Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 20, 2020


Tiny double accelerator recycles energy

A miniature double particle accelerator has been built by DESY scientists, recycling some of the laser energy to boost the electrons' energy a second time. The device uses terahertz radiation and achieved an increase in electron energy from 55 to 56.5 kilo electron volts.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMar 20, 2020

Researchers invent method to unlock potential of widely used drug

A new method called Shotgun ion mobility mass spectrometry sequencing (SIMMS2) has been invented to map the structures of heparan sulfates, which play key roles in regulating biological functions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new therapeutics for diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2020

How the brain controls the voice

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt studied brain activity in Seba's short-tailed bats to understand how the brain controls vocalization. They identified a group of nerve cells creating a circuitry from the frontal lobe to the corpus striatum, which fires off rhythmic signals predicting echolocation or communication sounds.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 20, 2020
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.

Oncotarget Early prediction of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Researchers found that plasma monitoring by RT-PCR-based EGFR mutation test can rapidly identify NSCLC patients resistant to osimertinib treatment due to different types of mutations. The study suggests that fluctuating levels of EGFR sensitizing mutations in plasma reflect tumor burden.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateMar 20, 2020

Impact of a second Dust Bowl would be felt worldwide

A second Dust Bowl would severely impact global wheat stocks, with a 31% initial loss and up to 75% depletion by the end of four years. Global trade and supply chains would be affected, leading to price increases for consumers worldwide.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·DateMar 20, 2020

Berkeley lab cosmologists are top contenders in machine learning challenge

A team of Berkeley Lab cosmologists, led by George Stein and Uros Seljak, developed a code that best identified a mock signal hidden in simulated particle-collision data. Their efficient machine learning tool, called sliced iterative optimal transport, can run on a simple desktop or laptop computer.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateMar 20, 2020

Antibiotic intercepts building blocks of the bacterial envelope

Researchers at the University of Bonn have deciphered daptomycin's mode of action, blocking cell wall construction and leading to bacterial death. The study sheds light on the antibiotic's mechanism, paving the way for optimization and combination therapies against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2020
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.

Juan M. Madera named SIOP Fellow

Dr. Juan Madera has been recognized as a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) for his outstanding research on diversity management in the hospitality industry. His work has had a significant impact on job attitudes, discrimination, and sexual harassment in organizational settings.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 20, 2020

A pigment from ancient Egypt to modern microscopy

Scientists at University of Göttingen produce new nanomaterial based on Egyptian blue pigment for near infrared spectroscopy and microscopy. The resulting nanosheets are stable, fluoresce brightly in the near infrared range, and enable clear resolution using modern microscopes.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2020

Supporting clinicians during the COVID-19 pandemic

The article provides guidance on supporting clinicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key findings highlight the importance of maintaining a patient-centered approach and adapting to new clinical challenges.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 20, 2020
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.

Reanalysis of global amphibian crisis study finds important flaws

A reanalysis of a global amphibian disease study found the main conclusions lack evidence and are unreproducible. The research review previously linked the chytrid fungus to hundreds of amphibian declines, but the new analysis identified data deficiencies and methodological issues.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateMar 20, 2020

Coronavirus SARS-CoV2: BESSY II data accelerate drug development

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have decoded the 3D architecture of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, providing concrete starting points for developing inhibitors. The analysis was conducted using high-intensity X-ray light from BESSY II.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience·DateMar 20, 2020

Photons and electrons one on one

Researchers in the Keller group at ETH Zurich have measured for the first time how single photons alter an unbound electron's dynamics. They found a delay of up to 12 attoseconds between s- and d-electrons, depending on their angular momentum. This subtle signature reflects underlying quantum-mechanical effects.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalOptica·DateMar 20, 2020

Dementia test to expand diagnosis across India

A standardized dementia test has been adapted for use in seven Indian languages, enabling accurate diagnosis and mild cognitive impairment detection. The study found high diagnostic accuracy, making it a valuable tool for future cross-national research studies.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalArchives of Clinical Neuropsychology·DateMar 20, 2020
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.

Water-balloon physics is high-impact science

Researchers at Princeton University have established definitive physical rules governing capsule impact, relating it to the behavior of water droplets. Their findings provide a simple model for understanding how fluid-filled capsules deform with impact, applicable to various technologies and biological functions.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 20, 2020

Russian scientists propose new approach to measuring atoms

Researchers from ITMO University developed a new statistical analysis method to determine the size of atoms with high accuracy. This approach enables precise data on intermolecular interactions, crucial for assessing drug-protein binding and molecular structure.

SourceITMO University·JournalChemPhysChem·DateMar 20, 2020
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.

How to get conductive gels to stick when wet

A new adhesive method allows conductive polymer gels to adhere to a wide variety of surfaces, including glass and gold, even when exposed to moisture. This breakthrough enables the development of more durable and reliable biomedical sensors and implants.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 20, 2020

Does coronary microvascular spasm exist?

Researchers investigate coronary microvascular spasm using real-time blood flow velocity measurement during acetylcholine testing. The study aims to provide objective evidence on the existence of coronary microvascular spasm, a condition affecting chronic coronary syndromes.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 20, 2020
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.

Device could 'hear' disease through structures housing cells

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a device that can detect changes in the extracellular matrix, a structure surrounding cells in the human body, to monitor disease progression. This non-destructive method uses sound waves to measure stiffness, providing an alternative to damaging methods.

