Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for July 21, 2014


Philosopher uses game theory to understand how words, actions acquire meaning

Researchers used evolutionary game theory models to study information flow in the natural world, finding that arbitrary signals can come to mean something through a natural process. This discovery may help explain how words gain meaning and acquire meaning through biological evolution, social learning, or other adaptive processes.

SourceKansas State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2014

LEDs shine in bedding plant production study

A new study shows that LED lighting can produce favorable results in greenhouse grown annual bedding plant seedlings. The optimal LED red:blue light ratio was found to be between 70:30 and 100:0, resulting in higher stem caliper and root dry mass compared to high-pressure sodium lamps.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJul 21, 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.

'Moral victories' might spare you from losing again

Researchers analyzed NBA coaching decisions over two decades, finding that hasty adjustments following close losses backfire, resulting in extra losses per season. Coaches also underreact to close wins, particularly those with large margins, making it essential to consider all information when evaluating performance.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalManagement Science·DateJul 21, 2014

The real price of steak

The study found that beef is the most costly to the environment, followed by dairy and poultry, while pork and eggs are relatively similar. The researchers developed equations to calculate the environmental costs per calorie and protein unit, providing a comprehensive picture of the ecological impact of various foods.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2014

Young women with a heart attack continue to fare worse than men

A new study analyzing hospital data from 2001 to 2010 found that young women with a heart attack have longer hospital stays and are more likely to die in the hospital compared to men. The study suggests that raising awareness of controlling cardiovascular risk factors is crucial for improving outcomes in this population.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 21, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Healing the heart with fat

Researchers discovered that a particular EPA metabolite, 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE), plays a crucial role in protecting against cardiovascular diseases. This metabolite was produced by immune cells and confirmed its heart-protective effects.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 21, 2014

Fires in Indonesia, July 2014

A significant increase in forest and land fires was detected in Riau province, with 154 hotspots reported on July 20, 2014. The smoke from these fires poses a risk to air quality, potentially spreading to neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 21, 2014

Global warming 'pause' since 1998 reflects natural fluctuation

A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests that the slowdown in global warming between 1998 and 2013 was due to a natural cooling fluctuation, rather than human-induced emissions. The study uses statistical analysis to identify patterns consistent with pre-industrial temperature swings.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 21, 2014

Fires and smoke in Canada's Northern Territories

Severe forest fires are burning across the region, with 160 wildfires currently active, and a total of 855,000 hectares burned so far this year. The area burned has grown eight-fold compared to the 10-year average, posing high fire danger in the region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 21, 2014

Mothers of children with autism benefit from peer-led intervention

A new study found that peer-led interventions targeting parental well-being can significantly reduce stress, depression, and anxiety in mothers of children with disabilities. The interventions led to improvements in mental health, sleep, and life satisfaction, as well as fewer dysfunctional parent-child interactions.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 21, 2014
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.

Communication about female condom vital to young adults, UT Arlington researchers say

A new study by UT Arlington researchers found that many young adults are not aware of the female condom, a barrier method protecting against STIs and unplanned pregnancies. The study suggests that effective communication is crucial for its adoption, with design, protection, and convenience being key characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalOpen Access Journal of Contraception·DateJul 21, 2014

Parents rank their obese children as 'very healthy'

A study found that parents of obese children frequently misjudge their child's health and prioritize dietary changes over increased physical activity. The researchers suggest that education, income, and race/ethnicity have no bearing on a parent's willingness to make dietary changes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJul 21, 2014

Strategies to preserve myelin during secondary degeneration following neurotrauma

Researchers have discovered that preventing abnormalities in the insulating sheath surrounding nerve cells is associated with better function following neurotrauma. Treatment strategies, including calcium channel inhibitors and red/near-infrared irradiation therapy, can preserve myelin and prevent long-term loss of function.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 21, 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.

Study links enzyme to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that an enzyme called acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) disrupts autophagy in patients with Alzheimer's disease, leading to toxic protein accumulation. Reducing ASM activity restored autophagy and improved memory in mice with AD-like disease.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 21, 2014

Diagnostic criteria for Christianson syndrome

A new study doubles the number of documented Christianson Syndrome cases and proposes the first diagnostic criteria for the condition. The criteria include symptoms such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, and hyperactivity, and are based on genetic analysis that reveals distinct mutations in the SLC9A6 gene.

