Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 23, 2021


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.

Travel paths of primates show how their minds work

Researchers used GPS data from 164 wild primate populations to analyze mental abilities that guide travel decisions. The findings provide insight into the cognitive development of these species and enhance approaches to studying primate cognition.

SourceOxford Brookes University·JournaliScience·DateApr 23, 2021

DeepShake uses machine learning to rapidly estimate earthquake shaking intensity

Researchers developed DeepShake, a deep spatiotemporal neural network trained on over 36,000 earthquakes, which analyzes seismic signals in real time and provides advanced warnings of strong shaking. The model was tested using the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake, sending simulated alerts up to 13 seconds prior to high-intensity ground shaking.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 23, 2021

Study reports novel role of enzyme in plant immunity and defense gene expression

A recent study found that silencing SDIR1 reduces growth of host-specialized and nonhost Pseudomonas syringae strains, while overexpressing it enhances disease resistance to both biotrophic and necrotrophic pathogens. Higher levels of ABA and jasmonic acid are also detected in SDIR1-overexpression plants.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateApr 23, 2021

Study uncovers human-to-cat transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19

A new study has found that people can transmit SARS-CoV-2 to their cats during the pandemic, leading to mild or severe respiratory disease in felines. The researchers detected the virus in two domestic cats from households with suspected cases of COVID-19 and emphasized the need for monitoring human-to-cat transmission.

SourceWiley·JournalVeterinary Record·DateApr 23, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Red Sea is no longer a baby ocean

The Red Sea is now considered a mature ocean basin, approximately 13 million years old, with features similar to those of the young southern Atlantic Ocean. The study uses gravity and earthquake data to develop a new tectonic model, revealing hidden structures such as rift axes and transform faults.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021

Using spatial distance strategically with luxury and popular product displays

Researchers found that maintaining a distance between products and consumers boosts the perceived value of luxury items, while proximity increases the perceived sincerity of popular products. Marketers can leverage visual cues to enhance value and increase consumer willingness to pay by strategically matching distance with brand image.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateApr 23, 2021

Muscle gene linked to type 2 diabetes

Scientists at Lund University discovered a key role for the VPS39 gene in regulating muscle stem cells' ability to create new mature muscle cells. The study found that individuals with type 2 diabetes have altered epigenetic patterns and impaired sugar uptake, leading to compromised muscle function.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021

Is raising the sales age of tobacco reducing youth smoking?

A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that California's tobacco sales age increase from 18 to 21 has reduced smoking rates among 18-20-year-olds, but not non-daily smokers. The law change was associated with a decrease in 'daily' smoking prevalence, from 2.2% in 2016 to nearly zero in 2019.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateApr 23, 2021

From individual receptors towards whole-brain function

A research team created a computer model that can simulate the impact of individual receptor types on brain activity. The model uses data from three imaging techniques to quantify receptor-specific modulations of brain states. By predicting changes in brain dynamics after receptor activation, the researchers hope to develop new diagnos...

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalFEBS Journal·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

Radar satellites can better protect against bushfires and floods

New research using Synthetic Aperture Radar data from Sentinel-1 satellites shows improved ability to detect, monitor, prepare for and withstand natural disasters like bushfires and floods. SAR data provides valuable insights for hazard mitigation and complementing existing Earth observation programs.

SourceCurtin University·JournalRemote Sensing·DateApr 23, 2021

How oxygen radicals protect against cancer

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt discovered that Nox4, an enzyme producing H2O2, prevents cancer by keeping phosphatases out of the cell nucleus, thus allowing DNA damage to be recognized and repaired. In its absence, mutated cells multiply uncontrollably, leading to tumour formation.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2021

Quantifying the level of pollution in marinas

A new index, MEPI, quantifies environmental pollution in marinas by combining chemical and biological parameters. The study's innovative approach provides a simple and complete ecological analysis method to determine a port's quality, enabling authorities to establish minimum ecological quality levels.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateApr 23, 2021

UNH research: Climate change affects deep-sea corals and sponges differently

Researchers at UNH discovered that climate change impacts deep-sea corals and sponges variably, with temperature and dissolved oxygen affecting sponge distribution and coral growth. High-resolution video analysis identified specific environmental ranges influencing species sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateApr 23, 2021

