Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 16, 2019


Each cell is a small world: the microbiome of ciliates has been studied

Researchers investigate the microbiome of Stentor coeruleus and find a distinct bacterial community associated with the ciliate. The study reveals that different ciliates can host unique bacterial populations, highlighting the importance of further research into protistan microbiomes.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 16, 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.

Wearable sensors detect what's in your sweat

Researchers developed wearable skin sensors that can detect sweat rate and electrolytes, providing real-time updates on health problems such as dehydration or fatigue. The sensors were found to be reliable and reproducible, enabling continuous data collection from different parts of the body.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 16, 2019

Archaeology at BESSY II

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin analyse fragile papyrus with nondestructive methods, detecting lead in blank patch and deciphering blurry image. A new technique allows them to study folded papyri without contact, opening doors for future studies on valuable finds.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of Cultural Heritage·DateAug 16, 2019

Doctors help parents talk with their teens about sex, alcohol

A randomized clinical trial found that interventions targeting parents in primary care pediatric settings can improve communications between parents and teens about sexual health and alcohol use. The study showed an increased frequency of parent-teen communications about these topics in intervention groups compared to the control group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 16, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

uSEE breakthrough unlocks the nanoscale world on standard biology lab equipment

Researchers at Macquarie University have created a simple method to bypass diffraction limitations using standard optical imaging tools, enabling everyday bio-imaging techniques. The uSEE approach improves resolution by reducing illumination intensity, making it suitable for any biological lab with minimal extra cost.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2019

Decoding the scent of a plant

Researchers found that herbivores like cutworm larvae can detect and respond to plant volatiles, triggering an immune response and protecting against parasitoid attacks. This unique ability allows the insects to 'smell' chemicals and counteract, revealing a new mechanism of communication between plants and their enemies.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalJournal of Chemical Ecology·DateAug 16, 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.

Study reveals how stress can curb the desire to eat in an animal model

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center discovered a neurocircuit in mice that activates when stressed, increasing anxiety and decreasing appetite. This finding could aid treatments for anorexia nervosa, a serious eating disorder with high mortality rate.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2019

Guidelines for managing severe traumatic brain injury continue to evolve

The guidelines for managing severe traumatic brain injury continue to evolve as new evidence emerges, emphasizing the need for high-quality research and clinically applicable recommendations. Key challenges and goals for the future include generating more robust evidence and translating it into effective patient care.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateAug 16, 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.

Tiny GPS backpacks uncover the secret life of desert bats

A new study using miniaturized satellite-based tags revealed that desert bats must fly further and longer during dry periods to meet their nightly needs. This suggests their struggle in coping with harsher conditions, highlighting the importance of understanding animal responses to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalMovement Ecology·DateAug 16, 2019

Feasibility of antimicrobial stewardship interventions in community hospitals

Two antimicrobial stewardship interventions were found to be feasible in community hospitals, increasing antibiotic appropriateness and reducing unnecessary use. The interventions, which included pharmacist approval after the first dose and engagement with prescribers, showed promise in improving stewardship practices.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 16, 2019

Nylon as a building block for transparent electronic devices?

Researchers at Max Planck Institute create high-performance nylon capacitors using a new method, paving the way for flexible and transparent electronic devices. The thin films are several 100 times thinner than human hair and can be used in wearable electronics.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 16, 2019

Firearm storage practices among military personnel with suicidal thoughts

A study of 1,652 active-duty military personnel found that nearly 36% of those with suicidal thoughts or behaviors had firearms at home. Safe storage practices were less common among those with a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors who had firearms. The study emphasizes the need for safe firearm storage to prevent suicide.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 16, 2019
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.

From the tiny testes of flies, new insight into how genes arise

Researchers used fruit flies to study the emergence of new genes in the testes, finding 184 de novo genes that originate from scratch. These genes show complex patterns and are most active during the spermatocyte phase of sperm development, suggesting they play roles in maturing sperm cells.

SourceRockefeller University·DateAug 16, 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.

