Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 25, 2019


Putting understudied terrorists under a microscope

Researchers at Michigan State University found that ideological cyberterrorist attacks by far-left groups are on the rise, targeting companies and organizations with data breaches, web defacements, and doxing. The attacks have a significant economic and emotional impact, making them a growing threat.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTerrorism and Political Violence·DateJan 25, 2019

Use a microscope as a shovel? UConn researchers dig it

Researchers have discovered that atomic force microscopes can be used to map the interior of materials, revealing patterns and properties previously unknown at the surface. This new technique has the potential to improve the design of computer chips and reduce energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2019

Language used on credit card websites the hardest to understand

New research reveals that credit card websites are the most difficult to understand, containing more complex financial terminology than payday loan and personal loan sites. The study measured readability using the Fog Index, finding only payday loans sites meet basic readability standards.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEconomics Letters·DateJan 25, 2019

New technology gives unprecedented look inside capillaries

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new tool to image blood flow through tiny capillaries, providing insights into the circulatory system. The 3D-imaging technique can detect subtle changes in capillary organization for early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJan 25, 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.

'GO dough' makes graphene easy to shape and mold

Researchers have developed a soft and moldable graphene oxide material called GO dough that solves several challenges in the graphene manufacturing industry. This innovative material can be shaped and reshaped into free-standing structures without combustion risks or heavy packaging issues.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2019

Why women? -- Studying the role of gender in Alzheimer's disease

A recent grant award of $5.9 million will focus on identifying sex-specific mechanisms driving Alzheimer's disease and developing novel therapeutics for women and men. The study, led by Dr. Roberta Diaz Brinton, seeks to define biochemical pathways leading to sex differences in the disease.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·DateJan 25, 2019

How sponges undermine coral reefs from within

Scientists found that sponges hollow out and take over reef skeletons to protect themselves from predators, using chemical and mechanical techniques. Ocean acidification enhances this process, making it possible to predict future coral reef conditions more accurately.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 25, 2019

OU postdoctoral researcher wins Hynes Award from society

Daniel Nelson, a University of Oklahoma postdoctoral researcher, has won the Hynes Award for his groundbreaking work on the effects of climate change on freshwater ecosystems. His research, published in Global Change Biology, showed that warming may reassemble invertebrate communities and lower total invertebrate density but have a neu...

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateJan 25, 2019
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.

Common pain reliever can improve survival in head and neck cancer

Regular use of NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, significantly improves overall five-year survival rate from 25% to 78% for patients with head and neck cancer containing the mutated PIK3CA gene. This is the first study to show a strong clinical advantage of regular NSAID use in this specific case.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 25, 2019

New method yields higher transition temperature in superconducting materials

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new method to raise the transition temperature of superconducting materials, potentially leading to more efficient and reliable power grids. The breakthrough, reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uses high pressure to increase the superconductors' abi...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2019

Anti-flu antibodies can inhibit two different viral proteins, NIH study reveals

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered that antibodies targeting the hemagglutinin protein on influenza viruses also inhibit the neuraminidase enzyme. This inhibition enhances antibody neutralization and activation of innate immune cells with anti-viral activity. The study suggests a promising approach for uni...

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 25, 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.

Yale psychologists find that adults take girls' pain less seriously

A new Yale study found that adults tend to underestimate the pain experienced by girls, attributing this to culturally ingrained myths about boys being more stoic and girls being more emotive. The researchers hope their findings will lead to further investigation into biases in pain assessment and health care.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateJan 25, 2019

Tobacco use in adolescence is tied to paranoia, largely due to shared genetic influences

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found a significant association between tobacco use and paranoid experiences in adolescents. The study, which used data from over 3,700 twin pairs, suggested that genetic influences played a key role in this link.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 25, 2019

Static electricity could charge our electronics

A study by the University at Buffalo suggests that tiny structural changes occur at the surface of materials when they come into contact with each other, leading to the triboelectric effect. This phenomenon has the potential to unify existing theory and create more sustainable power sources for small electronic devices.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Electrostatics·DateJan 25, 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.

Understanding the emergence of leukemia

A new study from Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia shows that leukemia can emerge as a consequence of prolonged precursor cells in the thymus. This blood cancer affects mostly children and is associated with a high risk of developing T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJan 25, 2019

Birth rates in Fukushima City before, after nuclear disaster

A study found a 10% reduction in monthly birth rates in Fukushima City following the 2011 nuclear disaster, but rates recovered similar to pre-disaster levels after several years. The authors suggest this may indicate post-disaster rebuilding efforts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 25, 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.

