Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 14, 2018


Study shows magnesium optimizes vitamin D status

A randomized trial by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that magnesium boosts vitamin D status in people with low levels and reduces it in those with high levels. The ideal level of vitamin D is believed to be within the middle range of a U-shape, linked to the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 14, 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.

Low skilled, low paid workers of the world don't unite, research shows

A new study led by Dr Constantine Manolchev from the University of Exeter Business School found that low-skilled workers in insecure employment do not form a unified 'precariat' to resist their bosses. The research contradicts the idea that these workers are united by working contexts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEconomic and Industrial Democracy·DateDec 14, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A painless adhesive

Researchers have developed an adhesive that can strongly adhere to wet materials like hydrogel and living tissue, and be easily detached with specific frequencies of light. This technology has the potential to enable painless detachment of wound dressings and transdermal drug delivery devices.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 14, 2018

Folate deficiency creates hitherto unknown problems in connection with cell division

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that folate deficiency creates far more damaging chromosomal abnormalities than previously known. This can lead to problems with cell division and DNA replication, increasing the risk of diseases like infertility, mental health disorders and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2018

NIH scientists find that breast cancer protection from pregnancy starts decades later

Women who have given birth experience a lower risk of breast cancer, but this protective effect may not begin until as many as 30 years after the last pregnancy. A new study found that breast cancer risk increases in the years following childbirth, with the highest risk about five years later.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 14, 2018

Two UTA researchers elected fellows of National Academy of Inventors

UTA faculty Teik C. Lim and L.K. Mestha have been elected as National Academy of Inventors fellows for their prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions. Their work has made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development, and society.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateDec 14, 2018

Colorado River Delta report provides restoration road map

A four-year scientific study by a University of Arizona-led binational team has provided a road map for restoration in the Colorado River Delta. The report documents the effects of environmental flows on native plants and groundwater, revealing increased bird diversity and recharge of groundwater.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateDec 14, 2018
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.

New properties of sulfur atom discovered

Researchers at the University of Malaga have discovered that sulfur atoms can exhibit both donative and repulsive behavior, leading to the creation of more stable and functional organic diradicals. These findings have significant implications for various scientific fields, including chemistry and environmental science.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 14, 2018

HIV vaccine protects non-human primates from infection

A new study published in Immunity shows that an experimental HIV vaccine protects rhesus macaques from infection by inducing neutralizing antibodies against a Tier 2 virus. The vaccine strategy, developed over two decades, aims to train the immune system to recognize and attack vulnerable areas on the HIV envelope protein.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalImmunity·DateDec 14, 2018

Wiring diagram of the brain provides a clearer picture of brain scan data

A study published in BRAIN journal used a brain wiring diagram to reconcile inconsistent neuroimaging findings for Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found that all 26 studies reported abnormalities within the same connected brain network, improving reproducibility and understanding of the disease.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalBrain·DateDec 14, 2018

Treatment shown to improve the odds against bone marrow cancer

A new study has found that long-term therapy with lenalidomide doubles remission duration and improves survival in younger patients by almost 8%. The treatment is also shown to prolong the average remission time by more than two years in younger patients.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateDec 14, 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.

Levels of gene-expression-regulating enzyme altered in brains of people with schizophrenia

A study using a PET scan tracer has identified epigenetic differences between the brains of individuals with schizophrenia and those of unaffected participants. Reduced histone deacetylase (HDAC) levels were observed in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is important for executive functions affected by schizophrenia.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 14, 2018

UMN medical school researchers study abnormal blood glucose levels of discharged patients

A study by University of Minnesota Medical School researchers found that patients with abnormal blood glucose ranges have a higher rate of hospital readmission and death in the 30 days after discharge. Patients with 'borderline' high glucose levels who are not diagnosed with diabetes also experience worse outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 14, 2018

Scientists warn of slow progress towards United Nations biodiversity targets

A scientific team warns that most signatory countries are not on track to achieve target goals, and some targets are structured to give a false sense of conservation achievement. The team recommends restructuring targets to incorporate adequate conservation incentives to instill hope for the future.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalPerspectives in Ecology and Conservation·DateDec 14, 2018

How does diet during pregnancy impact allergies in offspring?

A study found that pregnant women who have a family history of food allergies are more likely to avoid certain foods, such as nuts and eggs. However, this avoidance does not necessarily prevent food allergies in their infants, but rather increases the risk of problems with food at 4 months old.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·DateDec 14, 2018
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.

Characteristics of physicians excluded from public insurance programs

A study examined characteristics of physicians excluded from Medicare and state public insurance programs for fraud, health care crimes or unlawful prescribing of controlled substances. Physicians excluded were more likely to be male, have osteopathic training, be older or practice in specific specialties.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 14, 2018

Correlation of stroke and dementia with death: A study from the Swedish dementia registry

A Swedish study found a significant correlation between dementia and ischemic stroke, with patients dying from IS having a higher mortality rate compared to those who did not have IS. The study also highlights the importance of accurate death certificate diagnoses, particularly for deaths reported outside Swedish hospitals.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Alzheimer Research·DateDec 14, 2018

Researchers use jiggly Jell-O to make powerful new hydrogen fuel catalyst

Researchers developed a cheap and effective new catalyst that can split water just as efficiently as costly platinum. The catalyst is made from nanometer-thin sheets of metal carbide and is manufactured using a self-assembly process that relies on gelatin, similar to Jell-O.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 14, 2018
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.