Flexible diet may help leaf-eating lemurs resist deforestation

A new study reveals that sifakas, a genus of lemurs found only in Madagascar's forests, have taste preferences and digestive adaptations that allow them to thrive on tough leaves, fruit, and even pine needles. This dietary flexibility may give them an advantage over their strictly leaf-eating or fruit-only cousins.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

Skeletal defects may be ameliorated after immobility in the womb

Scientists from Trinity College Dublin found that skeletal defects caused by lack of movement in the womb can be partially recovered after movement resumes. The study used chicken embryos and suggests that this finding may also apply to humans.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateApr 23, 2021

Engineering single-molecule fluorescence with asymmetric nano-antennas

Scientists develop novel approach to boost single-molecule fluorescence with asymmetric nano-antennas, achieving enhancement factors up to 405 and quantum yields of 80% without sacrificing photostability. This breakthrough enables higher imaging resolution and tissue penetration depth in biomedical applications.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateApr 23, 2021

Finding clues to nephronophthisis in adults

A study by Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified thick tubular basement membrane duplication as a diagnostic criterion for adult-onset NPH. The research also found that older patients are unlikely to have pathogenic mutations, providing a novel diagnostic pointer.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalKidney International Reports·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

VR visualization supports research on molecular networks

Researchers developed a VR platform to display huge amounts of data and analyze complex protein interactions. This enables the identification of correlations and rare genetic defects responsible for diseases.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021

3D motion tracking system could streamline vision for autonomous tech

A new real-time 3D motion tracking system combines transparent light detectors with advanced neural network methods to enable fast tracking speed, compact hardware, and lower cost compared to existing solutions. The technology has promising applications in automated manufacturing, biomedical imaging, and autonomous driving.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

Research shows pain relieving effects of CBD

A new study led by Syracuse University researchers finds that CBD reduces pain intensity while making it less unpleasant. The study reveals a complex interplay between the drug's physical effects and participants' expectations, challenging previous assumptions about pain relief.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalExperimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateApr 23, 2021

Body's natural pain killers can be enhanced

A study in cells and mice finds a positive allosteric modulator can boost endorphins' ability to activate the mu-opioid receptor, producing analgesia with reduced side effects. The compound shows promise as an alternative to traditional opioid drugs for pain relief.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2021

Fiber optic cable monitors microseismicity in Antarctica

Researchers use fiber optic cable to detect small earthquakes in ice, offering insights into ice movement and deformation under changing climate conditions. The technique also improves monitoring of underground carbon capture and storage projects.,

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 23, 2021

How philosophy can change the understanding of pain

Researchers advocate for a comprehensive approach to chronic pain management by considering the person as a whole. This includes addressing socio-cultural practices, subjective experience, and learning behavioral patterns to develop an action-oriented treatment plan.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalSynthese·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

A breakthrough astrophysics code rapidly models stellar collisions

The Octo-Tiger code simulates stellar mergers with superior speeds and accuracy, allowing for more detailed simulations and exploration of new parameter space. The research demonstrates the code's performance on Australia's fastest supercomputer, showcasing its potential for tackling complex astrophysical problems.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 23, 2021

Arena Pharmaceuticals presents clinician and patient reported outcomes data from phase 2b ADVISE trial evaluating etrasimod in adult atopic dermatitis during a late-breaking session at American Academy of Dermatology VMX

Etrasimod demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in both clinical signs of atopic dermatitis and patient reported outcomes. The treatment group achieved statistical significance in the percentage change in weekly peak pruritis, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM).

