Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 20, 2011


UK's tuberculosis screening strategy for immigrants misses most imported cases of latent infection and unlikely to prevent the spread of disease

A study finds that the UK's current tuberculosis screening policy for immigrants is missing 70% of imported latent infections. Implementing a broader screening program could identify 92% of infected immigrants and reduce future cases of active tuberculosis while remaining cost-effective.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 20, 2011

MicroRNA mediates gene-diet interaction related to obesity

The study identified a microRNA that may elucidate the biological mechanism behind obesity-related traits in individuals carrying the PLIN4 gene variant. Higher omega-3 fatty acid intakes were associated with lower body mass index and weight in carriers of the gene variant.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 20, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

GOES-13 sees an extraordinarily early Atlantic low in the tropics

A low pressure area north-northeast of Puerto Rico has been detected by the GOES-13 satellite, located about 460 miles northeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The National Hurricane Center gives this system a 20% chance of development into a tropical storm over the next two days before it hits wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 20, 2011

Limit to nanotechnology mass-production?

A leading nanotechnology scientist proposes a 3nm diameter threshold for mass-produced structures, citing unpredictability in bottom-up manufacturing. This challenge raises concerns about the billions invested in nanotechnology research and development.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateApr 20, 2011

Electronic medical records speed genetic health studies

Researchers at Northwestern University have found that using electronic medical records to identify patients with diseases can be faster and cheaper than recruiting thousands of participants. The study used data from five national sites to accurately identify patients with five types of diseases, achieving accuracy rates of 73-98%.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 20, 2011
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.

Worm studies shed light on human cancers

Researchers discovered a worm protein controlling growth factor secretion, which is linked to human cancers. The study proposes that abnormal growth factor secretion may stimulate cancer formation and offers a potential targeted treatment approach.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 20, 2011

Laser sparks revolution in internal combustion engines

Researchers have developed a new laser system that can ignite engine air-fuel mixtures more efficiently than traditional spark plugs. The laser system is made from ceramics and promises less pollution and greater fuel economy, but further testing is needed to make it commercially viable.

SourceOptica·DateApr 20, 2011

Heart drugs could cut blood pressure risks in pregnancy

Researchers investigate whether statins can prevent pre-eclampsia by targeting an enzyme that suppresses two proteins linked to the condition. The study, funded by the Medical Research Council, aims to test the effectiveness of statins in reducing blood pressure risks for pregnant women diagnosed with very early-onset pre-eclampsia.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateApr 20, 2011

How can we measure infants' pain after an operation?

Researchers have validated a new 'Llanto' scale to measure infant pain after surgery, providing health staff with a simple and concise tool. The scale assesses factors such as crying patterns, breathing rate, and facial expression, allowing for accurate estimation of the child's suffering.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAnales de Pediatría·DateApr 20, 2011

Repeated stress in pregnancy linked to children's behavior

Research from Research Australia found a link between stressful events during pregnancy and increased risk of behavioral problems in children. The study analyzed the timing, amount, and types of stressors to determine their impact on child behavior outcomes.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateApr 20, 2011
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

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

Study group looks at the future of corporate boards

A report from a blue-ribbon panel recommends guidelines to improve board practices and standards in seven core dimensions: Purpose, Culture, Leadership, Information, Advice, Debate and Self-Renewal. The report aims to foster further review of board structure and function.

SourceColumbia Business School·DateApr 20, 2011

How molecules get to the right place at the right time

Researchers have uncovered how yeast cells recognize and assemble cargo mRNA for transport, a process critical for cell function. The discovery sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying molecular transport in both simple and complex organisms.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 20, 2011

Ring around the hurricanes: Satellites can predict storm intensity

Researchers developed a method to use passive microwave satellite imagery to monitor hurricane structure and intensity changes, revealing patterns in storm dynamics. This allows for a 30-hour window before a storm hits its maximum strength, enabling forecasters to issue earlier warnings and evacuate areas at risk.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 20, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Kids' 'screen time' linked to early markers for cardiovascular disease

A study published in the American Heart Association journal found a strong link between excessive screen time in children and narrowed arteries in the back of their eyes. Children who spent more hours watching TV or playing video games had narrower retinal arteriolar caliber, indicating future cardiovascular risk.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 20, 2011

New data shows half of all children with autism wander and bolt from safe places

A new survey by the Interactive Autism Network reveals that approximately half of parents report their child eloping from safe places, peaking at age four. The study highlights critical safety concerns, including increased risk of trauma, injury, or death. Additionally, a new research survey on pregnancy and birth factors associated wi...

