Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 17, 2015


New species, the 'Ruby Seadragon,' discovered by Scripps researchers

Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have discovered a new species of seadragon, the 'Ruby Seadragon,' through DNA and anatomical research. The species, Phyllopteryx dewysea, has bright red coloration and is believed to inhabit deeper waters.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 17, 2015

UM Rosenstiel School professor receives $2.5 million to study Agulhas Current

A $2.5 million NSF grant will support the five-year Agulhas System Climate Array project, which aims to monitor changes in the ocean's circulation due to climate change. The research will focus on the physical characteristics of the Agulhas Current and its role in global climate variability.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateFeb 17, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Broca's area is the brain's script writer where words take shape, study finds

Researchers found that Broca's area is active early in forming sentences and ends its work before a word is spoken, suggesting it plays a key role in organizing the string of sounds that express ideas. The study could benefit the treatment of language impairments due to stroke, epilepsy, and brain injuries.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2015

In lab research, SLU team halts NASH liver damage

Saint Louis University researchers have tested a promising drug candidate that stopped fatty liver disease from progressing to severe liver damage. The drug, SR9238, suppresses lipogenesis and reduces the liver's ability to produce fat.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateFeb 17, 2015

Tool can help assess cognitive impairment in multicultural populations

A new study published in CMAJ reports that the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) is effective in assessing cognitive impairment in multicultural populations where English may not be the primary language. The tool has been shown to identify cognitive impairment and rule it out with strong psychometric properties, makin...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 17, 2015

How social media can help and hurt companies during product recalls

Research using 405 consumer product recalls found that corporate social media reduces negative price reactions to recall announcements. However, as social media evolves, firms lose control over online content and negative sentiment from disgruntled users exacerbates market reactions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·DateFeb 17, 2015
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.

Think again about gender gap in science

A new Northwestern University analysis reveals that the bachelor's-to-Ph.D. pipeline in science and engineering fields no longer leaks more women than men, with women outnumbering men as Ph.D. earners but not in doctoral persistence. Women have overcome potential gender biases to pursue graduate school, closing gaps in representation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 17, 2015

Synthetic biology yields new approach to gene therapy

Researchers at UT Dallas have created a novel gene-delivery system that shuts down after delivering a gene, offering a potential new strategy for treating diseases. The approach sidesteps health problems associated with permanent gene alteration.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateFeb 17, 2015

Napping beyond age of 2 linked to poorer sleep quality in young children

Research finds that napping beyond 2 years of age is associated with reduced night-time sleep quality in young children. The study, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, analyzed data from 26 studies and found that prolonged napping delays sleep onset and shortens overall night-time sleep duration.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateFeb 17, 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.

Voltage tester for beating cardiac cells

Electrical engineers at ETH Zurich and biologists from the University of Bern have developed a new method to record the activity of moving cells, including beating cardiac muscle cells. The new method combines the patch-clamp technique with an atomic force microscope, allowing for longer measurements and automation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 17, 2015

Fast-replicating HIV strains drive inflammation and disease progression

A new study found that fast-replicating HIV strains lead to more signs of acute inflammation and faster disease progression. The strain's replicative capacity affects immune system disruption and can inform vaccine development and eradication strategies.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2015

A new weapon in the fight against cancer

A study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences shows that lithocholic acid, a bile acid produced in the liver, is effective in killing cancer cells and delaying aging. The findings have implications for slowing down breast and prostate cancer development.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateFeb 17, 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.

QUT study links daytime naps to poorer night-time sleep in young children

A recent study by Queensland University of Technology found that daytime naps beyond the age of two are associated with poorer quality of night sleep among children. The research reviewed 26 international and Australian studies on children under five years old and showed overwhelming evidence of unnecessary napping.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateFeb 17, 2015

A close call of 0.8 light years

Researchers analyzed the trajectory of Scholz's star and found it passed through the outer Oort Cloud, 98% certain of its close flyby. The star's proximity to our solar system was confirmed, challenging previous predictions for the closest known flyby.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 17, 2015

New drug target for multiple sclerosis discovered

A promising new approach to treat multiple sclerosis has been discovered by scientists at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. They identified a previously unknown change in the spinal cord related to MS and developed a peptide that disrupts this change, leading to major improvements in neurological functioning.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateFeb 17, 2015

