Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 21, 2019


Pathogenesis and treatment of periodontitis: Honoring the legacy of Ricardo Teles

The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and American Association for Dental Research (AADR) honored the legacy of Ricardo Teles in a symposium. The symposium reviewed current knowledge in clinical periodontology, identified gaps in research, and recognized his contributions to advancing the field.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJun 21, 2019

Scientists dissolve crude oil in water to study its composition

Researchers create a new approach to analyze crude oil composition by dissolving it in water under high temperature and pressure. The method is compliant with green chemistry principles, avoiding hazardous solvents.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateJun 21, 2019

Blue pigment from engineered fungi could help turn the textile industry green

A team of scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has developed an eco-friendly production platform for a blue pigment called indigoidine. The engineered fungus, Rhodosporidium toruloides, produces the pigment with a high yield, using sustainable carbon sources and reducing toxic chemicals.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJun 21, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Newly discovered immune cells at the frontline of HIV infection

Researchers have identified CD11c+ dendritic cells as the first immune cells to interact with HIV, making them key drivers of infection. These newly discovered cells can capture viruses and deliver them to CD4 T cells, which are primary targets for HIV replication.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 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.

'Nanoemulsion' gels offer new way to deliver drugs through the skin

Researchers at MIT developed a new method to create nanoemulsions, stable droplets that can remain intact for over a year and carry large payloads of active ingredients. By adding heat-sensitive polymers, they can easily convert the emulsions into gels when exposed to body temperature.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2019

Autoimmunity and chair-side risk assessment of temporomandibular disorders

A study found that high levels of immunoglobulin G were associated with increased pain disability and comorbidities in TMD patients. Additionally, a chair-side risk assessment tool based on orofacial symptoms, headaches, and teeth grinding was developed to facilitate dental treatment planning.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJun 21, 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.

Cities are key to saving monarch butterflies

Two new studies suggest that planting milkweed in cities could support 15-30% of the 1.8 billion stems needed to save Monarch butterflies. Urban areas offer a vast potential for creating habitat, with residential yards and low-quality green spaces being particularly valuable targets.

SourceField Museum·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 21, 2019

Sexual hormone oestradiol protects female brain in mid-life

Increased visceral fat is associated with reduced brain structure and storage capacity, but oestradiol hormone protects women's brains in mid-life. Low oestradiol levels are linked to weaker memory performance during this age range.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 21, 2019

Keeping children safe in the 'Internet of Things' age

Lancaster University scientists have drawn up new guidelines to help designers build in safeguards for children using programmable Internet computing devices. The research aims to mitigate risks such as peer-to-peer abuse, bullying, and exploitation of data generated by children.

SourceLancaster University·DateJun 21, 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.

Straight to the heart

A team of scientists is using single-cell sequencing to map the diversity of cells in the human heart, aiming to understand how different cell types contribute to its function. The research, part of the Human Cell Atlas initiative, aims to provide a reference for future studies on heart diseases.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·DateJun 21, 2019

The pressure difference and vortex flow of blood in the heart chambers may signal heart dysfunction

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology found a close relationship between vortex flow and pressure differences in the ventricles of the heart, which may signal heart dysfunction. The study suggests that these indicators could be used as new markers for cardiovascular dysfunction leading to heart failure.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·DateJun 21, 2019

Skin bacteria could save frogs from virus

Researchers discover distinct skin microbiome in frog populations with and without ranavirus outbreaks, suggesting a protective role of skin bacteria. Further study is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this relationship.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJun 21, 2019

Do women regret embryo testing before IVF?

A study found that 94% of patients who underwent embryo genetic testing before IVF were glad to have the information, despite potentially disappointing results. The research suggests that even after a negative outcome, most women value the knowledge gained from embryo testing for reproductive planning.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 21, 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.

