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Science News for June 15, 2017


Annals of Oncology in top 10 oncology journals

Annals of Oncology has achieved an impressive Impact Factor score of 11.855, ranking it among the top 5% of oncology titles globally. The journal is recognized for its rapid and efficient peer-review publications on cutting-edge cancer research.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateJun 15, 2017

Volcanic crystals give a new view of magma

Scientists have found that magma reservoirs are less liquid and more crystalline than previously thought, with most crystals retaining their structure for tens of thousands of years before being exposed to molten magma. This discovery could help predict when volcanoes pose the greatest risk by identifying those with mobile magma.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017

Low-dose CT scanning improves assessment of ankylosing spondylitis patients

A study at EULAR 2017 found low-dose CT scanning to be more sensitive than conventional X-rays in monitoring Ankylosing Spondylitis disease progression. It consistently detected patients with signs of disease progression, such as new bony growths.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 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.

How to educate future therapists more effectively

A Concordia study identifies conflicting demands of education and therapy in the classroom, causing emotional stress among students. The study recommends increased transparency between teachers and students, clearer policies on affective material, and discussions on ethical practices to enhance the student experience.

SourceConcordia University·JournalThe Arts in Psychotherapy·DateJun 15, 2017

Japanese slow earthquakes could shed light on tsunami generation

Researchers found that 50% of energy is released in slow earthquakes, reducing tsunami risk, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. The study used data from instruments placed on the seafloor and in boreholes east of Japan's coast to understand slow-slip earthquakes and their impact on large earthquakes and tsunamis.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017

Knowing HIV levels are 'undetectable' may affect sexual behavior

A study by H. Fisher Raymond found that MSM with known HIV infection who know their viral status tend to reduce sexual risk behaviors. The results suggest a link between undetectable viral load and safer sex practices, but more research is needed to confirm this association.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateJun 15, 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.

In California, large-scale water cycles impact quakes a little

A new study reveals that large-scale water cycles in California have a modest impact on small-scale earthquake activity. Slight changes in ground stress associated with snow accumulation, snowmelt, runoff, and irrigation for agriculture influence earthquake likelihood.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017

Gut bacteria might one day help slow down aging process

Scientists identified bacterial genes and compounds that extend lifespan, slow tumor growth, and reduce amyloid-beta accumulation in laboratory worms. These findings suggest potential for designing supplements to slow down aging process.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·DateJun 15, 2017

Animal evolution: Hot start, followed by cold shock

The study suggests that animal phyla emerged rapidly around 700 million years ago, prior to the global Ice Age. The earliest known animal fossils exhibit complex morphologies, indicating animals originated before the Cambrian Period. New molecular-clock analysis produces a new estimate for the ages of the oldest animal groups.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 15, 2017

When healthy cells stimulate the migration of tumor cells

Researchers at Université de Genève discovered that healthy fibroblasts surrounding breast cancer cells have a unique variant of the estrogen receptor GPER in their nuclei. This genetic variation promotes tumor cell migration and invasiveness through the secretion of molecules that stimulate malignant growth.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJun 15, 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.

Targeting immune cells that help tumors stay hidden could improve immunotherapy

Targeting a subset of immune cells called regulatory T cells could be an effective approach to treating cancers. By blocking or deleting a surface protein called neuropilin-1, researchers found that tumor growth was dramatically reduced in mice, suggesting this could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalCell·DateJun 15, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

University of Utah biochemist Erhu Cao named Pew Scholar

Erhu Cao, a University of Utah biochemist, has been named a Pew Scholar to explore the dynamic interactions within cell membranes. His research focuses on ADPKD, a genetic disorder affecting approximately 1 in 1,000 people, and may lead to new therapeutic approaches.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·DateJun 15, 2017

Boston University awarded Macy grant to improve refugee health

The three-year $392,000 grant will develop a comprehensive educational program to train future physicians in refugee health, addressing physical, emotional, and social trauma. The initiative aims to increase cultural competence among medical students and provide patients with culturally sensitive care.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJun 15, 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.

