Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 31, 2018


NASA finds Super Typhoon Jebi undergoing eyewall replacement

NASA's Terra satellite found that Super Typhoon Jebi was undergoing an intense eyewall replacement cycle, with powerful storms surrounding the 15 nautical-mile wide eye. The storm's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating its capability to generate heavy rain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 31, 2018
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.

New guideline aids in diagnosing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

A new international guideline has been developed to aid in the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare and often fatal lung disease. The guidelines provide evidence-based criteria for diagnosis and recommend multidisciplinary discussions to facilitate accurate diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 31, 2018

Printing with sound

Harvard researchers use acoustic forces to create a new technology that enables the printing of materials in a drop-on-demand manner. The technique expands possibilities for biopharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and optical materials, and is safe to use with sensitive biological cargo.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 31, 2018

Similar changes in the brains of patients with ADHD and emotional instability

A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that patients with ADHD and emotional instability disorders exhibit similar brain changes, particularly in the frontal lobe. The findings suggest a broader treatment approach for both conditions, potentially benefiting individuals with ADHD who also experience emotional problems.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 31, 2018
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.

Are vulnerable lions eating endangered zebras?

A recent study by WCS and WWF suggests that the decline of Grevy's zebras may be linked to competitive displacement by livestock, rather than lion predation. The population of Grevy's zebras is stabilizing with recruitment tripling since 2004.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 31, 2018

Online HIV prevention program receives $8.8 million NIH grant

The Keep It Up! program, a novel online HIV prevention initiative, has been shown to reduce sexually transmitted infections by 40 percent among gay young men. The program will now be implemented nationally as part of the next phase, testing two implementation strategies: community-based and direct-to-consumer methods.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateAug 31, 2018

Mutations, drugs drive cancer by blurring growth signals

Genetic mutations in non-small cell lung cancer blur cells' perception of key growth signals, leading to excessive growth and tumor formation. Researchers use optogenetics to reveal that blurring signal timing may explain why targeted drugs can paradoxically activate the pathway.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience·DateAug 31, 2018

Biophysics: Self-centered

Researchers developed a model explaining how the plane of cell division is specified in bacteria Myxococcus xanthus. The critical component PomZ proteins bind to DNA and recruit a cluster, then detach and diffuse, tethering it to the nucleoid. This system ensures accurate division by balancing forces and thermal fluctuations.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 31, 2018

Managing multiple health conditions

A study of older adults with multiple chronic health conditions and their caregivers revealed key findings about supportive and conflicted caregiver-care recipient relationships. Supportive behaviors included agreement on caregiving levels, mutual understanding, and collaborative decision-making. Conflicts arose from disagreements over...

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 31, 2018
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.

UTA doctoral student in biology earns prestigious AAUW fellowship

Beston's research focuses on the ecological drivers of eye and brain size evolution in a species of fish, with funding from the AAUW. Her work reveals that increased predation is associated with smaller eye sizes, while larger eye sizes are correlated with improved vision and fitness benefits.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateAug 31, 2018

Russian scientists have increased the Internet speed up to one and a half times

Researchers at Samara University have developed an algorithm that increases internet speed up to 50% by providing fast and reliable access to powerful data processing centers. The algorithm, called 'The Neighborhoods Method', can enable scientists to participate in experiments on the hadron collider level.

SourceSamara University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management·DateAug 31, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cryptosporidiosis worsened in mice on probiotics

Research published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that probiotics increased the severity of cryptosporidiosis in mice, defying initial hypotheses. The study suggests that manipulating gut microbiota may hold potential for developing probiotics to mitigate the disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 31, 2018

Severe human infection with a novel avian-origin influenza A(H7N4) virus

A novel reassortant AIV, influenza A(H7N4), has been identified in a backyard poultry setting, leading to severe human infection. The virus originated from wild bird AIVs and was low pathogenic to avian species, susceptible to antivirals and binding to avian-like α2,3-linked sialic acid receptors.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 31, 2018

Artificial cells are tiny bacteria fighters

Researchers at UC Davis have created artificial cells that can sense, react, and interact with bacteria, as well as detect and kill them. These artificially engineered cells mimic the essential features of live cells but are short-lived and cannot reproduce themselves.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 31, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Mouse models may not accurately mimic severity of gonorrhea infection

Gonorrhea is a rapidly worsening public health threat with over 550,000 new cases reported in 2017 and global yearly incidence estimated at 106.1 million cases. Researchers warn that animal models, like mouse models, may not accurately reflect the infection's severity or human immune responses.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBMC Genomics·DateAug 31, 2018

Study: Denver's inequities in park access traced to segregation, funding policies

A comprehensive case study found that Denver's parks don't adequately serve all city residents due to historical zoning codes and funding policies. The study suggests that improving park access for low-income people of color requires working with equity-oriented nonprofits and utilizing publicly owned land.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Plant Registrations·DateAug 31, 2018

Patent mining indicates promising routes for research

A patent mining method developed by Brazilian scientists uses big data tools to identify technological routes, trends, and partnerships in various knowledge areas. The method has been validated in an analysis of studies on hemophilia, revealing a promising molecule called XTEN that can extend the half-life of recombinant factor VIII.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 31, 2018
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.

Why two?