SourceKennedy Krieger Institute·DateApr 20, 2011

Growers rally behind purple flowers to support TGen cancer research

A group of Ohio greenhouse growers partners with the Translational Genomics Research Institute to sell 'denim shock wave petunias' in support of pancreatic cancer awareness. The program aims to raise funds for TGen's globalCure initiative, which seeks to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateApr 20, 2011

Researchers combine active proteins with material derived from fruit fly

Scientists at Rice University and Texas A&M have developed a method to pattern active proteins into bio-friendly fibers. The new work simplifies the process of making materials with fully functional proteins, opening up possibilities for chemical catalysts, biosensors, tissue engineering, and more.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 20, 2011
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.

Melting ice on Arctic islands a major player in sea level rise

A new study found that melting glaciers and ice caps on Canadian Arctic islands play a significant role in sea level rise. The region lost an average of 7 cubic miles of water per year, increasing dramatically to 22 cubic miles during the latter part of the study.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2011

Long-term poverty but not family instability affects children's cognitive development

UK researchers found that persistent poverty affects children's cognitive functioning at the age of five, while family instability does not have a significant impact. The study, based on data from 18,819 families in the UK, shows that children growing up in stable two-parent families have higher levels of cognitive ability than those i...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateApr 20, 2011

Starting a new metabolic path

Researchers at JBEI have developed a technique called targeted proteomics that enables the rapid identification and quantification of specific proteins in cells or microbes. This technique can help identify bottlenecks in metabolic pathways, leading to improved efficiency and productivity in biofuel and therapeutic drug production.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateApr 20, 2011
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.

Low carbohydrate diet may reverse kidney failure in people with diabetes

Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine have found that a ketogenic diet may reverse impaired kidney function in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The study, published in PLoS ONE, also identified previously unreported genes associated with diabetes-related kidney failure whose expression was reversed by the diet.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 20, 2011

Beams of electrons link Saturn with its moon Enceladus

Researchers at University College London have discovered powerful electron beams flowing back and forth between Saturn and its moon Enceladus, a finding that suggests a universal process similar to Jupiter's moon Io. This discovery was made using the Cassini spacecraft and its CAPS-ELS instrument.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2011

Pulse oximetry training video by BMC anesthesiologist published in NEJM

A new pulse oximetry training video, featuring Boston Medical Center (BMC) physician Rafael Ortega, MD, is featured in the New England Journal of Medicine. The video offers best practices for physicians using pulse oximeters, aiming to ensure patient safety.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 20, 2011
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.

Immigrant screening misses majority of imported latent TB, finds study

A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that UK immigration screening procedures fail to detect over 70% of latent tuberculosis (TB) cases, with better selection of immigrants to screen increasing detection rates to over 90%. Treating people at an early stage can prevent them from developing active TB and becoming...

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 20, 2011
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.

A scratched coating heals itself

Scientists at Case Western Reserve University, U.S., have created a polymer-based material that can heal itself when exposed to ultraviolet light. The new materials, called 'metallo-supramolecular polymers,' behave like normal polymers but can be repaired using light.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2011

People fall into 3 categories of gut microbiota

The study classifies gut microbiota into three distinct groups: Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Ruminococcus. This classification is associated with variations in nutrient uptake and medicine efficiency. The research also reveals connections between the gut type and BMI, obesity, and vitamin production.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2011

Common genetic variant linked to pulmonary fibrosis risk

A recent NIH-funded genome study has identified a common genetic variant associated with an increased risk of developing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and familial interstitial pneumonia. The variant, found in the mucin 5B gene, is present in over half of individuals with IPF/FIP and increases their risk by five- to eightfold.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 20, 2011
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.

Toward new medications for chronic brain diseases

Researchers identify small molecule blocking key protein involved in cholesterol production, successfully lowering cholesterol levels in isolated nerve cells and brain slices from mice. The discovery could lead to broader applications in other neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateApr 20, 2011
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.

USC research shows critical role of placenta in brain development

A groundbreaking study by USC researchers shows the human placenta synthesizes serotonin, providing a new source of this neurotransmitter to the fetal forebrain. This discovery has implications for treating health impacts such as cardiovascular disease and mental illness.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2011

Fruit flies on meth: Study explores whole-body effects of toxic drug

A new study in fruit flies explores the potent effects of methamphetamine on the body, identifying molecular pathways and energy metabolism changes associated with the drug. The research found that sugar metabolism plays a role in reducing toxicity, while disruptions to calcium and iron balance may contribute to dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 20, 2011

Adaptive trial designs could accelerate HIV vaccine development

Adaptive clinical trial designs may accelerate HIV vaccine development by rapidly screening out poor candidates and evaluating promising ones. These designs can provide key information on the immunological basis for HIV prevention, helping to advance vaccines through clinical trials more quickly.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 20, 2011

Entrepreneurship urged to stimulate the economy

Recent studies support the idea that entrepreneurship can stimulate economic growth, with research on immigrant high-tech start-ups and entrepreneurial decision-making providing avenues for future research. The "Startup America" initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship as a solution to the US economy's recovery process.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Management·DateApr 20, 2011
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.

