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Science News for March 14, 2017


Zebrafish without stripes

Dowling-Degos disease patients with PSENEN gene mutations display unusual pigment cell behavior in zebrafish, leading to similar skin patterns. The discovery provides new insights into the causes of acne inversa and its link to the genetic disorder.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 2017

Study quantifies effect of 'legacy phosphorus' in reduced water quality

A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison reveals that abundant soil phosphorus in the Yahara watershed has a direct and long-lasting impact on water quality. Eliminating overabundance of phosphorus could improve lake and river quality by reducing summertime phosphorus concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEcosystems·DateMar 14, 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.

Breathtaking gene discovery in Dalmatian dogs

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified a novel gene associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in Dalmatian dogs. The gene study found that the disorder results from a defect in an anillin protein which binds to actin, leading to abnormal regeneration capacity of the bronchiolar epithelium.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 14, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High rate of return to running following arthroscopic hip surgery

Research shows that arthroscopic hip surgery is effective in improving running ability, with 96% of recreational and competitive runners returning to their sport within nine months. However, increasing BMI and longer time without running prior to surgery are associated with slower recovery.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 14, 2017

Spiders eat 400-800 million tons of prey every year

Zoologists at the University of Basel and Lund University found that spiders kill an enormous number of insects worldwide, with estimates ranging from 400-800 million tons per year. This has significant implications for maintaining ecological balance in nature.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateMar 14, 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.

Rethinking the use of warnings with transcript and video evidence in trials

A study by the University of Liverpool found that providing a judicial warning when presenting transcript and video evidence to jurors improves their assessment of witness reliability. The research suggests that warnings are necessary in some cases, such as when video evidence is presented alone, and can help jurors consider the credib...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Journal of Psychology·DateMar 14, 2017

Experimental Ebola vaccine regimen induced durable immune response, study finds

A Phase 1 clinical trial found that a two-vaccine regimen against Ebola virus disease induced an immune response that persisted for approximately one year in healthy adult volunteers. The investigational vaccines used harmless viral vectors to deliver proteins of the Ebola virus, prompting an immune response.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJAMA·DateMar 14, 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.

Most atrial fibrillation patients don't get preventive drug before stroke

A study of over 94,000 patients with atrial fibrillation found that only 16% received recommended anticoagulation therapy prior to stroke. Patients who did receive treatment had less severe stroke outcomes and lower mortality rates. Adherence to guidelines could prevent up to 88,000 strokes per year in the US

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateMar 14, 2017

Topical curcumin gel effective in treating burns and scalds

Research published in BioDiscovery found that topical curcumin gel significantly reduces burn and scald severity, lessens pain, and improves healing with minimal scarring. Dr. Madalene Heng's study suggests curcumin's anti-inflammatory activity is key to its effectiveness.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiscovery·DateMar 14, 2017

Money, not access, key to resident food choices in 'food deserts'

A new study finds that financial resources are the primary factor limiting diet choices in so-called 'food deserts', where residents often have to travel long distances and spend more time and money to shop at supermarkets. The study suggests that improving affordability is crucial to addressing public health concerns in these areas.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition·DateMar 14, 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.

In times of plenty, penguin parents keep feeding their grown offspring

In a study published in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, researchers found that fully grown Galapagos penguins who have fledged from their nests continue to beg for food from their parents. This post-fledging parental care is thought to be an adaptation to the fluctuating availability of food in the Galapagos archipelago.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Wilson Journal of Ornithology·DateMar 14, 2017

IU Center for Aging Research develops novel ICU delirium severity assessment tool

Researchers at IU Center for Aging Research have developed a novel easy-to-administer tool to score and track delirium severity in the ICU, enabling clinicians to make better decisions about the brain health of ICU patients. The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit 7 (CAM-ICU-7) scores delirium on a scale of 0 to 7 a...

SourceIndiana University·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateMar 14, 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.

What makes farmers try new practices?

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that educated networkers and young innovators are most likely to adopt multifunctional perennial cropping systems. These groups are motivated by environmental concerns and the potential for high-value products. On the other hand, farmers classified as 'money motivated' and 'hands-off'...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgroforestry Systems·DateMar 14, 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.

