Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 8, 2013


OU biologist focuses on global environmental change in lakes

A University of Oklahoma biologist is studying how Daphnia, a small crustacean, adapts to changes in nutrient levels and water quality. The research aims to improve forecasting models of global environmental change and inform effective management of natural resources.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateAug 8, 2013

Latino genomes point way to hidden DNA

Researchers discovered 20 million base pairs of genetic sequence hidden in centromeres, a key finding that could aid in mapping the human genome. Latino genomes proved uniquely powerful in filling in uncharted regions due to their African ancestry.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 8, 2013

Fast detector for a wide wavelength range

Researchers at HZDR and University of Regensburg have developed a fast and reliable detector for terahertz pulses using graphene. The detector can measure the arrival time of light pulses with high accuracy, covering a wide wavelength range from ultraviolet to far infrared.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 8, 2013
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.

Molecules form 2-D patterns never before observed

Scientists at Technical University of Munich have successfully created 2D patterns using molecules, which could lead to novel physics and chemistry. The patterns, known as snub square tilings, were produced through self-assembly protocols and feature five-vertex connecting elements less than one nanometer across.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2013

Increase in woodpecker populations linked to feasting on emerald ash borer

A recent study reveals that the emerald ash borer invasion has fueled a population boom for four species of birds in the Detroit area. The four species considered in the study include three woodpeckers and a white-breasted nuthatch, which are all benefiting from the abundant food source provided by EAB-infested ash trees.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalBiological Invasions·DateAug 8, 2013

Muscle health depends on sugar superstructure

Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified three proteins necessary for constructing a key section of the critical sugar chain that enables the central protein to function properly. Defects in these proteins can cause congenital muscular dystrophy, a group of muscle diseases.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2013

JILA researchers discover atomic clock can simulate quantum magnetism

Researchers at JILA have discovered that an atomic clock can mimic the behavior of complex quantum systems, including high-temperature superconductors. The study's findings suggest that atoms in the clock interact like those in magnetic materials, leading to correlations and entanglement.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2013

Scientific breakthrough reveals how vitamin B12 is made

Researchers at the University of Kent have successfully identified the anaerobic pathway for producing vitamin B12 in bacteria. This discovery paves the way for increased production of the essential nutrient, which is used to treat pernicious anemia and other conditions.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2013
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.

Capturing live tumor cells in the blood

Researchers develop a new microfluidic chip that can capture over 90% of circulating tumor cells from patient blood, providing potential applications for cancer screenings, treatment assessments, and disease progression determination. The technique shortens processing time and improves efficiency compared to existing methods.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateAug 8, 2013

Kids born small should get moving

A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that growth-restricted mice became obese due to reduced physical activity, not increased appetite. This discovery has implications for the worldwide obesity epidemic affecting millions of low birth weight babies.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateAug 8, 2013

New technology to guide people through healthcare decisions

A new avatar-based decision technology called eSMARTT aims to ease the process of making healthcare decisions for loved ones who are unable to make their own choices. The system provides interactive simulations, decision coaching, and personalized resources to help caregivers navigate this difficult decision-making process.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateAug 8, 2013

How parents see themselves may affect their child's brain and stress level

A study at Boston Children's Hospital found that a mother's perceived social status predicts her child's brain development and stress indicators. Children of mothers with low social status had increased cortisol levels and less activation of the hippocampus, a structure crucial for learning and reducing stress.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateAug 8, 2013
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.

UNC-Malawi cancer pathology laboratory is a model for Sub-Saharan Africa

The UNC-Malawi cancer pathology laboratory has provided invaluable service to patients and built capacity at a national teaching hospital. The lab, which assessed over 3,600 specimens, is now helping to relieve diagnostic delays and provide essential diagnostic services to Malawians suffering from cancer.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 8, 2013

NYU Nursing awarded scholarships through RWJF NCIN Program

The NYU College of Nursing will provide $10K scholarships to five students in its accelerated bachelor's program who are traditionally underrepresented in the field of nursing. The scholarships support training and mentorship for students from underrepresented groups in nursing.