ALS drug grant to spur drug discovery at Northwestern

Northwestern University scientists have received a $3.1 million grant to investigate drug therapies for ALS, targeting protein aggregation and upper motor neurons. Promising early results suggest compounds may have broader applications for neurodegeneration.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateAug 16, 2019

A laser for penetrating waves

Scientists have successfully generated terahertz waves by applying an electric current to a material with precisely chosen properties. The discovery paves the way for potential applications in data transmission and material penetration.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 16, 2019

Physiological mechanisms leading to enterovirus opening revealed

Researchers discovered that albumin and ions in host cell vesicles trigger enterovirus genome release. The findings may provide new insights into understanding the fundamental aspects of enterovirus life cycle and developing targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalJournal of Virology·DateAug 16, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Revealed: How E. coli knows how to cause the worst possible infection

Researchers reveal E. coli's ability to detect low oxygen levels in the large intestine, allowing it to establish infection and produce harmful toxins. The discovery could lead to prevention strategies by blocking oxygen sensing, potentially limiting infection and avoiding drug resistance.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2019

Researchers show how probiotics benefit vaginal health

Researchers have identified three genes from a probiotic Lactobacillus species as critical for mediating adhesion to the vaginal epithelium. This is likely crucial for how this species benefits vaginal health.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 16, 2019

Could biological clocks in plants set the time for crop spraying?

New research suggests that understanding plant biological clocks can refine the use of chemicals like glyphosate, allowing for more efficient and sustainable agriculture practices. By applying treatments at optimal times, farmers can reduce herbicide usage, saving time and money while minimizing environmental harm.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2019
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.

Damage found in the bit area of most Finnish trotters

A study by University of Helsinki found that 84% of Finnish trotters had soft tissue damage in the bit area, with mild, moderate, and severe lesions detected. The researchers hope their developed classification system will facilitate comparative research.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateAug 16, 2019

Does the judicial system give justice to assaulted EMS first responders?

A new study from Drexel University suggests three practical solutions to improve the legal system's response to assaults on emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. The research emphasizes the need for education, preparation, and supportive policies to address violence against first responders.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateAug 16, 2019

Doped photovoltaics

A Chinese-German team developed a way to boost electric conductivity of organic solar cells, increasing their performance. By doping metal oxide interlayer with modified organic dye, both efficiency and stability were improved.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 16, 2019

Unraveling the stripe order mystery

Scientists at the University of Illinois and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have applied a new x-ray scattering technique to probe high-temperature superconductivity in cuprates. They found that charge-order fluctuations may mediate superconductivity, and that these fluctuations obey a universal scaling law.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 16, 2019
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.

Researchers refine guidelines for pediatric brain injuries

A study published in JAMA finds that measuring carbon dioxide levels through an artery is more accurate than using end-tidal capnography for pediatric brain trauma patients. The protocol developed by the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center has been widely used at Harborview Medical Center.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 16, 2019

Two advances in understanding the role of 'charge stripes' in superconducting mate

Researchers at SLAC used X-rays to observe fluctuations in charge density waves, discovering a universal dynamical scaling law that reveals the slow diffusion of a syrup-like behavior. Another study found two types of hidden arrangements, making a new link between charge stripes and high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 16, 2019
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.

Scientists assess reliability of multiple precipitable water vapor datasets in Central Asia

Researchers evaluated satellite and reanalysis PWV datasets against radiosonde observations in Central Asia, finding ERA5 and MERRA2 perform better in climatological characteristics and interannual variations. The study provides valuable information for future research on water cycle in Central Asia.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEarth and Space Science·DateAug 16, 2019

Cannabis-related poison control calls for Massachusetts kids doubled after medical pot legalized

Massachusetts kids experienced a doubling of cannabis-related poison control calls after medical marijuana was legalized, with single-substance exposure increasing 140% and edible products linked to most age groups. The study calls for stronger regulations to prevent unintentional exposure among young children and enhanced efforts to p...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 16, 2019

Humans migrated to Mongolia much earlier than previously believed

A new study suggests that modern humans reached Mongolia around 45,000 years ago, challenging previous estimates of 35,000 years. The discovery includes stone tools and animal remains indicating a warm climate and human occupation in the region.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 16, 2019