SourceLaVoieHealthScience·DateApr 23, 2021

From toxic ions to single-atom copper

Researchers have discovered a new method for converting toxic copper ions into stable single-atom copper using bacteria found in copper mines. This process is safer and more efficient than current methods, which often require harsh chemicals and labor-intensive processes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 23, 2021

Simple robots, smart algorithms

A team of researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed simple robots, dubbed 'dumb robots', which can collectively clear debris despite their simplicity. The BOBbots use task embodiment to achieve complex tasks without sensors or programming.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

Mount Sinai study finds that blood clotting drug commonly used for orthopedic surgeries does not increase complications for high-risk patients

A Mount Sinai study of over 40,000 patients reveals that tranexamic acid use in high-risk patients does not increase complications such as deep vein blood clots or strokes. The study confirms prior findings and provides new insights into the safety of the drug when used in high-risk patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgeries.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnesthesiology·DateApr 23, 2021

Targeting drug-resistant breast cancer with estrogen

Researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center have found that cycling between estrogen treatment and anti-estrogen therapies can dramatically increase the duration of tumor regression in mice. This unconventional approach suggests treating short-term with estrogen before resistance occurs, leading to better long-term control.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalOncogene·DateApr 23, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine responses to be studied in people with immune deficits

Researchers are enrolling 500 participants, 400 with primary/secondary immune system disorders and 100 without, to study COVID-19 vaccine responses. The study aims to characterize features and adequacy of immune responses and provide valuable information about benefits and potential risks in individuals with immune deficiencies.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 23, 2021

People with heart rhythm disorders warned over cannabis use

A study of 2.4 million hospitalised cannabis users found that those with an arrhythmia were 4.5 times more likely to die in hospital than those without. Patients with arrhythmias also had longer hospital stays and more co-existing health conditions.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 23, 2021

Toward new solar cells with active learning

Active learning is used to identify promising organic molecules for efficient solar cells by iteratively deciding which data to learn from. This approach allows the algorithm to efficiently explore a vast molecular space and continuously improve its performance.

SourceFritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

An easy-to-use platform is a gateway to AI in microscopy

Researchers have developed a cloud-based platform called ZeroCostDL4Mic that uses artificial intelligence to analyze microscopy images, improving image quality and detecting features such as tumors in biopsy samples. The platform is freely available online and requires no coding expertise, making it accessible to non-experts.

SourceAbo Akademi University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

US asbestos sites made risky by some remediation strategies

New research suggests that capping US Superfund sites with soil to lock in asbestos may increase human exposure to the cancer-causing mineral. Lab experiments found that soil's organic material enables asbestos to move through the ground and potentially into nearby water supplies.

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials Letters·DateApr 23, 2021

Army, ASU publish human-autonomy communication tips

Researchers identified a set of approaches to assess human-automation teams' communication, focusing on structure, emotion, and content. The 11-critical approaches aim to improve Soldier-robot interactions, enabling less manual input and more natural teamworking.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalHuman-Intelligent Systems Integration·DateApr 23, 2021

Hubble captures giant star on the edge of destruction

Astronomers capture breathtaking images of AG Carinae, a luminous blue variable star surrounded by a glowing halo of gas and dust. The star is in a constant battle to maintain stability due to its massive form and super-hot temperatures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 23, 2021

Synthetic gelatin-like material mimics lobster underbelly's stretch and strength

A new hydrogel-based material has been developed that mimics the structure of a lobster's underbelly, exhibiting remarkable fatigue-resistance and stretch properties. The material's angled architecture is thought to hinder crack propagation, allowing it to withstand repeated stretches and strains without tearing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMatter·DateApr 23, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Citizen science data tracks battle of birds vs bacteria

New research from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology analyzes the impact of a bird eye disease on house finch populations, revealing an escalating arms race between the birds' immune systems and bacterial strains. The study suggests that imperfect immunity is driving this battle, with bacteria evolving to overcome strengthened finch defenses.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateApr 23, 2021

Fight or flight response may hinge on protein in skeletal muscular system

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that a protein in skeletal muscle fibers regulates the body's fight or flight response, enabling quick bursts of power. This discovery may lead to advancements in understanding and addressing skeletal muscular disorders.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2021

Patching up your health

Researchers at Osaka University and JOANNEUM RESEARCH developed ultrathin self-powered e-health patches that can monitor a user's pulse and blood pressure. The patches use embedded piezoelectric nanogenerators to harness biomechanical energy, enabling wireless health monitoring without the need for wires or batteries.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

'Planar and curved' pyrrole-fused azacoronenes

The study presents two new derivatives of pyrrole-fused azacoronene, one with alkyl groups and the other with concave π-planes, exhibiting distinct redox properties and π-electron functions. The curved structure leads to a strong interaction with spherical fullerene.

