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Science News for May 25, 2017


Viral protein may help chickenpox virus spread within the body

A viral protein in the chickenpox virus enhances its ability to hijack white blood cells and spread throughout the body. The protein interacts with chemokines to attract more white blood cells to the site of infection, allowing the virus to spread to other parts of the body.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 25, 2017

Expressing genetic interactions through music

The Chromos EP captures microscopic elegance of gene organisation using moving soundscapes, revealing how genes interact and influence each other. Researchers from the Babraham Institute's nuclear dynamics research are changing our understanding of biology with their findings.

SourceBabraham Institute·DateMay 25, 2017

Scientists to probe dolphin intelligence using an interactive touchpad

A team of scientists from Rockefeller University and Hunter College has developed an interactive underwater touchscreen to investigate dolphin intelligence and communication. The system allows dolphins to choose activities and make decisions, providing insights into their cognitive abilities and potential for symbolic communication.

SourceRockefeller University·DateMay 25, 2017

Genetic test for anal cancer could identify those at high risk

A new test based on a patient's epigenetics may accurately identify those at highest risk of anal cancer, minimizing painful procedures and over-treatment. This test has the potential to reduce costs, pain, and anxiety associated with diagnosis, particularly in high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men and people with HIV.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMay 25, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Development of compound that captures specific alkane gas molecule with its color change

Researchers at Kanazawa University have developed a compound that selectively captures n-alkane gas molecules with its color change, indicating a special ability to distinguish configuration of guest molecules. The compound's properties were evaluated in solid/gas interfaces, showing excellent separation efficiency and recyclability.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 25, 2017

Children at increased risk of suicide

A new study found that children and young people admitted to hospital with injuries related to self-harm, drugs, or alcohol faced an increased risk of killing themselves over the following 10 years. The researchers argue that this risk applies to a larger group of adolescents than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 25, 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.

Changing climate could have devastating impact on forest carbon storage

A new study predicts a significant decline in carbon storage in the Sierra Nevada mountains under projected climate-wildfire interactions. The research highlights the need for policy makers to take action to maintain these forested ecosystems, which can help regulate water flow and mitigate the effects of global warming.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 25, 2017

The 'ideal' teacher? It's all in your mind

A Concordia study found that 'best' and 'worst' teachers are often praised for contrasting qualities, highlighting the importance of individual educational values. The research also discovered gender biases in teaching perceptions, suggesting a need for further investigation.

SourceConcordia University·JournalTeaching and Teacher Education·DateMay 25, 2017

In fruit fly and human genetics, timing is everything

Scientists at UNC discovered a cascade of molecular signals that program gene activity to drive fruit fly maturation, involving alterations to DNA packaging and chromatin accessibility. This basic biology finding may hold significance for understanding how cancers arise in humans.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 25, 2017

Landscape-scale erosion instabilities in the northern Gabilan Mesa, California

Soil column thickness significantly influences the transition from hillslopes to channels. Climate plays a crucial role in triggering arroyos exclusively found in south-flowing catchments. These findings highlight the importance of soil development in shaping erosion instabilities.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateMay 25, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New metamaterial-enhanced MRI technique tested on humans

A new metasurface-based technology has been tested on humans, providing higher signals from local brain regions and potentially reducing image acquisition time or acquiring higher resolution images. The use of metasurfaces could improve MRI comfort for patients and disease diagnosis.

SourceITMO University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 25, 2017

Study: A new way to slow cancer cell growth

Researchers have identified a new way to potentially slow fast-growing cancer cells by targeting the Tudor-SN protein. The study, published in Science, found that eliminating this protein from cancer cells using CRISPR-Cas9 technology slowed their cell cycle and moved them more slowly towards division.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2017

Approach tested at FAU first to look at dolphin immune system

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University identified 11 cross-reactive terrestrial-specific antibodies for dolphins, allowing them to assess changes in immune cell populations. The study shows significant differences in the absolute number of cells expressing specific markers within lymphocyte and monocyte fractions.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBMC Veterinary Research·DateMay 25, 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.

Increased leaf abundance is a double-edged sword

A global assessment reveals that increased leaf abundance in boreal areas warms the environment while in arid regions it cools. The study suggests a buffering effect of greening on warming in about 60% of vegetated areas, but amplifies warming in boreal zones.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2017

Designer worm spit supercharges healing

A molecule produced by a Thai liver parasite has been found to have the potential to supercharge healing and treat non-healing wounds in diabetics. The researchers have successfully produced a version of the molecule on a large enough scale to conduct laboratory tests, with promising results.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMay 25, 2017

CRKL in 22q11.2; a key gene that contributes to common birth defects

Research identifies CRKL gene as crucial for normal genitourinary development, with gene dosage changes associated with developmental abnormalities. The study's findings have significant implications for initial patient diagnosis and potential treatments for individuals affected by DiGeorge syndrome.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 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.