The FAT10 protein has a unique structure with two domains and a flexible linker, allowing it to regulate degradation in an efficient manner. This finding has significant implications for potential cancer therapies, as FAT10's presence is associated with aggressive tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 31, 2018

A computational analysis identifies a new clinical phenotype of severe malaria

Researchers at ISGlobal and Oxford University found that heart failure is a pathogenic mechanism in severe malaria, leading to higher mortality rates. The study identified four clusters of patients with respiratory distress and severe anaemia, where liver size increase was associated with higher mortality.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 31, 2018

Positional sleep therapy during pregnancy may promote maternal and fetal health

A new study suggests that wearing a device around the waist to prevent supine sleep in late pregnancy can improve both maternal and fetal health outcomes. The intervention reduced supine sleep time and increased minimum oxygen saturations, with minimal impact on maternal perception of sleep quality.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateAug 31, 2018

Overcoming resistance

Pericytes, supporting blood vessels, may trigger tumor cell resistance to therapy by releasing molecules. Targeting these factors could represent a novel approach for aggressive tumors resistant to conventional treatments.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 31, 2018
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.

Bodily sensations give rise to conscious feelings

Finnish research reveals that bodily sensations play a crucial role in shaping conscious feelings, with emotions influencing both physical and mental states. The study identifies five major categories of subjective feelings, including positive emotions, negative emotions, cognitive functions, somatic states, and illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2018

How weight loss is linked to future health for older adults

Research found that even moderate weight loss (20+ pounds) over 20 years increases risk of death by 74%, while greater weight variability is associated with poor physical function. Long-term weight loss may be a marker for increased health decline in older women.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 31, 2018

NASA tracking Hurricane Miriam in Central Pacific

Hurricane Miriam is tracking north through the Central Pacific Ocean, with cloud top temperatures reaching as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Rapid weakening is expected to begin later today and continue through Sunday, with Miriam becoming a post-tropical remnant low pressure area.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 31, 2018

A new way to remove ice buildup without power or chemicals

MIT researchers have developed a passive, solar-powered system to prevent ice buildup on surfaces, using a three-layered material that absorbs sunlight and spreads heat to melt boundary layers of ice. The system has been tested extensively and shows great promise for commercial use in various applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 31, 2018

Dopamine receptor study offers hope for improved treatments with fewer side effects

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered a new approach to targeted and more tolerable therapeutics for treating disorders like schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. The study found that selectively activating the G protein signaling pathway can enhance motor function while avoiding negative side effects.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 31, 2018
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.

The low impact of the high-speed train on international tourism

A study by the University of Seville found that high-speed trains primarily benefit national tourism, while planes have a close and direct relationship with both national and international tourism. Countries with lower per capita income tend to attract more foreign tourists.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·DateAug 31, 2018

A telephone for your microbiome

Researchers create a genetic signal-transmission system allowing E. coli and Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria to communicate in the mouse gut, enabling a potential 'synthetic microbiome' with engineered bacteria species. This breakthrough could lead to optimized human health through coordinated bacterial functions.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateAug 31, 2018
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.

Inspired by feet

A research team from Kiel University has developed a method to boost the adhesive effect of silicone materials by combining surface structuring with plasma treatment. They found that surfaces with a mushroom-like microstructure exhibit significantly improved adhesion, even when bent to varying degrees. This breakthrough could enable ne...

SourceKiel University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 31, 2018

Stroke doubles dementia risk, concludes large-scale study

A large-scale study has found that people who have had a stroke are around twice as likely to develop dementia. The study analyzed data from 3.2 million people and found that having a stroke significantly increases the risk of dementia, with recent strokes more than doubling the risk.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateAug 31, 2018

Investigators find that bile acids reduce cocaine reward

A new study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that bile acids can reduce cocaine reward and cravings. The findings suggest targeting bile acid signaling in the brain may be a novel way to treat cocaine abuse.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 31, 2018

NASA Finds a less elongated potential Tropical Cyclone Six

NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured an infrared image of Potential Tropical Cyclone Six, revealing a circulation that is gradually becoming less elongated. A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the southern Cabo Verde islands as the storm strengthens and is expected to become a tropical storm later today or Saturday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 31, 2018
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.

Genetics and pollution drive severity of asthma symptoms

Asthma patients with specific genetic profiles exhibit more intense symptoms following traffic pollution exposure. The study suggests that tailoring treatments to individual gene-environment interactions could enhance quality of life for people with asthma.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 31, 2018

Better communication can enhance US chemical exposure incident response, new evaluation says

A new analysis suggests that improving communication strategies can improve treatment protocols for at-risk casualties in chemical exposure incidents. The study recommends introducing an immediate 'disrobe and dry' decontamination stage, which enables first responders to reassure victims and start providing instructions.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 31, 2018

Novel concepts for the diagnosis of fatty liver and personalized treatment

Fatty liver disease is a complex condition that can lead to severe complications like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A new review article proposes the use of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to enable specific risk prognosis and individualized treatment.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateAug 31, 2018
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.

Improving operations for the brain's most malignant tumor

Researchers evaluated state-of-the-art optical technology in commercial-grade operating microscopes to detect fluorescence signals produced by pro-drug 5-ALA. They found variability in signal intensity and bleaching rates, highlighting the need for standardized methods and built-in standards for reliable detection and measurement.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 31, 2018

Water worlds could support life, study says

A new study challenges the idea that life requires an 'Earth clone' by finding that water worlds could be habitable for a significant percentage of simulated planets. Researchers used over 1,000 simulations to find that 10% of planets stay stable for more than a billion years without geochemical cycling.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateAug 31, 2018