Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 23, 2014


Taking the grunt work out of Web development

Ur/Web's compiler automatically generates XML code and style-sheet specifications and embeds JavaScript and database code in the right places. The language's typing system helps with security and coordination across Web technologies by preventing unauthorized access between page elements.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 23, 2014

High-fat diet, obesity during pregnancy harms stem cells in developing fetus

Research reveals that high-fat diets and maternal obesity during pregnancy compromise the blood-forming stem cell system in the developing fetus. This may contribute to the rise in immune diseases and allergic dispositions in children. The study provides a model for testing whether dietary interventions can repair the damage.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateDec 23, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Weather and environmental satellite crowd sourcing: 2 new apps

Two new mobile apps, SatCam and WxSat, utilize satellite data to capture observations and provide real-time weather information. SatCam enables users to submit cloud product quality assessments and receive satellite images, while WxSat displays and animates full-resolution satellite data for global weather forecasting.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 23, 2014

UC researchers find alternate drug therapy lowers antibodies

Researchers at University of Cincinnati discover a new drug therapy that effectively lowers antibodies in kidney patients, paving the way for more successful kidney transplants. The study suggests this approach could benefit up to 10-20% of heart and pancreas transplant candidates who are currently ineligible due to high antibody levels.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateDec 23, 2014

'Mind the gap' between atomically thin materials

Scientists at Penn State have discovered a miniscule vacuum gap that creates an energy barrier for electrons moving between layers of material. This gap is crucial for designing next-generation electronic devices, such as vertical tunneling field effect transistors.

SourcePenn State·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 23, 2014
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.

Trends in indoor tanning among us high school students

According to a study published in JAMA Dermatology, indoor tanning decreased among female US high school students from 25.4% in 2009 to 20.2% in 2013. Frequent indoor tanning was also on the decline, with 10.3% of females engaging in frequent use in 2013. Despite these reductions, indoor tanning remains a common practice among youth.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateDec 23, 2014
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.

CNIO researchers activate hair growth by modifying immune cells

Researchers at CNIO have discovered that macrophages, a type of immune cell, play a key role in activating hair follicle stem cells, promoting hair growth. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel treatment strategies for hair loss and has broader implications for skin regeneration and cancer research.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 23, 2014

Ants show left bias when exploring new spaces

Temnothorax albipennis ants exhibit a significant leftward turning bias when exploring new nests and mazes. This behavior is attributed to the use of their left eye for detecting predators and navigating through maze-like environments.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 23, 2014

Researchers map paths to cancer drug resistance

A team of researchers at Duke University Medical Center has identified key events that lead to cancer cell resistance to drugs. By understanding these pathways, they can develop strategies to block them and keep current therapies effective.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Signaling·DateDec 23, 2014

That smartphone is giving your thumbs superpowers

Regular smartphone use reshapes brain activity in response to touchscreen interactions, with the thumb being particularly sensitive to changes. The study found that smartphone users' brains show enhanced electrical activity when all three fingertips are touched, and this activity is directly proportional to phone use intensity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 23, 2014

Genetic study sheds light on how mosquitoes transmit malaria

A research team has sequenced the genomes of 16 Anopheles mosquitoes, revealing new insights into how they adapt to humans as primary hosts of malaria. The findings suggest an underlying genetic/genomic plasticity that enables variation in key traits determining transmission capacity within the genus.

SourceSimon Fraser University·DateDec 23, 2014
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.

SFU scientists help put bedbugs to bed forever

Researchers at Simon Fraser University have created a highly effective and affordable bait and trap for detecting and monitoring bedbug infestations. The innovative technology uses pheromones to lure bedbugs into traps, keeping them contained.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 23, 2014

Genes show the way to better treatment of hepatitis C

Researchers at Aarhus University have found that genetic variations in the interferon lambda 4 protein impact treatment effectiveness for hepatitis C. This discovery suggests that personalized medicine targeting specific genetic variants could lead to better treatment outcomes for patients.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 23, 2014

Echolocation acts as substitute sense for blind people

Researchers discover that echolocation can induce a 'size-weight illusion' in blind individuals, similar to sighted people's experience. This finding suggests that echolocation may have the potential to be a complete sensory replacement for vision.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 23, 2014
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.

