Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 5, 2019


John A. Kanis named winner of IOF Olof Johnell Science Award

Professor John A. Kanis has been recognized with the prestigious IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for his pioneering work in musculoskeletal research and policy implementation. The award acknowledges his development of FRAX models to calculate absolute fracture risk, which has revolutionized clinical practice.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateApr 5, 2019

Tidying up: A new way to direct trash to autophagy

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have identified a new structural feature of living cells that aids in tidying up defective cellular material, implicated in disorders such as Huntington's and Alzheimer's diseases. The discovery could lead to new preventive or therapeutic targets for human disease.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCell·DateApr 5, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Most links between personality traits and life outcomes are replicable

A large-scale replication project found that most links between personality traits and life outcomes are indeed replicable, with 85% of attempts reproducing previously identified trait-outcome associations. However, the study also revealed weaker-than-expected associations between some personality traits and life outcomes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 5, 2019

When robots commit wrongdoing, people may incorrectly assign the blame

Researchers explore how humans perceive robot responsibility and argue that key capacities, such as autonomy and appearance, can influence moral judgments. This understanding is crucial for real-world public policy decisions as robots become increasingly integrated into society.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateApr 5, 2019

TTI heat map shows relationship between traffic-related air pollution and childhood asthma

Researchers created an interactive heat map and city-by-city table detailing the distribution of childhood asthma due to traffic-related air pollution across the United States. Between 2000 and 2010, asthma cases attributable to traffic-related air pollution decreased by 33%, with over 140,000 cases reported in 2010.

SourceTexas A&M University Transportation Institute·JournalEnvironment International·DateApr 5, 2019
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.

Moffitt researchers develop tool to estimate genetic diversity and ancestry of cell lines

A new online tool allows researchers to determine the genetic ancestral origin of over 1300 cancer cell lines, revealing a lack of representation from diverse populations. The study found that European and East Asian origins were overrepresented, while African American and Hispanic/Latino origins were underrepresented.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 5, 2019

How good are protein disorder prediction programs actually?

The study analyzed 26 widely-used protein disorder prediction methods and found that they vary noticeably in performance. This thorough comparison provides valuable insights for protein scientists to make informed choices about which programs to use.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 5, 2019

Sah: Medical guidelines may be biased, overly aggressive

A recent commentary suggests that treatment guidelines recommended by medical specialist organizations are more likely to lead to overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and increased healthcare costs. The authors argue that specialty bias and fee-for-service compensation models contribute to this issue.

SourceCornell University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 5, 2019
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.

Synthetic antibody rapidly protects mice and monkeys from Zika

Researchers have developed a synthetic DNA-encoded monoclonal antibody that rapidly protects mice and non-human primates from Zika infection. The DMAb-ZK190 platform has shown promise in controlling infection and reducing viral loads, providing a potential alternative to existing prevention methods.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateApr 5, 2019

The carbon offset market: Leveraging forest carbon's value in the Brazilian Amazon

A government-run program in the Brazilian Amazon distributes revenue from carbon credits to rural laborers and family farmers, creating an inclusive green economy. The program's benefits include expanded social welfare initiatives and potential to prevent deforestation, but also raises concerns about land power and potential risks.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalThe Journal of Peasant Studies·DateApr 5, 2019

Tailoring lactation education to the cultural needs of orthodox Jewish families

A new article provides culturally competent lactation education and evidence-based guidance for Orthodox Jewish mothers with sick newborns. Nurses are advised to have conversations with Rabbis before delivery to determine colostrum and milk storage needs, ensuring personalized care and meeting individual goals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalMCN The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing·DateApr 5, 2019

Changes in gun purchases after mass shootings

Researchers found that mass shootings with extensive media coverage were associated with increases in handgun purchases, while high-fatality shootings led to decreases in handgun sales. Overall, the study suggests a possible connection between gun violence and public opinion on gun purchases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 5, 2019
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.

