Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for July 17, 2013


Outgoing people lead happier lives

Research at University of Southampton reveals that youthful extroversion and emotional stability significantly influence happiness and well-being in later adulthood. Neuroticism, on the other hand, is linked to poorer mental health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateJul 17, 2013

Plant-eating dinosaurs replaced teeth often, carried spares

Sauropod dinosaurs like Diplodocus and Camarasaurus replaced their teeth frequently, with some species replacing up to one tooth every 62 days. This constant growth and replacement was likely caused by the high amount of plant food they consumed, which led to extensive tooth wear.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 17, 2013

Injectable 'smart sponge' holds promise for controlled drug delivery

Researchers developed a drug delivery technique using a sponge-like material that surrounds an insulin core, releasing insulin as needed. The technique also shows promise for targeting cancer cells, with potential applications in smart drug delivery targeting tumors.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 17, 2013
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.

Birds and humans have similar brain wiring

A team of researchers from Imperial College London has developed a map of a typical bird brain, showing how different regions are connected to process information. They discovered that areas important for high-level cognition, such as long-term memory and problem-solving, have similar wiring patterns to those in human brains.

SourceImperial College London·JournalFrontiers in Computational Neuroscience·DateJul 17, 2013

Monkey nation: Study confirms wealth of primates in Tanzania

A study by Wildlife Conservation Society establishes a conservation roadmap for Tanzania's 27 primate species, identifying priority areas for protection. The most vulnerable species, including the kipunji and Zanzibar red colobus, require adequate protection to prevent extinction.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalOryx·DateJul 17, 2013

PFC exposure tied to altered thyroid function

Research links perfluorinated chemical (PFC) exposure to changes in thyroid function, particularly in women, with elevated levels of T3 and T4 hormones. PFCs found in various products may increase the risk of mild hypothyroidism without triggering a natural hormonal response.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 17, 2013

A heart of gold

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed gold nanofibers that can mimic the heart's coordinated electrical system, increasing the viability of transplanted cardiac tissues. This innovation could lead to new treatment options for patients with damaged heart tissue after a heart attack.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·DateJul 17, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Maize trade disruption could have global ramifications

A Michigan State University study reveals that maize trade disruptions could jeopardize food security in nations with limited diversification, such as Mexico, Japan, and South Korea. The study suggests that climate change impacts and non-food uses of maize, like ethanol, could lead to price shocks and supply chain disruptions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJul 17, 2013

Southern California crustacean sand-dwellers suffering localized extinctions

Two species of small beach critters, cousins of the roly-poly, are suffering localized extinctions in Southern California. Their disappearance suggests a looming threat to similar sand-dwelling animals across the state and world. The research highlights the impact of development, climate change, and sea level rise on these ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEstuarine Coastal and Shelf Science·DateJul 17, 2013
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.

Compound discovered at sea shows potency against anthrax

Researchers have discovered a novel compound, anthracimycin, produced by an ocean microbe, which exhibits potency against anthrax and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The finding highlights the vast resource of new materials in the oceans for treating various diseases and illnesses.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 17, 2013

No benefit from oxytocin treatment for autism

A large study led by researchers at the University of New South Wales found that oxytocin nasal spray did not improve symptoms of children with autism. The study suggests caution in recommending oxytocin as a general treatment for young people with autism, possibly due to impaired oxytocin receptor systems.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJul 17, 2013

Mountain Fire in California

The Mountain Fire in California is a raging wildfire that has destroyed residences and commercial buildings, with some homes saved by firefighters. The fire is being fought by 2241 personnel, including aircraft, engines, and hand-crews, in the San Jacinto Wilderness.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 17, 2013
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.

BPA + chlorine = bad news

Researchers found that chlorinated BPA and modified forms of the chemical produced similar but distinct effects on hormone signaling pathways. The modified BPA worked through membrane estrogen receptors to deactivate key signaling enzymes, potentially leading to cell signaling disruptions.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalEndocrine Disruptors·DateJul 17, 2013

Earth's gold came from colliding dead stars

Scientists found gold in a short gamma-ray burst caused by the collision of two neutron stars. The team estimates that up to 10 moon masses of gold were created and ejected during this event.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 17, 2013

Bees under threat from disease-carrying bumblebee imports, research reveals

A study found that over three-quarters of imported bumblebee colonies tested carried parasites, posing a risk to native bees and honeybees. The researchers argue that producers must improve disease screening and regulatory authorities must strengthen measures to prevent the importation of parasite-carrying colonies.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 17, 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.