'Sneezing' plants contribute to disease proliferation

Researchers discovered that wheat plants' sneezing off condensation can spread spore-borne diseases like wheat leaf rust, causing crop yield losses up to 20%. Condensation droplets can carry spores and jump high distances, potentially spreading disease across entire crops.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJun 21, 2019

Chan Zuckerberg initiative awards $68 million to support the Human Cell Atlas

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has awarded $68 million to support the Human Cell Atlas, a collaborative effort between scientists from diverse disciplines. The funding will support networks of researchers who will map specific tissues in the healthy human body, generating cellular and molecular maps that will aid in understanding disease.

SourceChan Zuckerberg Initiative·DateJun 21, 2019

Gender-specific differences in the salivary microbiome of caries-active children

Research found significant differences in oral microbiota between caries-active boys and girls, with Actinobaculum, Veillonella parvula, and Lactococcus lactis dominating in girls. These findings suggest a gender-specific role of these microorganisms in shaping the cariogenic microbial environment.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJun 21, 2019

Dental microwear provides clues to dietary habits of lepidosauria

Researchers used microscopic images to differentiate between carnivores and herbivores among lepidosauria species. Fine distinctions were made between algae-, fruit-, and mollusk-eating species, pointing towards the discovery of first herbivorous terrestrial vertebrates.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateJun 21, 2019

Stresses from past earthquakes explain location of seismic events

A study published in Nature Communications suggests that historical earthquake stresses can predict future seismic activity. Researchers analyzed centuries-old written records of damage to reveal 97% of earthquakes occurred on positively stressed faults.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 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.

Immunology -- not just supporting actors

A novel marker for non-classical monocytes has identified their direct regulatory role in the adaptive immune response. Monocytes can infiltrate specific tissues, modulating immune cell activities.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience Immunology·DateJun 21, 2019

Structural development of the brain

Researchers found that N-cadherin protein plays a crucial role in arranging neurons to form the columnar microstructure of the brain. The study used Drosophila melanogaster fruit fly brain as a model and discovered that three neuron types are arranged within the columns, with R7 forming the core.

SourceKanazawa University·DateJun 21, 2019

Hubble captures elusive, irregular galaxy

IC 10 is the closest-known starburst galaxy, with ample supplies of cool hydrogen gas fueling its furious star formation. The faint object, located 2.2 million light-years from Earth, remains difficult to study due to cosmic dust and stars blocking our view.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 21, 2019

Foodie calls: Dating for a free meal (rather than a relationship)

A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that 23-33% of women have engaged in a 'foodie call', a date for a free meal rather than romance. Women with traditional gender role beliefs and high 'dark triad' personality traits were more likely to participate.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 21, 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 immunosuppressive drug's biosynthesis finally unlocked

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences crack long-solved mystery by elucidating MPA biosynthetic pathway, revealing unique cooperation between enzymes and catabolic machinery. The study also sheds light on compartmentalized biosynthesis in fungi and plants.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2019

Neuroscience research questions current alcohol limit

A new study published in Addiction Biology found that drinking one pint of beer or a large glass of wine can significantly compromise a person's sense of agency. This sense of agency is crucial for human social behavior, implying knowledge of the consequences of actions. The researchers used an indirect measure called intentional bindi...

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalAddiction Biology·DateJun 21, 2019

Your brain activity can be used to measure how well you understand a concept

Dartmouth researchers developed an algorithm to measure brain activity patterns and assess conceptual understanding in students. The method produced neural scores that significantly predicted individual differences in performance on concept knowledge tests, highlighting the brain's role in processing complex information.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2019

Researchers find new mutation in the leptin gene

Researchers discovered a new mutation in the leptin gene associated with severe early-onset obesity. The mutation causes Leptin proteins to be misfolded, rendering them ineffective and leading to excess body fat.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalGenes·DateJun 21, 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.

Ageism reduced by education, intergenerational contact

A Cornell-led study found that education and intergenerational contact can significantly reduce ageist attitudes, prejudices, and stereotypes. The interventions, particularly those combining both elements, proved to be effective in reducing ageism, especially among women, teens, and young adults.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 21, 2019

Next-gen solar cells spin in new direction

Research into phosphorene nanosheets has improved the potential of perovskite solar cells by increasing their electricity production efficiency by 2-3%. This breakthrough is significant as it could lead to more efficient and potentially cheaper solar cells, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSmall Methods·DateJun 21, 2019

Virtual reality takes a leap into taste

Scientists have created a system called optoPAD that uses light to manipulate the taste neurons of flies, creating virtual tastes that can affect their behavior. The technology has shown promising results in controlling feeding behaviors and could potentially be used to study the brain's role in food choices.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·DateJun 21, 2019
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.

