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Science News for March 6, 2017


Researchers discover new variant on notorious resistance gene

Researchers have discovered a new variant of the mcr-1 gene in a healthy individual carrying Salmonella, highlighting the potential for spread of antimicrobial resistance. The finding raises concerns about food safety and the need for increased monitoring of this gene and its variants.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateMar 6, 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.

Easier diagnosis of esophageal cancer

The ESOTRAC device combines multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography and optical coherence tomography to visualize sub-surface tissue features, enabling early-stage detection of esophageal cancer. This technology aims to reduce unnecessary biopsies and improve treatment efficacy.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·DateMar 6, 2017

Statistics method shows networks differ in epileptic brains

A novel statistical approach has been developed to analyze brain activity data from patients with epilepsy, revealing distinct patterns of connectivity in the brains of those with temporal lobe epilepsy. The findings suggest that abnormal bidirectional interactions may play a role in the development of seizures.

SourceRice University·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateMar 6, 2017

Shadow-loving insect named after Tuomas Holopainen of Nightwish

A new species of fungus gnat has been discovered in Finland, with the scientific name Sciophila holopaineni honoring Tuomas Holopainen. The insect thrives in shadowy environments and is part of a larger group of insects that can indicate the state of natural biodiversity.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateMar 6, 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.

Research survey evaluates attitudes toward microfluidics-based cell culture

A new survey investigates ideal qualities of microfluidics-based 3D cell culture systems, finding a positive attitude among the biomedical community. However, a gap remains between desired and available features, including complexity, user-friendliness, physiological relevance, and controllability.

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalFuture Science OA·DateMar 6, 2017

Collection of articles examines racial, gender issues in academic medicine

A study by Dowin Boatright found that white medical students were nearly six times more likely to be elected into Alpha Omega Alpha honor society than black students. In contrast, female emergency medicine residents received lower evaluations from faculty members of both sexes, leading to a wide gender gap in milestone attainment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NUS study: Safer to ride in yellow taxis

A recent study by National University of Singapore researchers found that yellow taxis have significantly fewer accidents than blue taxis due to their higher visibility. This could lead to substantial cost savings for taxi operators, with an estimated annual savings of S$2 million.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

Evaluation of emergency medicine residents points to gender bias

Emergency medicine residents are evaluated on 23 categories, but by the end of their third year, males receive higher scores and advance faster, while females trail behind. The study highlights the need for faculty physicians to be aware of gender bias in residency training.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 6, 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.

New study shines light on photosynthesis

A recent study published in PNAS has shed light on the long-standing problem of photosynthetic process in plants. Researchers identified the specific regions of Photosystem II protein complex where reactive oxygen species damage occurs, revealing a new paradigm for understanding this vital chemical process.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

Cargo-carrying red blood cells alleviate autoimmune diseases in mice

Researchers have used modified red blood cells to deliver disease-specific antigens, preventing and alleviating multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes in early stage mouse models. The approach shows promise for inducing tolerance and could lead to new therapies for autoimmune diseases.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

New materials could turn water into the fuel of the future

Researchers have discovered 12 new photoanodes that can split water using sunlight, a significant step towards creating practical solar fuels. The new materials discovery pipeline promises to speed up the development of commercially viable solar fuels.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

Growing Australian agriculture through the Internet of Food

The Food Agility CRC will focus on developing digital solutions to simplify the jobs of growers, processors, and retailers. By integrating sensing, communications, and data analysis technologies, the CRC hopes to create simple, user-friendly tools that help businesses make quick decisions and tap into more data streams.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateMar 6, 2017

Bird spiders detectives: The solution to a 200-year-old hairy mystery

The Brazilian spider experts discovered three new species and one new genus in the study, bringing clarity to a long-standing taxonomic problem. The researchers analyzed specimens from around the world, including those deposited in museum collections, to conclude that there are only 12 species in the Avicularia genus.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateMar 6, 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.

Proper movements in Muslim prayer ritual can reduce lower back pain

Researchers found that proper knee and back angles during the Islamic prayer ritual can reduce lower back pain. The angles are based on individual body shapes, and incorrect movements can increase pain. Further study is needed for physically handicapped individuals and women, especially pregnant women.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalInternational Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering·DateMar 6, 2017

Study finds racial disparities in top medical society membership

A Yale-led study found racial disparities in Alpha Omega Alpha (AA) membership selection, with black and Asian medical school students less likely to be chosen than white students. The disparity suggests bias in the AA membership process, which could limit opportunities for minority medical students.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017

EU researchers aim to halve CO2 footprint of carbon fiber production

Researchers from the University of Limerick are leading a €4.9m project to produce carbon fiber from forestry by-products, aiming to halve its CO2 footprint. The LIBRE project expects to reduce production costs by 30% and bring down the environmental impact of carbon fiber manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·DateMar 6, 2017

A new look at the nature of dark matter

A new study found that gravitational waves detected by LIGO likely originated from black holes formed during star collapse, rather than primordial black holes. The research used computer simulations to rule out the existence of intermediate-mass primordial black holes.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 6, 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.