NASA engineer achieves another milestone in emerging nanotechnology

A NASA team has successfully grown uniform layers of carbon nanotubes using atomic layer deposition, enabling the growth of these forests on three-dimensional components like baffles and tubes. This innovation promises to make spacecraft instruments more sensitive without enlarging their size.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 17, 2013

Big-nosed, long-horned dinosaur discovered in Utah

A new horned dinosaur species, Nasutoceratops titusi, has been discovered in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah. The species features an unusually enlarged nose region and exceptionally long, curving horns, with possible functions including visual signals of dominance and mate attraction.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateJul 17, 2013

Molecular switch controls the destiny of self-eating cells

Autophagy, a process where cells consume parts of themselves to clean up damaged organelles and proteins, is controlled by a molecular switch in the cell nucleus. The study found that histone H4 acetylation regulates autophagy-related genes, offering new avenues for disease treatment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 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.

Mutation linked to congenital urinary tract defects

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have identified a genetic mutation that causes congenital malformations of the kidney and urinary tract. The findings suggest that DSTYK mutations account for 2.2% of urinary tract defects in humans, providing a new diagnostic category for clinicians to make precise molecular diagnoses.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 17, 2013

Accurate prognosis for epilepsy patients

Scientists at Bonn University Hospital and MPI Cologne developed a method to predict temporal lobe epilepsy surgery success rates, achieving 96% accuracy for female patients and 94% for males. The algorithm assesses brain images to differentiate between seizure-free and non-seizure-free patients.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeuroImage·DateJul 17, 2013

Splitting donated livers shown to be safe, allowing doctors to save 2 lives from single organ

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that split liver transplantation carries no increased risk of failure in recipients, allowing surgeons to save young patients and adults. By allocating infants and small children first and splitting available livers, doctors can virtually eliminate waitlist mortality for children.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 17, 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.

Conflict threatens global nutrition progress, new report warns

The number of children dying every year has decreased by half since 1990, yet progress is under threat due to military and security funding. Countries marred by conflict have high rates of acute and chronic undernutrition, with Africa seeing a 50% increase compared to stable countries.

SourceWorld Vision·DateJul 17, 2013

80 percent of Malaysian Borneo degraded by logging

A study published in PLOS ONE found that more than 80% of tropical forests in Malaysian Borneo have been heavily impacted by logging. Satellite imaging revealed approximately 226,000 miles of roads constructed throughout the forests of this region.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 17, 2013

Impossible material made by Uppsala University researchers

Uppsala University researchers develop a novel magnesium carbonate material called Upsalite, exhibiting exceptional surface area and water absorption properties. This breakthrough enables more efficient control of environmental moisture in various industries, including electronics and drug formulation.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 17, 2013

Newly discovered flux in the Earth may solve missing-mantle mystery

Researchers at MIT have identified a hidden reservoir of lead-laden rocks in the Earth's mantle, which would make the planet's composition more similar to meteorites. This discovery could help explain the Earth's origins and provide insights into its evolution through history.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 17, 2013
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.

Bodychecking rules don't reduce concussions in elite hockey

Research published in PLOS ONE found that bodychecking rules didn't decrease concussions in elite hockey. Concussions were caused by body-checking 64% of the time, while illegal incidents accounted for only 28%. The authors suggest stricter enforcement or additional rule changes may be needed to reduce injury risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 17, 2013

New way to target an old foe: Malaria

Scientists at MIT have developed a system to grow liver tissue that can support the liver stage of malaria parasites, allowing for testing of new drugs and vaccines. The system was used to study a vaccine for P. falciparum and showed promising results.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJul 17, 2013

Personality may predict if you like spicy foods

A study of 184 participants suggests that individuals with a higher level of sensation-seeking tend to prefer spicy foods. Those who score above the mean on the Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking liked spicy meals consistently as the burn increased, while those below the mean rapidly disliked them.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·DateJul 17, 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.

Compounds outsmart solid tumors' malfunctioning machinery

Researchers have discovered novel compounds that fine-tune the activity of cells' protein-disposing machinery, which can help target solid tumors. These 'allosteric regulators' show promise as anti-cancer therapies without inducing drug resistance.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalMolecular Pharmacology·DateJul 17, 2013

Keeping the reserve force home

A new mechanism, critical for maintaining the balance between active and reserve hematopoietic stem cells, is identified through genomic imprinting. This process prevents premature activation of the reserve pool, ensuring its long-term maintenance.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 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.

