Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 19, 2016


Scientists have created a ceramic, resistant to extreme temperatures

Researchers at TSU and SB RAS have developed a multi-layered ceramic material with heat resistance of over 3,000 degrees Celsius, targeting the space industry and aircraft engine manufacturing. The new material will provide increased protection during reentry and improve the performance of jet engines.

SourceNational Research Tomsk State University·DateAug 19, 2016

Spider silk: Mother Nature's bio-superlens

Researchers at Bangor University have achieved a world first by using dragline silk from the golden web spider as an additional superlens to provide up to 2-3 times magnification. This innovation enables viewing of previously invisible structures, including nano-structures and biological micro-structures.

SourceBangor University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 19, 2016
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.

Maternal language shapes infants' cry melodies

Researchers found that infants whose mothers speak tonal languages exhibit higher melodic variation in their cries, which sounds like chanting. This suggests that babies are learning language patterns from the womb and can mimic them in their early vocalizations.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Voice·DateAug 19, 2016

2014 Napa earthquake continued to creep, weeks after main shock

Scientists found that sections of the West Napa Fault continued to slip after the primary earthquake, posing additional hazards to infrastructure. The afterslip caused certain areas to shift by as much as 40 centimeters in the month following the main earthquake.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 19, 2016

Flesh-eating infections in rheumatoid arthritis patients spur new discovery

Researchers discovered that rheumatoid arthritis patients taking IL-1beta inhibitors are 300 times more likely to experience invasive Group A Streptococcal infections, highlighting the molecule's critical role in sensing bacterial infections. The study also suggests that inhibiting this immune response can put patients at risk for infe...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Immunology·DateAug 19, 2016

NSF funds new integrative approaches to study the brain

The NSF has awarded 18 grants for frontier research on neural and cognitive systems, exploring complexities of brain and behavior. The projects will contribute to the BRAIN Initiative, advancing neurotechnologies and understanding individuality and variation.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateAug 19, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA sees Tropical Storm Lionrock south of Japan

Tropical Storm Lionrock showed a large low-level center with shallow and weak thunderstorms wrapping into an ill-defined center. The storm was moving southwestward at 14.9 mph, with the strongest winds in its northern quadrant.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 19, 2016

A new Goldilocks for habitable planets

A new study by Yale University researcher Jun Korenaga suggests that planets like Earth form through multiple giant impacts, leading to diverse sizes and internal temperatures. This lack of self-regulating mantle convection has significant implications for planetary habitability.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 19, 2016

PNNL helping make hydropower cheaper, more fish-friendly

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will evaluate the Whooshh Fish Transport System, a technology that transports fish through a flexible tube, to make hydropower cheaper and more fish-friendly. The study aims to compare its performance with traditional fish ladders to move Pacific Coast salmon around barriers in the Columbia River.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateAug 19, 2016
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.

Do Pokémon Go and augmented reality games offer real health benefits?

Research suggests that Pokémon Go and similar augmented reality games can encourage substantial physical activity in players without them intending to. Dr. Baranowski's editorial encourages game developers to create new games that promote beneficial physical activity while being fun to play.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGames for Health Journal·DateAug 19, 2016

MRI technology quantifies liver response in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a non-invasive MRI technique that measures liver fat density with high accuracy. This method corresponds to histological responses in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and shows promise for future clinical trials and treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTherapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology·DateAug 19, 2016

NASA monitors the 'new normal' of sea ice

Arctic sea ice cover is still declining despite slower melt rates, scientists say. The new normal for sea ice extent is expected to remain low due to extreme weather conditions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 19, 2016

Study shows standing up for beliefs in face of group opposition is worth the effort

A new study from the University at Buffalo suggests that expressing core values and beliefs can lead to a positive psychological experience, even when faced with unanimous disagreement. Participants' cardiovascular responses indicated feelings of invigoration when standing up for their individuality, rather than anxiety when conforming...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPsychophysiology·DateAug 19, 2016
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.

