Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 28, 2015


Draw out of the predicted interatomic force

Scientists from Hiroshima University have observed an unusual dispersion of the acoustic mode in liquid Bi using inelastic x-ray scattering (IXS). The results resolve previous disagreements and suggest a possible mechanism involving a long-range interatomic force, which is related to local structures.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateAug 28, 2015

New synthetic tumor environments make cancer research more realistic

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to create synthetic tissue environments that can realistically recreate microenvironments found in biology. This allows for more accurate study of tumor growth and behavior, and has potential applications in drug screening and personalized medicine.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 28, 2015

Neurobiology: Light-activated learning

Researchers have developed a light-activated switch that enables precise control of NMDA receptors, which are crucial for forming and storing memories. This tool promises to provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity and memory formation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 28, 2015
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.

UC San Diego cancer researchers receive NCI Outstanding Investigator Award

Four UC San Diego School of Medicine researchers have received the NCI Outstanding Investigator Award for their groundbreaking research in cancer. Kun-Liang Guan, Tannishtha Reya, Jin Zhang, and Michael Karin will receive multi-million-dollar awards to fund new projects tackling cell growth, cancer detection, and treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 28, 2015

Future climate models greatly affected by fungi and bacteria

A 23-year experiment by Lund University researchers found that fungi break down organic materials, releasing carbon dioxide and nutrients, rather than reducing leakage as previously thought. This challenges current policies on land use intended to promote fungi and could have significant consequences for climate models.

SourceLund University·JournalEcological Monographs·DateAug 28, 2015
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.

Physics meets biology to defeat aging

A team of scientists has discovered that gene regulatory networks are inherently unstable, leading to aging and disease. Stabilizing these networks could lead to therapies against age-related diseases and increased lifespan.

SourceGero·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 28, 2015

Researchers use DNA 'clews' to shuttle CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool into cells

Scientists have created a nanoscale vehicle made of DNA to shuttle the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool into cells. This 'nanoclew' ensures precise control over the dosage of editing, reducing unintended edits. The researchers successfully tested the system in cancer cell cultures and tumors in mice, achieving promising results.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 28, 2015

Markides earns GSA's 2015 Robert W. Kleemeier Award

Kyriakos S. Markides, PhD, receives the prestigious Robert W. Kleemeier Award from GSA for his contributions to the study of aging. The award recognizes his extensive research on Hispanic health outcomes and epidemiological paradoxes.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 28, 2015

Can you avoid hangovers after heavy drinking?

A recent study found that drinking less alcohol is the most effective way to avoid hangovers, contrary to popular claims that eating water or consuming hydrating drinks can prevent them. Researchers surveyed over 1,300 students and found no correlation between hydration and hangover severity.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateAug 28, 2015
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.

Artificial leaf harnesses sunlight for efficient fuel production

Researchers at California Institute of Technology have developed an artificial leaf that can harness sunlight to produce hydrogen fuels, achieving a high efficiency rate. The system consists of three components: photoanode, photocathode, and membrane, which work together to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen gas.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateAug 28, 2015

Seeing quantum motion

Researchers at Caltech have successfully observed and controlled quantum motion in a large mechanical device, defying classical physics. By manipulating the inherent quantum noise, they were able to reduce its impact on measurement precision.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2015

Oysters harbor, transmit human norovirus: Avoid raw ones

Research found that oysters serve as a major reservoir for noroviruses, with over 80% of human norovirus genotypes detected in oyster samples. This highlights the importance of surveillance and safe handling of oysters to prevent transmission.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 28, 2015

NASA, NOAA satellites show Erika affecting Hispaniola

Tropical Storm Erika was centered in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, affecting Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. The storm produced total rainfall accumulations of 3 to 6 inches with maximum amounts of 10 inches possible across portions of the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 28, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New 'Tissue Velcro' could help repair damaged hearts

Engineers at the University of Toronto have developed a biocompatible scaffold that allows sheets of beating heart cells to snap together like Velcro. This technology enables the creation of layered tissues with varying configurations, including tiny checkerboards, and could be used to repair damaged hearts.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 28, 2015