SourceBrown University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJul 21, 2014
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Seals forage at offshore wind farms

Researchers tracked seals' movements using GPS and found some individuals repeatedly visiting offshore wind farms, where they foraged on turbines and pipelines. This behavior suggests that man-made structures serve as attractive hunting grounds, potentially impacting seal populations and prey availability.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 21, 2014
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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for July 22, 2014

Hospital performance measures must be adjusted to consider patient sociodemographic status factors or disparities in outcomes and access. Long-term remission of HIV returns after patients stop antiretroviral treatment through allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but virus rebounds when therapy is restarted.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 21, 2014

Refined biological evolution model

A new study by Petri Kärenlampi refines the biological evolution model by incorporating species interactions and varying degrees of symmetry. The results show that anti-symmetric interactions lead to large, stable ecosystems, while symmetric systems remain small.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 21, 2014

Unique study focuses on combined treatment approach for locally advanced pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are developing a combined investigational treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer, combining radiation with chemotherapy and a PARP inhibitor. The study aims to identify patient biomarkers that can provide clues into individual treatment response and improve survival rates.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalTranslational Oncology·DateJul 21, 2014
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.

Mammoth and mastodon behavior was less roam, more stay at home

A UC research study reveals that mammoths and mastodons were likely year-round residents of the Cincinnati region, with distinct diets and habitats. The findings suggest a greater understanding of these prehistoric creatures' behaviors, which could inform modern-day elephant conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalBoreas·DateJul 21, 2014
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.

Parenting skills tied to reduced inflammation in low-income children

A new Northwestern University study finds that an intervention focused on strengthening families can reduce inflammation in children from low-income backgrounds. The training program improved parenting and communication between parents and children, leading to reduced inflammation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2014

Study provides insights into birds' migration routes

Researchers used geolocators to track songbirds' migration patterns, finding that hybrid species exhibited increased variability in their routes. This study supports the hypothesis that differences in migratory behavior can act as postmating reproductive isolating barriers.

SourceWiley·JournalEcology Letters·DateJul 21, 2014

Temple study compares deep vein thrombosis therapies

A recent Temple University Health System study compared the safety of two treatments for deep vein thrombosis (DVT): catheter-based clot removal and blood-thinning medication. The study found similar in-hospital mortality rates for both groups, but higher bleeding risks with the catheter procedure.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 21, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Filter bed substrates, plant types recommended for rain gardens

Researchers from North Carolina State University assessed the effectiveness of three filter bed substrates (sand, soil, and slate) in reducing pollutants and supporting plant growth in rain gardens. The study found that all three substrates functioned in reducing pollutant quantity, but with varying levels of success.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJul 21, 2014

Examining the causes of a devastating debris flow

A recent study by Ren examined the causes of a devastating debris flow in China, which killed over 1000 people. The research found that geological conditions, surface loading, vegetation roots, and extreme precipitation all contributed to the disaster.

SourceWiley·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 21, 2014

Schizophrenia's genetic 'skyline' rising

Researchers have discovered 108 genetic loci associated with schizophrenia, a significant increase from the 30 previously reported. The study suggests that these genetic variations may exert their effects by turning genes on or off rather than coding for proteins.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature·DateJul 21, 2014

Increased overall survival for advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer patients is associated with availability of less toxic chemotherapy

Increased use of less toxic chemotherapy treatments in advanced NSCLC is associated with higher overall survival. The study found a significant increase in survival rates among patients receiving second-line therapy, with median overall survival ranging from 3.9 to 11.8 months.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJul 21, 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.

Missing sleep may hurt your memory

A study by Michigan State University researchers found that sleep deprivation can lead to errors in memory, particularly in simulated crimes, with those getting less than five hours of sleep more likely to misremember event details.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 21, 2014

Dr. Surendra Sharma honored by professional association

Dr. Surendra Sharma, a research scientist and professor at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, has received the Distinguished Service Award for advancing reproductive immunology research. His laboratory focuses on understanding premature birth and pregnancy complications.

