Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 11, 2019


Jumping genes can cause rare developmental disorders in children

Researchers discovered that jumping genes cause genetic changes in some patients with undiagnosed neurodevelopmental diseases. Diagnoses were achieved for three previously undiagnosed children, helping their families access support and understand disease risks.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2019

Deep Purple -- future biological darkening of the Greenland Ice Sheet

Researchers studying glacier algae in the Greenland Ice Sheet found that purple-pigmented ice algal blooms cause increased melting by darkening the surface and absorbing more sunlight. The project aims to understand the complex interactions between light-absorbing particulates and predict where and when biological darkening will occur.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·DateOct 11, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Illumination of abnormal neuronal activities caused by myelin impairment

A study published in GLIA found that myelin impairment causes uncoordinated electrical impulse transmission between neurons, affecting motor learning in mice. The research also showed that compensating for impaired motor learning by pairing actions with brain photo-simulation can promote synchronization of neuronal activities.

SourceKobe University·JournalGlia·DateOct 11, 2019

Creating 2D heterostructures for future electronics

Northwestern University researchers have successfully integrated graphene and borophene into 2D heterostructures, enabling the creation of ultrahigh density devices. The achievement demonstrates a significant step towards creating integrated circuits from these nanomaterials.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 11, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Physics: DNA-PAINT super-resolution microscopy at speed

Researchers optimized DNA-PAINT for faster image acquisition using orthogonal DNA sequences, achieving sub-10nm spatial resolution and multiplexing capabilities. This improvement allows for biomedically relevant high-throughput studies, such as diagnostic applications.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 11, 2019

Liquid metals the secret ingredients to clean up environment

Researchers have discovered that liquid metals, such as gallium, indium, bismuth, and tin, can be used to create catalysts for the conversion of CO2 into useful byproducts. By heating an alloy of these metals, they can melt at a lower temperature than individual metals, producing eutectic alloys with unique properties. These alloys can...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2019

Expanding the use of AI through the Internet of Things

Researchers at the University of Delaware are developing new memory devices that can support neural networks in low-power embedded systems. These advancements aim to improve the lifetime and reliability of IoT devices, which currently struggle with battery power and memory constraints.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 11, 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.

Opioids' imprint on the developing fetal brain

A multi-million dollar study is enrolling pregnant women to track newborns' brain development and behavior after opioid exposure. Researchers will analyze brain images taken at various ages to identify early biomarkers of neurological dysfunction.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·DateOct 11, 2019

Cuts in alcohol duty linked to 2000 more alcohol-related deaths in England

Research from the University of Sheffield's School of Health and Related Research found nearly 2000 more alcohol-related deaths in England since 2012 due to government cuts. The study modeled the impact of changes to alcohol duty policy, resulting in a one percent rise in alcohol consumption leading to additional deaths.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateOct 11, 2019

A reliable clock for your microbiome

Researchers developed a bacterial genetic oscillator that records changes in microbiome growth patterns, providing an objective measurement of time. The system uses an oscillating gene circuit to track cell divisions and analyze bacterial growth rates, offering insights into the dynamics of the gut microbiome.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2019

Chronobiology: Sleep and synaptic rhythms

Research by LMU Munich chronobiologists reveals that sleep-wake cycles drive cycles of protein abundance and phosphorylation in synaptic proteins. Synaptic phosphorylation plays a key role in regulating synaptic function, particularly during sleep-wake transitions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 2019

2nd ERC Synergy Grant goes to GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences

A team of scientists will investigate the evolution of Earth's chemical composition and physical processes over 4.4 billion years using melt inclusions in olivine and zircon crystals. The project aims to understand the recycling of chemical elements and its impact on plate tectonics.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·DateOct 11, 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.

Deciphering the early stages of Parkinson's disease is a matter of time

Scientists observed how alpha-synuclein protein variants change over time, identifying initial stages of protein aggregates linked to early onset familial cases. They also found evidence of which protein species are important for amyloid filament growth and distinct structures depending on the mutation.

SourceInstituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB)·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 11, 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.

Under time pressure, people tell us what we want to hear

A study published in Psychological Science found that when asked to answer questions quickly and impulsively, people tend to respond with a socially desirable answer. The researchers argue that the 'quick-answer' technique may be flawed as it can lead participants to misrepresent themselves.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 11, 2019

Family of crop viruses revealed at high resolution for the first time

A team of researchers has developed a method to generate sufficient quantities of Luteoviridae viruses, allowing them to study their structures in high resolution. The technique involves using plant expression technology to create virus-like particles, which can be observed by cryo-electron microscopy.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalStructure·DateOct 11, 2019

How preprocessing methods affect the conversion efficiency of biomass energy production

A new study published in Bioresource Technology Reports examines the impact of biomass preprocessing on conversion efficiency. Researchers found that comminution and particle size play a significant role in determining energy expenditure, with miscanthus showing improved efficiency under certain conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBioresource Technology·DateOct 11, 2019

Type 2 diabetes and obesity could be treated by new, less invasive procedure

A new medical device called Sleeveballoon has been tested in rodents and produced impressive results on body weight, fatty liver, and diabetes control. The device reduces food intake by 60% and blood glucose levels by 65%, mimicking the effects of traditional bariatric surgery with a minimally invasive approach.

SourceKing's College London·JournalEBioMedicine·DateOct 11, 2019

Coffee bean extracts alleviate inflammation, insulin resistance in mouse cells

Researchers found that coffee bean extracts reduced fat-induced inflammation and improved glucose absorption and insulin sensitivity in mice. The compounds protocatechuic acid and gallic acid showed promise as a strategy for preventing obesity-related chronic illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology·DateOct 11, 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.

UTHealth leads effort to enhance Texas' financial exploitation investigations of seniors

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is partnering to enhance Texas Adult Protective Services' financial exploitation investigations and client services. The three-year grant will provide statewide access to forensic accountants and enhanced training for caseworkers to investigate claims of financial exploitation.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateOct 11, 2019

The impact of human-caused noise pollution on birds

Researchers analyzed continental-scale data to investigate the impact of human-caused noise pollution on birds, finding that breeding in modified habitats increases ANP levels by twice as much as forested habitats. The study suggests vocal traits like song complexity could be useful for understanding ANP effects across spatial scales.

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateOct 11, 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.

CO2 emissions cause lost labor productivity, new Concordia research shows

A new study by Concordia researchers finds that extreme heat days caused by CO2 emissions lead to lost labor productivity, with lower-income countries experiencing stronger economic impacts. The research estimates that every trillion tonnes of CO2 emitted could cause global GDP losses of about half a percent.

SourceConcordia University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 11, 2019

Antibody-based eye drops show promise for treating dry eye disease

Researchers have identified a new class of therapy for dry eye disease by targeting anti-citrullinated protein autoantibodies (ACPA) with antibody-based eye drops. The treatment has shown statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in corneal damage and symptoms in patients with severe dry eye disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalThe Ocular Surface·DateOct 11, 2019

SLAS Discovery releases special issue

The October issue of SLAS Discovery features a two-part special issue on membrane proteins, highlighting the importance of these targets for novel drug design. The issue includes reviews and original research papers on various aspects of membrane protein biology, such as targeting specific transporters and channels.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateOct 11, 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.

Slower walkers have older brains and bodies at 45

Research found that 45-year-old slow walkers have 'accelerated aging' on a 19-measure scale, with poorer lung function, teeth, and immune systems compared to faster walkers. Early life neurocognitive testing also predicted walking speed at age 45.

SourceDuke University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 11, 2019

Food-insecure Canadian households may have trouble affording prescription medication

A new study of over 10,000 Canadian households reveals a strong correlation between food insecurity and nonadherence to prescription drugs. Food insecure households are more likely to experience cost-related nonadherence, which can exacerbate health issues associated with food insecurity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCMAJ Open·DateOct 11, 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.

