists should think more about sex

Research by University of Exeter scientists reveals that less than 4% of climate-change studies have tested the impact of ocean acidification on males and females separately. This could lead to major changes in sustainable supplies of fish and shellfish, as different sexes respond differently to stress.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 31, 2017

Link between sleep and cognitive impairment in the elderly

Researchers found association between sleep-disordered breathing and cognitive impairment in older adults, emphasizing need for clinicians to screen for both conditions. Treatment of sleep apnea may improve quality of life but does not delay or prevent cognitive decline.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateJan 31, 2017

UTA materials scientist invents breath monitor to detect flu

Perena Gouma's invention uses semiconductor sensors to detect the flu virus in a patient's breath, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. The handheld device has far-reaching implications for public health and may help prevent flu epidemics from spreading.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalSensors·DateJan 31, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

IUPUI study: Climate change drove population decline in New World before Europeans arrived

Researchers from IUPUI reconstructed 2,100 years of temperature and precipitation data, pointing to climate change as a primary cause of the disappearance of the Mississippians. The study found that drought conditions due to changed atmospheric circulation undermined agricultural production, leading to the destabilization of sociopolit...

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 2017

Females no longer neglected in obesity research

A recent review in Frontiers in Nutrition highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to obesity research, as traditional male rat models are found to be insufficient in predicting long-term obesity in females. The study also sheds light on the phenomenon of weight regain after weight loss and its impact on females.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateJan 31, 2017

Scientists step closer to developing new drug in fight against antimicrobial resistance

Researchers at the University of Lincoln have determined the molecular structure of a new antibiotic, teixobactin, which holds promise in tackling drug-resistant bacteria. The discovery reveals that the antibiotic's disordered structure is essential for its biological activity, providing insight into how to produce effective derivatives.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalChemical Communications·DateJan 31, 2017

Changes in gene contribute independently to breast and ovarian cancer

A new study has found that defects in the EMSY gene, similar to BRCA genes, spur cancer growth independently of BRCA1 and BRCA2 protection. The research suggests new treatment options for women with normal BRCA genes who develop breast and ovarian cancer.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJan 31, 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.

NASA's new shape-shifting radiator inspired by origami

A NASA team has created a smart radiator that folds and unfolds like origami, allowing it to change its shape to shed or conserve heat. The radiator uses temperature-sensitive materials and a vanadium-oxide-based coating to achieve this effect.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 31, 2017

Autism may begin early in brain development

Recent research from the University of Maryland found that autism-related neural defects begin early in mammalian development, when key neurons form their first circuits. This study could lead to a stronger understanding of autism and possible early intervention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 31, 2017

Reversible saliva allows frogs to hang on to next meal

A new study reveals that frogs' tongues are covered in a unique reversible saliva that changes viscosity during capture and retraction. The combination of this saliva with a super soft tongue allows for an incredible 50 times greater work of adhesion, making it a key factor in the frog's ability to hang onto its next meal.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 31, 2017

Plants smell different when they are eaten by exotic herbivores

Researchers found that plants emit unique odour profiles in response to exotic herbivores, which are distinct from those emitted by native herbivores. This adaptation helps plants specifically attract natural enemies that feed on the herbivores eating them.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 31, 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.

Once-dried tiny tributary serves as shelter for wintering fish

Researchers found that a small, dried-out tributary became a vital shelter for over 10,000 stream fish in Hokkaido, Japan. The study suggests that even remnant tributaries are essential wintering habitats for fish to survive the harsh winter conditions.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalIchthyological Research·DateJan 31, 2017

Researchers confirm the existence of a 'lost continent' under Mauritius

Scientists have discovered ancient zircons on the island of Mauritius, dating back 3 billion years, suggesting a long-lost continent named Mauritia existed beneath the island. This finding supports the theory that the break-up of supercontinent Gondwana led to the formation of the Indian Ocean.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 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.

Big data brings breast cancer research forwards by 'decades'

Scientists have created a 'map' linking cell shape to genes turned on and off, matching it to real disease outcomes. The map revealed key areas controlling gene activity, including a protein called NF-kappaB that drives cancer cell growth and spread.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalGenome Research·DateJan 31, 2017

African lake provides new clues about ancient marine life

African Lake Kivu's unique chemistry suggests more nitrogen in ancient oceans, enabling marine organisms to thrive during multi-cellularity emergence. This finding implies phosphorous limitations shaped early ocean life, paving the way for Eukaryote evolution.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 31, 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.

Large marine protected areas effectively protect reef shark populations

Researchers at Stanford University found that large MPAs in the U.S. Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge effectively protected grey reef sharks, with more sharks inside the reserve and fewer fishing vessels outside. The study suggests that expanded MPAs can have a significant impact on shark populations and ecosystem health.