Researchers discover key protein in the production of insulin

The discovery of glucose-regulated protein GRP94 as a chaperone assisting proinsulin folding has significant implications for understanding insulin production. Removing GRP94 from beta cells impaired insulin secretion, suggesting its specialized function in maintaining cellular response to misfolded proinsulin.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalDiabetes·DateJan 25, 2019

LSTM and Imperial College Researchers design new anti-influenza drugs

Researchers at LSTM and Imperial College London have designed drugs that target the receptors of human cells to combat flu pandemics. The engineered biologicals block interactions between influenza viruses and human cells, offering a potential solution to deadly strains.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJan 25, 2019

Women gain weight when job demands are high

A Swedish study of over 3,800 people found that high job demands are associated with significant weight gain in women, but not in men. The researchers suggest that women's greater responsibility for childcare and household tasks may contribute to this finding.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health·DateJan 25, 2019

The hitchhiker's guide to defeating glioblastoma

A new method of using multiple microRNAs to weaken cancer cells has shown promising results in preclinical models, increasing survival in a murine model of glioblastoma by five-fold when combined with chemotherapy. The treatment strategy weakens tumor cells but does not directly kill them, making it an advantage for further treatment.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers uncover brain pathway linked to impulsive behaviors

A new brain pathway has been discovered that triggers impulsive behavior when dopamine signals are passed to an unexpected area of the brain. The pathway involves the amygdala and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, a complex brain structure involved in emotional and behavioral responses to stress.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2019

Platinum forms nano-bubbles

Researchers at DESY NanoLab discovered that platinum oxidizes more readily than expected when exposed to high pressures of oxygen, forming nano-bubbles. This phenomenon has significant implications for applications such as catalytic converters in cars and electrochemical sensors.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalSolid State Ionics·DateJan 25, 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.

Cellular stress at the movies

Biological imaging experts at Colorado State University have used a custom fluorescence microscope to capture individual RNA molecules interacting with stress granules. The results show that RNA translation is completely silenced before the RNAs enter the stress granules, providing unprecedented details of the cellular stress response.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 25, 2019

Muscle memory discovery ends 'use it or lose it' dogma

Researchers have found that nuclei gained during training persist even when muscle cells shrink due to disuse or disease, allowing for rapid growth when retrained. This discovery has important implications for public health policy and suggests that exercise in early life can help prevent frailty in old age.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJan 25, 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.

New research will improve diagnosis of antenatal anxiety

A new study has identified reliable symptoms for diagnosing antenatal anxiety in pregnant women, improving screening tools for health professionals. The findings suggest that elevated worry, panic symptoms, and excessive concerns about the baby's health are robust indicators of antenatal anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 25, 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.

Inequality promotes deforestation in Latin America

A new study by Graziano Ceddia reveals that greater inequality increases deforestation in Latin America, while less inequality better protects forests. Increasing agricultural productivity can help reduce pressure on remaining forests, but it also incentivizes the conversion of more forests to cropland.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2019

UH researchers report new class of polyethylene catalyst

Researchers at UH have reported a new class of polyethylene catalyst with exceptional turnover frequency and potential for high-strength plastics in medical and other applications. The nickel-based catalyst has the potential to produce ultra-high-weight polyethylene, but further work is needed to improve its commercial viability.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2019

Examination of outpatient prescribing patterns for anxiety drugs

The study found that benzodiazepine prescriptions for anxiety increased from 3.8% to 7.4% over the 12-year period, with primary care physicians accounting for half of all visits. The growing use of benzodiazepines has led to an increase in overdose deaths, prompting a need for addressing prescribing patterns.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 25, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Researchers discover record-breaking salamander

Researchers have made the largest individual record within the genus Gyrinophilus and the Plethodontidae family in the United States. The discovery is reexamining growth limits of cave-obligate salamanders in harsh environments, highlighting the hospitability of underground ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalSubterranean Biology·DateJan 25, 2019

Tachycardia in cancer patients may signal increased mortality risk

Researchers analyzed data from 622 cancer patients and found that those with tachycardia had a higher mortality rate compared to those without it. Tachycardia was a significant predictor of overall mortality regardless of cancer type, highlighting the need for co-management of heart and cancer conditions.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateJan 25, 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.

Medications could fill treatment gap for adolescents with obesity

For adolescents with obesity, weight loss medications may be an effective option that hasn't improved with lifestyle modification or surgery. Researchers recommend evidence-based guidance on medication use, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and further research.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalObesity·DateJan 25, 2019

Do microbes control the formation of giant copper deposits?