Researchers create model of anorexia nervosa using stem cells

A team of scientists at the University of California San Diego has created a cellular model of anorexia nervosa using induced pluripotent stem cells, revealing a potential genetic link to the disease. The study identified a novel gene, TACR1, that may contribute to the development of eating disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMar 14, 2017

New nano-implant could one day help restore sight

A team of engineers developed a nanotechnology-based retinal prosthesis that mimics the retina's light-sensing cones to directly stimulate retinal cells. The device, powered wirelessly, has shown promising results in animal tests, bringing researchers closer to restoring functional vision in patients with severe retinal degeneration.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMar 14, 2017

NIH scientists deploy CRISPR to preserve photoreceptors in mice

Researchers at the National Eye Institute used CRISPR to rescue photoreceptors in mice, preserving daylight and color vision. The approach could lead to novel therapies for preventing vision loss from human diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2017

Imaging at the speed of light

Scientists have developed a technique to visualize the complete evolution of micro- and nanostructure formation on a material's surface. This allows for better control over these structures, which are crucial for improving various technologies such as anti-corrosive materials, energy absorbers, and medical instrumentation.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateMar 14, 2017

Cooking at home tonight? It's likely cheaper and healthier, study finds

Researchers found that cooking at home more often is associated with a greater dietary compliance and a lower risk of unhealthy eating. The study showed no increase in costs for eating a healthier diet, challenging common assumptions about income and education. Home-cooked meals were linked to diets lower in calories, sugar, and fat.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 14, 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.

25 million US women lack access to infertility services, Pitt study shows

A new study from the University of Pittsburgh reveals that nearly 40% of reproductive-aged women in the US have limited or no nearby access to assisted reproductive technology clinics. This leaves 25 million women without choice and adds to their already stressful experience.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateMar 14, 2017

Overuse of antibiotics brings risks for bees -- and for us

Researchers found that antibiotic-treated honeybees were half as likely to survive, with gut microbes disrupted and harmful bacteria increased. The study suggests that overuse of antibiotics may contribute to colony collapse and has implications for human health.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 14, 2017

'Going deep' to measure Earth's rotational effects

A team in Italy has successfully installed a prototype for the Gyroscopes in General Relativity (GINGER) project, which aims to measure Earth's rotation rate vector with high precision. The device uses ring laser gyroscope technology and is housed deep underground to minimize external disturbances.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 14, 2017

Shaping the future

Researchers from OIST Graduate University have developed a new approach to produce uniform iron nanocubes using magnetron-sputtering inert-gas condensation. These nanocubes exhibit high sensitivity and specificity in detecting NO2 gas, with potential applications in diagnosis of asthma patients and environmental pollution detection.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 14, 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.

'Dreamers' policy may have reduced depression in eligible individuals

A study published in The Lancet Public Health found that DACA-eligible individuals were 50% less likely to report symptoms consistent with major depression. This suggests that increased access to the US labor market and improved economic prospects contributed to reduced levels of depression among these individuals.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateMar 14, 2017

Researchers identify how inflammation spreads through the brain after injury

A new mechanism by which inflammation can spread throughout the brain after injury has been identified. The findings may explain chronic and long-lasting inflammation that occurs after traumatic brain injury and could transform understanding of brain injury and disease.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·DateMar 14, 2017

Female soccer players suffer the most concussions in high school sports

A new study found that female soccer players suffer the most concussions in high school sports, with a significantly higher concussion rate than boys. The study, which analyzed injury data from 2005 to 2015, also revealed that girls' soccer had the highest concussion rate during the 10-year study period.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 14, 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.

Flies and bees act like plant cultivators

Researchers found that plants pollinated by bumblebees became more fragrant and had larger flowers with greater UV color component. In contrast, plants pollinated by hoverflies were smaller and less fragrant, with increased self-pollination.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2017

Study identifies molecular clues for age-related intestinal issues

Researchers found that intestinal stem cells lose regenerative capacity with age and that reactivating Wnt signaling can restore healthy function in older people. The study suggests a possible therapeutic approach to address imbalances in food and nutrient absorption, which may be linked to diminished Wnt signaling.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 14, 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.

Did humans create the Sahara desert?