A new approach to improving lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries show promise for high-energy storage, but rapid capacity fade hinders their use. A new approach using ferroelectric nanoparticles improves cycle stability by entrapping polysulfides.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 6, 2017

How molecular machines may drive the future of disease detection and drug delivery

Scientists at the University of Alberta have developed synthetic DNA motors that can be used for improved disease detection and drug delivery. The nanomachines demonstrate the potential for early diagnosis and targeted release of drugs within patients, resulting in fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2017

The influence of stimulants on performance when playing chess

Researchers at Mainz University Medical Center found that high-performance chess players can enhance cognitive functions with stimulants without compromising creative thinking. The study revealed that methylphenidate and modafinil improve chess performance in short, timed matches but not in longer games.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalEuropean Neuropsychopharmacology·DateMar 6, 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.

What's the real extent of industry payments to doctors?

A recent survey found that 65 percent of respondents had visited a physician who accepted industry payments, while only 5 percent knew if their own doctor received such favors. The study highlights the need for greater transparency in medical practices.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017

Break the two-hour marathon record? It could be done today

Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder have calculated that a sub-two-hour marathon time is theoretically possible. To achieve this, athletes would need to wear shoes around 100 grams lighter than the current world record holder's shoes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalSports Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017

Study finds knee surgery holds even in heavier patients

A new study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that body mass index (BMI) has no effect on meniscus repair surgery failure rates. The research found similar success rates for patients with average and higher BMI, challenging common assumptions about weight and joint pressure.

SourceMediaSource·JournalThe Journal of Knee Surgery·DateMar 6, 2017

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's -- a key discovery about human memory

Cognitive psychologists at Johns Hopkins University have made a key discovery about human memory, linking it to the ability to track an object's movement. They found that people's memories improve significantly with rich details about how an object's appearance changes as it moves through space and time.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMar 6, 2017

Flashy first images arrive from NOAA's GOES-16 lightning mapper

The Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) instrument on NOAA's GOES-16 satellite is transmitting data for the first time, giving forecasters richer information about lightning and improving severe weather alerts. The mapper detects in-cloud lightning, which can occur up to 10 minutes before potentially deadly cloud-to-ground strikes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 6, 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.

The cold exterminated all of them

Researchers found that a 80,000-year ice age caused by volcanic eruptions led to the loss of 95% of marine species during the Permian-Triassic boundary. The study challenges previous theories attributing mass extinctions to warming temperatures.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 6, 2017

World's largest autism genome database shines new light on many 'autisms'

The study identified 61 genetic variations that affect autism risk, including copy number variations and chromosomal abnormalities. Many of these variations were found in areas of the genome once considered 'junk DNA,' suggesting a crucial role in controlling gene activity during brain development.

SourceAutism Speaks·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 6, 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.

Available drug may protect ovaries and fertility from damage by chemotherapies

A study found that the drug everolimus protects ovaries from cyclophosphamide, a common chemotherapy used against breast cancer, which depletes egg cells needed to achieve pregnancy. Female mice treated with everolimus and chemotherapy had more than twice as many offspring as those treated with chemotherapy alone.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

Computational method makes gene expression analyses more accurate

A new computational method called Salmon can improve the accuracy of gene expression analyses by correcting for technical biases. This is particularly important for applications such as cancer diagnosis and disease subtyping, where gene expression plays a critical role.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 6, 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.