SourceStanford University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJan 31, 2017

IU study examines sexual risk-taking, HIV prevention among older adults in Africa

A recent Indiana University study found that older adults in Africa are sexually active and report high-risk behaviors, highlighting the need for targeted HIV prevention measures. The study reveals that older adults are a significant proportion of people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, where most HIV cases occur.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes & Human Retrovirology·DateJan 31, 2017

Drug shows promise for treating alcoholism

Researchers found that ibudilast significantly reduced craving for alcohol and improved mood in participants. The medication also showed promise in reducing the pleasurable effects of alcohol.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJan 31, 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.

Air pollution may lead to dementia in older women

USC-led study finds that older women living in areas with high PM2.5 levels are 81% more at risk for global cognitive decline and 92% more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Exposure to air pollution particles may accelerate brain aging and promote Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJan 31, 2017

Paper spotlights key flaw in widely used radioisotope dating technique

Researchers from North Carolina State University have discovered a key flaw in the widely used radioisotope dating technique, which may lead to overestimated ages of geological samples. The technique's accuracy depends on accounting for differential mass diffusion, a process that was previously overlooked.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNuclear Technology·DateJan 31, 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.

Existing reprocessing techniques prove insufficient for flexible endoscopes

A study found that current reprocessing techniques for flexible endoscopes are not consistently effective, with organic residues often remaining. Visual inspections and cleaning verification tests are necessary to ensure all endoscopes are free of damage and debris before reuse.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJan 31, 2017

Tracking fishing vessels and sharks reveals protection for large mobile animals

Researchers used Global Fishing Watch data to track fishing activity around the Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, a large MPA. Most satellite-tracked reef sharks remained within the MPA, while virtually all fishing vessels stayed outside, suggesting that MPAs can benefit declining mobile species like grey reef sharks.

SourceGlobal Fishing Watch·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJan 31, 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.

Endocrine Society experts issue clinical practice guideline on pediatric obesity

The Endocrine Society has issued a new clinical practice guideline for pediatric obesity, emphasizing the importance of family-centered lifestyle modifications. The guideline provides recommendations for assessing, treating, and preventing childhood obesity, including genetic testing for rare causes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 31, 2017

Scientists show how cells communicate

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have made significant progress in understanding how primary cilia receive and transmit signals, shedding light on their role in regulating cellular behaviors and preventing diseases such as ciliopathies.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2017

Chimps' behavior following death disturbing to ISU anthropologist

Researchers observed chimps abusing and cannibalizing Foudouko's body for nearly four hours after his death, contradicting traditional notions of grief. The study suggests competition for mates, power struggles, and isolation may contribute to such deadly behavior in chimpanzees.

SourceIowa State University·JournalInternational Journal of Primatology·DateJan 31, 2017

OSU marine ecologist receives top National Academy of Sciences honor

Jane Lubchenco, OSU marine ecologist and advocate for science-based policies, is honored with the Public Welfare Medal for her efforts to bring together research communities and policymakers to address global environmental issues. She has dedicated her career to promoting public service and inspiring future researchers.

SourceOregon State University·DateJan 31, 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.

Physically active children are less depressed

A new study has found that children who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity have fewer symptoms of depression. Researchers followed over 700 children for four years and found a significant correlation between physical activity and reduced depressive symptoms.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 31, 2017

Brain-computer interface allows completely locked-in people to communicate

A new brain-computer interface (BCI) enables people with complete locked-in syndrome to communicate by detecting their brain activity. The study found that participants reported being 'happy' and could respond correctly to personal questions, overturning previous theories on the capabilities of individuals with this condition.

SourceWyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 31, 2017

Study to examine the relationship between grasslands and soil biodiversity

Researchers examine how native grass management can enhance soil health and agricultural productivity in the eastern US. They focus on optimizing fertility and cover crop strategies for nutrient-efficient species like switchgrass and big bluestem, which produce extensive root systems that support micro-invertebrate communities.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateJan 31, 2017

Mount Sinai researchers generate rat model of autism

Researchers created a genetically modified rat model of autism and intellectual disability to study Phelan-McDermid syndrome. The study found that oxytocin improved social memory, attention, and nerve cell activity in the rat model.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateJan 31, 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.

Scientists aim to reduce animals killed in drug testing

Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a technique to assess anti-inflammatory properties of fortified health foods and medications using bioluminescence imaging. This method reduces the number of lab mice sacrificed and could revolutionize medicinal drug testing, particularly for obesity-related metabolic disorders.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 2017

Increasing factory and auto emissions disrupt natural cycle in East China Sea

A UCI-led study found that increasing factory and auto emissions in East China are causing harmful algal blooms, choking off vital fish populations. The study suggests that human-caused pollution is disrupting the region's ecology, with changes in nutrient levels leading to overgrowth of certain aquatic plants.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJan 31, 2017

Substance in crude oil harms fish hearts, could affect humans as well

Research from Stanford University identified phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, as the culprit behind cardiotoxicity in fish exposed to crude oil spills. The study found that phenanthrene disrupts heart function in both marine and terrestrial species, including mammals and birds.

