Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 19, 2018


Clapping Music app reveals that changing rhythm isn't so easy

Scientists at Queen Mary University of London created an app that challenges users to play Clapping Music, a complex piece written by Steve Reich. The app collected data from over 100,000 players and found that changing rhythms is harder than playing individual rhythms, with average accuracy varying greatly between difficulty levels

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 19, 2018

Why some cancers affect only young women

Researchers at UNIGE and HUG discovered that mucinous tumours of the ovary and pancreas originate from embryonic germ cells that migrate to reproductive organs. These cells can mistakenly stop in other organs, leading to cancer decades later.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·DateOct 19, 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.

Validating a new definition for respiratory failure in children

A new definition of PARDS, issued by the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference, has been validated through an international study. The study found that two-thirds of children with mild and moderate PARDS would not have been accurately diagnosed using adult definitions.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateOct 19, 2018

A new way to measure nearly nothing

A new portable vacuum gauge, developed by NIST scientists, tracks changes in the number of cold lithium atoms trapped by laser and magnetic fields to measure pressure. This innovation uses ultracold trapped lithium atoms, which have an exceptionally low vapor pressure at room temperature.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMetrologia·DateOct 19, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Monkeys do not start to resemble their parents before puberty

Researchers found that humans can identify parent-offspring resemblance from infancy, but it becomes more accurate with age. This study suggests that the ability to recognize kinship may be linked to increased facial similarity with parents before puberty.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·DateOct 19, 2018

Src regulates mTOR, a major player in cancer growth

Researchers discovered Src activates mTORC1 through amino acid signals, found to be hyperactive in cancer. Src's malfunction leads to continuous signaling for cell growth and cancer progression.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2018

Large regional differences in endoscopic sinus surgery in Finland

A nationwide study found large regional differences in endoscopic sinus surgery rates due to chronic rhinosinusitis in Finland. The highest rates were observed in public hospitals, suggesting a correlation between the availability of medical services and ESS rates.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBMJ Open·DateOct 19, 2018

PTSD symptoms improve when patient chooses form of treatment, study shows

A multiyear clinical trial found that patients who chose their form of treatment, whether medication or therapy, improved more than those who were simply prescribed one or the other. Patients who received prolonged exposure therapy showed a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms and were more likely to lose their diagnosis over time.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 19, 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.

Recent survey provides updated national estimate of doctors' financial ties to industry

A recent national survey of internal medicine doctors found that three-quarters reported financial ties to industry, with drug samples and food/beverage being the most common benefits. The study also revealed significant reductions in certain types of payments compared to a previous survey in 2009.

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 19, 2018

Juul e-cigarettes pose addiction risk for young users, Stanford study finds

A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that teens and young adults who use Juul e-cigarettes fail to recognize the product's addictive potential, with some reporting addiction despite infrequent smoking. The study emphasizes the need for clear public-health messages about the risks of new types of e-cigarettes.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 19, 2018

Advantages of DNA immunization platform for eliciting mAbs in multiple species

Researchers describe a DNA immunization platform that stimulates innate and adaptive immunity to produce high levels of antigen-specific antibody responses. The approach activates multiple pathways of innate immunity, leading to the development of high-affinity antibodies in mouse, rabbit, and human models.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateOct 19, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

US air pollution deaths nearly halved between 1990 and 2010

A recent study found that US air pollution deaths decreased by 47% between 1990 and 2010, resulting in nearly 135,000 fewer deaths. The improvement coincided with increased federal air quality regulations.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 19, 2018

MSU pioneers new course: Digital introduction to biology, evolution

MSU researchers developed a new course 'Integrative Biology: From DNA to Populations' featuring Avida-ED, a digital evolution software program. This approach allows students to engage with biological concepts in a familiar and interesting context, resulting in increased understanding of evolution-influenced topics.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalComputer Applications in Engineering Education·DateOct 19, 2018
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.