SourceNew York University·DateAug 8, 2013

Hubble Space Telescope finds source of Magellanic Stream

Astronomers using Hubble Space Telescope have solved the 40-year mystery on the origin of the Magellanic Stream. Most of the gas was stripped from the Small Magellanic Cloud about 2 billion years ago, and a second region originated from the Large Magellanic Cloud.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 8, 2013

Investigational malaria vaccine found safe and protective

Researchers found that higher dosages of the PfSPZ Vaccine generated more antibodies and T cells, providing protection against malaria infection. The study's results suggest a potential breakthrough in developing a safe and effective malaria vaccine.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hubble finds source of Magellanic Stream

Astronomers using Hubble Space Telescope have solved the mystery of the Magellanic Stream's origin, finding most of the gas came from the Small Magellanic Cloud two billion years ago. A second region was formed more recently from the Large Magellanic Cloud, contradicting previous computer models.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateAug 8, 2013

Engineered rice protects against rotavirus infection

Researchers developed a strain of rice that produces a rotavirus-specific antibody, protecting both normal and immune-deficient mice. The engineered rice maintains its efficacy even after long-term storage and heat exposure.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 8, 2013

Cities with high racial economic inequality and widespread poverty increase police force size

Research by University of Missouri sociologists found that cities with high racial economic inequality and widespread poverty tend to increase their police forces. The study suggests that the perception of threat is influenced by a combination of large inequalities and severe poverty, leading city governments to boost police force size.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Sociology and Social Policy·DateAug 8, 2013

Chemists' work will aid drug design to target cancer and inflammatory disease

Researchers have produced detailed descriptions of human folate receptor proteins, aiding in the design of new drugs that can target cancer cells without harming healthy ones. The findings could lead to effective treatments for ovarian cancers and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2013
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.

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.

How to achieve a well-balanced gut

A new study published in PLOS Pathogens highlights the importance of balancing the gut microbiome to prevent food-borne infections. The researchers found that SIGIRR protein plays a critical role in protecting the gut against bacterial pathogens, and its dysfunction can lead to increased susceptibility to colonization by harmful microbes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 8, 2013
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.

Study suggests way to fight therapy resistant leukemia by blocking DNA repair

A study suggests blocking part of a DNA repair complex can increase chemotherapy effectiveness and enhance survival in therapy-resistant leukemia. Researchers found that combining mTOR inhibitors with chemotherapy was far more effective at treating T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) than standalone treatments.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalLeukemia·DateAug 8, 2013

Study shows who survives Burkitt lymphoma

Researchers created a stratified risk score to predict patient prognosis, finding that age, race, and stage of cancer significantly impact survival rates. The score separates patients into groups with varying 5-year relative survival rates, aiding doctors and researchers in designing treatment strategies.

SourceBrown University·JournalCancer·DateAug 8, 2013
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.

Autism affects different parts of the brain in women and men

A new study reveals that autism affects the brain of females and males differently, with females showing 'masculinization' in atypical brain areas. This finding suggests a need to re-evaluate research methods and understanding of autism's neurobiology.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBrain·DateAug 8, 2013

Views you can use? How online ratings affect your judgment

A new study by MIT professors found that online ratings can heavily influence people's judgments, with positively rated comments becoming increasingly popular and negatively rated comments triggering skepticism. However, the researchers also discovered limitations in this phenomenon, such as topical constraints.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2013

Dialysis patients may live longer if their kidney specialist sees fewer patients

A recent study published in Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that nephrologists with a lower patient caseload tend to have better survival rates among dialysis patients. For every additional 50 patients cared for by a nephrologist, patients experienced a 2% higher risk of dying within six years.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 8, 2013

A powerful strategy for developing microbial cell factories by employing synthetic small RNAs

A Korean research team at KAIST has developed a powerful strategy for developing high-performance microbial cell factories by employing synthetic small RNAs. This approach allows for rapid identification of multiple genes to be attenuated in multiple strains simultaneously, making it easier to find the best platform strain.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Protocols·DateAug 8, 2013
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.

