Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2016


Page 1 of 44

Stimulating neurons could protect against brain damage, research shows

Researchers at the Universities of Dundee and Strathclyde have identified a mechanism that allows neurons to protect against spreading brain damage. The discovery, published in Scientific Reports, suggests that stimulating this network activity could limit major brain damage and shorten recovery periods.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 4, 2016
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.

NIST collaboration heats up exotic topological insulators

Researchers from NIST and UCLA have successfully created exotic topological insulators with improved stability at room temperature by infusing magnetic materials. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient quantum computers and other electronic devices that harness unique properties of electrons.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 31, 2016

Jumping spiders can hear sound without eardrums

Researchers discovered that jumping spiders can detect sounds in the 80-380 Hertz range at distances up to 10 feet, even without ears or ear drums. This ability helps them respond to predators like the Mud Dauber wasp.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 31, 2016
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.

Delayed gratification associated with fast food frequency

A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that people who can delay immediate gratification are less likely to eat at fast food establishments. The research suggests that assessing an individual's ability to wait for a larger sum of money may help prevent unhealthy behaviors and improve healthy food choices.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateOct 31, 2016

Seven research teams receive Intermountain-Stanford grant award

The Intermountain-Stanford grant program aims to accelerate research and improve patient care through seven seed grants focused on genomics, machine learning, biomarkers, and more. The grants will support innovative projects in research, education, and medical education.

SourceIntermountain Medical Center·DateOct 31, 2016

Artificial muscles show more flex

Researchers have developed a new fiber that offers higher tensile stroke and is triggered at temperatures lower than its predecessors, with potential applications in medical devices and self-healing materials. The fiber's unique geometry provides greater flexibility and thermal expansion/contraction properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 31, 2016

Fossils reveal approaching relocation of plants on Earth

Scientists use fossilized pollen to forecast profound changes in plant abundance and composition globally by the middle of this century. One third of North American plants and more than half of European plants may face increased threat status due to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 31, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

To treat or not to treat (to target) in gout

Researchers argue that treating gout to avoid symptoms may not effectively address the underlying high uric acid levels causing the condition. They propose a 'treat-to-target' approach to reduce uric acid levels to prevent crystallization and alleviate symptoms.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 31, 2016

Where is my mind?

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University used network theory to map the human cortical network, revealing a hierarchical structure with different shells of low and high connectivity. The 'nucleus' shell, comprising 20% of nodes, supports global information integration and is linked to consciousness.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateOct 31, 2016

Hospitalizations for children, teens attributed to opioid poisoning jump

Hospitalizations for prescription opioid poisonings in children and adolescents have increased dramatically over the years, with a significant rise in deaths and intentional overdoses among younger age groups. The study also found that opioid poisonings attributed to heroin and methadone increased substantially in this age group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 31, 2016

Eric Garner video shapes New Yorkers' support for police accountability: Study

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School found that 71% of New York State voters supported indicting police officers involved in the 2014 Eric Garner arrest after watching the video. This increase in support was attributed to the physical force used on Garner being a key factor in respondents' opinions.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Social Service Research·DateOct 31, 2016

Millions of loci from a thousand plant transcriptomes

Researchers developed a resource of over 5 million microsatellites for use in various plant species, making genetic research cheaper and easier. The study also provides guidelines for researchers using microsatellites.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateOct 31, 2016
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Zika infection damages mouse testes, NIAID-Supported study finds

Researchers found that Zika virus infection can severely damage the testes of male mice, causing shrinkage and reduced sperm count. The study suggests that this may have important implications for human males infected with the virus, highlighting the need for further research on reproductive health.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2016

Study shows link between mitochondrial DNA and autism

Researchers at Cornell University have confirmed a genetic link between mitochondrial DNA and autism spectrum disorder in children. The study found that autistic children had more than twice as many harmful mtDNA mutations compared to their non-autistic siblings. This finding may lead to better diagnosis and treatment of children with ...

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 31, 2016

ACP releases clinical practice guidelines for acute gout

The American College of Physicians recommends using corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or colchicine to treat patients with acute gout. The guideline also emphasizes the importance of diagnosing gout accurately to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Additionally, researchers found that industry-...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 31, 2016

Making every cell matter

A new microfluidic method enables the encapsulation of individual cells within microgel capsules, reducing the size and increasing the specificity of control. This breakthrough has the potential to boost efficacy of cell-based therapies and tissue engineering by allowing for more precise targeting and survival of encapsulated cells.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 31, 2016

Making lasers cool again

Sushil Kumar aims to create terahertz semiconductor lasers with precise emission frequency, improving power output and beam quality. His goal is to enable various applications including chemical sensing, disease diagnosis and remote-sensing in astronomy.

SourceLehigh University·DateOct 31, 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.

Scientists show how mutation causes incurable premature aging disease

A team of researchers discovered that a specific mutation in the telomere protein TPP1 causes an incurable premature aging disease called dyskeratosis congenita. The mutation compromises telomerase function, leading to stem cell division slowdowns and tissue breakdown. This breakthrough provides a potential drug target for the disease.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2016

Researchers nearly reached quantum limit with nanodrums

A new method for measuring microwave signals was developed by researchers at Aalto University, achieving the most accurate measurement with nanodrums so far. This technology enables efficient transformation of quantum information between different frequencies, potentially enabling data encryption based on quantum mechanics.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateOct 31, 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.