A new study challenges the idea that changes in Earth's orbit triggered Sahara desertification. Human activities, such as pastoralism, are believed to have contributed to the region's ecological shift towards desert-like conditions. The findings highlight the importance of understanding human impact on environmental systems.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateMar 14, 2017

Bonding chips using inkjet printers

Researchers at the University of Barcelona have developed a new bonding technique for chips using inkjet printers with silver nanoparticles, enabling the creation of rigid and flexible hybrid circuitry. The method uses inkjet printing technology to assemble surface mount devices, achieving high electrical conductivity and reliability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 14, 2017

UTHealth study paves the way for Clostridium difficile treatment in pill form

A UTHealth study has found that a pill form of treatment for Clostridium difficile infection can be as effective as traditional methods, with an 83% cure rate among participants. The pill form uses freeze-dried microbiota and could make treatment more convenient for patients and physicians.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateMar 14, 2017

Probiotics may not always be a silver bullet for better health

Researchers found that probiotics had little impact on microbial diversity and even impaired recognition memory in rats on a balanced diet. However, for rats fed a junk diet, probiotics positively changed the bacterial make-up in their digestive tract and benefitted brain function, preventing spatial memory loss.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 14, 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.

Reducing radiation could safely cut breast cancer treatment costs

A study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice found that over half of older women with early-stage breast cancer received more radiation therapy than necessary, adding to healthcare costs. The researchers estimate a potential savings of $164 million by reducing radiation therapy regimens from six weeks to four weeks.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateMar 14, 2017

Antibiotics not effective for clinically infected eczema in children

A recent study published in Annals of Family Medicine found that antibiotics are not effective in treating eczema flares in children. The CREAM study analyzed data from 113 children with non-severely infected eczema and showed no significant difference between groups in the resolution of eczema symptoms.

SourceCardiff University·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 14, 2017

The molecular underpinnings of T cell exhaustion

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that exhausted T cells have distinct DNA structures and activate specific genes, including NFAT and Nr4a proteins. These findings provide new insights into the molecular underpinnings of T cell exhaustion and offer potential targets for improving cancer immunotherapies.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2017

Microbes measure ecological restoration success

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new method to monitor soil microbes, which could boost the success of ecological restoration projects. By analyzing the DNA of bacteria in soil samples, scientists found that native plant revegetation can restore a natural state to cleared land just eight years after implementa...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 14, 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.

Nearly half of today's high school athletes specialize in one sport

A new study found that 45% of high school athletes specialize in just one sport, two years earlier than current collegiate and professional athletes. Professional athletes reported a higher incidence of musculoskeletal injuries and lower promotion of early specialization.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 14, 2017

World's oldest plant-like fossils discovered

Scientists have discovered the world's oldest plant-like fossils, estimated to be 1.6 billion years old, in sedimentary rocks in central India. The findings suggest that advanced multicellular life evolved much earlier than previously thought, challenging our understanding of the evolution of life on Earth.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 14, 2017

Power of shared pain triggers extreme self-sacrifice

Researchers found that sharing strong negative experiences enables extreme cooperation in groups and can cause individuals to be willing to die for the group. Human evolution explains the origin of this visceral bonding over shared painful experiences.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 14, 2017

Switching oxygen on and off

Researchers at TU Wien have successfully switched individual oxygen molecules between a reactive and unreactive state using a force microscope. This process enables new possibilities for investigating the inner workings of photocatalysts.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2017

Finding positive in the negative

A phase 2 clinical trial of sacituzumab govitecan, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting Trop-2, achieved a response in 21 participants with advanced triple-negative breast cancer. The responses were early and durable, lasting up to 20 months, with improved overall survival.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 14, 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.

Quantum physics offers insight into music expressivity

Scientists at Queen Mary University of London use the Filter Diagonalisation Method to analyze vibrato, a common musical effect that adds expressivity and enhances sound quality. The technique, originating from quantum physics, allows for precise analysis of music signals with great precision.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of Mathematics and Music·DateMar 14, 2017

AASM publishes new guideline for diagnostic testing for adult sleep apnea

The new guideline recommends that polysomnography be used for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with significant cardiorespiratory disease or other complicating conditions. Home sleep apnea testing is recommended only for uncomplicated adult patients with increased risk of moderate to severe sleep apnea.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateMar 14, 2017

Buzzing the brain with electricity can boost working memory

Researchers at Imperial College London found that applying a low voltage current can bring different areas of the brain in sync, enabling people to perform better on tasks involving working memory. The approach could one day be used to treat conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, and epilepsy.

SourceImperial College London·DateMar 14, 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.

