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Science News for March 22, 2017


Researcher wins prestigious NSF career award

Joe Feser's $500,000 NSF grant will focus on manipulating heat transfer by phonons using embedded nanoparticles. The research aims to engineer materials with improved thermal properties for applications such as nanostructured electronic and optical materials.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateMar 22, 2017

Many adults have insufficient knowledge about heart failure

A German survey found that overall awareness of heart failure has not increased over the past decade, with many adults lacking knowledge on its causes, presentation, prognosis, and treatment. The study emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about heart failure to improve early recognition and treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalESC Heart Failure·DateMar 22, 2017

Minitablets help medicate picky cats

Researchers developed minitablets with synthetic flavourings and coatings to enhance palatability, making it easier for cats to take medication. The study found that amino acids and vitamin B-based flavours were promising options, but further research is needed.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalThe Veterinary Journal·DateMar 22, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Loss of smell linked to increased risk of early death

Poor smell was associated with an 8% lower risk of mortality, while those with complete olfactory loss had a 19% higher risk of death. Olfactory assessments may provide insights into the aging brain and future research aims to pinpoint underlying biological processes.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 22, 2017

Researchers create self-sustaining bacteria-fueled power cell

Binghamton University researchers developed a micro-scale self-sustaining bacterial fuel cell that generated power for 13 straight days through symbiotic interactions of two types of bacteria. The cell produced an electrical current about 70 times greater than phototrophic bacteria alone.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateMar 22, 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.

Google Street View cars are eyes on the ground for urban methane leaks

Researchers at Colorado State University are using Google Street View cars equipped with methane analyzers to create a comprehensive inventory of urban methane leak sources. The project aims to help utility companies prioritize leak repairs based on emissions, reducing pipeline methane emissions by 30% and accelerating crucial repairs.

SourceColorado State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 22, 2017

AAOS 2017: Why some ACL surgeries fail

A recent study by Asheesh Bedi at the AAOS Annual Meeting highlights that ACL reconstruction surgery can fail in up to 20% of cases, requiring repeat surgery. The surgeon is working on identifying correctable factors to reduce failure rates and improve outcomes for young active athletes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateMar 22, 2017

Sea urchin spines could fix bones

Researchers have developed a degradable bone scaffold from sea urchin spines that promotes bone formation and easily degrades, overcoming limitations of current bioceramics. The study's findings could lead to the design of new bone repair materials with improved strength and properties.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 22, 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.

UMass Amherst polymer scientist wins international research award

Alfred Crosby, a UMass Amherst polymer scientist, has received a $1 million grant to explore the development of nanoscale wrinkles in plants and animals. He will collaborate with experts from the University of Cambridge and Switzerland to understand how these patterns relate to all living organisms.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateMar 22, 2017

How birthplace and education influence marriage choices in China

A UBC study found that in Shanghai, local hukou shapes individual marital choices and is a valuable attribute. Education also plays a role, with migrants more likely to marry into a household with Shanghai hukou if they have a higher education level.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalChinese Sociological Review·DateMar 22, 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.

Sea ice extent sinks to record lows at both poles

Scientists at NASA and NSIDC report record low wintertime maximum extent of Arctic sea ice on March 7, reaching 5.57 million square miles. In Antarctica, sea ice minimum extent fell to 815,000 square miles in February, its lowest level since satellites began measuring in 1979.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 22, 2017

Research evaluates treatment of thyroid disease in pregnancy

Researchers found that treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia did not improve cognitive outcomes in children through five years. The findings support current ACOG recommendations against universal thyroid screening during pregnancy.

SourceCare New England·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 22, 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.

Making 'mulch' ado of ant hills

Research by Tongchuan Li found that ants create aggregate mulches in agricultural fields, which can retain water and improve soil health. The type of ant studied, Camponotus japonicus, is widespread in China and helps increase air and organic matter in soil.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMar 22, 2017

Biopesticide could defeat insecticide resistance in bedbugs

A fungal biopesticide called Aprehend has been shown to be effective against bedbug populations with insecticide resistance. The study found that Aprehend achieved mortality rates of 95.5-99% in 14 days, compared to 16-40% for resistant strains exposed to pyrethroid insecticides.

SourcePenn State·JournalPest Management Science·DateMar 22, 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.