Tiny shells indicate big changes to global carbon cycle

Foraminifera, single-celled organisms that form the base of marine food webs, struggle to build their shells and make spines in high CO2 environments. This study suggests that stressed foraminifera could indicate a larger scale disruption of carbon cycling in the ocean.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 25, 2017

Can fat 'feel' fat?

Researchers at the University of Iowa discovered a protein that controls glucose uptake in fat cells based on cell swelling, leading to insights into the relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes. Mice lacking this protein developed insulin resistance and glucose intolerance despite having smaller fat cells.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 25, 2017

A flip switch for binge-eating?

Researchers discovered a brain subgroup that triggers binge-like eating when activated, leading to weight gain. Stimulation of this area with specific neurons or hormones increased food intake, but reduced it after stimulation stopped.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2017

MIT researchers engineer shape-shifting food

Researchers have created edible origami-like sheets of gelatin and starch that transform into three-dimensional structures when submerged in water. By controlling the structure's response to water, they can create various shapes, including pasta, flowers, and more, potentially reducing food shipping costs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 25, 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.

Aggressive care at end of life for advanced lung cancer patients linked to poorer outcomes

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing suggests that aggressive end-of-life care for advanced lung cancer patients is not associated with better patient outcomes. The research found that high rates of chemotherapy and mechanical ventilation in the final days of life were linked to lower overall ratings of care.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalCancer·DateMay 25, 2017

Unveiling the quantum necklace

The study simulates a complex quantum system that mimics classical physics and creates a 'necklace-like' state with spin-orbit coupling. The researchers found that there must always be an odd number of pearls in the necklace, depending on the strength of the spin-orbit coupling.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review A·DateMay 25, 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.

Study implicates 2 genetic variants in bicuspid aortic valve development

Researchers have discovered two genetic variants associated with bicuspid aortic valve development, which affects the heart's ability to pump oxygen-rich blood. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that these variants affect a key cardiac transcription factor called GATA4, leading to disruptions in valve formation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2017

Kidney transplants from diabetic donors will save more lives, sooner

A new study finds that accepting a kidney from a deceased diabetic donor can improve survival rates for sicker patients, with a nearly 10% improvement in long-term survival. Patients over 40 or with existing diabetes may benefit most from transplantation with diabetic donor kidneys.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 25, 2017

Solving the riddle of the snow globe

A Tel Aviv University study reveals that asymmetric objects settle uniformly in liquid, contrary to symmetrical objects. This finding may improve fluidized beds used in polymer production and water treatment facilities.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 25, 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.

An inflammatory inference

Researchers at KAUST have identified the molecular liaison responsible for promoting inflammation in endothelial tissues. They found that CD44 and PSGL-1 are key E-selectin ligands involved in this process.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMay 25, 2017

Resetting balance in reward centers may help treat alcohol addiction

A new study in Biological Psychiatry reports that altering the balance of two pathways in the dorsal striatum, a brain region critical for goal-directed behavior, can help control alcohol consumption. The study found that suppressing the activity of the No-Go pathway and exciting the Go pathway promotes alcohol drinking behavior.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 25, 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.

How to prevent lying and drinking in teens, according to research

A longitudinal study of over 4,000 US teens found that honesty with parents is linked to lower risk of drinking and addiction. Excessive parental control can actually increase the likelihood of teenage lying and drinking.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateMay 25, 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.

The big star that couldn't become a supernova

Researchers found a dying star that fizzled out and left behind a black hole, shedding light on why massive stars rarely explode as supernovae. The discovery could help explain the origins of supermassive black holes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 25, 2017

Do men have worse chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy than women?

A retrospective observational study found that men have a more severe form of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy, with lower left and right ventricular ejection fractions and larger cardiac volumes compared to women. The study's results suggest that female sex hormones may be protective against this condition.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMay 25, 2017

Look at Eva, 4 months old and standing

A study published in Frontiers of Psychology found that babies can stand without support as early as 3.6 months old with practice. The research, led by Professor Hermundur Sigmundsson, showed that out of 12 children who participated in a 12-week baby swimming course, 11 could stand on their own for more than 15 seconds.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 25, 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.