New solder for semiconductors creates technological possibilities

Researchers have developed compounds that can be applied as a liquid or paste to join two pieces of a semiconductor by heating them to several hundred degrees Celsius, creating seamless joints. This breakthrough technology has diverse applications in industries such as printable electronics, 3-D printing, and solar cells.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateFeb 17, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Amyloid formation may link Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes

Research found that brain amyloid stimulates pancreas fibril growth and vice versa, raising hopes for understanding the connection between AD and T2D. Islet amyloid peptide, derived from pancreatic cells, is also present in human brain senile plaques.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 17, 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.

Nicotine metabolite amplifies action of the primary chemical messenger for learning and memory

A new study suggests that nicotine's metabolite cotinine amplifies the effect of acetylcholine, a primary chemical messenger involved in learning and memory, potentially providing therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's and other memory disorders. Cotinine may also have synergistic effects with existing Alzheimer's therapies.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateFeb 17, 2015

Seasonal flu vaccine induces antibodies that protect against H7N9 avian flu

Scientists have identified antibodies isolated from individuals with seasonal flu vaccinations that neutralize H7N9 and other influenza strains, providing broad protection. These antibodies account for a small percentage of the total immune response but show promise as potential therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 17, 2015
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.

Laser 'ruler' holds promise for hunting exoplanets

Researchers successfully demonstrate a new technique combining a solar telescope with a laser frequency comb to analyze distant stars with unprecedented accuracy, potentially leading to the discovery of Earth-like planets. The technique enhances spectral analysis and advances research in astrophysics.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateFeb 17, 2015

Schizophrenia: Impaired activity of the selective dopamine neurons

Researchers found altered patterns and frequencies of electrical activity in dopamine midbrain neurons critical for emotional and cognitive processing. These findings suggest that impaired dopamine neuronal activity contributes to schizophrenia's negative symptoms, such as cognitive deficits and impaired motivation.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2015

Social media can help alert students during campus emergencies, study finds

Researchers found that social media can instantly reach a large percentage of students to provide timely and accurate information during crisis situations. The study suggests that students are more likely to comply with emergency notifications received through social networking channels.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalInternational Journal of Business Information Systems·DateFeb 17, 2015
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.

Tau-associated MAPT gene increases risk for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers identified the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene as a key player in Alzheimer's disease. Carriers of the deleterious MAPT allele are at increased risk for developing AD and experience accelerated brain atrophy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 17, 2015

Potential new breathalyzer for lung cancer screening

Researchers have developed a simple and rapid device to detect volatile organic compounds on the breath, demonstrating potential for early lung cancer detection. The device can discriminate different kinds and concentrations of cancer-related biomarkers with high accuracy.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateFeb 17, 2015

UT Arlington zebra mussels expert to receive national recognition

Robert McMahon, a renowned expert on aquatic invasive mollusks, has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Invasive Species Council. He is recognized for his decades-long work in preventing and managing invasive species, including zebra mussels, Asian clams, and apple snails.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateFeb 17, 2015
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.

Insight into inner magnetic layers

Measurements at BESSY II have shown how spin filters form within magnetic sandwiches, enhancing understanding of processes critical for future TMR data storage devices and other spintronic components. The discovery reveals new interfacial effects that strongly influence the amplitude of tunnel magnetoresistance.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 17, 2015

Crowdsourcing a valid option for gathering speech ratings

A study by New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that crowdsourcing using Amazon Mechanical Turk can produce high levels of agreement among listeners, even when individual responses are not highly accurate. With samples of nine or more AMT users, performance converges with that of ex...

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Communication Disorders·DateFeb 17, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Medication effective in helping smokers quit gradually

A study found that varenicline was effective in helping smokers reduce their cigarette consumption and eventually quit. The medication produced greater reductions in smoking prior to quitting and increased smoking cessation rates at the end of treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 17, 2015

When it comes to an opening number, sometimes the best bargaining move is to offer two

A new study from Columbia Business School suggests that using range offers in negotiations can lead to better settlements for the offer-maker without harming their relationship with the other party. Bolstering and bracketing range offers were found to be effective strategies, while backdown range offers were less successful.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 17, 2015

Bile duct cancer study may pave way for new treatments

Researchers discovered a key pathway driving tumour growth in bile duct cancer and found that blocking it can prevent cancer cell growth and shrink tumours. The treatment is already being tested in patients with other cancers and shows promise as a potential breakthrough for this devastating disease.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 17, 2015

Individuals with type 2 diabetes should exercise after dinner

Research suggests that exercising after a meal can lower blood sugar and fat levels, providing more benefits than exercising before dinner. The study found that resistance exercise performed after dinner had the most powerful effect on reducing glucose and fat levels.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateFeb 17, 2015
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.