Women less likely to be academic grand rounds speakers than men

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that women are underrepresented as speakers during grand rounds, despite making up 47% of medical students. The researchers analyzed data from over 200 grand rounds websites and found that women were 44% less likely to be invited as speakers in clinical specialties.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017

AGU's newest open access journal GeoHealth publishes first articles

The newly launched GeoHealth journal by AGU and Wiley focuses on the growing connection between Earth sciences and human health. Researchers are discussing impacts, risks, and opportunities associated with human health and disease. The journal publishes original research, reviews, and commentaries on environmental and health issues.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeoHealth·DateMar 6, 2017

Cancer 'hot spots' in Florida may be associated with hazardous waste sites

Researchers in Florida have identified a possible association between cancer incidence rates and Superfund sites. The study found that counties with Superfund sites had a 6% higher rate of adult cancer cases, suggesting a link between toxic environmental waste and adverse health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalStatistics and Public Policy·DateMar 6, 2017

Scientists show cognitive-enhancing drugs can improve chess play

A new study shows that cognitive-enhancing drugs like modafinil and methylphenidate can improve chess play by altering brain processing of complex information. The research found that players on these drugs showed an improvement in scores, even under less time pressure.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalEuropean Neuropsychopharmacology·DateMar 6, 2017

New blood test could help detect and locate cancer early on

Researchers have developed a new blood test that can detect cancer and identify its location in the body, offering an alternative to invasive surgical procedures. The test works by analyzing DNA released by dying tumor cells and identifying specific methylation patterns unique to each tissue type.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 6, 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.

Bubble-recoil could be used to cool microchips, even in space

Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago have developed a method using bubble-recoil to mix liquid coolant around high-power microelectronics. This technique is effective both on Earth and in space, where traditional pool-boiling methods fail due to the lack of gravity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·Journalnpj Microgravity·DateMar 6, 2017

Evidence disproving tropical 'thermostat' theory

Research by Matthew Huber at Purdue University suggests that the tropics warmed significantly during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, which would have made it difficult for some organisms to survive. The findings provide new insights into the Earth's climate history and challenge long-held assumptions about tropical temperatures.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2017

Imaging the inner workings of a sodium-metal sulfide battery for first time

Researchers used a full-field transmission x-ray microscope to capture the structural and chemical evolution of a sodium-metal sulfide battery during its electrochemical reactions. The study reveals significant fractures and cracks in the material after the first cycle, leading to irreversibility and degraded performance.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 6, 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.

Cerebrospinal fluid shows promise as autism biomarker

Researchers found that altered CSF distribution in high-risk infants can predict ASD, with 70% accuracy. Increased subarachnoid CSF at six months is associated with more severe autism symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 6, 2017

Penn physician pioneers new reconstructive surgery for female genital mutilation

A new reconstructive procedure has been developed to help women with female genital mutilation (FGM) restore their physical and psychological well-being. The technique, which involves separating the labia majora and leaving the clitoris raw to promote regeneration, has shown promising results in three patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAesthetic Surgery Journal·DateMar 6, 2017

Brain cells show teamwork in short-term memory: Western University study

Researchers discover that brain cells work together to store and retrieve short-term memory, contradicting previous assumptions about single neurons. This finding has implications for understanding cognitive function, particularly in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 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.

Mizzou researchers receive $1 Million NSF career grant

Two paleobiologists at the University of Missouri will use their $500,000 CAREER grants to integrate research into education programs. Jim Schiffbauer's lab will also introduce elementary students to the Cambrian Period, while John Huntley's team explores biological responses to climate change in fossil records.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateMar 6, 2017

Patients with OCD have difficulty learning when a stimulus is safe

Patients with OCD have difficulty learning which stimulus is safe and vice versa due to impaired brain activity, specifically in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. This cognitive inflexibility affects how they perceive threats under updated circumstances, making current exposure therapies less effective.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

SF State researchers create new tool that measures active learning in classrooms

Researchers at SF State University have developed a new tool called DART that analyzes classroom noise to measure the extent of active learning. The study found that DART can accurately classify audio recordings into three categories: single voice, multiple voice, or no voice, with over 90% accuracy.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

Cosmic environments and their influence in star formation

A study of galaxy properties in the cosmic web reveals that central galaxies form stars for a longer period than satellite galaxies. Satellite galaxies experience a steep decline in star formation activity due to 'ram-pressure stripping' as they fall into dense cluster environments.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 6, 2017

Scientists discover how animals measure time of year to reproduce

Researchers discovered that melatonin regulates VEGF production in the pituitary gland, controlling blood vessel growth and hormone release for seasonal fertility. This mechanism enables animals to adapt to changing environments and has implications for farming and human medicine.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 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.

Biophysicists propose new approach for membrane protein crystallization

Researchers from MIPT and their international collaborators have developed a novel method to crystallize membrane proteins using synthetic patches called nanodiscs. This approach enables the transfer of membrane proteins into lipidic cubic phase for crystal growth, preserving their functional state and enabling high-resolution X-ray di...