Pew awards 22 promising biomedical researchers funding to advance human health

The Pew Charitable Trusts has awarded funding to 22 early-career researchers to pursue foundational research in the biomedical sciences. The scholars will use novel approaches to illuminate the mechanisms of human biology and disease. This award aims to support scientists trying to crack some of the toughest questions in human health.

SourcePew Charitable Trusts·DateJun 15, 2017

Seasonal rain and snow trigger small earthquakes on California faults

Researchers found that seasonal stress changes, caused by winter rains and summer rebound, lead to an increase in small earthquakes along California faults. The study used regional global positioning system data to calculate stresses due to water loads, revealing a correlation between peak stress and seismicity.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 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.

An alternative hypothesis on the faunal colonization of the Himalayas?

Researchers found that Himalayan species arose earlier in southern Tibet and then migrated to the region after mountain formation. The discovery challenges current biogeographical opinions and highlights the importance of molecular-genetic methods in testing old hypotheses.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 15, 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.

Giving children a voice in clinical trials

Children as young as 8 years old can reliably assess experimental therapy effects on symptoms and quality of life. Self-reported patient outcomes could be a new endpoint in clinical trials, enabling clinicians to better manage side effects.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalCancer·DateJun 15, 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.

More brain activity is not always better when it comes to memory and attention

Recent studies suggest that excessive neural activity in specific brain regions can impair memory and attention. Inhibitory neurotransmission, mediated by GABA, plays a crucial role in regulating neural activity. The review highlights the importance of balancing aberrant neural activity to restore cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateJun 15, 2017

Entomologist at UC Riverside named a Pew scholar

Naoki Yamanaka, the first researcher at UC Riverside to receive a Pew scholarship, will pursue foundational research using state-of-the-art techniques. His research focuses on identifying chemicals that interrupt steroid hormone entry into cells, which could lead to novel means of manipulating steroid-related processes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJun 15, 2017

Newly discovered cellular pathway may lead to cancer therapies

Researchers have identified a crucial pathway in regulating cellular metabolism, which they believe could be targeted to control tumor growth. The study found that blocking this pathway reduced tumor growth in melanoma mice and holds promise for developing new cancer treatments.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 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.

Grant focuses on 'hydrogen sponge' for use in fuel-cell vehicles

A Penn State researcher has been awarded a grant to develop a 'hydrogen sponge' technology that could efficiently store hydrogen fuel for use in fuel cell vehicles. The technology uses supercritical liquid form to condense the gas, allowing for storage at ambient temperature and low-pressure conditions.

SourcePenn State·DateJun 15, 2017

Raucous crystals

Scientists have discovered that organic crystals send out acoustic signals when their crystal structure changes, providing insight into the phenomenon. The crystals' rapid transformation of heat into movement is potentially useful for developing artificial muscles or microscale robotic arms.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 15, 2017

Marine predators: Bigger in size with an appetite to match

A new study reveals that marine invertebrate predators have increased in size over the past 500 million years, while their prey has remained relatively constant. The 'escalation hypothesis' is supported by the findings, which show a significant increase in predator-prey size ratio driven by changes in marine ecosystems.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017

Global diet and farming methods 'must change for environment's sake'

A new study found that reducing meat consumption and adopting organic farming methods can help mitigate environmental degradation, but not at the expense of land use and energy efficiency. The researchers suggest combining different production systems to create a more sustainable agricultural system.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 15, 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.

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.

New genetic technique could help identify potential drug targets for malaria

A new genetic technique developed by Upeksha Rathnapala and colleagues at the University of Melbourne could enhance research into potential drug targets for malaria treatment. By using a novel approach involving fluorescent markers, scientists can identify metabolic processes essential for Plasmodium development in host animals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 15, 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.

College attendance drops after widespread job loss

Research from Duke University finds that college attendance rates for poor students decline by 20% after a 7% job loss, even when financial aid increases. Job losses also trigger increased stress, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among poor African-American youths.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017

Holes drilled in shells point to bigger predators picking on small prey

The study found a strong correlation between predator size and the diameter of drill holes, suggesting that larger predators have hunted smaller prey in the past. The researchers believe that growing bigger predators may not need to switch to larger targets due to more nutritious small prey.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 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.