Three new fellows to help guide NREL research

Richard DeBlasio, Sarah Kurtz and Suhuai Wei have been named as new NREL Research Fellows to advise on the strategic direction of science and technology research at the laboratory. They bring extensive expertise in renewable energy, photovoltaics and computational materials science.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateDec 23, 2014

Scientists discover oldest stone tool ever found in Turkey

Researchers have discovered the oldest recorded stone tool ever found in Turkey, providing a major new insight into when and how early humans dispersed out of Africa and Asia. The discovery dates back to approximately 1.2 million years ago and was made using high-precision equipment.

SourceRoyal Holloway, University of London·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateDec 23, 2014

Functional materials research gets £20 million boost from EPSRC

Seventeen universities and industry partners will receive £32.1 million in funding to develop new materials and technologies, including wearable technology, solar cells, and advanced nanotube applications. The projects aim to accelerate the translation of functional materials science to application and drive economic growth.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateDec 23, 2014
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.

Strong neighborhood ties can help reduce gun violence

A Yale University study reveals that strong neighborhood ties can shield community members from gun violence, reducing chronic trauma and stress. Community-based participatory research empowered 17 community members to gather data, showing a connection between social bonds and reduced exposure to gun violence.

SourceYale University·DateDec 23, 2014

To remove the gallbladder or not -- that is the question

A study by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that patients in the highest risk category were less likely to receive gallbladder removal surgery. Despite this, only 22% of those in high-risk group had their gallbladders removed. The researchers used a predictive model to identify low-, moderate-, and high-risk ca...

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 23, 2014

The heat is on: Causes of hospitalization due to heat waves identified

A Harvard study found that older adults are at increased risk of hospitalization during heat waves due to a range of health issues, including fluid and electrolyte disorders, renal failure, and urinary tract infections. The study's findings have significant implications for healthcare preparedness and prevention.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateDec 23, 2014

Armed virus shows promise as treatment for pancreatic cancer

A study led by Dr Yaohe Wang at Barts Cancer Institute found that arming a modified virus called Vaccinia with a specific gene enhanced its effectiveness against pancreatic cancer. In mice, the armed virus was more effective in killing tumors and preventing regrowth compared to an unarmed version.

SourcePancreatic Cancer Research Fund·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateDec 23, 2014
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.

Researchers shed light on how 'microbial dark matter' might cause disease

Researchers at UCLA and J. Craig Venter Institute discovered a signaling interaction between TM7x and Actinomyces odontolyticus, which causes mucosal inflammation. The study sheds light on the biological importance of TM7x and its potential roles in chronic diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2014

SLU researcher discovers a way to control internal clocks

A Saint Louis University researcher has discovered a way to control internal clocks using a small molecule that targets key clock proteins. The compound alters the circadian rhythm, increasing wakefulness and reducing anxiety in mice, suggesting potential treatments for sleep disorders and addiction.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 23, 2014

Using laparoscopy for ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement

A prospective randomized controlled trial found that laparoscopic shunt placement reduced distal shunt failures, a common complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery. The study also showed comparable overall shunt malfunction rates and hospitalization times between the two groups.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateDec 23, 2014

Newly discovered assassin bug was incognito, but now it's incognita

A new species of assassin bug, Sinea incognita, has been discovered in the Midwestern United States after remaining undiscovered for over 100 years. The new species was identified by Dr. J.E. McPherson and is distinct from its close relatives, Sinea complexa and Sinea integra.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateDec 23, 2014

Researchers confirm whole-genome sequencing can successfully identify cancer-related mutations

A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers confirms that whole-genome sequencing can successfully identify cancer-related mutations in patients. The method was used to analyze the genomes of 258 cancer patients, detecting nearly 90% of clinically identified mutations and discovering additional cancer gene mutations.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalEBioMedicine·DateDec 23, 2014
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.

New standards of care from the American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association is recommending that all people with diabetes take either moderate or high doses of statins to prevent heart disease. The revised Standards of Medical Care also call for a less stringent diastolic blood pressure goal of 90 mmHg, up from 80 mmHg.