Ends of chromosomes protected by stacked, coiled DNA caps

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered how telomere caps, made up of G-quadruplexes, protect chromosomes from unraveling. This discovery has implications for studying human aging, Werner syndrome, and Bloom syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 20, 2011

EMBO Gold Medal 2011 awarded to Simon Boulton

Boulton's research highlights include discovering key genes and enzymes involved in DNA repair mechanisms, including RTEL1 and ALC1. His work has led to novel therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment, particularly liver cancer.

SourceEMBO·DateApr 20, 2011
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.

Genetic discovery offers new hope in fight against deadly pulmonary fibrosis

Researchers at National Jewish Health discovered a genetic variation associated with pulmonary fibrosis, which increases production of mucus and may play a significant role in the disease. The study found that nearly two-thirds of patients carry the variation, which is linked to the MUC5B gene.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 20, 2011

Musical activity may improve cognitive aging

A study found that older individuals who played a musical instrument throughout life performed better on cognitive tests than non-musicians. The study suggests that musical activity may serve as a challenging cognitive exercise, making the brain fitter and more capable of accommodating aging challenges.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNeuropsychology·DateApr 20, 2011

What's your gut type?

Researchers found three distinct gut types, each associated with unique microbial genetic markers. These markers may help diagnose diseases like colo-rectal cancer and predict treatment outcomes.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2011
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.

Breastfeeding tied to stronger maternal response to baby's cry

A new study from Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that breastfeeding mothers respond more emotionally to their infants' cries, with greater activity in caregiving brain regions. This is the first paper to examine neurobiological mechanisms linked to breastfeeding and maternal behaviors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateApr 20, 2011

New battery produces electricity where freshwater meets saltwater

Scientists have developed a new 'mixing entropy battery' that generates electricity by alternating freshwater and seawater through the device. The technology has promising potential as an additional renewable energy source, with the ability to also desalinate ocean water for drinking.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 20, 2011
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Childhood music lessons may provide lifelong boost in brain functioning

A study found that childhood musical experience can provide lifelong cognitive benefits, with musicians outperforming non-musicians on tests of visuospatial memory and cognitive flexibility. The research suggests that the duration of musical practice is more important than continued playing at an advanced age.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalNeuropsychology·DateApr 20, 2011

What's your intestinal bacteria type?

Scientists from the University of Copenhagen have discovered three distinct clusters of intestinal bacteria, known as enterotypes, which affect digestion, energy metabolism, and drug absorption. These enterotypes are independent of nationality, gender, and age, providing a new biological fingerprint for personalized medicine.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2011

Rice wins $1.2 million for heart-valve tissue research

A team of bioengineers at Rice University is developing new materials to grow replacement heart valves using gel-like scaffolds that mimic the complex structure and physical properties of heart-valve tissues. The goal is to create living valves that use a patient's own cells, eliminating tissue rejection.

SourceRice University·DateApr 20, 2011

WSU files for patent on researcher's vaccine technology for chlamydia

A Wayne State University School of Medicine researcher has developed a potential vaccine for Chlamydia, targeting the disease's leading causes of blindness and infertility. The technology demonstrates a successful vaccine effect in an animal model, paving the way for human trials and potentially significant public health benefits.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateApr 20, 2011
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.

ESHRE sets standards for cross-border reproductive care

The ESHRE Guide aims to ensure equitable and safe assisted reproduction treatment for local and foreign patients. Key principles include patient-centeredness, timeliness, and effectiveness, with recommendations on translator costs, donor compensation, and recruitment criteria.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateApr 20, 2011

Stanford research moves nanomedicine one step closer to reality

Engineered gold nanoparticles have been shown to be non-toxic when administered by two alternative routes in mice, suggesting they may be safe for human use. The particles are designed to detect cancer-lesion sites with high sensitivity and could lead to early disease detection.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 20, 2011
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.

How TRIM5 fights HIV

Researchers have discovered TRIM5's mechanism of preventing HIV multiplication, which opens up new prospects for fighting the virus in humans. The protein triggers an immune response and stimulates the production of signal molecules to eliminate infected cells.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2011