SourceCare New England·DateJul 21, 2014

UCI researchers find epigenetic tie to neuropsychiatric disorders

Researchers discovered that faulty dopamine signaling can alter the activity of over 2,000 genes in the brain's prefrontal cortex, potentially leading to schizophrenia and other complex neuropsychiatric disorders. The study suggests a potential therapeutic approach using dopamine activators to restore normal signaling.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 21, 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.

Catching grease to cut grill pollution

A team of University of California, Riverside students designed a tray that reduces particulate matter pollution from grilling by 70% when placed under grill grates. The tray, which can be installed in existing grills, draws untreated air through a filter to decrease PM2.5 emissions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJul 21, 2014

The economic territory of Upper Palaeolithic groups is specified by flint

The study of flint remains found in the open-air Ametzagaina site has determined the economic territory of human groups that lived there for about 2,000 years. The researchers found that these groups exploited flint outcrops on both sides of the Pyrenees, shaping their territory like a sandglass.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Anthropological Research·DateJul 21, 2014

X-ray irradiation at a certain dose alters the neuronal cytoskeleton and cytomechanics

Researchers found that X-ray irradiation damages cortical neurons by altering their cytoskeleton and cytomechanics. The study suggests that heavy ion beams may have a biological advantage over X-rays in protecting normal brain tissue during cranial radiotherapy. This could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 21, 2014

Water, water -- not everywhere: Mapping water trends for African maize

Researchers mapped water trends in African maize-growing areas between 1979 and 2010, finding increases in water availability during the growing season. However, some regions experienced declines due to decreased evaporative demand and changing rainfall patterns.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 21, 2014

Nearsightedness increases with level of education and longer schooling

A study by Mainz University Medical Center found that higher levels of education and prolonged school years are associated with a greater prevalence and severity of nearsightedness. This challenges the long-held assumption that genetic factors play a more significant role in the development of myopia.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalOphthalmology·DateJul 21, 2014
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.

Climate: Meat turns up the heat

New research finds that beef cattle are responsible for far more greenhouse gas emissions than other types of animals, accounting for 74% of livestock-related emissions. The study estimates that greenhouse gas emissions from livestock have increased by 51% over the past nearly half a century.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalClimatic Change·DateJul 21, 2014

Our daily bread

Scientists at Helmholtz Munich have gained new insights into the complex gene-regulatory interactions in bread wheat, enabling them to better understand how a polyploid genome is regulated. The study's findings hold promise for improving breeding, agricultural cultivation and industrial properties of bread wheat.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Stem cells aid muscle repair and strengthening after resistance exercise

Researchers found that mesenchymal stem cells help rejuvenate skeletal muscle after resistance exercise, increasing the rate of repair and enhancing growth and strength. The study's findings may lead to new interventions to combat age-related declines in muscle structure and function.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateJul 21, 2014

Study offers new clues about the source of racial health disparities

A first-of-its-kind study found that anxiety about being confronted by negative racial stereotypes while receiving healthcare is related to underutilization of healthcare among Black women. The research suggests that strong ethnic identity may provide immunity from stereotype threat, reducing anxiety levels.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology·DateJul 21, 2014

Oregon chemists eye improved thin films with metal substitution

Researchers at the University of Oregon have created a novel, low-energy process to produce precursor materials for dense, defect-free thin films. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient electronics and solar devices with reduced manufacturing costs.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateJul 21, 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.

Acupuncture at the Taixi activates cerebral neurons in old patients with MCI

Researchers found that acupuncture at the Taixi (KI3) acupoint activates cerebral neurons in 20 brain regions, including the anterior cingulate gyrus and medial frontal cortex, in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. This study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for improving cognitive function in older adults.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 21, 2014

Low-income students in charter high schools less likely to engage in risky behavior

A new UCLA-led study reveals that high-performing public charter high schools in Los Angeles significantly reduced the likelihood of engaging in risky health behaviors, such as tobacco and alcohol use, among low-income minority adolescents. These students also scored better on standardized tests and exhibited improved cognitive skills.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 21, 2014

Circumcision does not promote risky behavior by African men

A study of over 3,000 Kenyan men found that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of acquiring HIV without leading to increased promiscuity or decreased condom use. Despite an initial increase in sexual activity, all other risky behaviors declined and condom use increased across both circumcised and uncircumcised groups.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateJul 21, 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.