Emotional intelligence helps make better doctors

A new Loyola study reveals that physicians-in-training possess a high level of emotional intelligence, scoring in the high range on an emotional intelligence survey. The study found that pediatric and med-peds residents scored highest in empathy and social responsibility, but lowest in assertiveness.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Contemporary Medical Education·DateMar 14, 2017

Bowel cancer medication could help combat early-onset Parkinson's disease

A University of Leicester study found that folinic acid can protect neurons in fruit flies with Parkinson's disease, offering potential hope for people with early-onset forms of the condition. The researchers believe that supplementing folinic acid could be a faster and more effective treatment option than developing new drugs.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateMar 14, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Study finds no benefit, but possible harm, from drug used to prevent preterm births

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that a commonly prescribed drug for pregnant women with a history of early delivery provides no benefits, while potentially increasing the risk of gestational diabetes. The researchers also noted a higher rate of preterm births among those treated with the dru...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 14, 2017

Acetone experiences Leidenfrost effect, no hotplate needed

Researchers discovered acetone droplets can hover above water surface, propelled by the Leidenfrost effect, with drag playing a crucial role. The faster the droplet moves, the faster it speeds up before immersion occurs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 14, 2017

New strategy may help combat Alzheimer's disease

Researchers discovered a mechanism to block amyloid-beta fragments in Alzheimer's disease, reducing levels of enzyme BACE-1. A type of nucleic acid found in healthy brains promotes its degradation, offering hope for treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalFEBS Journal·DateMar 14, 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.

Development launches Special Issue on Organoids

The Special Issue highlights the exciting applications of organoid research in the medical field, including drug screening and modeling human diseases. Organoid technology also offers insight into developmental biology, enabling scientists to study human development in a developing embryo.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateMar 14, 2017

New extension improves inflight Wi-Fi

A new Chrome extension called ScaleUp improves web browsing speeds at 30,000 feet by increasing image size and simplifying font loads. The solution reduces latency and packet loss, providing faster Internet access to air travelers.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMar 14, 2017

At mealtime, honey bees prefer country blossoms to city blooms

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that honey bees favor agricultural areas over urban neighborhoods for nectar and pollen. The discovery suggests that farmland can be a superior source of food for honey bees, contradicting the assumption that urban areas are more attractive to them.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Urban Ecology·DateMar 14, 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.

Report: Milkweed losses may not fully explain monarch butterfly declines

A new study reviews decades of monarch research and finds that milkweed numbers have dropped by about 95% in cropland over the last 20 years, but natural areas show a smaller decline. The researchers suggest other factors such as habitat loss, disease, parasites, and climate change may also be contributing to the decline.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBioScience·DateMar 14, 2017

Major research project provides new clues to schizophrenia

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that patients with schizophrenia have lower levels of the neurotransmitter GABA and altered immune cell function. These findings provide new clues to the disease mechanisms of schizophrenia, but follow-up studies are needed to determine if these changes are causes or effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 14, 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.

Researchers make old gut stem cells grow like young ones in a dish

Researchers have successfully rejuvenated old gut stem cells by restoring Wnt signaling, suggesting a potential pathway to target for clinicians. This breakthrough offers new insights into the role of Wnt proteins in controlling stem cell growth and pluripotency in the gut later in life.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 14, 2017

The fashion industry gains new tools to reduce its environmental load

Researcher Sandra Roos developed a comprehensive life cycle analysis to map the environmental impact of clothing. She found that conventional cotton growing is particularly heavy on the environment, but post-fibre processing stages like dyeing are equally hazardous. The most effective way for consumers to reduce their environmental loa...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·DateMar 14, 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.

Noninvasive imaging helps predict heart attacks

Researchers found that noninvasive CT angiography and stress tests can predict future adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, with similar accuracy to invasive procedures. The study suggests that the noninvasive approach is a safer and more cost-effective option for patients, and its findings have important implications...

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 14, 2017

Scientists say they are a step closer to solving chronic bladder diseases

Researchers have mapped how proteins bind along DNA to control gene activity in the bladder lining, revealing a complex interaction between transcription factors. This understanding could lead to new treatments for chronic bladder diseases such as interstitial cystitis and cancer.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateMar 14, 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.