CPR: It's not always a lifesaver, but it plays one on TV

A USC study reveals inaccuracies in CPR depictions on TV, including lower survival rates and incorrect patient demographics. The findings highlight the need for improved physician-patient communication and discussions around advance care planning decisions.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalResuscitation·DateAug 28, 2015

Study: Better signs could help reduce friction between motorists, bicyclists

Researchers found that 'Bicycles May Use Full Lane' signs were more effective in clarifying the rules of the road for both drivers and cyclists. This new signage could lead to increased bike usage, reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, while improving public health and mobility for disadvantaged groups.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 28, 2015

Confidence in parenting could help break cycle of abuse

A study by psychologists at the University of Rochester found that mothers who experienced childhood maltreatment have lower self-confidence and are more likely to use negative parenting behaviors. Intervention programs should focus on building mothers' confidence, rather than just teaching parenting skills.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalChild Maltreatment·DateAug 28, 2015
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.

NASA's GPM sees heavy rain in Hurricane Ignacio

Heavy rainfall from Hurricane Ignacio was measured by NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) core satellite on August 27, with rates reaching over 60 mm per hour south of the eye. The storm is expected to slowly strengthen through late Saturday and peak at 110 mph on August 29.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 28, 2015

Staying safe in sandy beaches

A landmark paper recommends monitoring beach sand to safeguard human health. The study, based on data from beaches in the US, UK, Portugal, and other countries, identifies key indicators and methods to assess public health risks from pathogens in the sand.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom·DateAug 28, 2015

Increasingly severe disturbances weaken world's temperate forests

Climate change and rising temperatures are giving rise to 'hotter' droughts, causing abnormally high levels of forest mortality. Temperate forests may convert to new ecological states, leading to widespread ecosystem service losses.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2015
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.

Suomi NPP satellite sees rapidly intensifying Hurricane Jimena

Hurricane Jimena is rapidly intensifying due to its strong thunderstorms building up quickly, especially in its northern quadrant. The storm's maximum sustained winds are expected to reach 145 mph, making it a powerful Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 28, 2015

Researchers discover new mechanism in adrenal gland tumors

A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers identified a key role of the protein BMP7 in promoting cell division and migration in pheochromocytoma cells. Targeting this signaling pathway with specific substances may lead to an increase in apoptosis, providing a new approach for treatment.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateAug 28, 2015

Moffitt makes important steps toward developing a blood test to catch pancreatic cancer early

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center are developing a blood test using microRNAs to identify and characterize precursor lesions that can progress to pancreatic cancer. The test may help differentiate between low- and high-risk lesions, allowing for more informed personalized medical management decisions.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateAug 28, 2015

Tumor suppressor genes curb growth in neighboring cells

Researchers at IRB Barcelona found that tumor suppressor genes restrict the growth of neighboring cell populations, a mechanism that may contribute to cancer development. This discovery could provide insight into the early events of tumorigenesis and the selection of tumour-initiating cells.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 28, 2015
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.

KAIST's mathematician reveals the mechanism for sustaining biological rhythms

Jae Kyoung Kim's research uses mathematical modeling and synthetic biology to understand how biological circuits generate and sustain stable rhythms. The study found that a novel bacterial circuit generates robust rhythms under various conditions, providing insights into the fundamental mechanism of rhythm generation in biological syst...

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2015

NASA sees comma shaped Tropical Storm Kilo

Tropical Storm Kilo displays a giant comma shape in infrared imagery from NASA's Aqua satellite, indicating powerful thunderstorms with heavy rainfall potential. The storm is forecasted to strengthen and become a hurricane over the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 28, 2015

Researchers use brain scans to predict response to antipsychotic medications

A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry has discovered a predictive fMRI-derived measure that significantly predicts patients' response to antipsychotic medication. This breakthrough enables the use of brain scans as a tool for guiding treatment and improving patient outcomes.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 28, 2015

Kingson selected for GSA's 2015 Donald P. Kent Award

The Gerontological Society of America has selected Eric R. Kingson as the recipient of the 2015 Donald P. Kent Award, recognizing his exceptional professional leadership in gerontology through teaching, service, and practice. Kingson is a professor at Syracuse University and has written extensively on politics and economics of aging, r...

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 28, 2015
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.