SourceEhime University·DateApr 23, 2021

NIH establishes new childhood asthma clinical research network

The NIH has established a new clinical research network called Childhood Asthma in Urban Settings (CAUSE) to study pediatric asthma in low-income urban settings. The network aims to develop tailored treatment and prevention approaches for children living in these communities.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 23, 2021

New alloy can directly reduce the weight of heat removal systems by a third

Scientists at NUST MISIS created new magnesium alloys that can reduce the weight of heat-removing elements in electric vehicles and consumer electronics by one third. The alloys offer high thermal conductivity and low cost, making them suitable for modern gadgets.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Magnesium and Alloys·DateApr 23, 2021

With new optical device, engineers can fine tune the color of light

Researchers at Stanford University developed an optical device that allows engineers to change the frequencies of individual photons in a stream of light. This enables the creation of compact and flexible neural networks for artificial intelligence, transforming fields such as digital communications, AI, and quantum computing.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

New data could inform youth-focused pandemic messaging

Recent polls of people aged 14 to 24 reveal most young people are taking COVID-19 seriously and motivated by a desire to protect others. They prioritize following public health guidance when near close contacts or in 'pod' situations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateApr 23, 2021

Newly discovered immune cell function vital to healing

Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that macrophages, a common immune cell, play a crucial role in re-establishing blood flow in damaged tissue. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for cardiovascular diseases by increasing local concentrations of signal substances in damaged muscles.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

Gauging groundwater

A comprehensive study finds that many global groundwater wells are at risk of running dry due to declining water levels. The researchers analyzed construction records and monitoring well data from 40 countries, finding that 6-20% of wells may dry up if water levels continue to decline.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

US and Iranian researchers collaborate on Lake Urmia restoration

Scientists from US and Iran are collaborating on restoring Lake Urmia, which has lost 95% of its volume over two decades. The team's findings show that setting a target water level may not solve the lake's problems, highlighting the need for ecosystem-based restoration efforts.

SourceUtah State University·DateApr 23, 2021

Successful cancer therapy using artificial metalloenzymes to deliver drugs

A team of researchers at RIKEN CPR has demonstrated a successful cancer therapy using artificial metalloenzymes to deliver targeted drug therapies. In mouse tests, they found a 40% survival rate for mice treated with selective cell therapy and a higher survival rate over 77 days when targeting tumors that had already formed.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 23, 2021

Bacteria and viruses infect our cells through sugars: Now researchers want to know how they do it

A study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals how sugar molecules bind to cell receptors, activating the immune system in autoimmune diseases. The discovery also sheds light on the development of Alzheimer's disease, identifying a potential natural sugar that binds to the Siglec-3 receptor.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2021

Quantum steering for more precise measurements

Researchers at the University of Basel have proposed a new scheme for measuring magnetic or electric fields using quantum steering, which enhances measurement precision. By analyzing entangled particle states, scientists can make more accurate predictions about possible measurement results.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

New blood markers may reveal heart attack in chest pain patients

A new study identifies three molecules in the blood that can distinguish between heart attack and chest pain caused by other conditions. The researchers hope to develop a simple blood test for early diagnosis, which could help doctors quickly confirm or rule out a heart attack.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateApr 23, 2021

Comprehensive NICU discharge planning essential for at-home readiness

A new study highlights the importance of comprehensive NICU discharge planning in preparing parents to care for their medically needy infants at home. Families who were both satisfied and prepared had better outcomes than those who were not, with higher-risk groups benefiting from additional education and training.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAdvances in Neonatal Care·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

Researchers realize high-efficiency frequency conversion on integrated photonic chip

Researchers realized efficient frequency conversion in microresonators via a degenerate sum-frequency process, achieving cross-band frequency conversion and amplification of converted signal. The study demonstrated precise tuning of the frequency window with a 42% efficiency and a 250GHz tuning bandwidth.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 23, 2021

Critical understanding of why and how solid-state batteries

The study reveals two competing theories on lithium metal dendrite growth through ceramic electrolytes, proposing a new mechanism for solid-state battery failure. The researchers used X-ray computed tomography and spatially mapped X-ray diffraction to visualize and characterize crack growth and dendrite propagation.

SourceThe Faraday Institution·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 23, 2021