Low levels of 'anti-anxiety' hormone linked to postpartum depression

A Johns Hopkins study found lower allopregnanolone levels in the second trimester predict increased risk of postpartum depression. The research may lead to diagnostic markers and preventive strategies for the condition affecting up to 20% of American women who give birth.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateMar 14, 2017

New study links opioid epidemic to childhood emotional abuse

A University of Vermont study finds that childhood emotional abuse is strongly linked to adult opioid misuse, and suggests integrated treatment approaches for those struggling with addiction. The research also highlights the connection between PTSD and opioid use among individuals who experienced emotional abuse in childhood.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateMar 14, 2017

Scientists discover hydrothermal vents on deep ocean voyage

Researchers discovered five previously unknown active hydrothermal vents and a new vent site, featuring unique creatures thriving in extreme conditions. The vents emit hot water and particles, supporting life forms that rely on chemosynthetic bacteria for food.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·DateMar 14, 2017

Study: Cold climates and ocean carbon sequestration

A new study finds that colder climates lead to lower atmospheric CO2 levels and increased carbon sequestration in the deep ocean. Deep-sea corals reveal that phytoplankton efficiency is higher during colder periods, reducing nutrients in the surface Southern Ocean, leading to more efficient carbon locking away.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2017

For surgeons in the OR, a way to fight bad posture

A team of engineers and doctors is developing a tool to identify poor posture and correct awkward positions in the operating room. Early results show that the tool is effective at spotting pain-inducing positions, which could lead to improved surgical safety for surgeons.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalIISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors·DateMar 14, 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.

New study identifies ancient shark ancestors

A new study confirms that sharks arose from a group of bony fishes called acanthodians, using an extraordinarily well-preserved fossil of an ancient sharklike fish. The research identifies the fossil as an important transitional species pointing to sharks as acanthodians' living descendants.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalAmerican Museum Novitates·DateMar 14, 2017

Why do people switch their language?

A study by Katharina Prochazka and Gero Vogl applied a physics-based approach to analyze language movement in Southern Carinthia, Austria. The research found that interaction with other speakers of the same language is the primary driver of language shift, with village-level demographics playing a crucial role.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2017

Immune molecule protects against Zika virus infection in animal models

A molecule naturally produced by the immune system protects mice and monkeys against Zika virus infection, reducing fetal brain damage and microcephaly. Administering 25-hydroxycholesterol to pregnant mice also protected them from Zika-induced developmental defects.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalImmunity·DateMar 14, 2017

Greenhouse gases: First it was cows -- now it's larvae!

Researchers found that Chaoborus spp larvae absorb excess methane bubbles to inflate their air sacs, enabling them to reach the surface. This mechanism not only saves energy but also exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions. Improving water quality is crucial in mitigating this effect.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 14, 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.

Researchers to develop 'wearable' robotic tools for surgery

A team of researchers is developing a wearable robotic system for minimally invasive surgery, which will offer surgeons natural movement and the ability to sense, see, control, and safely navigate through the surgical environment. The system will be equipped with exoskeletons that fit over the surgeon's hands, smart glasses with real-t...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateMar 14, 2017

Benchmark database of lifespan-extending drugs announced

The DrugAge database, the largest such database in the world, has been announced by scientists from the Biogerontology Research Foundation and University of Liverpool. The database contains 418 compounds targeting various age-related pathways, revealing that most have yet to be targeted pharmacologically.

SourceBiogerontology Research Foundation·JournalAging Cell·DateMar 14, 2017

Ice age thermostat prevented extreme climate cooling

Researchers found that atmospheric CO2 concentrations remained stable around 190 ppm during ice ages, preventing extreme cooling. This suggests a 'thermostat' mechanism maintained habitable temperatures, with slower-growing organisms reducing carbon in soils and oceans.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 14, 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.

Ebola vaccines provide immune responses after 1 year

A new study found that Ebola vaccines provide durable immune responses at one year after vaccination, with 100% of recipients retaining Ebola virus glycoprotein-specific antibodies. The heterologous primary and booster vaccination schedule showed long-lasting immunity, exceeding eight months after primary immunization.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 14, 2017

Streamlining the measurement of phonon dispersion

Researchers adapted an instrument for high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy to reduce the time required to measure phonon dispersion. The device uses a hemispherical electron analyzer and high energy-resolution electron source, allowing surface scientists to measure samples that were previously too cumbersome.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 14, 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.

New platform for culturing stem cells

A new platform for culturing human pluripotent stem cells has been developed at Kyoto University, combining micro and nanotechnologies to precisely control the culture environment. The Multiplexed Artificial Cellular Microenvironment (MACME) array mimics extracellular environments with nanofibres in fluid-filled micro-chambers of preci...

SourceKyoto University·JournalSmall·DateMar 14, 2017