Scientific discovery may change treatment of Parkinsons

Researchers at the University of Turku found that SPECT imaging does not correlate with the number of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra, a key area affected by Parkinson's disease. This discovery has significant implications for future treatment development and monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNeurology·DateMar 22, 2017

Salmon with side effects

The study found that Chilean aquacultures release large quantities of readily biodegradable compounds into rivers, altering the ecosystem and depleting oxygen levels. The waste water also contains disinfectants and antibiotics, further harming aquatic life.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 2017

NASA taking first steps toward high-speed space 'internet'

NASA's Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) aims to establish a high-speed internet in space, enabling faster data rates and smaller communication systems. The technology has the potential to revolutionize space communications for missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 22, 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.

Does boosting 'good' cholesterol really improve your health?

A new review suggests that augmenting the function of HDL cholesterol rather than increasing its concentration is crucial for protecting against cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of addressing adipose tissue-associated inflammation to support the atheroprotective role of HDL.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateMar 22, 2017

How physical activity and sedentary time affect adolescents' bones

A large study of 309 adolescent boys and girls found that moderate to intense physical activity during growth spurt years significantly increases bone mass and strength. The study suggests a balance between physical activity and recovery time is needed to enhance bone health.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateMar 22, 2017

Scientists evade the Heisenberg uncertainty principle

Researchers at ICFO have developed a new method to measure atomic spin angle and amplitude with unprecedented precision, evading the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. This breakthrough allows for more accurate measurements of atomic spins, opening the door to the development of far more sensitive instruments.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 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.

Combating wear and tear

Researchers at the University of Utah have discovered that collagen can get unraveled at a molecular level before complete failure of connective tissues, leading to common injuries such as ligament and tendon tears. This breakthrough allows for early detection and potential treatment using the CHP probe.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2017

After the epigenome: The epitranscriptome

The epitranscriptome, a newly discovered regulatory layer of RNA, shows promise in understanding human diseases. Recent research reveals that RNA modifications play a crucial role in controlling its stability and function.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMar 22, 2017

Male hormone plays key role in ovarian development

Researchers discovered that male hormones, specifically androgens, play a crucial role in the development of female chicken ovaries. The study found disruptions in ovarian structure when androgen receptors were suppressed, potentially affecting egg-laying rates.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateMar 22, 2017

How do metals interact with DNA?

Researchers developed a protocol to detect high-precision how, where, and why drugs interact with DNA biomolecules. This method uses X-ray radiation and advanced simulations to rationalize drug preferences, revealing new insights into the mechanism of platinum-based drugs like Pt103.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 22, 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 identifies brain cells involved in Pavlovian response

A UCLA study has identified a small cluster of brain cells that malfunction in Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and Tourette syndrome. These support cells play a crucial role in encoding Pavlovian response and may hold the key to diagnosing and treating these disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNeuron·DateMar 22, 2017

Under the Dead Sea, warnings of dire drought

Scientists have found evidence of severe droughts in the Mideast during past warm periods, with rainfall plummeting to a fifth of modern levels. The findings suggest that the region is already experiencing dire drought and may become even drier as climate warms.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMar 22, 2017

Ultrafast measurements explain quantum dot voltage drop

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have made breakthrough discoveries on quantum dot materials using ultrafast electro-optical spectroscopy. The study reveals the cause of a significant voltage drop in quantum dots, allowing for potential improvements in device efficiency.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 22, 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.

Charitable giving: How do power and beliefs about equality impact donations?

Wealthier individuals with a belief in social inequality are more likely to donate to charity, while less wealthy individuals who endorse greater equality make more donations. Charitable organizations can enhance their marketing efforts by understanding the relationship between power distance belief and charitable giving.

SourceJournal of Consumer Research·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 22, 2017

Using a smartphone to screen for male infertility

A new smartphone-based device can analyze sperm concentration and motility with high accuracy, making it a game-changer for fertility care. The device has been tested with 350 clinical semen specimens and shows promise in detecting abnormal semen samples.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 22, 2017

Visualizing nuclear radiation

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a novel imaging technique using gamma-ray spectroscopy to visualize and quantify ground-level radiation. This method enables the detection of previously unknown contamination hotspots around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, allowing for more effective decontamination efforts.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 2017

New study shakes the roots of the dinosaur family tree

A new study from the University of Cambridge and Natural History Museum proposes a major overhaul of the traditional dinosaur classification system. The researchers conclude that Ornithischia and Theropoda should be grouped together under the name Ornithoscelida, with dinosaurs potentially originating in the northern hemisphere.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2017

People afraid of robots much more likely to fear losing their jobs, suffer anxiety

A Baylor University study found that people who fear technology, known as technophobes, are three times more likely to fear unemployment and nearly three times more likely to worry about financial instability. The study suggests that these fears may be a legitimate social concern, rather than simply a subset of fearful individuals.