UMass Amherst's entry in NSF's Innovation Corps will highlight diversity

The University of Massachusetts Amherst has been selected as one of the National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps Sites. The program aims to increase research commercialization and campus startups, with a focus on enriching existing innovation infrastructure. Key findings include the importance of diversity and inclusion in techno...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateOct 19, 2018

How to avoid raising a materialistic child

Researchers found that fostering gratitude among adolescents can decrease materialism and increase generosity. By keeping a daily journal, teens showed significant decreases in materialism and increases in gratitude, demonstrating the potential of this simple strategy to curb materialistic tendencies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·DateOct 19, 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.

Restrictive abortion laws in Northern Ireland affect women's health, study shows

Research from the LBJ School of Public Affairs found that Northern Ireland's strict abortion laws have negative consequences for women's physical and mental well-being. Women often face barriers to accessing care, including fear of prosecution, lack of clarity on healthcare provider duties, and challenges in arranging travel or childcare.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalBMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health·DateOct 19, 2018

A single missing gene leads to miscarriage

Research reveals a single missing gene in mothers leads to miscarriages due to placenta problems, including fewer blood vessels and altered shape. The study provides new insights into recurrent miscarriage in humans and lays the foundation for further research on placenta development.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 19, 2018

Making the case for a comprehensive national registry for pediatric CKD

A comprehensive national registry for pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) is essential to improve lifespan and quality of life. The study emphasizes the importance of identifying children at risk, with high mortality rates among those requiring renal replacement therapy.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateOct 19, 2018

Electronic medical records show promise in reducing unnecessary testing

Boston Medical Center reduced unnecessary diagnostic testing and increased postoperative order sets after implementing electronic medical record-based interventions. The study demonstrates the impact of deploying multiple interventions simultaneously within the electronic medical record on delivering high-value care.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateOct 19, 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.

HER2+ early breast cancers where shorter-course trastuzumab could be an option

A nine-week course of adjuvant trastuzumab was associated with similar disease-free survival and lower risk of cardiac toxicity compared to a one-year course in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer. A six-month course of trastuzumab was also shown to be cost-effective, with an average cost saving of nearly £10,000 per patient.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateOct 19, 2018

Invasive forage grass leads to grassland bird decline

A recent study found that invasive cattle forage grass, tall fescue, is associated with nest failure in dickcissels, small grassland birds. The researchers identified tall fescue as a key factor influencing nest survival, and suggested that removing the invasive species could benefit wildlife and people's livelihoods.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalLandscape Ecology·DateOct 19, 2018

What makes up a social network, and how to make use of it

This book by East China Normal University and Singapore Management University researchers delves into network data mining and analysis to identify social communities, assess network robustness, and predict links. The research focuses on bipartite graphs and signed graphs, offering insights into user behavior across heterogeneous networks.

SourceWorld Scientific·DateOct 19, 2018

Good spatial memory? You're likely to be good at identifying smells too

Researchers found that similar brain regions are involved in both spatial navigation and odor identification, suggesting an intrinsic association between the two. Participants with better spatial memory were also better at identifying smells, supporting the idea that these skills evolved together.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2018

Healthy diets linked to better outcomes in colorectal cancer

A new study found that healthy diets are associated with a lower risk of death from colorectal cancer, both before and after diagnosis. Those who followed the American Cancer Society's guidelines on nutrition and physical activity had a 22% lower risk of all-cause mortality.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 19, 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.

How do pelvic floor muscle exercises reduce overactive bladder symptoms?

A new study finds that pelvic floor muscle exercises can significantly improve overactive bladder symptoms in patients with neurogenic and non-neurogenic conditions. The study suggests that PFM training activates the frontal cortex of the brain, leading to improved conscious control of bladder function.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateOct 19, 2018

The neurobiology of social aggression

A study by Duke-NUS researchers found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) affect social dominance in mice. The research sheds light on the neurobiology of aggression and bullying.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2018

Patients at risk of coverage denial

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that 15.7% of emergency department visits could be denied coverage based on discharge diagnoses. Patients may face difficulties self-determining their medical needs, highlighting the need for alternative solutions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 19, 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.