Modeling invasive activity: Zebra mussels' infiltration of North American rivers

A new continuous-discrete hybrid population model describes the invasive dynamics of zebra mussels in North American rivers. The model shows that population persistence is contingent upon moderate water temperatures and low flow velocities, and that upstream invasion success depends on these factors.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateMay 25, 2017

New approach predicts threats to rainforests

A new study by scientists from the Universities of Oxford, Montana, and the US Forest Service highlights novel approaches to tackling deforestation. The team built a multi-scale model of deforestation on Borneo's island using machine learning algorithms, predicting future deforestation risk faced by remaining forests.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalLandscape Ecology·DateMay 25, 2017

First results from Juno show cyclones and massive magnetism

The Juno mission has revealed cyclones on Jupiter's poles with diameters up to 1,400 kilometers across. The spacecraft also detected a massive magnetic field that is substantially stronger than models predicted, potentially powering the planet's huge aurorae.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 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.

Study provides better understanding of how brain tumors 'feed'

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center discovered that the enzyme ACSS2 enables brain tumors to thrive in a nutrient-deprived environment by converting acetate into a carbon-based food source. This finding offers new potential treatment approaches for this deadly disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 25, 2017

Kidneys from diabetic donors may benefit many transplant candidates

Receiving donor kidneys from individuals with diabetes offers a greater survival benefit than remaining on the waitlist for many transplant candidates. Patients at high risk of dying while on the waitlist and those at centers with long wait times may benefit the most from transplantation with kidneys from diabetic donors.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 25, 2017

Research could bring 'drastically' higher resolution to your TV and smartphone

Researchers at UCF have developed a new color changing surface tunable through electrical voltage, potentially leading to three times the resolution for televisions and smartphones. This breakthrough eliminates the need for static subpixels, allowing for reduced pixel size and increased brightness.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2017

Ancient genetic markers in sockeye salmon can help manage healthier fish stocks

A recent study from the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus has identified new genetic markers in sockeye salmon that can help improve management of fish populations. These markers allow researchers to distinguish between different variants of sockeye salmon, enabling precise identification and monitoring of population numbers.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 25, 2017

Why this IndyCar driver is outpacing diabetes

A Michigan State University study has found that Charlie Kimball's optimized blood sugar levels and physiological monitoring help him capture top-5 finishes at the Indianapolis 500. The research also enabled Kimball to compete equally with other drivers, despite having Type 1 diabetes.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 25, 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.

Collapsing star gives birth to a black hole

Astronomers discovered a massive star that collapsed into a black hole without exploding as a supernova, challenging the typical view of star formation. The study suggests that up to 30% of massive stars may quietly collapse into black holes without producing a supernova.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 25, 2017

SwRI-led Juno mission to Jupiter delivers first science results

The Juno spacecraft has revealed stunning discoveries about Jupiter's core, composition, and magnetosphere, including a dynamo region in the planet's outer core. Scientists are surprised by similarities to Earth's auroras but also find significant differences, including the existence of heavy elements in the interior.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2017

Targeted conservation could protect more of Earth's biodiversity

A new study suggests that setting aside an additional 5% of land to protect key species can triple their protected range and safeguard their functional diversity. This approach prioritizes global representation over local conservation, offering a more effective strategy for biodiversity conservation.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2017

'Authentic' teachers are better at engaging with their students

Authentic teaching style is positively received by students, characterized by approachability, passion, attentiveness and care. This style involves conversing with students before and after class, sharing personal experiences and displaying humanity.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCommunication Education·DateMay 25, 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.

How fear can develop out of others' traumas

A study from Karolinska Institutet shows that observing others' pain or anxiety activates the same regions in the brain involved in self-perceived pain. This sensitivity can lead to anxiety syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in some individuals.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2017

Penn Medicine researchers identify brain network organization changes

A study published in Current Biology reveals that brain networks become increasingly divided into distinct modules during adolescence, which influences improvements in executive function. The findings suggest that modular sub-networks are critical for complex cognition and behavior, and may predict risks for mental illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 25, 2017

Water forms 'spine of hydration' around DNA, group finds

Researchers at Cornell University have observed a previously unknown characteristic of water surrounding DNA, revealing a chiral water superstructure that follows the iconic helical structure of DNA. This discovery has significant implications for understanding reactivity and biology in biological systems.

SourceCornell University·DateMay 25, 2017

Stroke risk factors for pregnant women with preeclampsia uncovered

A study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center reveals that preeclampsia significantly increases stroke risk in pregnant women with infections, chronic high blood pressure, or bleeding/clotting disorders. The risk of stroke after delivery is also a concern for mothers with preeclampsia.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalStroke·DateMay 25, 2017

Zika infections could be factor in more pregnancies

Researchers found Zika-infected monkey fetuses showed unusual inflammation in the eyes, retina, and optic nerves, suggesting a wider threat in human pregnancies than previously thought. The study used animal models to study the progression of infection and associated health problems, opening doors for studying other infections and pote...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 25, 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.