Driving heart health

The Wayne State University team will address hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity through innovative approaches to comprehensive population health initiatives. They will explore the use of community health workers, telehealth smartphone applications, and bi-directional referrals to promote better management of these conditions.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateDec 14, 2018

How complexity science can quickly detect climate record anomalies

Researchers use information theory to identify complex anomalies in high-resolution ice core data, allowing for more accurate analysis of climate records. The technique enables the detection of small anomalies that could indicate significant climate events or errors in data processing.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalEntropy·DateDec 14, 2018

DFG to fund 9 new Research Units and 1 Clinical Research Unit

The DFG is funding ten new Research Units and one Clinical Research Unit to address pressing issues in hydrology, oceanography, glaciology, geology, and climatology. The units will investigate the effects of volcanic eruptions on the Earth's climate system and develop novel evaluation methods for satellite data.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateDec 14, 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.

Mapping technique to reassess Alzheimer's studies finds improved reproducibility

Researchers found that isolating symptoms to a single brain area resulted in low reproducibility rates, but analyzing symptom-specific circuitry within brain networks led to 100% reproducibility. This new approach aims to shed light on therapy development by identifying common symptom-localization patterns across different diseases.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalBrain·DateDec 14, 2018

The feature size and functional range of molecular electronic devices

Researchers investigated the transition from tunneling leakage current to molecular tunneling in single-molecule junctions, finding optimal nanogap distances for proper function. The study suggests that future single-molecule electronics require precise control over molecular length and gap size.

SourceXiamen University·JournalChem·DateDec 14, 2018
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.

A young star caught forming like a planet

Astronomers have discovered two stars, MM 1a and MM 1b, orbiting each other in the young star system. The team used ALMA to image the surrounding gas and dust discs, revealing a massive companion star with a mass ratio of 80:1.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 14, 2018

Building an AI to predict if you carry a killer on your skin

Researchers developed an AI model to predict the risk of developing a serious infection from Staphylococcus epidermidis genomic features. The model uses large-scale population genomics and machine learning to identify high-risk genotypes, which could lead to proactive identification of individuals at risk before surgical procedures.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 14, 2018

A holiday gift to primary care doctors: Proof of their time crunch

A new study published in BMJ found that primary care doctors need to work six more hours a day to provide recommended preventive care, including colonoscopy and lung cancer screening. The simulation model also reveals that this would lead to 17 out of every 100 doctors taking early retirement each year.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 14, 2018

Quantum chemical calculations on quantum computers

Researchers from Osaka City University have developed a quantum algorithm capable of performing full configuration interaction calculations for any open shell molecules in polynomial time, overcoming the exponential explosion challenge. This breakthrough enables practical applications of quantum computers in chemistry and physics.

SourceOsaka City University·DateDec 14, 2018
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.

A damming trend

A new study by Michigan State University found that hundreds of dams planned for the Mekong River basin could disrupt the region's flood dynamics, threatening food security and ecosystem balance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 14, 2018

Exploring ways to reduce child deaths in low-income countries

A study led by ISGlobal identifies a simple algorithm that can predict mortality risk in newborns and babies after hospital discharge, particularly for those under three months old. The implementation of this model could contribute to reducing child mortality in low-income countries.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 14, 2018

Dauphin Island Sea Lab to lead mapping, restoration of SAV in Alabama

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is leading a five-year project to map and restore SAV in coastal Alabama, aiming to cut the frequency of mapping from every six years to twice within a six-eight year period. The project will also enhance educational resources and cover the restoration of three zones, including areas prone to erosion.

SourceDauphin Island Sea Lab·DateDec 14, 2018

A summary of electrospun nanofibers as drug delivery system

Researchers used electrospun polymeric nanofibers to create drug delivery systems for various biological functions, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardiovascular applications. The method improves treatment processes by loading low-solubility drugs into fibers for controlled release.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Drug Delivery·DateDec 14, 2018
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.

Birth of a hybrid

Researchers from NUST MISIS have developed a new method for producing bulk MAX-phases, which exhibit the properties of both metals and ceramics. The proposed approach allows for quick synthesis in one stage, resulting in high-density materials suitable for high-temperature applications.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalCeramics International·DateDec 14, 2018

Hospitalizations for homeless individuals are on the rise

A retrospective cohort study found acute hospitalizations among homeless individuals increased between 2007-2013, primarily for mental illness and substance use disorders. Homeless adults had longer hospital stays, lower mortality rates, but higher costs than non-homeless controls.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalMedical Care·DateDec 14, 2018

A role for microRNAs in social behavior

A study discovered that a microRNA cluster regulates synaptic strength and is involved in controlling social behavior in mammals. The researchers found that the absence of this microRNA cluster results in increased sociability in mice.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateDec 14, 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.