Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 2


Page 2 of 37

Child Mind Institute study: Wearables could inform selective mutism research, diagnosis, treatment

A new study by Child Mind Institute researchers found that specially-designed wearables can quantify child vocalization features affected by SM, providing standardized measurements for diagnosis and treatment. The technology has the potential to advance SM research and aid clinicians in determining treatment efficacy.

SourceThe Child Mind Institute·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateSep 28, 2018

Scientists created proteins controlled by light

Researchers developed switchable fluorescent proteins that can be controlled by green and orange light, enabling the study of dynamic processes in living cells without harming them. The proteins' efficient photoswitching allows for super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, a method previously hampered by toxic irradiation.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 28, 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.

Diagnostic protocol effective in identifying ED patients with acute chest pain

A new accelerated diagnostic protocol, HEART Pathway, is effective in identifying low-risk ED patients with acute chest pain who can be safely sent home without hospitalization or comprehensive cardiac testing. The study found a 6% reduction in hospitalizations and significant decreases in median length of stay and use of stress testing.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCirculation·DateSep 28, 2018

Green mango peel: A slick solution for oil-contaminated soils

Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed nanoparticles from green mango peel that can break down toxins in oil sludge through chemical oxidation. These plant-based nanoparticles successfully decontaminate oil-polluted soil, providing a novel and effective treatment for oil-contaminated soils.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalEnvironmental Technology & Innovation·DateSep 28, 2018

Fewer biofuels, more green space: Climate action researcher calls for urgent shift

Researchers at University of Michigan urge policymakers to prioritize planting more trees and conserving wild areas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By protecting natural ecosystems, up to one-third of current carbon dioxide emissions could be sequestered, keeping carbon out of the atmosphere for decades.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 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.

Search for groundwater in the ocean

Scientists from GEOMAR and University of Malta are collaborating on a three-year project to develop a best practice guide for detecting, characterizing, and monitoring offshore aquifers. The goal is to assess the sustainability of using these aquifers as an alternative source of freshwater in coastal regions.

SourceUniversity of Malta·DateSep 28, 2018

Moffitt researchers use new technique to identify a novel drug combination for NSCLC

Moffitt researchers used a new technique to identify a previously unknown mechanism of midostaurin in lung cancer. Combining functional proteomics with deep network analysis led to the discovery of TBK1, PDPK1, and AURKA as protein targets for midostaurin, resulting in a more effective combination therapy.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateSep 28, 2018

A role for Scn5a missplicing in cardiac arrhythmias in myotonic dystrophy

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that reproducing Scn5a missplicing in mice with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) recapitulates cardiac function defects present in patients. The findings highlight a non-mutational mechanism contributing to arrhythmias and open possibilities for novel interventions.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 28, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Steelhead life cycle linked to environment, pink salmon abundance

A Simon Fraser University study has found that steelhead trout age of migration, size, and numbers are controlled by a combination of temperature, co-occurring salmon, and other factors. In years with large pink salmon returns, steelhead migrated to sea at a younger age, producing more young fish from the river system.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalEcosphere·DateSep 28, 2018

Feeding ants dopamine might make them smarter foragers

Researchers found that treating ants with dopamine increased individual foraging trips and sensitivity to humidity. The team also used a dopamine inhibitor to verify their results, showing that increased dopamine levels led to more foraging and improved colony behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateSep 27, 2018

Keeping things cool with a paint-like polymer

Researchers have developed a paint-like polymer that can cool down surfaces by reflecting sunlight and heat back into the sky. The PDRC polymer reflects over 96% of sunlight and achieves sub-ambient temperature reductions of approximately 6° Celsius in hot climates.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2018

Scientists show polar 'polynya' supported marine life during last Ice Age

Researchers found a small ice-free 'polynya' in the Arctic that sustained microscopic marine life for at least 5,000 years. This discovery provides insight into how marine ecosystems adapted to extreme climate conditions during the last Ice Age, highlighting their vulnerability and resilience.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 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.

Ride-hailing increases vehicle miles traveled

A study published in Transportation found that ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft contribute to increased vehicle miles traveled due to empty miles from drivers going without passengers. For every 100 miles carrying passengers, Uber and Lyft drivers travel an additional 69 miles without a passenger.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalTransportation·DateSep 27, 2018

Following the path of chemicals through the soil

Researchers used visible/near-infrared spectroscopy to predict breakthrough curves of dissolved chemicals in intact soil columns. The new technology estimated mass transport with a high degree of accuracy and has potential for cost-effective and efficient monitoring of dissolved chemical transport.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 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.

