Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 14, 2014


IceBridge starts with sea ice surveys

IceBridge began its 2014 Arctic campaign with two sea ice surveys north of Greenland, focusing on changes in sea ice elevation and thickness. The mission aims to collect more data, including cross-basin surveys over the Arctic Ocean and flights over the Beaufort and Chukchi seas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 14, 2014

Parents receiving heart disease diagnosis for infants need better information

A survey of parents with congenital heart disease found that physicians often fail to provide compassionate and understandable information, leading to difficult decisions and stress. The study suggests that physicians should offer context, including success rates and internet resources, to help guide treatment choices.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalPediatric Cardiology·DateMar 14, 2014
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Gastric bypass surgery may diminish knee pain in obese patients

A new study suggests that gastric bypass surgery can diminish knee pain in obese patients without osteoarthritis, with improvements comparable to those achieved through knee replacement surgery. Patients who underwent bariatric surgery reported significant reductions in knee pain and physical function at one-year follow-up.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 14, 2014

Critical role of one gene to our brain development

Research from the University of Adelaide has confirmed that gene USP9X is crucial for early human brain development and intellectual disability. Mutations in this gene disrupt normal brain cell functioning, leading to disorders such as epilepsy and autism.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 14, 2014

Big data tackles tiny molecular machines

Biophysicists at Rice University developed a computational technique that combines genetic and structural data to analyze complex molecular machines. The technique, called DCA, reveals previously unknown details about protein transitions between functional states.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateMar 14, 2014

Drivers with hemianopia fail to detect pedestrians

Researchers found that drivers with hemianopia had lower detection rates for pedestrians on the side of their field loss due to inadequate scanning patterns. These individuals often failed to scan the entire intersection or scanned too little, increasing the risk of accidents.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMar 14, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers find high acceptability of 3-colored raspberry jelly

A new study published by the Institute of Food Technologists found that a mixed raspberry jelly with black and yellow raspberries had high sensory acceptability. The production of a 3-colored jelly could be an alternative to traditional single-color jellies, providing additional health benefits from antioxidants.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateMar 14, 2014

New findings show link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer

A large analysis of international studies suggests a time-dependent link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Screening programs may be necessary for patients with new-onset diabetes, particularly those without significant risk factors.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateMar 14, 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.

Specialized care improves treatment outcomes in patients with sleep apnea

A new study found that patients with obstructive sleep apnea who received care from board-certified sleep medicine physicians and accredited sleep centers were two times more likely to be adherent to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. Patient satisfaction was also associated with physician certification.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateMar 14, 2014

Southeastern fires consist of prescribed and wild

Seven large fires are burning in the Southeast, with six located in Oklahoma and one in Louisiana. Prescribed fires account for the majority of these fires, reducing wildfire damage and improving habitat, according to land management officials.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 14, 2014

Brain mapping confirms patients with schizophrenia have impaired ability to imitate

Researchers used brain-mapping techniques to study imitation in schizophrenia patients and found abnormal brain activity in areas associated with imitation. The findings suggest that individuals with schizophrenia may have a less specialized brain network for processing social information, leading to difficulties with social interactions.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 14, 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.

Managing Type 1 diabetes as an adolescent

The University of Colorado will receive a $2.1 million grant to help adolescents with Type 1 diabetes manage their disease and improve health outcomes through the Flexible Lifestyle 3mpowering Change (FL3X) study. The study aims to teach teens how to manage insulin, blood sugar, and daily tasks, with positive outcomes from a pilot study.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateMar 14, 2014

In the lab, scientists coax E. coli to resist radiation damage

Researchers found that just a handful of genetic mutations give E. coli the capacity to withstand ionizing radiation, making them similar to Deinococcus radiodurans. The study demonstrates active DNA repair mechanisms that allow organisms to resist radiation damage.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateMar 14, 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.