Biological DMARD guidelines associated with a reduced need for knee and hip replacements in RA

A Danish study found a clear downward trend in knee and hip replacements in RA patients since the introduction of biological DMARDs to treatment protocols. The incidence of total knee replacements decreased by 0.20 per year after 2003, while the incidence of total hip replacements also showed a downward trend.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2017

The newly discovered Russian dinosaur named after Mongolian spirit

Researchers have identified a new genus and species of ancient marine reptile called Luskhan itilensis, discovered in the Volga River region. The discovery sheds light on the ecomorphological diversity of pliosaurs, suggesting that their evolutionary history was more complex than previously thought.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 15, 2017

VHA initiative significantly reduces MRSA in veterans living centers

The VHA initiative significantly reduced MRSA infections in a Veterans community living center by implementing active surveillance and decolonization with strict environmental control. The program resulted in substantial monetary savings of $2.2 million and improved patient safety.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 15, 2017

*Ring, Ring* 'Earth? It's space calling, on the quantum line'

Researchers used a satellite-based system to transmit entangled photons across vast distances, overcoming previous transmission limitations of 100 km. The successful transmission holds implications for quantum teleportation and communication networks.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 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.

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.

Close-up view of DNA replication yields surprises

Researchers watched individual DNA strands replicate and found that polymerases on the leading and lagging strands are completely autonomous, with no coordination. The study reveals a new stochastic view of DNA replication, challenging conventional wisdom and providing insights into this essential biological process.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCell·DateJun 15, 2017

A rusty and sweet side of sepsis

Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência found that controlling iron levels is crucial for maintaining vital organs' function during infection. They discovered ferritin's role in regulating glucose production, which prevents lethal sepsis outcomes.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalCell·DateJun 15, 2017

19-year-olds as sedentary as 60-year-olds, study suggests

A study published in Preventive Medicine found that physical activity among children and teens is lower than previously thought, with young adults over 20 showing the only increases in activity levels. The study also identified patterns of highest and lowest activity throughout the day across age groups and genders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJun 15, 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.

New flu test: One drop of blood could save your life

Australian researchers have developed a world-first test to identify patients at risk of developing serious secondary infections. The High-risk Influenza Screen Test measures an early warning signal released by the patient's body, predicting potential complications with high accuracy.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJun 15, 2017

'Magic' alloy could spur next generation of solar cells

Researchers at University of Michigan develop cost-effective material to capture near-infrared light in solar cells, making concentrator photovoltaics more efficient and practical for large-scale electricity generation. The new alloy is significantly less expensive than previous formulations and enables easier manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 15, 2017

5 promising cancer researchers selected as Pew-Stewart Scholars

The Pew Charitable Trusts has announced the 2017 class of Pew-Stewart Scholars for Cancer Research, five early-career scientists conducting groundbreaking research on finding cures for cancer. The scholars will receive flexible funding to invest in their work and investigate promising avenues to slow or stop cancer development.

SourcePew Charitable Trusts·DateJun 15, 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.

Widespread snowmelt in West Antarctica during unusually warm summer

Researchers found that a large area of West Antarctica partially melted due to warm air caused by an especially strong El Nino, with satellite data revealing a mix of melted snow and ice over most of the Ross Ice Shelf. The study suggests that this warming event could be more frequent in the future with a warming climate.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2017

Cardiac stem cells from heart disease patients may be harmful

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a molecular pathway involved in the toxic interaction between host cells and the immune system when using cardiac stem cells from patients with heart disease. The study suggests that these cells can develop inflammatory properties and exacerbate damage to the already diseased heart muscle.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCirculation·DateJun 15, 2017

8 in 10 Indonesian children has been infected with dengue

A new study reveals that nearly all Indonesian children in urban areas are infected with the dengue virus by childhood. The researchers found that 69.4% of children tested positive for dengue antibodies, with infection rates increasing from 33.8% of 1-4 year olds to 89.0% of 15-18 year olds.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 15, 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.