SourceBaylor University·JournalSocial Science Computer Review·DateMar 22, 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.

Brain 'rewires' itself to enhance other senses in blind people

A new study led by Massachusetts Eye and Ear researchers found that the brains of blind individuals make new connections to compensate for visual information, enhancing abilities like hearing, smell, touch, memory, and language. The findings could lead to more effective rehabilitation efforts for blind individuals.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 22, 2017

Fledgling stars try to prevent their neighbors from birthing planets

Researchers at Imperial College London found that a weak star's light can cause significant material loss from a protoplanetary disc. The study of the IM Lup system revealed that the disc will lose about 3,300 Earth's worth of material over its lifetime.

SourceImperial College London·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 22, 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.

No relief in sight for those suffering from sciatica

A new study from The George Institute found that pregabalin treatment did not relieve pain but caused side effects like dizziness. Despite this, many patients reported being satisfied with the treatment, highlighting the need for alternative management options for sciatica.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 22, 2017

Epigenetic alteration a promising new drug target for heroin use disorder

Research at The Mount Sinai Hospital found excessive histone acetylation in heroin users, leading to increased gene expression and addiction behavior. Treatment with JQ1 reduced heroin self-administration and drug-seeking behavior, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 22, 2017

The social costs of smell loss in older women

A new study by Monell Center researchers found that older U.S. women with poor olfactory function tend to have fewer social connections and a poorer social life score. The study suggests that maintaining a vital social life can help improve mental and physical health in older adults.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 2017

Safety of autologous Schwann cell transplantation demonstrated following SCI

A Phase I clinical trial demonstrates the safety of transplanting autologous Schwann cells into a spinal cord lesion, showing no negative effects after 1 year. The study successfully determined safety and feasibility for performing peripheral nerve harvests within 5-30 days followed by intra-spinal transplantation within 4-7 weeks.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateMar 22, 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.

Weight-bearing exercises promote bone formation in men

A study published by Pamela Hinton at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that weight-bearing exercises decrease sclerostin, a protein made in the bone, and increase IGF-1, a hormone associated with bone growth, promoting bone formation and increasing bone density.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBone·DateMar 22, 2017

Machine learning lets scientists reverse-engineer cellular control networks

Researchers have developed a machine learning model that can predict the outcome of cellular interactions and design new cancer treatments. The Stampede supercomputer enabled the team to run billions of simulations, allowing them to identify patterns in the data and create a system capable of predicting laboratory results.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 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.

UC researchers help map future of precision medicine in Parkinson's disease

Researchers propose a new approach to treating Parkinson's disease by identifying specific symptoms and molecular features of individual patients. By developing biomarkers and tailoring therapies to distinct patient subtypes, scientists aim to improve treatment outcomes and potentially slow or cure the disease.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Reviews Neurology·DateMar 22, 2017

Scientists discover urinary biomarker that may help track ALS

Researchers have identified a protein in urine samples as a potential biomarker for ALS, allowing for monitoring disease progression and assessing therapy effectiveness. Studies found patients with higher levels of the protein survived longer, suggesting it could be used to predict disease outcome.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNeurology·DateMar 22, 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.

Surveiling the consumer for loyalty and profit

Researchers developed a framework to help retailers assess shopper-facing technology, considering factors like intrusiveness, value, and satisfaction. The study found that retailers should prioritize shopper perceptions before measuring potential cost savings and profit enhancements.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateMar 22, 2017

UTIA student fellows to tackle sustainable agriculture in the Rainforest

A new project led by UTIA faculty will recruit 14 undergraduate Research and Extension Fellows to explore agro-ecological farming in western Belize. The team will work with local partners to empower forest and wildlife stewardship while increasing the students' skills to become leaders in agricultural and conservation efforts globally.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateMar 22, 2017

Feeling out of control: Do consumers make practical purchases or luxury buys?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers are more likely to buy practical products, such as cooking ingredients and household cleaners, when they feel a loss of control. This purchase behavior is driven by a desire to exert control over their lives through functional items.