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalCrystal Growth & Design·DateMar 6, 2017

Study shows US grasslands affected more by atmospheric dryness than precipitation

A new study published in Nature Geoscience shows that US grasslands are more than three times more sensitive to vapor pressure deficit, or atmospheric dryness, than they are to precipitation. This means that plants in US grasslands are more likely to be damaged by drought due to the high sensitivity of their stomata to dry air.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 6, 2017

Breakthrough in live coral imaging

Scientists used OCT to observe tissue organization and behavior of living corals, identifying changes in tissue layers and fluorescent pigments under light exposure. The study reveals that corals expand their surface area at night and produce more mucus upon stress, challenging current assumptions about coral metabolic rates.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMar 6, 2017

Electronic system lowers wait times for access to specialists

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that an electronic system reduced median wait time to see a specialist by 17.4% and increased appointments scheduled within 30 days. The eConsult system improved access to care for low-income patients, providing sustainable improvements in specialty care.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 6, 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.

Religious participation may serve to strengthen social bonds

A new study finds that active religious participation correlates with stronger social support networks in communities. Regular religious activity is viewed as trustworthy and generous, leading to more sought-after support from others.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 6, 2017

New types of structures for cage-like clathrates

Researchers at UC Davis have discovered new types of cage-like compounds called clathrates that can convert waste heat into electricity. The compounds, which trap an atom inside a larger cage, show promise for improving thermoelectric devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 6, 2017

1 in 5 residents overuses electricity at neighbors' expense

A new study by Uppsala University reveals that household electricity use can be reduced substantially when residents are forced to pay for their own consumption. The study found that 20% of tenants accounted for up to two-thirds of the reduction in electricity consumption, highlighting the need for fairer distribution of costs.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

A kidney disease's genetic clues are uncovered

Researchers have identified two genes linked to IgA nephropathy, a common cause of kidney failure. The study found that variations in these genes, C1GALT1 and C1GALT1C1, are significantly more common in patients with high levels of the Gd-IgA1 marker.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 6, 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.

Direct-to-consumer telehealth may drive up medical spending by encouraging new care

A RAND Corporation study found that direct-to-consumer telehealth services prompt new use of medical services, leading to increased spending. Despite the convenience and lower costs associated with telehealth visits, only 12% of telemedicine visits replaced traditional office visits, while 88% represented new use of medical services.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 6, 2017

Study IDs 90 genes in fat that may contribute to dangerous diseases

Researchers have identified 90 genes in fat cells that may contribute to obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. The study used a large dataset of Finnish men with detailed health records, revealing the effects of gene variations on human health and disease risk.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 6, 2017

One-two punch may floor worst infections

McMaster researchers have discovered a new combination therapy that effectively treats the world's worst infectious diseases, including superbugs resistant to all known antibiotics. The treatment targets Gram-negative bacteria with an intrinsically impenetrable outer shell, making infections deadly in hospital settings.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 6, 2017

New UTSA study delves into income inequality and inflation

A new study by Edgar Ghossoub explores the relationship between income inequality and inflation, finding that a strong stock market can reduce income inequality. However, countries with smaller stock markets and higher inflation, like Mexico, experience more damaging effects of income inequality on their populations.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateMar 6, 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.

Vaginal progesterone reduces the rate of preterm birth

Treatment with vaginal progesterone significantly reduced preterm birth, neonatal complications, and death in pregnant women with twins and a short cervix. The study, which included data from six studies involving 303 women, found that vaginal progesterone use was associated with a 31% lower risk of preterm delivery before 33 weeks.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 6, 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.

More social connection online tied to increasing feelings of isolation

A national analysis found that frequent social media use is associated with increased social isolation, even when controlling for demographic factors. The researchers suggest that social media may displace authentic social experiences and elicit feelings of envy, contributing to feelings of isolation.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017

QUT joins new intelligent transport center

The iMOVE CRC will focus on reducing congestion, fuel use and emissions, improving freight coordination, productivity and international competitiveness. QUT researchers will contribute to the development of smart solutions, including connected autonomous vehicles and traffic management.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateMar 6, 2017

Tree growth model assists breeding for more wood

A tree growth model developed by Washington State University researchers helps breeders identify trees that can produce more wood. The model simulates hormonal interactions and gene expression to predict radial growth, leading to faster and thicker trees.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateMar 6, 2017

NASA takes a double-look at Tropical Cyclone Blanche

Tropical Cyclone Blanche formed near Australia's Top End on March 5 and made landfall the next day. NASA's satellite imagery showed cloud top temperatures of minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating powerful storms that can generate heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 6, 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.