A new drug target for chemically induced Parkinson's disease

Researchers have found an enzyme in the body that metabolizes compounds from tobacco smoke, alcohol, and certain foods into chemicals that trigger Parkinson's disease. Mitochondrial CYP2D6 is a promising new target for treating idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 21, 2019

Exposure to others' suffering even worse than being shot at

A new study published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology reveals that exposure to life-threatening situations results in fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms for soldiers compared to witnessing others' suffering. Non-danger-based stressors, such as moral challenges, lead to increased symptoms of psychological distress.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Psychotraumatology·DateJun 21, 2019

Hydrogen-natural gas hydrates harvested by natural gas

Researchers developed a practical gas phase modulator synthesis of hydrogen-natural gas blend (HNGB) without chemical waste, minimizing environmental impact. The new approach allows for efficient storage and transportation of hydrogen using clathrate hydrates.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·DateJun 21, 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.

The key to unlock bacterial fusion

Chlamydia trachomatis produces a protein called IncA that facilitates the fusion of bacterial compartments, leading to increased disease pathogenicity. The discovery provides a new tool for researchers to study key disease processes caused by bacteria.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2019

Researchers report new understanding of thermoelectric materials

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a model to explain asymmetrical thermoelectric performance, enabling the prediction of promising new materials for converting waste heat to power. The discovery could lead to more efficient thermoelectric devices and potentially clean energy from waste heat.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 21, 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 map huge undersea fresh-water aquifer off US Northeast

Researchers have mapped a gigantic underwater freshwater aquifer off the US Northeast coast, spanning from Massachusetts to New Jersey, and extending far out into the continental shelf. The aquifer holds an estimated 670 cubic miles of fresh water, potentially providing a vital resource for arid areas worldwide.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 21, 2019

Antibiotic resistance in spore-forming probiotic bacteria

Researchers found that six probiotic Bacillus strains are resistant to various types of drugs and can still grow in their presence. The study aims to determine if these bacteria can transfer antibiotic resistance to harmful bacteria, posing a threat to human health.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJun 21, 2019

UTA working to develop longwave infrared photonic device technology

A UTA research team is working with the Army Research Laboratory to develop nanophotonic devices that can capture and release light in the longwave infrared spectral region. These devices have potential applications in thermal imaging, medical diagnostics, chemical analyses, and environmental monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateJun 21, 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.

Parental care has forced great crested grebes to lay eggs with an eye on seagulls

Researchers found that great crested grebes change their egg-laying schedule to coincide with neighboring birds' breeding cycles, utilizing protection services from species like black-headed gulls and black terns. This adaptation allows them to safeguard their nests from predators such as hooded crows.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalBiological Communications·DateJun 21, 2019

Combination of drugs may combat deadly drug-resistant fungus

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified novel combinations of antifungal and antibacterial drugs that demonstrate activity against multidrug resistant Candida auris. The study used a modified inkjet printer to test multiple combinations, finding three effective treatments in under two hours.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateJun 21, 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.

Embryonic microRNA fuels heart cell regeneration, Temple researchers show

Researchers at Temple University Health System have discovered that a small RNA molecule can reactivate heart cell proliferation and improve heart function in mice with severe heart attacks. The study, published in Circulation Research, shows that miR-294 treatment reawakens an embryonic signaling program in adult heart cells.

SourceTemple University Health System·DateJun 21, 2019

Americans still eat too much processed meat and too little fish

A new analysis found that US adults consume excessive amounts of processed meat, with only 15% meeting guidelines for fish/shellfish consumption. Consumption trends show a decrease in unprocessed red meat and an increase in poultry, while fish/shellfish intake remains unchanged.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJun 21, 2019