SourceJournal of Consumer Research·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 22, 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.

Too much structured knowledge hurts creativity, shows Rotman study

A study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that giving structure to information can hinder creativity and cognitive flexibility. Participants in organized information groups displayed less creativity and spent less time on tasks compared to those working with unorganized information.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateMar 22, 2017

Words and experience matter to surrogates making end-of-life decisions

A new study reveals that both medical terminology and prior experience can impact surrogates' feelings after making life-prolonging treatment decisions. Surrogates who received 'Allow Natural Death' terminology perceived their decision as good and were more likely to sign the document.

SourceThe City University of New York·JournalHealth Communication·DateMar 22, 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.

Surprising new role for lungs: Making blood

Researchers found that mouse lungs produce over half of the body's platelets and contain a pool of stem cells capable of restoring blood production. This discovery suggests the lungs may also play a key role in human blood formation, with implications for treating diseases like thrombocytopenia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2017

It's a fish eat tree world

A recent study analyzing 147 northern lakes reveals that many rely on nutrients from tree leaves, pine needles, and other land-grown plants to feed aquatic life. This underscores the importance of understanding how landscape changes impact lake food webs for effective freshwater management.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 22, 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.

3-D printing turns nanomachines into life-size workers

Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a 3D printing method to transform microscopic nanorings into smart materials that perform work at human-scale. The new technique enables the creation of complex smart devices beyond current grasp, with potential applications in soft robots and other tasks.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 22, 2017

Major new issue of CVIA on imaging

The first issue of Volume 2 of Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) has been published with a Special Issue on Imaging. The issue brings together contributions from leading cardiologists and features recent advances in noninvasive cardiac imaging, as well as clinical applications and future directions.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 22, 2017

How does spousal suicide affect bereaved spouse mentally, physically?

A nationwide study found that people bereaved by spousal suicide had a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, physical disorders, and suicidal behaviors compared to those bereaved by other manners of death. This study highlights the need for proactive outreach and support mechanisms for individuals bereaved by spousal suicide.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 22, 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.

Researchers use light to remotely control curvature of plastics

Using light to remotely control the curvature of plastic sheets, researchers can create three-dimensional structures like spheres and tubes. The technique is compatible with commercial printing techniques and holds its shape after the light is removed.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSoft Matter·DateMar 22, 2017

Accounting for sex differences in biomedical research

The U.S. National Institutes of Health now requires funding applicants to consider sex as a variable in proposed research, aiming to address disparities in health outcomes. However, some scientists express concerns about the policy's potential impact on research costs and data quality.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 22, 2017

When green means stop

Researchers at IST Austria create a novel optogenetic receptor that responds to green light, allowing for the rapid control of cellular behavior in defined spaces. The new tool enables scientists to study cellular signaling pathways and their role in human disorders without constant exposure to light.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 22, 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.

'Super sponge' promises effective toxic clean-up of lakes and more

A new 'super sponge' created by University of Minnesota researchers can absorb mercury from water within seconds, removing it to below detectable limits. The technology has the potential to reduce mercury contamination in lakes, industrial wastewater, and tap water, with economic benefits estimated at $212 million annually.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 22, 2017

Paying for pain: What motivates tough mudders and other weekend warriors?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers will pay big money for painful experiences like obstacle races and ultra-marathons. Through extensive interviews with Mudders, researchers learned that pain helps individuals cope with reduced physicality and create a story of a fulfilled life.

SourceJournal of Consumer Research·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 22, 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.

Some blood thinners may increase heart attack risk

A recent study found that direct acting oral anticoagulants and aspirin may increase heart attack risk compared to vitamin k antagonists like warfarin. Researchers are urging more research on the topic as use of these medications increases.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateMar 22, 2017

Humans and smartphones may fail frequently to detect face morph photos

Researchers found that both humans and smartphones frequently fail to distinguish face morph photos from genuine faces, posing a security risk for identity verification. This weakness can be exploited by fraudsters, but raising awareness and using new technologies may help overcome these issues.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 22, 2017

Pollination mystery unlocked by Stirling bee researchers

Researchers found that a pollinator's size significantly influences how much pollen is deposited, with bees fitting tightly into flowers to vibrate and unlock pollen. This discovery helps understand natural populations of nightshade plants and their pollinators.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateMar 22, 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.