Population aging to create pockets of climate vulnerability in the US

A new study reveals that rural areas in the US are aging faster than cities, leading to greater climate change vulnerability. The research projects a divide in population age structure across the country, with thinly-populated counties in the Midwest and Rocky Mountains facing the most drastic aging.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 11, 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.

Hydrologic simulation models that inform policy decisions are difficult to interpret

Researchers evaluated the accuracy of a commonly used numerical model in hydrology, finding that its results can be difficult to interpret correctly even when properly calibrated. The study recommends using a combination model called SWATmf to improve representation of hydrologic systems.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateOct 11, 2019

Overcoming the blood-brain-barrier: Delivering therapeutics to the brain

Scientists have developed a simple way to transport medication into the brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. The new technique uses engineered particles that can be packed with drugs and delivered through an intravenous injection, offering a minimally invasive solution for treating neurological disorders.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2019

Public reporting on aortic valve surgeries has decreased access, study finds

A new study found that public reporting of aortic valve replacement outcomes has resulted in fewer surgeries for people with endocarditis, particularly those with injection drug use. The researchers analyzed data from 2010 to 2015 and found that these patients were 30% less likely to receive the surgery two years after outcomes data be...

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateOct 11, 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.

Bacteria contradict Darwin: Survival of the friendliest

A new study at the University of Copenhagen reveals that bacteria prioritize cooperation over competition, leading to stronger and more resilient communities. This discovery challenges Darwin's theory of evolution and has significant implications for biotechnology and disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateOct 11, 2019

Lung cancer screening guidelines do not detect disease among first responders

A new study presented at the IASLC 2019 North America Conference on Lung Cancer found that lung cancer screening guidelines are inadequate to diagnose patients who contract lung cancer from occupational exposure, including first responders. Low-dose computed tomography was shown to detect disease earlier in this population.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateOct 11, 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.

Cold temperatures linked to high status

Researchers found that cold temperatures are associated with luxury and status in products, but not in all categories. The study suggests that marketers can use small adjustments in temperature to influence perceived value and level of luxury for their products.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 11, 2019

Drug reverses signs of liver disease in people living with HIV

Researchers found that tesamorelin reduced liver fat and prevented liver fibrosis in people living with HIV. The study showed a 37% relative reduction in liver fat fraction and a significant decrease in blood markers associated with inflammation and liver damage.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateOct 11, 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.

Blood test raises hopes of tackling 'silent killer'

Researchers at the University of Dundee develop a blood test to detect desmosine, an amino acid released by diseased aortas into the blood and urine. This test improves diagnosis and monitoring of aortic aneurysms, potentially saving lives by identifying patients at risk.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 11, 2019

Studying the ethics of ancient DNA

An international team is working to develop an ethical framework for ancient DNA research, incorporating diverse voices and expertise from Indigenous communities. The project aims to foster better collaboration and address concerns around the use of human genetic material.

SourceDenver Museum of Nature & Science·DateOct 11, 2019

New in the Hastings Center Report, September-October 2019

The article discusses human-animal chimeras with brains composed of human cells, raising questions about their moral status. The author argues that a standard view, which considers human cognitive capacities morally significant, is mistaken and proposes a better framework for thinking about the moral status of part-human beings.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateOct 11, 2019

These new soft actuators could make soft robots less bulky

Researchers at UC San Diego developed soft actuators that can be controlled electrically, making them compatible with small electronic devices and batteries. These actuators enabled the creation of compact, portable and multifunctional soft robots with various applications.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 11, 2019

Encyclopedic tumor analysis for guiding treatment of advanced, broadly refractory cancers: results from the RESILIENT trial

The RESILIENT trial found disease control in 114 out of 126 patients evaluable per protocol and progression-free survival. The study suggests that label-agnostic therapy regimens guided by Encyclopedic Tumor Analysis can offer meaningful clinical benefits for patients with relapsed refractory metastatic malignancies.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateOct 11, 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.