Bacteria swim with whole body, not just propellers

Researchers found that bacteria like Caulobacter crescentus actively carve out a helical trajectory through the water using their entire body, contributing to swimming motion. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of cell body shape and has implications for understanding disease propagation and fertility.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2014

Investigators identify genes that contribute to radiation resistance

A team of researchers has identified 46 genes in Escherichia coli necessary for its survival at high levels of radiation, including DNA repair pathways. The discovery reveals potential new ways to protect humans from cancer and improve our understanding of ionizing radiation effects.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateJul 21, 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.

Potential new flu drugs target immune response, not virus

Researchers have identified six potential therapeutics for H7N9 influenza by targeting the immune response rather than the virus. The study found that viruses causing severe illness trigger different gene expression signatures compared to milder infections.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJul 21, 2014

Carbyne morphs when stretched

Rice University scientists discovered that stretching carbyne by just 3% opens a band gap, enabling semiconducting properties. This finding could revolutionize mechanically activated nanoscale electronics and optics.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 21, 2014

Try, try again? Study says no

A recent study suggests that adults' more highly developed cognitive skills can actually interfere with their ability to learn certain elements of a second language. This 'effort paradox' is thought to occur when adults try to analyze too much information at once, leading to difficulties in learning the morphology of an artificial lang...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 21, 2014

Researchers simplify process to purify water using seed extracts

Researchers have developed a simplified method to purify water using Moringa oleifera seed extracts, significantly reducing harmful bacteria levels. This cost-effective approach holds promise for improving access to safe drinking water in developing countries where millions die from waterborne diseases annually.

SourceWiley·JournalCurrent Protocols in Microbiology·DateJul 21, 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.

Mycobacteria metabolism discovery may pave way for new TB drugs

Researchers at the University of Otago have discovered a key mechanism that enables mycobacteria to survive in extreme conditions, using hydrogen as a high-energy fuel. By understanding this metabolic process, scientists hope to develop new antibiotics to tackle latent tuberculosis infections.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2014

Tropical Storm Wali no more, but remnants soaked Hawaii

A moisture stream from the remnants of Tropical Storm Wali caused early morning flash flood watches on July 19 and 21 for all Hawaiian Islands. Heavy rainfall generated by thunderstorms in the eastern half of the island resulted in a flood advisory, posing a threat to residents and visitors.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 21, 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.

Comparing deep vein thrombosis treatments

A study of 90,618 patients with DVT found CDT increased adverse events and hospital charges without significant impact on mortality rates. Patients treated with CDT had more blood transfusions, pulmonary embolism, and vena cava filter placement.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 21, 2014

Deaths and infections from HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria plummet globally

The number of deaths from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria has decreased significantly worldwide since 2000. In sub-Saharan Africa, child deaths from malaria have dropped by 31.5% in the past decade. Researchers attribute the decline to improved access to antiretroviral therapy and treatment.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 21, 2014
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.

International team sheds new light on biology underlying schizophrenia

A multinational collaboration has identified over 100 locations in the human genome associated with schizophrenia risk, shedding light on biological mechanisms and pathways. The study could lead to new approaches to treating the disorder, which has seen little innovation in drug development for over 60 years.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalNature·DateJul 21, 2014

More than glitter

Researchers have identified a mechanism by which tiny gold particles can fuse with cell membranes without damaging cells. This discovery suggests possible strategies for designing nanoparticles that could get into cells more easily.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 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.

Organic apple orchards benefit from green compost applications

Researchers found that applying green compost to organic apple orchard floors can increase soil organic matter and total nitrogen mineral soils. The study demonstrates the sustainability of organically managed systems and has implications for sustainably and conventionally managed orchards as well.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJul 21, 2014