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Science News for September 15, 2017


Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Wolves understand cause and effect better than dogs

A study by researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna found that wolves demonstrate a better understanding of cause and effect than dogs. In experiments, wolves correctly identified causal cues such as noise produced by an object containing food when shaken, whereas dogs did not.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 15, 2017

People with schizophrenia left out of longevity revolution

A recent study found a 37% increase in the gap between the average lifespan of people with schizophrenia and the general population. Longitudinal studies suggest that this widening trend is due to factors such as inadequate healthcare, unhealthy lifestyles, and biological aging.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateSep 15, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Chemotherapy pain could be eased by jetlag drug, study suggests

A recent study published in Journal of Pineal Research found that melatonin can prevent nerve damage caused by chemotherapy and reduce painful side effects. The drug was shown to limit the damaging effect on nerve cells and the development of pain symptoms when given prior to chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Pineal Research·DateSep 15, 2017

Ancient amphibian had mouthful of teeth ready to grab you: UTM research

A team of paleontologists at the University of Toronto discovered that ancient amphibians had a vast array of tiny teeth, called denticles, on the roofs of their mouths. These toothy plates were ideal for holding onto prey and may have facilitated swallowing prey via eyeball retraction, similar to modern amphibians.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 15, 2017

Medical students not trained to prescribe medical marijuana

A study found that only 9% of medical schools teach their students about medical marijuana, leaving physicians-in-training unprepared to address patient questions. The research highlights a mismatch between state laws and medical education, emphasizing the need for more training on the benefits and drawbacks of medical marijuana.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateSep 15, 2017

German scientists question study about plastic-eating caterpillars

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz challenged a Spanish study on the ability of wax moth caterpillars to digest polyethylene. They found that essential signals for biochemical degradation were missing, raising doubts about the actual decomposition of plastic.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 15, 2017

Green schoolyards offer physical and mental health benefits for children

Research at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition found that green schoolyards improve heart health, mental health, weight management, ADHD, and stress among children. Green schoolyards provide opportunities for active outdoor play, relaxation, and community engagement.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateSep 15, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

LSUHealthNO to study new drug to regenerate heart muscle

The LSU Health New Orleans Cardiovascular Center of Excellence will receive funding to study the effectiveness of MSI-1436, a novel drug that stimulates heart muscle regeneration. The drug has shown promising results in small animal models and Phase 1 clinical trials for obesity and type-2 diabetes.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateSep 15, 2017

Deprescribing gets support from Canada's seniors, survey shows

A national survey of Canadians over 65 years old found that two-thirds take more than five prescription drugs daily, and many worry about their medication regimen. The survey also revealed that only 7% of seniors are aware of the term 'deprescribing', highlighting a need for education and awareness.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 15, 2017

Insult to injury: US workers without paid sick leave suffer from mental distress

A new study by Florida Atlantic University and Cleveland State University reveals that US workers without paid sick leave suffer from increased psychological distress. Workers without access to paid sick leave are more likely to report symptoms interfering with daily life, activities, and overall well-being.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthopsychiatry·DateSep 15, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

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

NASA-NOAA's satellite night-time nod to Norma

Tropical Storm Norma was located near 18.7 degrees north latitude and 109.7 degrees west longitude, with an elongated band of thunderstorms around its center, 85 miles east of Socorro Island.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 15, 2017

Star formation influenced by local environmental conditions

Researchers at Niels Bohr Institute used computer simulations to study the influence of local environmental conditions on star formation. Their findings suggest that factors such as magnetic fields and turbulence play a crucial role in shaping the star formation process.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateSep 15, 2017
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Fertility research brings death of dogma, birth of hope

Researchers have found that ovarian stem cells in mammals play a crucial role in egg production, with potential applications for fertility treatments. The study's findings also suggest that these stem cells may be able to delay the onset of menopause by repairing their 'house' rather than increasing their numbers.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 15, 2017

Decreased glucose metabolism in medial prefrontal areas is associated with nutritional status in patients with prodromal and early Alzheimer's disease

A new study found that decreased glucose metabolism in medial prefrontal areas is associated with nutritional status in patients with prodromal and early Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that hypometabolism in the medial prefrontal areas may explain the underlying mechanism of weight loss in AD. Decrease in fat mass was also lin...