New study sheds light on the darker side of business travel

A new study analyzing online public responses to media reporting found that frequent business travelers tend to either 'flourish' or 'flounder' in their careers. The research highlights the need for organizations to develop policies to protect employees from the negative impacts of business travel.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·DateMar 6, 2017

Medicaid payment reform linked to fewer early elective deliveries

Researchers found that state-level Medicaid payment reform led to a 14% reduction in early elective deliveries and improved gestational age and birthweight for infants. The impact was particularly significant for minority patients, with increased health disparities addressed through this policy change.

SourceMedica Research Institute·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 6, 2017

New materials could turn water into the fuel of the future

Researchers developed a high-throughput method to identify new photoanode materials, doubling the number of compounds with potential for use in solar fuels. The approach combines computational and experimental approaches, revealing how to 'tune' properties to make better photoanodes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

Simple tool can predict serious adverse events in acute heart failure patients

A new study validates the Ottawa Heart Failure Risk Scale (OHFRS) as a reliable predictor of serious adverse events in acute heart failure patients. The OHFRS, combined with NT-ProBNP blood test results, improves prediction accuracy, enabling safer hospital discharge decisions and reducing unnecessary admissions.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateMar 6, 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.

Helping women progress in traditionally male dominated fields

Researchers found that women's math and science self-efficacy beliefs and interactions with others about transferring are crucial factors in their intention to transfer to four-year STEM courses. Additionally, diverse backgrounds and personal circumstances, such as marital status and childcare obligations, also play a significant role.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 6, 2017

Star clusters discovery could upset the astronomical applecart

Researchers have discovered young stars in old star clusters, suggesting that our current models of stellar evolution may be incorrect. This finding could mean that star clusters contain multiple generations of stars.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 6, 2017

Unique protein partly to blame for worm's digestive distress

Researchers have discovered a unique protein in the Orsay virus, a nematode worm virus, that plays a crucial role in binding to cells and infecting them. The protein's molecular structure has potential antiviral applications, and its study could guide bioengineers in developing synthetic variations of the virus to target parasitic worms.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 6, 2017

Infant MRIs show autism linked to increased cerebrospinal fluid

A study found that many toddlers diagnosed with autism at two years of age had a substantially greater amount of extra-axial cerebrospinal fluid at six and 12 months of age, before diagnosis was possible. The more CSF at six months, the more severe the autism symptoms were at two years of age.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 6, 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.

Mouse arrest

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a professional pest management intervention was no better at decreasing asthma symptoms in children allergic to mice than teaching families how to reduce mouse allergens on their own. Both groups showed substantial reductions in mouse allergen levels an...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateMar 6, 2017

Robot uses social feedback to fetch objects intelligently

Researchers at Brown University created an algorithm that enables robots to ask for clarification when unsure about object requests. The system uses a combination of speech commands and human gestures to improve interpretation accuracy and efficiency.

SourceBrown University·DateMar 6, 2017

Early deaths from childhood cancer up to 4 times more common than previously reported

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology finds that childhood cancer deaths within a month of diagnosis are significantly higher than previously reported, affecting young children and minority groups disproportionately. The study used a large national database to find that early deaths from some pediatric cancer subtypes w...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 6, 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.

Vesicle formation findings could pave way for liquid biopsies, drug delivery devices

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and Magee-Womens Research Institute have developed a framework to understand vesicle formation, which can help create non-invasive diagnostic tools like liquid biopsies. The study also provides insights into optimizing artificial vesicles for drug delivery devices.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

Continuous pain is often not assessed during neonatal intensive care

A recent analysis found that only 31.8% of newborns were assessed for prolonged, continuous pain in European neonatal intensive care units. Intensive care units with specific support systems performed assessments more frequently, highlighting the need for better pain monitoring in newborns.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateMar 6, 2017

Research into palliative care top priority for cancer patients

Researchers from the University of Surrey found that cancer patients prioritize palliative and end-of-life care, while nurses focus on eHealth and technology to manage symptoms at home. Both parties agree on factors affecting early cancer symptom presentation and psychosocial support services.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalOncology Nursing Forum·DateMar 6, 2017

Designing the fuel-efficient aircraft of the future

University of Michigan researchers use Stampede supercomputer to design fuel-efficient aircraft with morphing wings and composite materials. Their studies show that tow-steered composites can reduce structural weight by 10% and fuel burn by 0.4%, while morphing wings have the potential to burn 2% less fuel than current designs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateMar 6, 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.