Fathers' brains respond differently to daughters than sons

Research finds fathers of toddler daughters are more attentive and responsive to their needs, singing more often and using emotional language. In contrast, fathers of sons engage in rough-and-tumble play and use achievement-related language. These differences may impact future academic success and social development.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateMay 25, 2017

Bouldering envisioned as new treatment for depression

A new study suggests that bouldering may be used to effectively treat symptoms of depression, with participants who immediately began the intervention showing a 6.27-point improvement in depression scores compared to those who waited, improving from moderate to mild depression levels.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateMay 25, 2017

Argonne scientists make vanadium into a useful catalyst for hydrogenation

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a vanadium catalyst that enhances the hydrogenation process, previously dominated by expensive precious metals. The breakthrough involves synthesizing vanadium in a unique configuration, demonstrating its catalytic activity.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalChemical Communications·DateMay 25, 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.

US nuclear regulators greatly underestimate potential for nuclear disaster

A new study published in Science magazine reveals that US nuclear regulators are relying on flawed analysis to justify their refusal to adopt critical safety measures. The consequences of a catastrophic nuclear-waste fire could be considerably larger than the Fukushima accident, forcing millions of people to relocate and resulting in $...

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2017

Safe space for illegal drug consumption in Baltimore would save $6 million a year

A new cost-benefit analysis suggests that a supervised facility in Baltimore could generate $7.8 million in annual savings by reducing overdose deaths, HIV and hepatitis C infections, hospitalizations and bringing people into treatment. The study found that such a space would save thousands of lives and prevent numerous overdoses.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalHarm Reduction Journal·DateMay 25, 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.

Summer rainfall in vulnerable African region can be predicted

Scientists have developed a new model that predicts Sahel summer rainfall with high accuracy, enabling decision-makers to anticipate future cycles of droughts and floods. This improved understanding has the potential to help local communities become increasingly resilient to the region's variable climate.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2017

Researchers find new way to control light with electric fields

Researchers at NC State University have discovered a method to control light with electric fields, allowing for significant, tunable changes in the refractive index of materials. This breakthrough could lead to applications in virtual reality, animation, and camouflage.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 25, 2017

Balancing rights and responsibilities in insurers' access to genetic test results

The UK's two-tier system balances individual concerns about genetic discrimination with insurer needs, while Australia and Canada face challenges in regulating insurers' use of genetic information. A comparative study found that the UK's moratorium on predictive genetic test results for life insurance policies below £500,000 helps main...

SourceEuropean Society of Human Genetics·DateMay 25, 2017

Misconceptions about foot disease common among Ethiopian children

Podoconiosis is preventable by wearing shoes in areas with red clay minerals, yet many Ethiopian children have misconceptions about the disease and its prevention. Research found that children believed barefoot exposure to dew or pond water was a risk factor, despite knowing symptoms and benefits of proper footwear.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 25, 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.

Jupiter's complex transient auroras

Researchers combined data from three spacecraft to show that Jupiter's brightest auroral features are powered by both volcanic moon Io and interaction with the solar wind. The energy is transferred at speeds approaching 400-800 km/s, challenging previous assumptions about magnetic fields' dominance.

SourceRIKEN·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 25, 2017

New study finds lean pork fits in a balanced eating plan for weight loss and healthy aging

A new study published in Current Developments in Nutrition found that lean pork as part of a weight-loss diet can lead to significant weight loss, improved physical function, and better adherence to the diet among obese women. Both groups experienced improvements in functional capacity at six months, with African American women experie...

SourceWeber Shandwick Chicago·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·DateMay 25, 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.

No evidence that brain-stimulation technique boosts cognitive training

Researchers found that transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) did not produce any additional benefit to working memory training, contradicting previous hype. The study suggests that tDCS may be more effective in specific areas of the brain and that its effects on cognitive abilities are still unclear.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 25, 2017

Sorting out HIV

Researchers at EMBL and ESPCI Paris have developed a new technique to rapidly sort HIV viruses, which could significantly speed up vaccine development. The system enables the analysis and sorting of hundreds of HIV viruses per second, allowing for rapid testing of millions of viral variants.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMay 25, 2017

New hair growth mechanism discovered

Researchers at UCSF have discovered that regulatory T cells trigger stem cells to promote healthy hair growth. The study suggests that defects in Tregs could be responsible for alopecia areata and potentially play a role in other forms of baldness.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateMay 25, 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.