SourceIOS Press·DateSep 15, 2017

NASA sees Hurricane Max make landfall and weaken

NASA's Aqua satellite captured Hurricane Max making landfall and quickly weakening, with the storm degenerating into a large area of low pressure. The coldest cloud tops were found around the center of circulation and over the coast of Guerrero state, indicating storms that reached high into the troposphere and generated heavy rain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 15, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Third and fourth graders who own cell phones are more likely to be cyberbullied

A new study examines cell phone ownership among children in third to fifth grades and finds that they are more likely to be victims of cyberbullying. Cell phone owners, especially in grades 3 and 4, were significantly more likely to report being cyberbullied. The study suggests that continuous access to social media increases online in...

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateSep 15, 2017

Celebrity fossil reveals all for science

Agnostus pisiformis, a small but well-preserved trilobite-like arthropod, has been used to create detailed sculptures revealing its complete anatomy. The fossil provides valuable insights into ancient life and ecosystems, shedding light on the ecology and mode of life of this extinct species.

SourceLund University·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateSep 15, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Contaminants in food: Health risks of natural origin are frequently underestimated

A German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment study found that people perceive synthetic substances and heavy metals as greater health risks than natural contaminants like mercury and dioxin. Awareness about lesser-known contaminants like pyrrolizidine alkaloids and arsenic is low, particularly among younger populations.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·JournalBundesgesundheitsblatt·DateSep 15, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Talking to older adults about health prognosis may be helpful

A study found that most older adults want healthcare providers to discuss life expectancy, and reactions were not as negative as expected. The research suggests that addressing concerns about discussing life expectancy can improve the quality of care received by older adults.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 15, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Cuts to mental health services putting young people at risk, say experts

Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that funding cuts to mental health services in schools and clinics reduce access for adolescents with mental health problems. Young people without treatment are more likely to suffer from depression later in adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Public Mental Health·DateSep 15, 2017

High blood pressure reasons differ by gender in teens; young adults

Researchers found that stroke volume explains 55% of the variance in systolic blood pressure in females, while total peripheral resistance is the main determinant in males. This study suggests potential benefits to prescribing blood pressure-lowering medications with consideration for gender differences in underlying physiology.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateSep 15, 2017

Satellite eyeing Tropical Storm Jose churning coastal waters

Tropical Storm Jose is producing high surf and life-threatening rip currents along the U.S. East coast, with swells affecting Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. The storm is forecast to become a hurricane in the next 48 hours, with maximum sustained winds near 70 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 15, 2017

Physicists predict nonmetallic half-metallicity

Researchers have theoretically proved the existence of a novel class of materials for use in spin-valley-tronics. The discovery could lead to advancements in implantable devices and systems, leveraging the properties of dielectric materials with two valleys.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 15, 2017
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

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

University of Minnesota researchers replicate FSH muscular dystrophy in mice

Scientists have successfully replicated facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSH) in mice by inserting the DUX4 gene into skeletal muscle cells. This new animal model holds great promise for developing therapies for FSH, a disease affecting an estimated 38,000 Americans. The study also reveals a previously unknown mechanism of muscl...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 15, 2017

Campaign increases likelihood parents will ask about guns before a playdate

The Asking Saves Kids (ASK) campaign has been shown to increase caregivers' comfort level in asking about guns in a home where their child plays. A study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference found that after ASK education, 85% of caregivers felt comfortable asking about guns, up from only 44% before.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateSep 15, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Sugary secrets of a cancer-related protein

A recent study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that specific sugars attached to a key protein called Notch can serve as quality-control markers, ensuring its proper transport to the cell membrane. This discovery has implications for understanding cancer progression and developing potential treatments.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 15, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Carbohydrates may be the key to a better malaria vaccine