Shaping nanoparticles for improved quantum information technology

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a key property of donut-like nanoparticles called semiconductor quantum rings, which may find application in quantum information storage, communication, and computing. The team achieved coherent directional control over light emission by breaking the symmetry of the ring shape.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2019

Expert second opinion improves reliability of melanoma diagnoses

A new study finds that obtaining a second opinion from board-certified dermatopathologists improves the accuracy of diagnosing melanoma, reducing misclassification rates. The study's findings suggest that expert second opinions provide value in improving diagnostic reliability, especially for complex cases.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 11, 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.

'Electroadhesive' stamp picks up and puts down microscopic structures

A team of researchers at MIT has developed an 'electroadhesive' stamp that can pick up and place down objects as small as 20 nanometers wide. The stamp uses a sparse forest of ceramic-coated carbon nanotubes to create temporary electrical attraction, allowing it to grasp microscopic structures with precise control.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 11, 2019

Suomi NPP satellite finds a weaker typhoon Hagibis nearing Japan

Typhoon Hagibis has weakened to a typhoon status after being a super typhoon, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite providing visible imagery of the storm. The image showed a cloud-filled eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms and a large tail of clouds stretching along Japan's east coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 11, 2019

Rare sleep disorder common among veterans with PTSD

A new study found that military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to experience a rare sleep disorder called REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), which is also linked to an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease. Researchers hope that identifying patients with ...

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalSLEEP·DateOct 11, 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.

New genetic link found for some forms of SIDS

A genetic link has been discovered between Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and a mutation in the HADHA gene, causing infants to die suddenly from cardiac arrest. Researchers hope that this discovery will lead to new treatments and interventions for the disease.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2019

Six degrees of nuclear separation

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have developed an additive manufacturing method that enables the recycling of more nuclear waste, reducing storage time by almost one thousandfold. The breakthrough uses 3D-printed parts to separate highly radioactive actinide isotopes from rare earth metals.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 11, 2019

Using mindfulness as a tool to help fight the opioid crisis

A new study at Boston Medical Center aims to determine the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in treating chronic lower back pain. The 8-week group mindfulness program may improve patients' physical and psychological function, as well as their likelihood of reducing opioid prescriptions.

SourceBoston Medical Center·DateOct 11, 2019

Sox9 reshapes the biliary tree in Alagille syndrome

Researchers found that altering Sox9 gene expression modifies Alagille syndrome liver disease severity, from mild to severe cases. Increasing Sox9 levels improved biliary duct development without tumor formation.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalHepatology·DateOct 11, 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.

Black holes stunt growth of dwarf galaxies

Researchers at UC Riverside discover large-scale winds associated with active black holes in small galaxies suppress star formation, impacting galaxy evolution. The team used the Sloan Digital Sky Survey data to identify 50 dwarf galaxies and found six of them showing signs of winds emanating from their active black holes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateOct 11, 2019

Nanoscale manipulation of light leads to exciting new advancement

Researchers at UNM's Department of Physics and Astronomy have discovered that decreasing the density of nanoparticles in ordered arrays produces exceptional electric field enhancements. By making particles smaller and farther apart, interactions between nanoparticles are strengthened, resulting in stronger collective responses.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 11, 2019

Overweight before age 40 increases the cancer risk

A Norwegian study found that being overweight before age 40 significantly increases the risk of several types of cancer, including endometrial cancer by 70%. Obesity is also linked to an increased risk of postmenopausal breast, renal-cell and colon cancers.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateOct 11, 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.

New material captures carbon dioxide

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a porous material that selectively captures CO2 molecules with high efficiency, converting them into valuable organic materials. The material can also be recycled without losing its efficiency.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2019