A recent study by Fernando Tornos and colleagues reveals that microbes play a key role in the precipitation of metals in shallow environments. The researchers found evidence of anaerobic microbes controlling the formation of copper sulfides in the Las Cruces deposit, a high-grade copper ore site.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 25, 2019

Giving children the skills they need to tackle life's toughest challenges

Dr. Joyce Javier's innovative program, featuring a cost-effective video, significantly increased enrollment of Filipino parents in The Incredible Years parenting program. This study found that the program reduced parenting stress and promoted family connectedness, protecting against suicide rates among Asian American youth.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 25, 2019
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.

New insight into unique sugar transport in plants

Researchers from Aarhus University have solved the structure of a Sugar Transport Protein (STP) and discovered a novel domain that plays a crucial role in the transport mechanism. The discovery provides valuable insights into how plants develop correctly and respond to fungal attacks.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2019

A landscape unseen in over 40,000 years

Radiocarbon dating reveals ancient plants preserved on Baffin Island have been covered by ice for at least 40,000 years. The findings suggest the region may be experiencing its warmest century in 115,000 years.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2019

Genetically modified virus injection into tumor can treat metastatic melanoma

A genetically modified virus injection into tumor has effectively treated almost 40 percent of patients with metastatic melanoma. The treatment, talimogene laherparepvec (TVEC), stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells, leading to a complete local response rate of 39 percent in stage IIIB disease.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 25, 2019

Helmholtz scientists identify the causes of cortisone-induced side effects

Researchers have pinpointed a mechanism that leads to steroid diabetes in patients undergoing long-term cortisone treatment. The findings suggest that the E47 transcription factor plays a key role in the changes in gene expression, particularly in liver cells.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2019
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.

Listeria in the feed: A dangerous hygiene problem in fattening pigs

Listeria contamination in fattening pig feed can cause severe illness and death, researchers warn. A study found that anaerobic ensilaging conditions can suppress bacterial growth, highlighting the importance of proper feeding procedures.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalBMC Veterinary Research·DateJan 25, 2019

An integrative approach to studying lipid biology

Scientists have discovered how COQ9 binds to aromatic isoprene lipids, accessing membranes through an amphipathic helix. This finding presents new insights into the production of CoQ and may inform strategies to treat lipid deficiency disorders.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 25, 2019

MD Anderson study shows FGL2 protein may be an effective target for glioblastoma

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a link between FGL2 protein and glioblastoma progression. FGL2, known for suppressing the immune system, is highly expressed in GBM and can be eliminated by knocking it out, eliminating tumor progression in mice with intact immune systems.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 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.

Study suggests aspirin may help some patients survive head and neck cancer

A study suggests that regular use of aspirin or other NSAIDs can improve the survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who have mutations in the PIK3CA gene. This is due to the reduction of prostaglandin E2, an inflammatory molecule that promotes tumor growth.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 25, 2019

Harvard researchers report positive trial results with artificial pancreas smartphone app

The interoperable Artificial Pancreas System smartphone app has shown improved time in the target glucose range and a statistically significant reduction in time below 70mg/dL. The study suggests that this system could provide personalized care for patients with diabetes, offering flexibility and convenience.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateJan 25, 2019

Autism and theory of mind

Researchers developed a new test to examine theory of mind in people with autism. The study found that individuals with autism struggle with tracking Sally's beliefs about the environment and making logical conclusions about her behavior. This understanding can help develop treatments for autism in the future.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 25, 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.

Neanderthal hunting spears could kill at a distance

A new study reveals that Neanderthals had the technological capabilities to hunt at a distance using advanced wooden spears, contradicting previous theories that they only hunted at close range. The spears, dating back to 300,000 years ago, were found to be effective in hitting targets up to 20 meters away.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 25, 2019

Kansas State University awarded grant for juvenile justice initiatives

The project aims to build community capacity in data collection and analysis and foster community collaboration in support of youth and families. K-State JJC will work with stakeholders in 23 pre-selected Kansas counties to develop a comprehensive toolkit for local, sustainable systems that serve unique needs of youth.

SourceKansas State University·DateJan 25, 2019

Fish oil does not appear to improve asthma control in teens, young adults

A study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that four grams of fish oil per day for six months did not improve asthma control in adolescents and young adults with uncontrolled asthma. The researchers suggested that obesity may cause systemic inflammation, which reduces the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory t...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 25, 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.