Egocentric hearing: Study clarifies how we can tell where a sound is coming from

A new UCL and University of Nottingham study found that most neurons in the brain's auditory cortex detect sound location relative to the head, but some track the actual position in the world. The researchers monitored ferrets while they moved around a small arena surrounded by speakers, using electrodes and LEDs to track movement.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 15, 2017

Bee antennae offer links between the evolution of social behavior and communication

A study published in PNAS found that halictid bees have more sensory machinery on their antennae compared to solitary species, suggesting a link between social behavior evolution and communication. The research suggests that sensilla density may be an important precursor to the evolution of social behavior.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2017

Water management interventions push scarcity downstream

A new study assesses the global impact of human interventions on water scarcity, finding that large-scale water management actions can aggravate water scarcity downstream. The research highlights the importance of considering upstream-downstream linkages in water policy decisions.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 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.

A mechanical trigger for toxic tumor therapy

Researchers developed a new drug delivery platform that uses ultrasound waves to trigger the dispersal of chemotherapy-containing nanoparticles precisely at tumor sites. The platform resulted in a two-fold increase in targeting efficacy and a dramatic reduction in both tumor size and drug-related toxicity.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalBiomaterials·DateJun 15, 2017

Massachusetts General researchers explore why those with autism avoid eye contact

A team of investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that individuals with autism spectrum disorder experience overactivation in subcortical brain structures when viewing eye contact, leading to an aversion to direct gaze. This finding supports the hypothesis of an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling n...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 15, 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.

Dynamic DNA helps ward off gene damage, study reveals

A study by the University of Edinburgh reveals that dynamic DNA properties can ward off gene damage and promote genome organization. The research highlights the importance of scaffold attachment factor A in forming a protective chromatin mesh that allows for flexible and responsive cell signals.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCell·DateJun 15, 2017

Cryo-EM images reveal how key biological machine unfolds problem proteins

Researchers have gained near-atomic resolution insights into the disaggregase protein's unfolding process, which helps break apart toxic protein aggregates. The study's findings suggest a ratchet-like mechanism and potential applications in developing new drugs or understanding biological processes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 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.

Drill holes in fossil shells point to bigger predators picking on small prey

Researchers found that as predators grew in size, they targeted smaller prey rather than larger quarry, suggesting a shift in ecological dynamics. The study's findings support the escalation hypothesis, which posits that top-down pressure from larger predators drove key evolutionary developments in prey species.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017

Penn engineers show key feature for modeling how cells spread in fibrous environments

A team of engineers at the University of Pennsylvania has developed a new model that better simulates how cells interact with their environment and form focal adhesions. This understanding is crucial for diagnosing and combating cancer, as it reveals the importance of dynamic processes in cellular behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2017

3-D images show how sperm binds to the egg surface

Researchers have obtained the first 3D snapshots of a sperm protein attached to a complementary egg coat protein at the beginning of fertilization. The study reveals a common egg protein architecture involved in sperm recognition in both mollusc and mammal species.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateJun 15, 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.

The quest begins to bring ultra-speed wireless connectivity to first responders

Researchers will develop special channel soundings and software-defined radio systems to deliver ultra-reliability in emergency situations. They aim to address unique challenges such as link failures and signal blockage, enabling first responders to relay video in moving ambulances and control robots in restricted indoor environments.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateJun 15, 2017

Early stress confers lifelong vulnerability causing alterations in a specific brain region

Researchers identify early stress as a molecular basis for lifelong depression susceptibility, revealing a critical role for the developmental transcription factor Otx2. Mice stressed in early life exhibit suppressed Otx2 levels and increased depression-like behavior in adulthood, highlighting a sensitive period for brain development.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 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.