Significant head, neck injury risk associated with extreme sports

A new study found that extreme sports like skateboarding and snowboarding have the highest risk of severe head and neck injuries. Concussions were the most common injury, with a higher risk in snowboarding and skateboarding. The Academy recommends helmet use for safer participation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 14, 2014

Bone lengthening technique proves useful in patients with cleft palate

The distraction osteogenesis technique successfully increased the length of the maxilla by an average of 6.4 millimeters in seven adolescent to young adult patients with cleft lip and palate deformities. This approach showed benefits over standard surgical methods, with significantly less bone regression after follow-up.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Craniofacial Surgery·DateMar 14, 2014

Genes may thwart seniors' exercise gains

A new study by Thomas W. Buford et al. examines the ACE I/D gene and its impact on older adults' response to exercise. The researchers found that genetic variations can influence exercise-induced changes in physical function among mobility-limited seniors.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalPhysiological Genomics·DateMar 14, 2014

DNA can be damaged by very low-energy radiation

Research shows that even low-energy radiation can cause DNA damage, including double-strand breaks, which are often irreparable. Industry characterization of 'eye-safe' lasers at wavelengths longer than 1300nm is flawed, as these wavelengths can induce damage to DNA in the eye

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 14, 2014

Tension triggers muscle building

Researchers found that mechanical tension is established shortly after muscle-tendon contact, providing positional information for sarcomere formation. Without tension, muscles fail to build regular myofibrils, resulting in chaotic protein distribution.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Biochemistry·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 14, 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.

Sleep disturbance following acute fractures not related to injury

Researchers assessed 1,095 patients following acute fractures and found poor sleep independently associated with poor emotional status. Orthopaedic surgeons should monitor patient mental health and counsel patients on sleep expectations to provide highest level of care after fracture treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 14, 2014

An experiment recreates the crust of the moon Europa

Researchers at CAB successfully recreated Europa's crust in a laboratory experiment, revealing that high-pressure fluids could be responsible for the moon's reddish materials. The study suggests that certain characteristics of Europa's surface may be explained by a saline aqueous medium, with significant implications for life on Earth.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateMar 14, 2014

School sick days could be reduced with safe drinking water

A University of East Anglia study found that schools providing clean water report lower absenteeism rates. During the dry season, children without access to clean water were 2.5 times more likely to be absent than those with access. The researchers also highlighted the potential benefits for child health and education.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 14, 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.

Emotion detectors could make driving safer

Researchers have developed an on-board emotion detector using embedded cameras to analyze drivers' facial expressions, identifying irritation and anger as risk factors for aggressive driving. The system successfully detected these emotions in most cases, paving the way for potential applications in driver safety and comfort.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateMar 14, 2014

NASA's TRMM satellite eyeing Tropical Cyclone Gillian's rebirth

TRMM satellite data shows heavy rainfall rates and powerful thunderstorms in the northeast Gulf of Carpentaria, indicating a potential rebirth of Tropical Cyclone Gillian. The system is expected to intensify over the next 24-36 hours, posing gusty winds and heavy rainfall to coastal communities.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 14, 2014

Salad at concession stands!?

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that offering 5-10 healthy food options and modifying popular items to reduce saturated fats increased revenue and sales. The healthier items accounted for 9.2% of total sales and parental satisfaction also increased.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMar 14, 2014

Most Charnley total hip replacements viable after 35 years

A new study evaluated the outcomes of Charnley total hip replacements in patients under 50 years old at least 35 years post-surgery. The results showed that a significant number of these patients had functional hip components, despite decreased activity levels over time, primarily due to age and health-related factors.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 14, 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.

Gluten-free crackers made with hemp flour and decaffeinated green tea leaves

A study published in the Journal of Food Science found that combining hemp flour with decaffeinated green tea leaves creates a gluten-free cracker with high protein, fiber, and essential fatty acid content. This combination also provides antioxidant properties, making it a nutritious snack option for consumers.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateMar 14, 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.

NASA sees an extra-tropical Lusi north of New Zealand

NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on Tropical Cyclone Lusi, revealing it had become a cold-core system with strongest winds spreading out. The storm is expected to bring gale-force winds and heavy rain to Northern New Zealand, particularly around North Cape.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 14, 2014

Brighter inks, without pigment

Researchers have developed a system to produce structural color through microcapsules filled with disordered particles, allowing for the creation of paints and electronic displays that never fade. This technology has the potential to replace toxic synthetic dyes and create ageless colors.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 14, 2014