State funding boosts stem cell research in California, other states

State-funded programs in California and Connecticut have contributed to an increase in stem-cell-related publications, with California benefiting most. The study suggests that state funding has established California as a leader in this emerging field, while Maryland and New York saw minimal impact on publication trends.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 17, 2015

Mapping seascapes in the deep ocean

Researchers from University of Southampton develop new automated method for classifying hundreds of miles of the deep sea floor, creating broad-scale maps to estimate biodiversity hotspots. The maps cover approximately 125 miles across, using information on topography and sediment type to identify distinct 'geomorphological terrains'.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalMarine Biology·DateFeb 17, 2015
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.

UI engineers find switchgrass removes PCBs from soils

University of Iowa researchers have discovered that switchgrass can remove up to 40% of PCBs from contaminated soils, with a combined treatment boosting removal rates to 47%. The study suggests a natural and sustainable method for reducing the presence of toxic chemicals in the environment.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalEcological Engineering·DateFeb 17, 2015

New insight into how brain performs 'mental time travel'

Researchers at Vanderbilt University discovered a specific region of the brain that signals when a memory is being retrieved with high detail, enabling the prediction of recall order. This finding has significant implications for understanding and preserving memories in individuals with diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateFeb 17, 2015

Teen brain scans reveal a key to weight loss

Researchers found that teenagers who relied on executive function processes, particularly in the pre-frontal cortex, were more successful in losing weight. Successful programs involve repeated practice and ramping up challenges to executive control, such as computerized training and aerobic physical activity.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalObesity·DateFeb 17, 2015

Many pregnant teens use alcohol and drugs, study finds

Nearly 3 in 5 pregnant teens report using substances in the previous 12 months, with alcohol and cannabis being the most commonly used. Engaged parents and academically involved teens show lower rates of substance use during pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateFeb 17, 2015
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.

Plants survive better through mass extinctions than animals

A new study reveals that plants have been highly resilient to mass extinction events, with negative rates of diversification never sustained for long periods. Plant groups such as flowering plants (angiosperms) experienced a rapid increase in diversity shortly after the Cretaceous-Paleogene asteroid impact.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNew Phytologist·DateFeb 17, 2015

Three Waterloo academics named among Canada's top researchers for 2015

The University of Waterloo has three researchers recognized as among Canada's top natural sciences and engineering researchers for 2015. Chris Eliasmith, David Blowes and Michael McTavish are making significant advancements in human brain research, environmental impact reduction and invasive species understanding through their work. Th...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateFeb 17, 2015

High-powered X-ray laser unlocks mechanics of pain relief without addiction

Scientists have developed a new X-ray source to study how non-addictive painkillers work, revealing the target of binding to neuroreceptors. This breakthrough could lead to designing molecules to generate specific responses and address critical health issues related to opioid abuse.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 17, 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.

Tadpole model links drug exposure to autism-like effects

A study using a tadpole model reveals parallels between fetal chemical exposure and autism spectrum disorder, highlighting altered neural anatomy and behavior. The research suggests that understanding this connection could lead to discovering mechanisms to prevent neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceBrown University·DateFeb 17, 2015

Urbanization may affect the initiation of thunderstorms

Urbanization leads to more thunderstorm initiation events, posing dangers like lightning and flash floods with little warning. The risk is higher on weekdays due to increased aerosol levels from commuters.