Pass the salt: Common condiment could enable new high-tech industry

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a compound in table salt that can prevent the collapse of silicon nanostructures, allowing for mass commercial production. This breakthrough could lead to new applications in fields like photonics, biological imaging, and batteries.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 8, 2013

Terahertz technology fights fashion fraud

Scientists from NPL have developed a technique to identify counterfeit clothing and footwear using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. The method detects distinct transmission profiles associated with different fabrics, allowing for the distinction between authentic and fake items.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalApplied Optics·DateAug 8, 2013
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.

Robot treats brain clots with steerable needles

A new image-guided surgical system uses steerable needles to penetrate the brain and remove blood clots with minimal damage. The system has shown promising results in removing up to 92% of simulated blood clots, offering a new treatment option for patients with life-threatening hemorrhages.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 8, 2013

Ozone hole might slightly warm planet

A new study suggests that the ozone hole could be causing a slight warming effect on the planet, rather than a cooling one. The ozone hole's impact on wind patterns causes clouds to move towards the South Pole, reducing their ability to reflect radiation and leading to increased temperatures.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 8, 2013

Atomic insights into plant growth

A team of scientists has discovered that a specific helper protein is necessary for a plant membrane receptor to sense and respond to a growth-promoting steroid hormone. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying plant growth, with potential applications in basic research and synthetic chemistry.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2013
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.

New NASA mission to help us learn how to mine asteroids

The OSIRIS-REx mission will study asteroid Bennu in detail before returning with a sample of material from its surface. The spacecraft will map the asteroid's composition from orbit using spectrometers to identify key elements like water, metals, and organic carbon.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 8, 2013

UI researcher finds human activity muddies causes of Texas floods

A University of Iowa study analyzed 70 years of flood records in Texas and found that human modifications, such as river regulation, contribute significantly to the state's flood-prone nature. Tropical cyclones are less responsible for major floods in Texas than in other regions.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association·DateAug 8, 2013
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.

Signs of MERS coronavirus found in dromedary camels

Researchers found antibodies specific to MERS-CoV in 100% of serum samples from dromedary camels in Oman, but not in animals from other countries. This suggests that a MERS-CoV-like virus is circulating in dromedary camels, potentially serving as an animal reservoir for the human coronavirus.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 8, 2013

LEC: A multi-purpose tool

A new study led by Stowers Institute researchers reveals the Little Elongation Complex (LEC) as a critical component of small nuclear RNA (snRNA) transcription. LEC's unique 'Swiss Army knife' function is required for both initiation and elongation phases of snRNA transcription, shedding light on gene expression and regulation.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 8, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Aug. 8, 2013

Researchers have developed a strain of engineered rice that produces a rotavirus-specific antibody, protecting both normal and immune-deficient mice from the disease. This study provides a low-cost strategy for preventing rotavirus infection.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 8, 2013

NYU Nursing receives a $1.5M NEPQR grant from HRSA

The NYU College of Nursing's Dr. Tara A. Cortes leads a $1.5M grant project to develop an innovative interprofessional model of collaborative care for frail older adults. The Collaborative, Continuous Care (3C's) Model will standardize nurse-led practice and transform interprofessional education in community-based healthcare.