Pod-based electronic cigarette use among California youth

This study examined pod-based e-cigarette use among California adolescents and young adults, finding that most users also used other e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes. The average perceived risk of social and health risks from pod-based e-cigarettes was around 40%.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 19, 2018

Link found between chronic inflammation and risk for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discovered a strong link between chronic inflammation and increased risk for Alzheimer's disease in ApoE4 carriers. Sequential measurements of C-reactive protein revealed that ApoE4 linked with chronic low-grade inflammation significantly increases AD risk.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 19, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Regular exercise should be part of cancer care for all patients

French researchers conclude that including exercise in cancer care can significantly improve symptom management, quality of life, and fitness. Studies show that regular exercise reduces pain, fatigue, and body fat while improving overall fitness, with benefits seen even among patients at highest risk of poor quality of life.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateOct 19, 2018

Social vulnerability and medical skepticism top factors limiting adherence to screening

A recent survey found that social vulnerability and medical skepticism are major barriers to cancer screening participation, particularly for colorectal and lung cancer screenings. Researchers call for a combined approach incorporating new technologies and personalized messaging to address inequalities in screening uptake.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateOct 19, 2018

The stress-free way to listen to your unborn baby's heart

Researchers at University of Sussex have developed a non-invasive sensor to measure a baby's heartbeat, providing accurate results without hospital visits. This technology will give expectant mothers peace of mind and enable early detection of congenital disorders.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalAIP Advances·DateOct 19, 2018

Sleep apnea more deadly when patients experience short interrupted breaths

Patients with sleep apnea who experience short interruptions in breathing while sleeping are at a higher risk of death than those with longer interruptions. The study found that patients with the shortest apneas were 31% more likely to die during follow-up.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 19, 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.

En route to custom-designed natural products

Scientists have successfully explained the structure and function of docking domains in peptide natural products. This breakthrough allows researchers to redesign docking domain interactions, modulating the product spectrum of a rhabdopeptide-synthesizing NRPS. The discovery has promising implications for creating new substances.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2018

Does herpes cause Alzheimer's?

A new study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience suggests a causal link between herpes viruses and Alzheimer's disease, with antiviral drugs drastically reducing the risk of senile dementia in patients with severe herpes infections.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateOct 19, 2018

Elucidating cuttlefish camouflage

Cuttlefish control camouflage by directly acting on skin cells called chromatophores, producing local changes in contrast. Through statistical analysis of chromatophore output, researchers inferred motor neuron activity and higher levels of control, peering into the brain's camouflage system.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature·DateOct 19, 2018

New way to prevent heart disease in type 1 diabetes

Scientists at Newcastle University have found that metformin can reduce the presence of microRNAs that contribute to heart disease in patients with Type 1 diabetes. By decreasing these microRNAs, metformin improves glucose levels and promotes blood vessel repair, opening up new treatment options for this vulnerable patient group.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 19, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New drug could sustain oxygen-starved hearts

A new drug, OMX-CV, has been developed to deliver oxygen only to oxygen-starved heart tissue, bypassing systemic side effects. The treatment has shown promising results in an animal model of global hypoxia and could have applications for treating cardiovascular diseases and pediatric conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 19, 2018

How schools can optimize support for children with ADHD

Non-medication measures such as one-to-one support and daily report cards improved academic outcomes in children with ADHD. Schools can increase children's ability to regulate their emotions through approaches like these, which may work best for children with ADHD delivered via one-to-one sessions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalReview of Education·DateOct 19, 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.

1 in 4 @JUULvapor tweeps is underage, a #PublicHealth concern

A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that nearly a quarter of JUUL's Twitter followers are under 18, retweeting and amplifying the brand's messages to vulnerable populations. This is concerning as e-cigarette marketing can lead to nicotine addiction and increased tobacco smoking among young adults.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateOct 19, 2018
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.

New study may provide clues to how birds began to fly

Researchers measured the ground effect of flying animals and found that it saves twice as much energy as previously believed. The study supports the 'ground up' theory on how birds began to fly by suggesting that proto-wings evolved from running and jumping abilities.

SourceLund University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 19, 2018