Underwater mountains help ocean water rise from abyss

Scientists have identified a mechanism by which deep waters may rise to the surface through turbulence generated by underwater topographic features. This finding could help estimate how long the ocean stores carbon in its deepest regions before returning it to the surface.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2017

Study shows how skates, rays and sharks sense electrical fields

Researchers at UC San Francisco have cracked the mystery of electrosensation in skates, revealing new insights into how these animals detect prey. The study found that specific ion channels play a crucial role in this process, and that there are similarities between the skate's electrosensory system and the mammalian auditory system.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 2017
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

The Darknet protects itself by being more robust against attacks

The Darknet's unique topology makes it difficult to attack, with an attack on a specific node requiring four times more strength than one on the internet. The network can easily counter large attacks by adding more capacity through its decentralized onion router protocol.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalPhysical Review E·DateMar 6, 2017

Very different cities have similar potential for ride sharing

A new study reveals that ride-sharing is feasible in various cities worldwide, with the potential for sharing autos being more similar than expected. Over 99% of trips in New York and over 97% in San Francisco, Singapore, and Vienna are shareable, highlighting the importance of daily mobility patterns rather than city layout.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 6, 2017

New method rescues donor organs to save lives

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a novel cross-circulation platform that maintains the viability and function of donor lungs for several days. The technology, inspired by an abandoned surgical procedure from the 1960s, enables long-term support of living organs outside the body.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 6, 2017

New evidence for a water-rich history on Mars

Researchers discovered that a mineral found in Martian meteorites could indicate a more water-rich history for the Red Planet. Synthetic whitlockite samples were subjected to shock experiments and X-ray studies, revealing partial conversion to merrillite, which is commonly found in Martian meteorites.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 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.

How nature creates forest diversity

Researchers at International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis developed a model that elucidates the natural patterns of biodiversity in tropical forests. The study shows how physiological differences and competition for light lead to a large number of species coexisting, challenging traditional ecological theory.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

Study uncovers a mechanism driving cognitive symptoms in Huntington's disease

A study published in JCI reveals that mutant HTT protein and DISC1 form a complex that compromises its functions, leading to disruptions in downstream pathways. Normalizing the activity of this protein complex improves cognitive symptoms in HD mice, providing insights into DISC1's role in mental illness.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 6, 2017

Tackling Lupus and its renal complications with novel small molecule drug candidate

Researchers have identified a new compound that binds to CD11b and enhances its ability to suppress TLR signaling, reducing inflammation in lupus patients. The study found that the compound can override genetic defects associated with ITGAM mutations, offering a personalized approach to treating lupus.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 6, 2017

Only 1 in 5 patients seeking specialist for resistant HBP take meds as prescribed

Research reveals that only one in five patients with resistant hypertension are taking all their prescribed medications, while 20% are not taking any. The study found that adherence to medication greatly affects the ability to assess the value of another treatment, and patients can take steps to prevent high blood pressure from remaini...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 6, 2017

Revealing the origin and nature of the outskirts of stellar megalopolises

A team of astronomers has discovered extended stellar envelopes in individual massive elliptical galaxies at half the age of the Universe. The study, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, used the Hubble Ultra Deep Field to characterize galactic haloes and reveal the process behind dramatic galaxy growth.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 6, 2017

Cebit 2017: Post-print customization of 3-D prints

Saarland University scientists create a procedure called Hotflex to work around the limitation of static 3D objects. By integrating composite elements, they can modify shapes and add touch responsiveness to printed prototypes.

SourceSaarland University·DateMar 6, 2017

Zika virus in Canadian travellers more severe than expected

A new study found that Zika virus was as commonly confirmed as dengue in Canadian travellers returning from the Americas and Caribbean, but more severe. The study revealed 10% of cases with severe complications, including Guillain-Barré syndrome and congenital infection.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 6, 2017

New deep learning techniques analyze athletes' decision-making

A new automated method based on deep learning techniques analyzes detailed game data to create models of how a typical player would behave in a given situation. This allows for the comparison of actual player behavior with predicted ghostly behavior, providing valuable insights into defensive athletic performance.

SourceDisney Research·DateMar 6, 2017

Boosting your own defenses against heart disease

A new study by San Diego State University researchers found that a protein called ATF6 promotes the natural ability of heart cells to ward off stress-induced damage during heart attacks. This discovery suggests a novel treatment and prevention strategy for people at risk of heart disease, particularly as they age.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalCirculation Research·DateMar 6, 2017