Natural mother of pearl structure, synthetic replication

Researchers from University of Konstanz and China successfully replicate nacre's structural configuration using calcium carbonate, chitin, and silk fibroin gel. The synthetic process creates identical characteristics to naturally occurring biomineral with improved production speed, potentially leading to high-performance materials.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience·DateAug 19, 2016

Research-based online tool empowers Peace Corps work in Africa

The University of Kansas is partnering with the Peace Corps to provide custom, web-based resources to staff and volunteers in Africa. The Community Tool Box will support volunteers with research-based knowledge from disciplines such as community development and urban planning, making best practices easy to implement in the field.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·DateAug 19, 2016
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.

'Born to be bad' or 'born to be benign' -- testing cells for esophageal cancer risk

A new study by Queen Mary University of London found that certain Barrett's Oesophagus cells can be identified as 'born to be benign' or 'bad', allowing for early detection and prevention of oesophageal cancer. The test uses genetic analysis of individual cells, predicting future risk regardless of time since abnormal cell appearance.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2016

Organic farmers to grow and harvest the manure of the future

Researchers at Aarhus University have developed an alternative fertilizing source for organic farming, allowing farmers to harvest mobile green manure repeatedly without affecting crop yields. The method has the potential to improve fertilizer quality and reduce the need for conventional animal manure in the future.

SourceAarhus University·DateAug 19, 2016
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.

Vaping may lead to fewer respiratory infections for ex-smokers

A study published in the Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy found that 66% of respondents who switched to vaping reported an improvement in respiratory symptoms, while 5% experienced worsening. Vaping may provide antimicrobial protection through propylene glycol, reducing infection rates.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of Addiction Research & Therapy·DateAug 19, 2016

Why do they treat me like that? Taking the mask off of envy

A University of Cincinnati study finds that high self-esteem can help individuals recognize and respond to envy in the workplace. Researchers suggest that when envied employees attribute negative behaviors to envy, they are more likely to respond positively. In contrast, low self-esteem may lead to acceptance or suspicion. The study ai...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateAug 19, 2016

Scripps Florida study finds 'missing evolutionary link' of widely used natural drug source

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have determined a previously unknown structure of proteins key to making terpenoids, a family of molecules encompassing successful cancer treatments. The study provides insight into how Nature makes these compounds and may lead to engineering structural diversity in bacteria.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 19, 2016

Refining optogenetic methods to map synaptic connections in the brain

Researchers have optimized optogenetic methods to study neural circuits with single neuron resolution. By confining light stimulation to a defined disc-like shape and using spatially restricted ChR expression, they can unmask synaptic connections from neurons whose cell bodies lie close to the dendrites of the postsynaptic cell. This r...

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·DateAug 19, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

That's not fair! -- Managing envy in the workplace

Research found that employees experiencing envy tend to ruminate on social injustice, leading to ego depletion and decreased productivity. High epistemic motivation can contribute to creative output but also exacerbate negative emotions.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateAug 19, 2016

Bartending and family life might not mix, study says

A new study by Tulane University sociologists explores the relationship between bartending and perceptions of successful adulthood. The researchers found that bartenders perceive their jobs as precluding them from achieving normal benchmarks of adult life, such as long-term intimate relationships and family life.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 19, 2016
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.

Proton pump found to regulate blood pH in stingrays

Researchers found the proton pump enzyme activates to regulate blood pH levels in stingrays by transporting excess acid from cells to the bloodstream. This study's findings suggest a potential link between the enzyme's role in humans, particularly in regulating blood and urine functions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 19, 2016

The first stage of the cascade

Researchers at TUM have determined the mechanism of G protein switching, providing insights into the design of new active agents. The study reveals that the open form of the protein is more accessible to active agents than its rigid, closed form.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2016

Cloth masks offer poor protection against air pollution

Researchers found that cloth masks are only marginally beneficial in protecting people from particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers, and remove only 39-65% of standard particles. The most commonly used cloth mask products perform poorly compared to alternative options.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateAug 19, 2016
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.