SourceNew York University·DateAug 8, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Nutritional values established in 3 new, high-energy protein ingredients fed to weanling pigs

The study determined the nutritional value of three new protein products: dried fermentation biomass, hydrolyzed porcine intestinal mucosa products, and fish meal. The results showed that these ingredients are relatively high in crude protein, with lysine content in dried fermentation biomass being particularly notable.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateAug 8, 2013

Study reveals role of 'peacekeeper' in the gut

A new study reveals that SIGIRR protein suppresses the gut's immune response to bacteria, allowing beneficial microorganisms to thrive. This balance is crucial in preventing infection and inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 8, 2013

UTSW receives $1 million Reynolds Foundation grant for geriatrics education

The UT Southwestern Geriatrics section has received a $1 million four-year grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation to enhance interprofessional education and patient safety. The grant will support a curriculum that incorporates virtual and face-to-face experiences, as well as faculty development and training.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateAug 8, 2013

HSCI researchers extend human epigenomic map

HSCI researchers mapped nearly all cytosine-guanine pairs in human DNA and found that only a small fraction are dynamic, playing a key role in regulating gene expression. The study improves current approaches to mapping epigenetic marks and sheds light on how genes are controlled in different cell types.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateAug 8, 2013
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.

Cesareans weaken gut microbiota and increase risk of allergies

A study by Linköping University and Karolinska Institutet found that children born via Caesarean section have a lower diversity of gut bacteria, increasing the risk of allergies. Vaginal birth exposes the child to beneficial bacteria in the mother's birth canal.

SourceLinköping University·JournalGut·DateAug 8, 2013

Scientists watch live brain cell circuits spark and fire

Researchers have successfully used a new class of genetically engineered proteins, called genetically encoded fluorescent voltage indicators (GEVIs), to monitor nerve cell electricity in live brains. These proteins enable researchers to watch brain cells spark and fire while the flies were awakening and smelling.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalCell·DateAug 8, 2013

Low childhood conscientiousness predicts adult obesity

A longitudinal study found that children with lower conscientiousness tend to experience worse health, including greater obesity, as adults. Childhood conscientiousness was significantly associated with decreased cardiovascular and metabolic system function, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceOregon Research Institute·JournalHealth Psychology·DateAug 8, 2013

Genetic evidence shows recent population mixture in India

A new study published in American Journal of Human Genetics suggests that modern-day India is the result of recent population mixture among divergent demographic groups. The findings provide evidence for a genetic mixture of two ancestral groups: Ancestral North Indians and Ancestral South Indians, which occurred around 1,900 to 4,200 ...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 8, 2013
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.

Helper cells aptly named in battle with invading pathogens

Researchers tracked the movement of specialized cells to shed light on the immune system's response to invading pathogens. The study found that T follicular helper cells continually move between germinal centers within lymph nodes, potentially enhancing antibody production.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2013

Telemedicine consultations significantly improve pediatric care in rural emergency rooms

A study published in Critical Care Medicine found that telemedicine consultations significantly improve the quality of care for seriously ill and injured children treated in remote rural emergency rooms. The research showed that patients' satisfaction and perception of their child's care are also improved when consultations are provide...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateAug 8, 2013
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.

Typical protein profile of tumor cells decoded

The study identifies over 10,000 different proteins in cancer cells, with more than 5,000 present in varying abundance across all types of tissue. The researchers found that the protein pattern determines the effectiveness of cancer drugs, providing new insights into personalized medicine.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 8, 2013

Virtual control room helps nuclear operators, industry

The Human System Simulation Laboratory at Idaho National Laboratory is a full-scale virtual nuclear control room that tests proposed technology replacements before implementation. This facility enables scientists to improve control-room designs by studying human interactions with instruments and responses to alarms. The lab is now help...

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·DateAug 8, 2013

New drug improves walking performance for Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients

A clinical trial of eteplirsen, an exon-skipping drug, shows promising results in improving walking performance for DMD patients by increasing dystrophin production and muscle growth. The study demonstrated a 52% increase in dystrophin-positive muscle fibers and significant improvements on the six-minute walk test.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 8, 2013

A path to better MTV-MOFs

Scientists have developed a method to accurately predict the adsorptive properties of crystalline MTV-MOF systems, enabling the optimization of function and control of spatial disorder. The approach uses solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements with molecular-level computational simulations.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2013