Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 20, 2011


Study yields better turbine spacing for large wind farms

Researchers developed a new formula to determine optimal turbine spacing for large wind farms, suggesting turbines should be spaced 15 rotor diameters apart for more cost-efficient power generation. This improvement could address underperforming projects in the US, Europe, and China.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateJan 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.

New math theories reveal the nature of numbers

Researchers have discovered that partition numbers behave like fractals, unlocking their infinitely repeating superstructure and developing a mathematical theory to 'see' them. A new finite formula has been devised to calculate the partitions of any number, bringing completely new ideas to the problems.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateJan 20, 2011

Identifying factors in atrazine's reduced weed control

Researchers found that approximately 44% of fields demonstrate rapid atrazine degradation activity due to recent use, soil pH, and organic matter content. Growers can predict enhanced degradation with multiple atrazine applications and high soil pH above 6.3.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJan 20, 2011

Insect eyes inspire improved solar cells

Researchers have created an antireflective coating based on moth eyes that improves the performance of photovoltaic modules in laboratory and field experiments. The film reduces reflections by up to 30% and increases solar cell efficiency by 5-6%.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateJan 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.

Manchester leads green chemical training push

The University of Manchester is leading a €3.7m European Union-funded project to train the next generation of scientists in green manufacturing methods for the chemical industry. The 'BIOTRAINS' programme brings together experts from academia and industry to develop safer and less-environmentally damaging industrial processes.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateJan 20, 2011

A novel function of anti-diuretic hormone vasopressin in the brain

Researchers found vasopressin in brain prevents neuronal swelling by maintaining neuron size, contrasting with kidney function. This discovery may aid in treating cerebral edema conditions, such as those caused by brain trauma or infarction.

SourceNational Institute for Physiological Sciences·JournalScience Signaling·DateJan 20, 2011

Swift survey finds 'missing' active galaxies

Astronomers using data from NASA's Swift satellite have found a largely unseen population of black-hole-powered galaxies, accounting for at least one-fifth of all active galaxies. The discoveries were made by analyzing X-ray emissions and finding that these heavily shrouded black holes are extremely faint and difficult to detect.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 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.

Intrafamilial medically assisted reproduction

The ESHRE Task Force recommends evaluating IMAR requests based on four ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. The group acknowledges benefits of IMAR but emphasizes potential psychosocial risks and importance of informed consent.

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

NIST advances single photon management for quantum computers

Researchers at NIST have developed a reliable source of single photons that can be manipulated into specific quantum states, addressing one of the key challenges to creating practical quantum computers. The team's design allows for the creation of multiple individual photons with distinct wavelengths from a single source.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Express·DateJan 20, 2011

Breastfeeding -- added protection for cancer survivors?

Research suggests that breastfeeding can partially offset negative side effects of childhood cancer treatment, including impaired growth and reproductive difficulties. Women who have survived childhood cancer should be advised to breastfeed if they can, as it may help protect them against lasting effects of cancer treatment.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·DateJan 20, 2011

Could oysters be used to clean up Chesapeake Bay?

A study found that oysters can effectively filter ag and urban runoff in the Chesapeake Bay, removing significant amounts of nutrients. Eight large-scale oyster farms could potentially remove one ton of nitrogen from the bay annually, providing a practical ecosystem service.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJan 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.

Red blood cell hormone modulates the immune system

Research reveals erythropoietin (EPO) has contrasting influences on infectious and inflammatory diseases. EPO reduces the ability of the immune system to fight off systemic infections but decreases inflammation in non-infectious conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateJan 20, 2011

New wave: JILA develops efficient source of terahertz radiation

Researchers at JILA have created a terahertz radiation source that is unusually efficient and less prone to damage than similar systems. The technology uses ultrafast lasers and semiconductors to produce high-intensity output, making it suitable for applications such as detecting trace gases or imaging weapons.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Letters·DateJan 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.