Older adults with blood cancers: How they fare

A recent study found that older adults with blood cancers who struggled with daily activities had a higher risk of death, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits. Researchers suggest screening for age-related conditions to improve function and tolerance for cancer treatment.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 5, 2019

Digging ancient signals out of modern human genomes

A recent study in Molecular Biology and Evolution reconstructed artificial genomes with the analyses of 565 contemporary South Asian individuals to extract ancient DNA signals. The researchers found valuable genetic components that allow them to elucidate the genetic composition of ancient populations in the region. Additionally, they ...

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 5, 2019

Autism brings qualities which help at home and at work, study shows

A study of autistic adults reveals that traits associated with autism can be both beneficial and burdensome. The research found that autistic individuals often possess exceptional memory, attention to detail, and creative abilities, making them highly focused and tenacious. However, these same traits can also cause anxiety or exhaustion.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAutism in Adulthood·DateApr 5, 2019

Screen time -- even before bed -- has little impact on teen well-being

A study of over 17,000 teenagers found no clear evidence that screen time decreases adolescent well-being, even before bed. The research analyzed data from three different countries and used rigorous methodology to gather information about screen time.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 5, 2019
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.

Social insecurity also stresses chimpanzees

Male chimpanzees exhibit increased urinary cortisol levels during unstable dominance periods, indicating psychosocial stress despite lower aggression rates.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 5, 2019

Racial disparities continue for black women seeking heart health care

Despite improvements in heart attack and heart disease care for older women, black women continue to face significant racial disparities in treatment. Postmenopausal black women were 50% less likely and Hispanic women 16% less likely to receive treatment when arriving at the hospital with symptoms compared to white women.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 5, 2019
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.

Prototype in precision

A new proximity capacitance imaging sensor has been developed with high sensitivity and resolution, detecting sweat pores between finger ridges. This advancement aims to improve security in various fields such as authentication and life sciences.

SourceTohoku University·DateApr 5, 2019

Job indicators drop slightly again for Americans with disabilities

The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 31.7% in March 2018 to 31.1% in March 2019, while labor force participation rates also showed decline. This suggests a tapering off of engagement of people with disabilities in the labor market.

SourceKessler Foundation·DateApr 5, 2019

Science-based guidelines for building a bee-friendly landscape

The article presents science-based guidelines for creating a bee-friendly landscape, highlighting the importance of native plants and diverse flower forms. Key findings include non-native plants extending the flowering season and pest-free plants attracting beneficial bees.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateApr 5, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scientists explore causes of biodiversity in perching birds

A global team of scientists has identified possible causes of diversity among modern bird species, focusing on perching birds. The study found that changes in geology and climate played a role in the evolution of these birds, with evidence suggesting that glaciations and warming periods impacted their development.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2019

Like old photographs, memories fade over time

A team of Boston College researchers discovered that memories fade in quality over time, losing vibrancy and visual details. The study found that people report declines in the visual qualities of their memories, akin to applying a filter to edit a picture.

SourceBoston College·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 5, 2019
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.

Study calculates costs associated with smoking by patients with cancer

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that continued smoking after a cancer diagnosis increases the risk of cancer treatment failure and adds $11,000 to treatment costs per patient. The research estimates $3.4 billion in national additional cancer treatment costs if patients continue to smoke.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 5, 2019

Eyes reveal early Alzheimer's disease

Researchers detected vascular changes in the human eye using an infrared camera, providing a new potential biomarker for identifying individuals at high risk of progressing to Alzheimer's. The study aims to explore the correlation between retinal capillaries and other brain biomarkers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 5, 2019

Unexpected rain on sun links two solar mysteries

Researchers found evidence of coronal rain in smaller, previously overlooked magnetic loops on the Sun. The discovery links two solar mysteries: the anomalous heating of the corona and the source of the slow solar wind.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 5, 2019
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.

Research identifies genetic causes of poor sleep

A study published in Nature Communications has found 47 links between the genetic code and sleep quality, quantity, and timing. The research team identified a gene called PDE11A as affecting not only sleep duration but also quality, with variants impacting sleep measures.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 5, 2019

Unjamming the genome after DNA damage

A protein complex, Ccr4-Not, has been shown to recruit factors that mark RNAPII with ubiquitin, triggering its degradation and clearing the jam. This process is essential for normal cell function and preventing diseases associated with DNA damage.