High prevalence of CRE in Washington, D.C. healthcare facilities

A new study reveals that Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) have become endemic in Washington, D.C. healthcare facilities, with a prevalence rate of 5.2%. The study, which monitored 16 facilities, found that male patients and adults aged 20-39 had higher rates of CRE infection.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJun 15, 2017

Science shows how faces guide, and reflect, our social lives

Researchers investigate face perception's impact on human behavior, including recognizing emotions, forming impressions, and making judgments. The study reveals the complexities of face processing and its role in shaping our interactions with others.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJun 15, 2017

Optimizing feeding is necessary to maintain milk production in organic herds

A study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that varying diet formulation and pasture management can significantly affect greenhouse gas emissions on organic dairy farms. The researchers identified four feeding strategies, with diets featuring more soybeans resulting in lower nitrous oxide emissions.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateJun 15, 2017

Taking circular economy to the next level

A growing number of businesses and governments have adopted the circular economy framework, aiming to keep resources in use for longer. The Journal of Industrial Ecology special issue explores the concept's complexities and opportunities, including product design methods, social forces, and challenges of implementing circularity efforts.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateJun 15, 2017

Pre-clinical study suggests Parkinson's could start in gut endocrine cells

Duke University researchers have identified a potential new mechanism for Parkinson's disease, suggesting that misfolded alpha-synuclein protein spreads from gut endocrine cells to the brain. This finding could lead to earlier diagnosis and development of therapies targeting the protein.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJCI Insight·DateJun 15, 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.

Jerusalem tower younger than thought

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science used advanced radiocarbon dating methods to determine the age of a massive stone tower in Jerusalem. The new date, around 800-900 BCE, is nearly 1,000 years younger than the previously assigned date of 1700 BCE and moves the construction of the tower to the Iron Age.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalRadiocarbon·DateJun 15, 2017

Modeling the brain with 'Lego bricks'

A new computational method uses data from medical imaging to create a color-coded 'digital lego brain' model that predicts organ deformation under surgical action. This allows surgeons to virtually rehearse operations and anticipate potential complications.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 15, 2017

New blood test detects stroke and heart attack risk in lupus patients with no CVD symptoms

Researchers have identified a biomarker that can detect increased risk of stroke and heart attack in lupus patients without CVD symptoms. A study found that lupus patients with high levels of High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T (HS-cTnT) are eight times more likely to develop fatty deposits in their carotid arteries.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 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.

New tool measures resilience in adolescent Syrian refugees

Researchers at Yale University developed a brief and reliable survey tool to measure resilience in children and adolescents displaced by the Syrian conflict. The tool identifies individual, family, and cultural sources of strength and asks respondents to rate statements on a five-point scale.

SourceYale University·JournalChild Development·DateJun 15, 2017

A more safe and efficient means for drug manufacturing

Researchers created a system that uses continuous flow technology to produce pharmaceutical compounds, improving safety and yield. The new approach yielded 24 kilograms of chemotherapy agent prexasertib over three days, demonstrating its effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017

Analysis sheds light on how metaphors like 'sheds light' evolved

A large-scale study found that the evolution of word meanings in English metaphors follows a systematic and predictable pattern over the past 1100 years. The researchers identified key domains where word senses transitioned from literal to metaphorical meaning, including emotionality and embodiment.

SourceLehigh University·JournalCognitive Psychology·DateJun 15, 2017

Gender, race & class: Language change in post-apartheid South Africa

A recent study by Rajend Mesthrie found that gender is a stronger predictor of language change than class among young black university students in post-apartheid South Africa. The research showed that female students are more likely to adopt the 'crossover' language varieties, which were previously associated with white-dominated groups.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateJun 15, 2017

Transgender actors effective in teaching new doctors to provide respectful care

A study published in the Journal of Graduate Medical Education found that transgender actors can effectively teach new doctors to provide sensitive care. The researchers used standardized patients, including a transgender actress, to assess residents' communication skills and patient satisfaction. The results showed that the training a...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Graduate Medical Education·DateJun 15, 2017

Tracking the build-up to volcanic eruptions

ASU scientists develop technique using zircon crystals to trace pulses of heat inside a volcano, which may help better predict risk. The new findings suggest that heat pulses before an eruption both begin and end more abruptly than previously thought.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017

Burroughs Wellcome Fund awards $1.9 million in grants to three Penn researchers

Three Penn researchers, Elizabeth Grice, Vijay Bhoj, and Kara Maxwell, have been awarded $1.9 million in Burroughs Wellcome Fund grants to investigate skin microbiome functions and CAR T-cell immunotherapy for Hemophilia A. The grants aim to advance our understanding of human infectious diseases and cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJun 15, 2017