Viral protein mimic keeps immune system quiet

Researchers at UNC Health Care discovered the Kaposi sarcoma virus produces a homolog protein that binds to cellular proteins, preventing inflammatory response and allowing the virus to evade immune system detection. The study highlights the virus's ability to lie dormant in the body over a lifetime by avoiding cell death.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience·DateJan 20, 2011

Study examines risk factors of a mass shooting

A study by Michigan State University suggests that a complex array of factors contribute to mass shootings, including peer victimization, lack of parental support, and ineffective mental health services. The research aims to reduce the issues that trigger violence and promote school connectedness among minority students.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Loss and Trauma·DateJan 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.

Speaking the same language means better health care quality, Wayne State University study finds

A Wayne State University study found that patients report less confusion and better health care quality when providers speak the same language. The study aimed to address language barriers in healthcare, which disproportionately affect minority populations, and suggests low-tech solutions to improve communication.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateJan 20, 2011

WSU researchers apply fatigue model to fatal commuter air crash

Researchers analyzed the air traffic controller's schedule and found he was performing at 71% of his effectiveness due to fatigue. The study suggests using mathematical models to predict fatigue and optimize schedules, leading to reduced risk of accidents in various 24/7 operations.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateJan 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.

Real-world graphene devices may have a bumpy ride

Researchers at NIST found that layering graphene on a substrate transforms its properties, creating hills and valleys that hinder electron mobility. The study uses a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to investigate graphene's ideal properties in real-world conditions.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 20, 2011

Strong social ties benefit breast cancer patients

Breast cancer patients with a strong social support system in the first year after diagnosis have a lower risk of dying or having a cancer recurrence. Emotional support was found to be the strongest predictor of cancer recurrence, reducing the risk by 43% for women with favorable interpersonal relationships.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 20, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists grow human liver tissue to be used for transplantation

Researchers successfully create human liver tissue using tissue engineering, showing promise for liver cell transplantation. The new model uses resorbable scaffolds made from surgical sutures and can be used to overcome the organ shortage in patients with acute liver failure.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJan 20, 2011

Sensors to detect explosives, monitor food being developed at UH

A University of Houston chemist has developed materials for use in creating sensors that can rapidly detect explosives, tainted milk, and other hazardous substances. The sensors are based on a concept called molecular imprinted polymers and have the potential to be used in hand-held scanners for bomb detection or nerve agent detection.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalMacromolecules·DateJan 20, 2011

UC Davis study shows plants moved downhill, not up, in warming world

Researchers challenge climate change assumption that plants move uphill due to warmer temperatures. Instead, they found plants moved downhill an average of 260 feet, driven by increased precipitation. This finding has global relevance as many locations have seen increased precipitation in the past century.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateJan 20, 2011

Scripps Research scientists find measles' natural nemesis

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute found that enzyme ADAR1 slows down measles virus replication and protects cells against other respiratory viruses. The discovery provides a significant improvement in understanding measles infections, which kill around 150,000 children and adults worldwide.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2011

Contagious cancer thrives in dogs by adopting host's genes

A contagious cancer found in dogs, wolves, and coyotes can repair its genetic mutations by adopting genes from its host animal. The cancer steals tiny DNA-containing powerhouses called mitochondria from infected cells to incorporate as its own.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateJan 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.

NASA prepares to launch next Earth-observing satellite mission

Glory will measure aerosols and solar energy in Earth's atmosphere to refine climate models. The satellite carries two primary instruments: Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor (APS) and Total Irradiance Monitor (TIM), which will collect data for at least three years.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 20, 2011

New device may revolutionize computer memory

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new device that can perform both volatile and nonvolatile memory operations. This technology could allow computers to start more quickly and reduce power consumption in server farms.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateJan 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.

Unfolding amyloid secrets

Researchers at the University of Leeds have uncovered the first misfold that triggers the formation of amyloid fibres, a critical step in understanding these disease-causing structures. This discovery offers new targets for therapies and may shed light on other protein-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 20, 2011

NIST puts a new twist on the electron beam

Researchers at NIST have found a way to impart electron waves with high orbital momentum, enabling the study of wider range of materials with atomic-scale resolution. This technique has potential applications in imaging magnetic and biological materials.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateJan 20, 2011

War, plague no match for deforestation in driving CO2 buildup

A new study reveals that deforestation has been the largest contributor to global CO2 buildup, with forests re-growing during wars and plagues having a limited impact. The Mongol invasions, however, led to significant carbon absorption due to forest regrowth.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Holocene·DateJan 20, 2011

Thwarting attacks on cell phone mesh networks

Researchers have developed a computer algorithm to identify and block distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on mobile ad hoc networks in under 22 seconds. The technique can halt 80% of attack traffic and provide a model framework for building better security systems.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Security and Networks·DateJan 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.