SourceAmerican Diabetes Association·JournalDiabetes Care·DateDec 23, 2014

American Diabetes Association releases position statement

The American Diabetes Association has lowered its recommended BMI cut point for type 2 diabetes screening in Asian Americans from 25 kg/m2 to 23 kg/m2. This change is based on evidence that many Asian Americans develop the disease at lower BMI levels than other populations.

SourceAmerican Diabetes Association·JournalDiabetes Care·DateDec 23, 2014

Spanish TV during Franco educated children to be good citizens

A study analyzing 112 children's programs broadcast between 1958 and 1975 revealed that Spanish TV aimed to religiously and patriotically educate children. The programs also addressed social and economic issues, with a focus on liberalization after Franco's regime.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Communication·DateDec 23, 2014
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.

Christmas colors disguise gliding lizards in the rainforest

Research found that gliding lizards in Borneo mimic the colours of falling leaves to camouflage, using extendable gliding membranes. The study suggests that populations have evolved different coloured membranes to match their habitats, allowing them to blend in with their surroundings.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 23, 2014

NREL demonstrates 45.7 percent efficiency for concentrator solar cell

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has demonstrated a four-junction solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 45.7%, surpassing previous records in photovoltaic research. The new design uses lattice-mismatched materials to achieve high efficiency and is suitable for concentrator photovoltaic systems.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateDec 23, 2014

Research to improve bad bosses among new Waterloo projects funded

Researchers at University of Waterloo received $246,000 Insight grant to study toxic boss behavior and its impact on employees' anxiety, depression, and illness. The project aims to develop strategies for teaching supervisors to resist negative impulses and substitute positive behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateDec 23, 2014

Molecular mechanism behind health benefits of dietary restriction identified

Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health identify hydrogen sulfide as a key molecule responsible for the health benefits of dietary restriction, linking it to increased lifespan and protection against tissue damage. The findings suggest that restricting specific amino acids can increase H2S production, leading to these benefits.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCell·DateDec 23, 2014
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.

How electrons split: New evidence of exotic behaviors

Researchers have observed electrons splitting into a magnet and an electrical charge in quasi two-dimensional magnetic materials, supporting the theory of high-temperature superconductivity. This phenomenon was previously thought to occur only in one dimension.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 23, 2014

'July effect' does not impact stroke outcomes, according to new study

Researchers analyzed 10,319 acute ischemic strokes between July 2003 and March 2008, finding patients admitted in July had similar outcomes to those admitted any other month. The study suggests the lack of a 'July effect' may be due to the multidisciplinary nature of stroke care compensating for trainee experience.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·DateDec 23, 2014
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.

Bacteria could be rich source for making terpenes

New research at Brown University reveals that bacteria have the genetic capacity to produce terpenes, with 262 gene sequences found to code for enzymes responsible. The team used these enzymes to isolate 13 previously unknown bacterial terpenes, providing a new paradigm for discovering natural products.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2014
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.

Study finds Facebook popularity hampers fundraising efforts

Research by an economist at the University of Warwick found a negative correlation between Facebook connections and charitable donations. People with fewer friends on Facebook raised more money for charity than those with lots of connections. Additionally, individuals who complete tougher fundraising activities generate more cash.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalInternational Economic Review·DateDec 23, 2014

Activating hair growth with a little help from the skin

A new study reveals that macrophages, a type of immune cell, play a crucial role in activating hair growth by surrounding and activating skin stem cells. This discovery may lead to the development of novel treatment strategies for hair loss in humans.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 23, 2014

Overweight teens lose weight for the right reasons, study shows

A new study published in Childhood Obesity journal found that teenagers who lose weight for their own sake tend to succeed more, with 60% citing health as the primary motive. The study suggests parents can help by modeling healthy behaviors and providing healthier options, leading to a 30-pound average weight loss.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateDec 23, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The accurate elastodynamic equations for inhomogeneous media

The study establishes form-invariance of electromagnetic, sound, and elastic wave equations without assuming relations between field variables. New locally accurate elastodynamic equations for inhomogeneous media are derived, leading to the design of perfect elastic wave rotators and cloaks.

SourceScience China Press·DateDec 23, 2014