Study reveals that adrenergic nerves control immune cells' daily schedule

Researchers found that adrenergic nerves control the daily cycle of immune cell trafficking, with T and B cells accumulating in lymph nodes during the day. This circadian pattern regulates the immune response, making mice more susceptible to infection when injected with antigens at night.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 31, 2016

Raising 'good cholesterol' not as effective as lowering 'bad cholesterol'

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that low and very high levels of 'good cholesterol' are associated with an increased risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other causes. Raising HDL levels does not appear to reduce a person's risk of heart disease.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 31, 2016

Data indicate significant impact of NIH African bioethics training programs

A Johns Hopkins study reveals that former trainees from sub-Saharan Africa are leaving a positive mark on the African bioethics landscape, with many becoming instructors, serving on IRBs, or publishing bioethics-related research. The training programs have built sustainable capacity in Africa and fostered lasting networks of profession...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBMJ Open·DateOct 31, 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.

In communicating wildlife conservation, focus on the right message

Researchers found that statistics on endangered species, such as population decline and territory size, can elicit varying levels of fear among the public. Those with rational thinking styles perceived all five criteria as similar in terms of risk, while those with low rationality scores viewed differences between them.

SourceCornell University·JournalRisk Analysis·DateOct 31, 2016

Study reveals the brain regulates social behavior differently in males and females

Researchers at Georgia State University discovered serotonin and arginine-vasopressin act in opposite ways to influence aggression and dominance in males and females. The findings may lead to more effective gender-specific treatment strategies for stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2016

Key protein implicated in negative side effects of senescence

Researchers identified HMGB2 as a critical regulator of cytokine and chemokine expression during senescence, which may have detrimental effects on tumor growth. Silencing HMGB2 suppresses the expression of pro-tumorigenic factors, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate negative side effects of senescence.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 31, 2016

Rett Syndrome study finds mechanisms underlying its visual deficits

Researchers at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research used precise genetic tools to track neurophysiological deficits resulting from Rett Syndrome. They found that recombinant human Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 (rhIGF1) and bumetanide can reverse such deficits in a cell-type specific manner.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2016

Social media photos priceless for natural resources research

Researchers found that geotagged social media photos on Instagram, Flickr, and Panoramio provide valuable data for predictive models to guide land use decisions worldwide. The study shows that landscapes with mountainous areas, rivers, lakes, and population centers are most valued by society.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2016
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.

CU Boulder: A new window on mitochondria division

A recent CU Boulder study has shown that mitochondrial division is a complex process involving at least three constriction steps and two proteins, Drp1 and Dyn2. The discovery changes the understanding of mitochondrial function and its role in cellular processes such as energy generation and longevity.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2016
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.

DNA damage response links short telomeres, heart disorder in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

A study by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that progressively shortening telomeres in heart muscle cells triggered a DNA damage response compromising mitochondrial function. This led to cardiomyopathy and death in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, suggesting new therapeutic targets.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2016

Satellites help scientists see forests for the trees amid climate change

Scientists use satellites to monitor seasonal changes in evergreen trees, providing a new tool to track the impact of climate change on northern forests. The research reveals subtle colour shifts that indicate changes in photosynthetic activity, which could accelerate or slow down global warming.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2016
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.

Fruits and vegetables may slow ALS

Researchers found that patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who consumed more fruits and vegetables experienced better function around the time of diagnosis. The study suggests that a diet high in antioxidants and carotenoids may help minimize ALS severity.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateOct 31, 2016
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.

Model expands landscape for signaling protein mutations

A computational model helps biologists predict minimal mutations for efficient reprogramming of signaling proteins, expanding the landscape for two-component systems in bacteria. The model connects interaction specificity and promiscuity, enabling researchers to design novel interactions.

SourceRice University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 31, 2016

Study appears first in the nation to examine the impact of vitamin K supplements on the cardiovascul

Researchers are enrolling 60 obese children in an eight-week study to examine the impact of vitamin K supplements on their cardiovascular health. The study aims to determine whether vitamin K can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce lipid levels in the blood, potentially reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateOct 31, 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.

Complete sanitation of robotic surgical instruments virtually impossible

A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that robotic surgical instruments are difficult to clean completely, with a protein residue remaining despite multiple cleanings. The researchers suggest establishing new standards for cleaning these instruments using repeated measurements of residual protein.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateOct 31, 2016

New theory explains how the moon got there

A new theory proposes a single high-energy collision as the origin of the Moon's formation, explaining its unusual composition and orbit. The alternative model suggests that the Moon condensed from the same material as Earth, resulting in their similar chemical makeup.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2016

Penn study shows how some intestinal cells resist chemotherapy and radiation

A Penn-led team has discovered how some intestinal cells can withstand chemotherapy and radiation, providing new insights into the regenerative capacity of these reserve stem cells. The study found that these cells are in a dormant state, protected from damage, but can be activated by RNA-binding proteins to proliferate.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 31, 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.

Wild cat brains: An evolutionary curveball

Research suggests factors beyond sociality influence brain anatomy in carnivores, contradicting the 'social brain' hypothesis. Female lions have larger frontal cortices due to their social demands, while cheetahs have smaller brains that support their high-speed pursuits.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroanatomy·DateOct 31, 2016

Scientists identify missing link between smoking and inflammation

Researchers found that nicotine activates neutrophils, leading to the release of inflammatory molecules and increased inflammation throughout the body. This discovery has implications for tobacco-related diseases and may suggest alternative forms of nicotine inhalation have detrimental effects.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateOct 31, 2016

New sperm research could lead to cut in infertility rate

Researchers are developing a system using phase-contrast imaging and mathematical analysis to identify the best-fitting sperm, leading to improved fertility treatment decisions. This new approach aims to reduce distress and expense associated with infertility treatments like IVF.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateOct 31, 2016