SourcePenn State·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 5, 2019

Parental behavior affects the involvement of children in cyberbullying

Andalusian researchers found that children who receive more affection and encouragement from their parents are less likely to be involved in cyberbullying. Conversely, those who experience punitive discipline are more likely to engage in online aggression and victimization.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 5, 2019
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.

What are the costs of continued smoking among patients with cancer?

A new study found that continued smoking by patients with cancer adds significant costs to subsequent cancer treatment. The analysis conservatively suggests a total of nearly $11,000 in increased treatment costs for each smoking patient after their initial cancer treatment fails.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 5, 2019

SUTD uncovers the power of dynamically rewiring swarm robotic systems

A study by researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) reveals the importance of dynamic rewiring in swarm robotic systems for optimal collective response to changing environmental conditions. The team discovered a specific number of interactions required for effective collective operations.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 5, 2019

DFG to fund 6 new Research Units

The DFG is funding six new Research Units addressing various pressing research issues. The units will focus on improving the evaluation of whole genome sequences, investigating resilience in religion and spirituality, developing adaptive polymer gels, and understanding cytomegalovirus immune responses.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateApr 5, 2019

Rocket fuel that's cleaner, safer and still full of energy

Researchers at McGill University have created a new class of hypergolic fuels that are significantly cleaner and safer than current options. These fuels use metal-organic frameworks to unlock energy, offering a promising solution for the aerospace industry.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 5, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Getting to the bottom of the 'boiling crisis'

Researchers at MIT have found a way to quantify the boiling crisis phenomenon, which occurs when bubbles merge on a heated surface, blocking heat transfer. By analyzing patterns and density of bubbles, they can predict when the crisis will occur, potentially allowing for more efficient operation of power plants.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 5, 2019

Rainforest conservation in Peru must become more effective

A study by the University of Bonn finds that Peru's National Forest Conservation Program has a small effect on curbing deforestation in the Amazon region. Three key recommendations are proposed: full territorial enrollment, stricter compliance enforcement, and targeted funding for ecologically endangered areas.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 5, 2019

Scientists develop methods to validate gene regulation networks

The research offers a potential framework and more efficient methods for investigating vital pathways in any organism. The team mapped out a network of interactions for how plant genes coordinate their response to nitrogen, a crucial nutrient and the main component of fertilizer.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 5, 2019

Radiation and plants: From soil remediation to interplanetary flights

Researchers studied the effects of ionizing radiation on plants, finding that it can alter physiological processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. The study suggests that ionizing radiation can have both negative and positive effects on plant life, depending on the context.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalJournal of Environmental Radioactivity·DateApr 5, 2019
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.

Mystery of negative capacitance in perovskite solar cells solved

Researchers from EPFL have solved the puzzle of negative capacitance in perovskite solar cells by identifying a slow modification of current passing through contact, regulated by mobile ionic charge. This discovery sheds light on interaction between photovoltaic effect and ionic conductivity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 5, 2019

Mutation stands in the way of healthy blood cell maturation

Researchers discovered how a specific TET2 gene mutation obstructs healthy blood cell maturation in mice. The study provides crucial knowledge to develop treatments for haematological disorders and targets the common mutation found in leukaemia patients.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 5, 2019

Researchers discover CP violation in charm meson decays

Scientists from HSE and Yandex collaborate on LHCb experiment, discovering CP violation in charm meson decays with statistical significance of 5.3 standard deviations. AI tools improve data selection and analysis, enabling correct interpretation of physical results.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·DateApr 5, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

What the Finnish concept of sisu can offer the world

A new study from Aalto University proposes that sisu, a universal human strength, can help individuals surpass preconceived limitations through stored-up energy reserves. However, excessive sisu can lead to burnout and an attitude of mercilessness, emphasizing the need for balance and self-awareness.

SourceAalto University·JournalInternational Journal of Wellbeing·DateApr 5, 2019