SourceWiley·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·DateFeb 17, 2015

Scientists use MRI to visualize pancreas inflammation in type 1 diabetes

Researchers have developed a novel imaging technique using ferumoxytol and MRI to visualize pancreatic inflammation in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. The study found clear evidence of ongoing inflammation in the pancreas, which could help predict disease progression and identify potential therapeutic targets.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2015

From the scent of geranium to cough medicine

Researchers at TUM create self-assembled catalyst to facilitate terpene cyclization, enabling production of complex compounds like taxol, used in cancer treatment. The breakthrough yields higher yields and improves reaction feasibility.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 17, 2015

Novel solid-state nanomaterial platform enables terahertz photonics

Researchers have created a novel solid-state technology platform that enables the use of terahertz photonics in various applications. The new nanodetectors can detect frequencies greater than 3 THz and offer competitive noise equivalent powers with commercially available technologies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateFeb 17, 2015
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.

An empty stomach can lead to an empty wallet

A University of Minnesota study reveals that hunger increases intention to acquire nonfood objects, resulting in higher spending. Hungry shoppers opt for 70% more products and spend 64% more money than satiated counterparts.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2015

Technology changing teacher's role

A recent Finnish-Swiss-Belgian study finds that technology changes the teacher's role from a traditional knowledge provider into a facilitator guiding students' learning processes and engaging in joint problem-solving. Technology offers new types of learning possibilities, including interactive learning and teaching opportunities.

SourceAcademy of Finland·DateFeb 17, 2015

New study reveals how to improve chemotherapy use in prostate cancer

Researchers found a genomic marker that could help identify patients most likely to benefit from cabazitaxel, a newer member of the taxane family. The study suggests that cabazitaxel may be more effective sooner in treatment for some patients with prostate cancer.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 17, 2015
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.

Even animals compose

Researchers from the University of Vienna found cross-species parallels in song production and perception among animals. Some species, such as songbirds and parrots, can learn to produce new sounds and even identify beats, similar to human music abilities.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateFeb 17, 2015

Violations in pharmaceutical industry self-regulation of medicines promotion

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pharmaceutical industry self-regulation in the UK and Sweden had significant violations, with nearly 20% of cases being serious breaches. The researchers analyzed complaints and rulings to find that charges incurred by companies were a small percentage of annual sales revenue.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 17, 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.

Study details impact of Deepwater Horizon oil on beach microbial communities

Scientists studied the impact of Deepwater Horizon oil on Pensacola Municipal Beach's microbial communities, finding that generalist microbes were most successful in expanding their populations. After a year, microbial populations buried in beach sands looked similar to pre-spill levels, with some unexplained differences.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 17, 2015

White sharks grow more slowly and mature much later than previously thought

Researchers have created a reliable growth curve for white sharks in the western North Atlantic, revealing they grow more slowly and mature later than initially estimated. The study found males reach maturity at around age 26 and females at around 33, leading to new estimates of population replacement rates.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalMarine and Freshwater Research·DateFeb 17, 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.

Learning from extinction: New insights on controlling cancer

A new study suggests that understanding species extinction can help drive cancer cells to annihilation. The authors identify two critical factors governing species resistance to extinction: evolveability and robustness to perturbations. These characteristics may have important correlates among some types of cancer cells.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Reviews Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 17, 2015

Science: Chromosome 'bumper repair' gene predicts cancer patient outcomes

A study found that TERT mRNA levels are highly predictive of aggressive bladder cancers, allowing doctors to recommend targeted treatments and improve patient outcomes. The study also suggests that telomerase reactivation is crucial for the progression of bladder cancers, highlighting a potential target for disease intervention.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalScience·DateFeb 17, 2015

A novel approach for high performance field emission electron sources

A team of researchers from INRS developed novel graphenated-MWCNTs with enhanced field electron emission properties by decorating graphene sheets with gold nanoparticles. This innovation enhances the density of electron-emitting sites, improving FEE performance and opening new prospects for portable X-ray imaging systems.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNanotechnology·DateFeb 17, 2015
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.

Brain's iconic seat of speech goes silent when we actually talk

A new study reveals that Broca's area, traditionally considered the command center for human speech, actually switches off when we speak out loud. This finding has major implications for diagnosing and treating stroke, epilepsy, and brain injuries that result in language impairments.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2015

A new spin on spintronics

A team of researchers from the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University has developed a new radiation-resistant spintronic material that can maintain its spin-dependence after being irradiated. This breakthrough could enable electronic devices to work in harsh environments, such as space-based communications satellites.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 17, 2015