Study affirms premature infants in NICUs do better with light touch

Researchers found that premature infants exhibited decreased responses to light touch compared to full-term infants when discharged from the NICU. However, providing more 'supportive touch' experiences, such as skin-to-skin care and breastfeeding, strengthened their brains' response to light touch.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 22, 2017

Lack of leisure: Is busyness the new status symbol?

A study found that busy work lives are viewed as a status symbol in the US, while Italians prefer a life of leisure. The researchers discovered that conspicuous consumption of time, such as working long hours and avoiding leisure, can convey high status.

SourceJournal of Consumer Research·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 22, 2017

WPI team grows heart tissue on spinach leaves

Researchers successfully grow human heart cells on spinach leaves by perfusing fluids and microbeads through the plant's vascular system, paving the way for using multiple leaves to treat heart attack patients. The technique could also be adapted for other tissues, such as bone engineering.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalBiomaterials·DateMar 22, 2017

Study reveals surprises concerning COPD and smoking

A new study reveals a significant decrease in airway wall cells and certain inflammatory cells in smokers and mild to moderate COPD patients. The findings challenge the widely accepted description of airway inflammation in these individuals, suggesting a more complex underlying mechanism.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateMar 22, 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.

Livestock grazing effects on sage-grouse

Research found that higher levels of grazing early in the growing season decline sage-grouse population trends, while similar levels of grazing later in the season correspond with increases. Grazing management actions can positively affect sage-grouse populations by increasing food resources and nesting cover.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 22, 2017

UF Health diabetes researchers discover way to expand potent regulatory cells

Researchers at UF Health have found a way to expand and preserve certain cord-blood cells, known as Tregs, which modulate the immune system and prevent autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes. This discovery has important implications for patients with the disease and could potentially be used as a treatment or preventive measure.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateMar 22, 2017

Brief module effective in teaching hemorrhage control basics to staff in a large workplace

Researchers from UnityPoint Health developed an effective eight-minute educational module to teach staff in a large workplace about basic knowledge and skills to locate and use bleeding control equipment. The module showed positive results with 55% of respondents having direct patient care responsibilities, but limitations were noted r...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 22, 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.

BU medical student wins prestigious US public health award

Lauren Sweetser, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has won the 2017 U.S. Public Health Medical Student Service Award for her work with homeless children. The award recognizes students who are involved in public health issues and aims to increase awareness of public health services.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateMar 22, 2017

USDA awards $5 million for fellowships for research and extension experiences

The US Department of Agriculture has awarded over $5 million in grants to support research and extension experiences for undergraduate students in agriculture. These fellowships aim to prepare students for careers in the agricultural sciences, focusing on food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateMar 22, 2017

Rare-earths become water-repellent only as they age

Researchers at the University of Basel discovered that rare earth oxides become hydrophobic only after aging due to chemical reactions with ambient air. The study found that even room temperature exposure can trigger these reactions, leading to water-repelling properties.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 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.

Streamlined analysis could help people better manage their emotions

Researchers identified three core groupings of emotion regulation strategies, including avoidance, rumination, and problem-solving. These findings can help clinicians understand and treat anxiety, substance abuse, and other disorders by providing a more streamlined approach to assessment and therapy.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateMar 22, 2017

First mutations in human life discovered

Researchers identified 163 early mutations in human development from adult cell genomes, revealing the dominant and minor cells that lead to different body tissues. These 'archaeological traces' of embryonic development provide unprecedented insights into human development.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2017

Method speeds testing of new networking protocols

Researchers from MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory present a system called Flexplane that tests new traffic management protocols at realistic speeds without altering network hardware. The system uses a compact, efficient computational model of a network to schedule transmissions on the real network.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 22, 2017

Penn researchers call for better laws covering patient incentives to improve care

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine propose recrafting federal anti-kickback laws to allow more sensible health-promoting initiatives. The authors suggest laws should distinguish between inducements for high-value services with medical benefits and those that mainly benefit provider profit margins.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 22, 2017

A rapid, automated and inexpensive fertility test for men

Scientists have developed a low-cost smartphone attachment for at-home fertility testing, enabling men to monitor their semen quality. The Fertilex platform can detect abnormal semen samples with over 95% accuracy, providing a reliable resource for the millions affected by male infertility.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 22, 2017