SourcePurdue University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateMar 20, 2020

How and where to allocate stockpiled ventilators during a pandemic

A new article provides guidance on allocating stockpiled ventilators to healthcare facilities during a severe pandemic, considering factors such as need assessment and access to vulnerable populations. The strategies outlined are crucial for state and local planners to make informed decisions under difficult conditions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHealth Security·DateMar 20, 2020

Epigenetic inheritance: A silver bullet against climate change?

A study on three-spined stickleback fish found that epigenetic modifications affect adaptation to salinity changes, but inducible markers improve response to environmental change. The research suggests organisms will eventually reach their limits to respond to climate change despite epigenetic modes of adaptation.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 20, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Device brings silicon computing power to brain research and prosthetics

A Stanford University team has created a new device that records electrical brain signals with high resolution, offering potential breakthroughs in prosthetics, disease treatment, and brain research. The device, featuring thousands of microwires, can be used to study neural activity on a single-neuron level.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 20, 2020

On the trail of organic solar cells' efficiency

The study reveals that zero-point vibrations can significantly reduce open-circuit voltage and efficiency in organic solar cells. By understanding the relationship between molecular properties and macroscopic device properties, researchers can develop novel materials to overcome these limitations.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

CNIC scientists identify an immunological regulatory circuit that may play a central role in ocular diseases

Researchers at CNIC have identified an inflammatory regulatory circuit controlled by endothelial cells in the eye, which may regulate retinal vascular diseases and inflammatory disorders. The discovery provides new perspectives on treating conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 20, 2020
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.

New satellite-based algorithm pinpoints crop water use

A new satellite-based algorithm, BESS-STAIR, has achieved unprecedented accuracy in estimating crop water use in the US Corn Belt. The framework combines plant's carbon-water-energy cycles to provide high-resolution data on a daily basis, offering real-time benefits for farmers

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateMar 20, 2020

Research reveals why some prostate cancers are more aggressive

The study discovered a link between the amount of DESNT subtype cells in a tumor sample and disease progression. The findings also identified three new subtypes of prostate cancer that could be used to stratify patients for different treatments.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateMar 20, 2020

FSU Research: Hidden source of carbon found at the Arctic coast

A new study by FSU researchers reveals that groundwater flows on top of frozen permafrost are a significant source of dissolved organic matter entering Arctic coastal waters. This ancient carbon is transported to the ocean without decomposition and provides a new food source for local coastal ecosystems.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2020

NASA find Herold a fading ex-tropical cyclone

Herold, a former tropical cyclone, has weakened to a low-pressure area with wispy clouds and minimal heavy rainfall. NASA's Aqua satellite provided forecasters with a visible image of the storm's center on March 20.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 20, 2020
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.

American College of Cardiology issues clinical competencies for cardiovascular NPs, PAs

The American College of Cardiology has released the first competency statement for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in adult cardiovascular medicine. The document outlines core competencies for systems-based practice, medical knowledge, and procedural skills to improve access to care and enhance patient satisfaction.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 20, 2020

Hidden source of carbon found at the Arctic coast

Researchers found that groundwater flowing from frozen permafrost carries significant concentrations of carbon and nutrients to Arctic coastal food webs. The discovery suggests a new and potentially important source of fuel for local coastal ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2020

Research shows most bird feed contains troublesome weed seeds

A two-year study found that 96% of bird feed mixes contained seeds from pigweed species weeds, which can represent a significant threat to agriculture. Researchers also discovered resistance to glyphosate in Palmer amaranth and waterhemp seeds in some mixes.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·DateMar 20, 2020
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.

A milestone in ultrafast gel fabrication

Researchers developed a counter-intuitive disturbance-promoted gelation method, accelerating gelation to one to ten minutes at room temperature. The method exhibits enhanced photoelectrocatalytic properties, outperforming commercial palladium/carbon.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalMatter·DateMar 20, 2020

Ammonia has been wrongly missing in portraying air pollution impacts

Recent studies challenge traditional approaches to understanding air pollution impacts by highlighting the importance of dry deposition processes, particularly ammonia. Ammonia plays a vital role in nitrogen deposition and haze pollution, with global concentrations increasing worldwide over recent decades.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 20, 2020

Liotta receives funding for collaborative project

George Mason University's Lance Liotta has received a grant of $72,000 to study the adaptation mechanisms of cellular protein networks. The Australian Research Council Future Fellowship will provide an additional $784,680 over two years.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateMar 20, 2020

Knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 among the general public in the US, UK

A cross-sectional survey in the US and UK found that the general public has varying levels of knowledge about COVID-19, with some misunderstanding key concepts. The study suggests that targeted education efforts could improve public understanding and adherence to prevention measures.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 20, 2020
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.

On-demand glass is right around the corner

A team of physicists from Università di Trento created colloidal glasses with controlled unidirectional stress, allowing for the manipulation of mechanical properties. This breakthrough could enable the development of new types of glass for various industrial applications.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 20, 2020

Study reveals how long COVID-19 remains infectious on cardboard, metal and plastic

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that COVID-19 remains detectable for up to three hours in aerosols, up to four hours on copper, and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. The virus can also be transmitted through casual contact, highlighting the importance of proper hygiene practices.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 20, 2020

New drug can ease the side effects of medication against severe depression

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a substance, Lu AF60097, that can regulate serotonin levels in the brain and reduce severe side effects associated with tricyclic antidepressants. This new approach may allow for more effective treatment of severe depression while minimizing potential harm.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2020