NASA's close up of Hurricane Rosa shows hint of an eye

Hurricane Rosa shows a cloud-filled eye with two wrapping thunderstorm bands. The National Hurricane Center notes a defined eye structure beneath the overcast. Rosa is expected to strengthen and weaken before landfall in Baja California on Oct. 2.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 27, 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 invasive bryozoan arrives in Alaskan waters

A new invasive species, Bugula neritina, has been detected in the Ketchikan region of Alaska, along with three other non-native species. The discovery highlights the importance of early detection and monitoring to control the spread of invasive species in Alaskan waters.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalBioInvasions Records·DateSep 27, 2018

Virtual reality motion sickness may be predicted and counteracted

Researchers can predict cybersickness severity using balance control measures, allowing for targeted interventions to reduce symptoms. The study's findings have significant implications for industries adopting virtual reality technology, such as gaming and medicine.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateSep 27, 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.

New Cluster of Excellence to unravel the 'physics of life'

The Cluster of Excellence PoL aims to understand the organization of living matter and its mechanisms. The researchers hope to shed light on tissue formation and structure, which will provide solutions to pressing bioengineering and health issues.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateSep 27, 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.

Antimicrobial resistance of uropathogenic Escherichia coli from elderly patients

A study of 768 E. coli isolates from elderly patients with urinary tract infections found a high prevalence of resistance to β-lactams and other antimicrobials. Independent risk factors for multi-resistant E. coli included diabetes, recurrent infections, hospitalization, and exposure to β-lactams.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Infectious Diseases Journal·DateSep 27, 2018

Scientists propose a new model for the specialization of cells

Researchers developed a model that explains how cell specialization arises in response to resource constraints. The model considers the influence of environmental factors and initial differentiation of cells, providing a more realistic understanding of cellular specialization.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 27, 2018

How Sacred Ibis mummies provided the first test of evolution

The discovery of mummified Sacred Ibises in France after Napoleon's conquest of Egypt played a significant role in delaying the acceptance of evolutionary theory. The debate between Georges Cuvier and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck over these birds' classification highlighted the influence of charismatic personalities on scientific thought.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 27, 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.

New digital tool sparks enthusiasm among metal detectorists

A new digital platform DIME has been launched in Denmark to register and make accessible the growing number of metal detector finds. This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between amateur archaeologists and museums, allowing for a broader sharing of knowledge and promoting democratic cultural heritage management.

SourceAarhus University·DateSep 27, 2018

Software finds the best way to stick a Mars landing

Researchers at MIT have developed a software tool that automatically generates maps of favorable landing sites on Mars, taking into account scientific priorities and engineering constraints. The program uses fuzzy logic to deal with imprecision in the data and can explore different landing and exploratory scenarios.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEarth and Space Science·DateSep 27, 2018

When neglected children become adolescents

A new study on children from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project found that those who remained in institutions experienced cognitive problems, depression, anxiety, and disruptive behavior. In contrast, children placed with high-quality foster families showed improved outcomes, particularly at ages 12 and 16.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 27, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

DARPA funds Carnegie Mellon team for Subterranean Challenge

The Carnegie Mellon team will leverage its expertise in modularity to develop robots that can adapt to various environments, including small spaces and large structures. The team aims to create robots capable of rapid mapping, exploring, and exploiting complex underground environments.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateSep 27, 2018

Shake, rattle, and roll to high efficiency photovoltaics

Researchers at Penn State discover unique properties of halide perovskites that enable efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity, guiding the development of next-generation solar cells. The study's findings provide insights into how to improve the performance and stability of these materials.

SourcePenn State·JournalChem·DateSep 27, 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.

NASA-NOAA satellite looks into Typhoon Trami's ragged eye

Typhoon Trami showed a wide and ragged eye with deep convection and developing thunderstorms in NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite image on Sept. 27, 2018. The storm was located near latitude 22.2 degrees north and longitude 128.6 degrees east, with maximum sustained winds of 90 knots.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 27, 2018

Plasma thruster: New space debris removal technology

A new plasma thruster technology has been developed to remove space debris, decelerating it with a force imparted from the satellite. The system uses bi-directional ejection of plasma plumes, controlled by a magnetic field and gas injection, for efficient removal in three operational modes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 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.

Polymer coating cools down buildings

Researchers create high-performance exterior PDRC polymer coating with nano-to-microscale air voids, which reflects sunlight and radiates heat to the sky. The coating can be fabricated, dyed, and applied like paint on various surfaces, achieving cooling capabilities in both desert and tropical climates.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2018

UM research to focus on muscles of bird flight

Researchers will explore how smooth muscles control feathers and aid birds in flight, a novel approach that could reveal the role of smooth muscle in limb control for the first time. By studying body contour feathers and wing movement, they aim to transform our understanding of bird flight.

SourceThe University of Montana·DateSep 27, 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.

Where are they?

A team of UCSB students, led by Philip Lubin, are searching for signs of alien life in Andromeda using a suite of telescopes and photonic technology. They aim to detect potential signals from civilizations using optical beams that could be visible across the universe.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateSep 27, 2018