SourceStanford University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 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.

Non-severe infections can cause serious mental disorders

A new study reveals that non-severe infections can significantly increase the risk of developing schizophrenia and depression. The research found a dose-response correlation between the number of infections and the risk of mental disorders, suggesting that even minor infections can have severe consequences.

SourceAarhus University·DateJan 31, 2017

NASA's IMERG calculated rainfall of Tropical Cyclone 03S

Rainfall totals of close to 300 mm were estimated along Australia's northwest coast using NASA's IMERG product. The analysis was conducted on the remnant low pressure area that formed from Tropical Cyclone 03S, which moved into the Indian Ocean on January 27, 2017.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 31, 2017

The world's first heat-driven transistor

Researchers at Linköping University developed the world's first heat-driven transistor, opening up new possibilities for temperature detection and medical applications. The transistor converts a 100 times greater temperature gradient to electric voltage than traditional thermoelectric materials.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2017

The making of Antarctica

Researchers at McGill University suggest that a link between global climate change and dramatic changes in ocean circulation can explain the formation of Antarctica's ice sheets. This new theory highlights the complexity of climate change and the impact of ocean circulation patterns on global temperatures.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 31, 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.

MIT study: Online retail prices often match those in stores

A recent MIT study reveals that online retail prices often match those in stores, with prices converging at around 72% of the time. The study examines data from 10 major countries and suggests that companies aim to appear 'fair' by maintaining consistent prices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateJan 31, 2017

Yeast mutants unlock the secrets of aging

Researchers have identified genetic mechanisms that limit yeast lifespan, which can be manipulated by natural molecules to delay aging and improve health. The study confirms programmed aging theories and provides evidence for the existence of active mechanisms limiting longevity.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateJan 31, 2017

European experts highlight the potential of xenografts in personalized oncology

The EurOPDX consortium develops patient-derived xenografts to replicate tumor behavior in mice, enabling personalized medicine and drug assessment. Researchers aim to validate multicentric preclinical studies using these models, increasing the efficiency of cancer research and treatment.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalNature Reviews Cancer·DateJan 31, 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.

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.

Making the switch to polarization diversity

Researchers develop integrated optical switch using polarization diversity, reducing size and cost of traditional switches. The new device features a single 8x8 grid with unique port assignments, allowing simultaneous management of both polarizations of light.

SourceOptica·DateJan 31, 2017

Acid trip makes clumsy cone snails miss their prey

Researchers found that cone snails, crucial for the ocean food chain, struggle to catch their prey when exposed to rising CO2 levels. This study suggests that ocean acidification may have far-reaching impacts on marine ecosystems and potentially affect commercially important seafood species.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 31, 2017

How a bacterial protein's structure aids biomedical studies

A light-sensing protein from a microbe has enabled new technologies for biomedical applications, including drug discovery and understanding human vision. The protein's dynamic structure is crucial for bacterial response to stimuli and also necessary for other proteins, such as rhodopsin pigment.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalStructural Dynamics·DateJan 31, 2017

The role of the tunnel

A team of scientists has identified a crucial step in the protein-sorting process, revealing that the signal recognition particle (SRP) recognizes membrane proteins before they are fully synthesized. This discovery highlights the importance of ribosomal tunnels in coordinating protein transport and sorting.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 31, 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.

Scat sniffer dogs tell York U researchers a lot about endangered lizards

Scat detection dogs helped biology PhD student Alex Filazzola discover the importance of shrubs in preserving lizard populations in the face of climate change. Shrubs proved instrumental in providing critical micro-environments, such as shady places to regulate body temperature and refuge from predators.

SourceYork University·JournalBasic and Applied Ecology·DateJan 31, 2017

Spider silk demonstrates Spider Man-like abilities

Researchers have discovered a unique type of spider silk that can lift weights with high efficiency and speed. The silk fibers are actuated by water droplets, exhibiting shrink-stretch behavior similar to muscle performance.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 31, 2017

Mechanism for photosynthesis already existed in primeval microbe

Researchers at Kobe University have found a primitive pathway that resembles photosynthesis in Methanospirillum hungatei, a non-photosynthesizing microbe. The team used metabolome analysis to locate trapped CO2 and proved the microbe uses this pathway to synthesize glucose.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 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.

Reservoir divers: Select antiviral cells can access HIV's hideouts

Scientists have identified antiviral T cells that can access HIV's germinal center hideouts using the CXCR5 molecule. These cells have stem cell-like properties and can infiltrate sites of ongoing viral replication, providing a potential target for therapeutic vaccines and HIV suppression.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2017

Re-assessing 'at risk' cutoffs for birth weight

Researchers found that using the 25th and 85th centile ranges instead of the traditional 10th and 90th percentiles could prevent one fatal event by offering delivery to women outside these ranges. This expansion may require an additional 1143 deliveries to be made.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 31, 2017