Causes of death shifting in patients diagnosed with COPD

A new study reveals that COPD patients on LTOT are at a higher risk of death from non-respiratory causes such as cardiovascular disease. The study found an increase in mortality due to circulatory and digestive organ diseases, emphasizing the importance of optimized diagnostics and treatment.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 20, 2011

Gene mutation play a major role in 1 cause of kidney disease

Mutations in INF2 gene are a major cause of autosomal dominant FSGS, leading to kidney failure. Screening for INF2 mutations may be warranted in patients with an autosomal dominant familial history.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 20, 2011

If you become unemployed you will earn less in your next job

A study by Spanish researchers found that long-term unemployment has a negative impact on future salaries in Europe, particularly in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. The study analyzed employment mobility and relative losses to salary over seven consecutive years and found that these countries had the most significant effects.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalManchester School·DateJan 20, 2011
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.

Brain's clock influenced by senses

Researchers at University College London found that our sense of time is shaped by sensory input from the environment, allowing us to refine our internal timekeeping. By comparing sensory change to an average rate, we can judge how much time has passed and improve our judgements.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 20, 2011

Gene test shows which bladder cancer patients may have cancer spread

A new gene test can identify which bladder cancer patients may have cancer spread in their lymph nodes, allowing doctors to determine the best course of treatment. The test analyzes 20 genes on tumor biopsies and has shown promising results in a large sample of patients.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 20, 2011

For robust robots, let them be babies first

Researchers created simulated and actual robots that evolve their body forms while learning to walk, resulting in faster adaptation and improved resilience. The evolving robots developed a more robust gait than fixed-body robots, enabling them to better deal with disruptions.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2011

Stretching the truth: JILA biophysicists help unravel DNA stretching mystery

Researchers at JILA disprove the popular theory that DNA's backbone needs a small gap or loose ends to extend by 70% when subjected to 65 picoNewtons of force. The new study uses a novel test structure to demonstrate that the mechanism behind overstretching is the same for both nicked and intact DNA molecules.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 20, 2011

Uncovering the genetics of prostate cancer

A research project aims to analyze the genomes of 250 prostate cancer patients under 50 to identify genetic mutations that cause and promote the disease. The goal is to produce a comprehensive map of genetic modifications involved in prostate cancer, which may lead to new treatment approaches and diagnostic methods.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateJan 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.

Eggs show arctic mercury cycling may be linked to ice cover

Researchers found lower MIF mercury isotopes in eggs from northernmost nesting areas with year-round sea ice, while those from southern Alaska without ice reflected greater mass-independent fractionation effects. The study aims to investigate the relationship between ice cover and mercury distribution in the environment.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 20, 2011

Dino-era sex riddle solved by new fossil find

Scientists have solved the long-standing problem of pterosaur head crests by discovering a female fossil with an egg, showing females were crestless and males used crests to intimidate rivals. The discovery uses hip size and crest development to sex pterosaurs.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalScience·DateJan 20, 2011

Mammograms: Detecting more than breast cancer, may help assess heart risk in kidney disease patients

Researchers found mammograms show calcifications in the blood vessels of nearly two-thirds of women with end-stage renal disease, potentially contributing to heart disease risk. The study suggests mammograms may be a useful tool for studying cardiovascular disease progression in kidney patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 20, 2011

Are positive emotions good for your health in old age?

A new review article suggests that positive emotions can protect against poor health in older adults by promoting healthy lifestyle choices, reducing inflammation, and combating stress. These findings imply that a proactive approach to aging may lead to extended years of quality living.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJan 20, 2011
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.

With chemical modification, stable RNA nanoparticles go 3-D

Scientists have developed a method to create stable three-dimensional RNA nanoparticles by modifying their chemical structure, making them resistant to RNase degradation. This breakthrough has significant implications for the use of RNA in nanotechnology applications, including targeted therapies for cancer and viral infections.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 20, 2011