Researchers discovered that carbohydrates on malaria parasites play a critical role in infecting human and mosquito hosts. The study suggests steps for improving the malaria vaccine, which has been only partially effective in preventing the disease.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 15, 2017
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Life-saving post-ER suicide prevention strategies are cost effective

A NIH study found three interventions in emergency departments save lives and are cost-effective relative to usual care. Postcards, telephone outreach, and cognitive behavioral therapy reduce patients' suicide risk by 30-50% and are cost-effective options.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateSep 15, 2017
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Telemedicine visits save families time and money

A study by Nemours Children's Health System found that telemedicine visits for sports medicine appointments saved patients and families an average of $50 in travel costs and 51 minutes in waiting time. Each telemedicine visit also reduced the health system's costs by $24 per patient.

SourceNemours·DateSep 15, 2017

NASA sees Typhoon Doksuri making landfall in Vietnam

Typhoon Doksuri made landfall in eastern Vietnam, with maximum sustained winds near 80 knots. The storm was centered near 17.9 degrees north latitude and 106.0 degrees east longitude, about 174 miles northwest of Da Nang.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 15, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Injuries caused by firearms differ in rural or urban settings

Research highlights the disparity in firearm injury rates among pediatric populations in urban and rural settings. Teenagers living in urban areas are disproportionately affected by firearm assaults, whereas children in rural areas face a higher risk of accidental firearm injuries. Accidental injuries were the leading cause of hospital...

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateSep 15, 2017

Immune system linked to alcohol drinking behavior

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found a significant reduction in alcohol drinking behavior by mice that had been given a drug blocking a specific response from the immune system in the brain, highlighting the importance of the brain's immune system in driving desire to drink alcohol.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateSep 15, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

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

The time is RIPE to transform agriculture and feed the world

The Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project aims to develop sustainable yield increases through engineered photosynthesis. With a five-year, $45 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and others, RIPE seeks to provide new means to eradicate world hunger and malnutrition by 2030.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateSep 15, 2017

The body's own fat-metabolism protects against the harmful effects of sugar

Researchers at Aarhus University discovered a detoxification process in the body's fat-metabolism that captures and inhibits toxic methylglyoxal, a key player in age-related diseases. This finding may explain why low-carbohydrate diets with plenty of fat promote healthy aging and prevent diseases.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateSep 15, 2017

More infants and toddlers being positioned correctly in car safety seats

A new study found that overall child passenger safety education programs are successful, with improved placement of infants and toddlers in car seats. The research reviewed trends in child safety practices from 2009-2015 and identified areas for improvement, such as increasing top tether use and booster seat use.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateSep 15, 2017
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

NASA gets a dramatic 3-D view of Typhoon Talim's large eye

Typhoon Talim's large eye was a distinctive feature in NASA's 3D image, showing intense rainfall on the western side and weaker rain to the east. Wind shear has pushed the upper-level eye northwest of the lower-level eye, with strongest storms on the western side.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 15, 2017

Couples weather bickering with a little help from their friends

A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that spouses with a satisfying social network experience lower levels of physiological stress during marital conflicts. Having even a few close friends or family members to talk to outside of their marriage alleviates tension.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateSep 15, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Sustainable recreational fisheries the focus of $1.5 million NSF grant

A $1.5 million NSF grant will investigate the social and ecological dynamics of freshwater fisheries in Wisconsin's Northern Highland Lake District. The project aims to understand how human activities and ecological processes impact fish populations, with a focus on effective governance and communication between anglers and lake managers.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·DateSep 15, 2017

Skin patch dissolves 'love handles' in mice

A new medicated skin patch has been developed that can transform white fat into brown fat locally, increasing metabolism and reducing fat. The patch was tested in obese mice with significant results, including a 20% reduction in treated side fat and lower fasting blood glucose levels.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 15, 2017