Protein responsible for 'bad' blood vessel growth discovered

Researchers at UCL Institute of Ophthalmology identify LRG1 as a protein responsible for abnormal blood vessel growth in diseases like cancer, macular degeneration, and rheumatoid arthritis. Inhibition of LRG1 may be a promising target for future therapy.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2013

NTU scientists hit the target

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have developed a new technique called Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) that can accurately determine if a drug has reached its target protein in the human body. This breakthrough method will help reduce the costly and time-consuming trial-and-error process of drug development.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience·DateJul 17, 2013
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.

Routine tasks pose problems for older individuals with vitamin D deficiency

A recent study found that vitamin D-deficient older individuals are more likely to struggle with everyday tasks and experience physical decline. The researchers suggest that vitamin D supplementation could help prevent these issues, but further studies are needed to confirm the findings.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 17, 2013

Elastic electronics: Stretchable gold conductor grows its own wires

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new type of stretchable conductor made from spherical nanoparticles embedded in elastic materials. The material exhibits exceptional stretchability and electrical conductivity, making it suitable for various applications such as brain implants and flexible electronics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2013

Cancer survivors have more frequent and severe menopausal hot flashes

Women who survive cancer have more frequent, severe, and troubling hot flashes than other women with menopausal symptoms. However, the study also found that the cancer survivors reported better psychological and social well-being, similar levels of sexual activity and function compared to women without cancer.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateJul 17, 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.

Cost of treating dizziness in the emergency room soars

A new study finds that half a billion dollars could be saved annually by using bedside physical exams to identify patients who truly need imaging tests instead of routine head CT scans. Emergency room physicians can confidently diagnose benign inner-ear disorders, freeing up resources for those who need stroke diagnosis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJul 17, 2013

How rice twice became a crop and twice became a weed -- and what it means for the future

Evolutionary biologist Kenneth Olsen has examined the genetics of hull color in rice, finding that different mutations underlie the emergence of traits in both cultivated and weedy forms. The findings suggest that crops reverted to wild forms by reversing genetic changes, but with a more complex history than initially thought.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 17, 2013

Empty decoys divert antibodies from neutralizing gene therapy in cell, animal studies

Researchers have developed a bioengineered decoy that fools the immune system and prevents it from neutralizing the benefits delivered by a corrective gene. The approach could potentially increase the number of patients who can be treated with gene therapy, offering new hope for genetic diseases like hemophilia.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 17, 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.

'Intelligent knife' tells surgeon which tissue is cancerous

Researchers developed an 'intelligent knife' that can identify cancerous tissues during surgery, providing instant results. The technology, called iKnife, was tested on 91 patients and showed 100% accurate diagnosis, potentially reducing tumour recurrence rates and improving patient outcomes.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 17, 2013

The key to ion beams' polarizability

Theorists Volker Koch and Dirk Andrae have devised formulas to calculate the polarizability of atomic ions as a function of their total charge number. This breakthrough enables accurate calculations for series of multi-electron ions, with implications for applications such as semiconductor manufacturing and planetary atmosphere modeling.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJul 17, 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.

Uncovering a healthier remedy for chronic pain

A Duke University study found that a compound called neuroprotectin D1 can relieve neuropathic pain caused by nerve injuries. The derivative of DHA, a main ingredient of fish oil supplements, inhibits the production of cytokines and chemokines, protecting nerve cells from further damage.

SourceDuke University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJul 17, 2013

This only looks like the 405 freeway

Research by UCLA mathematician Marcus Roper reveals that fungus cells use a dynamic movement of nuclei to keep them well mixed, benefiting the organism's infectiousness. The flow is propelled by pressure gradients across the colony, optimizing nuclear mixing for maximum advantage.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2013

Sex and BC East Asian teenagers

A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that East Asian adolescents in BC who are sexually active may engage in high-risk behaviors, including alcohol and drug use before sex. The top reasons for abstinence were not feeling ready and wanting to meet the right person.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality·DateJul 17, 2013

Cancer drug tested in pet dogs is now bound for human trials

Researchers have developed a promising new cancer treatment, PAC-1, which targets a cellular enzyme to spur cancer cells to self-destruct. The compound has shown safe and anti-cancer effects in cell culture, mouse models, and pet dogs with spontaneously occurring cancers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 17, 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.

Ripped apart by a black hole

Astronomers observe VLT's real-time data of a gas cloud accelerating towards the Milky Way's supermassive black hole. The cloud is being grossly stretched by the black hole's extreme gravitational field, with its light becoming harder to see.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJul 17, 2013