Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 20, 2021


Polymer electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries without dead zones

Researchers developed a novel block copolymer electrolyte that controls structure through electrostatic interactions, enhancing ionic conductivity. The new nanostructure enables significant enhancement in conductivity compared to typical two-dimensional structures, paving the way for safer all-solid-state batteries.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 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.

Dispelling false claims of cannibalistic caribs—again

A team of researchers, including Simon Fraser University's Christina Giovas, challenges the validity of a controversial paper claiming Indigenous cannibals migrated to the Caribbean circa AD 800. The study finds no evidence to support this claim, contradicting decades of debunked narratives.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

Virtual NBSTRN Newborn Screening Summit: September 1-3, 2021

The Virtual NBSTRN Newborn Screening Summit brought together innovators to expand newborn screening research. The event showcased advancements in technology, advocacy, and clinical care for genetic disease detection, highlighting the importance of collaborations between researchers, healthcare professionals, families, and advocacy groups.

SourceNewborn Screening Translational Research Network·DateAug 20, 2021

The activity of an unusual phytochrome revealed

Researchers found that a model phytochrome, DrBphP, functions as a phosphatase rather than a histidine kinase, exhibiting an 'inverted' signaling mechanism. This discovery challenges previous understanding of bacterial phytochromes and their role in light response.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2021

Cross-pollinating physicists use novel technique to improve the design of facilities that aim to harvest fusion energy

Scientists at PPPL have developed a new technique to design powerful magnets for tokamaks using stellarator computer code, enabling more efficient confinement and control of plasma. This innovation can aid the construction of fusion facilities by compensating for imprecision and suppressing plasma instabilities.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateAug 20, 2021

What drives market share profitability?

A new study by Abhi Bhattacharya, Neil Morgan, and Lopo Rego finds that most of the variance in the market share-profit relationship is explained by market power and quality signaling mechanisms. The researchers also identify conditions under which market share can be negatively related to firm profits, such as niche strategy firms and...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 20, 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.

Antibody protects against broad range of COVID-19 virus variants

Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified an antibody that is highly protective at low doses against a wide range of viral variants. The antibody targets a part of the virus' spike protein that differs little across variants, making it unlikely to lose potency as the virus mutates.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2021

Do you think you’re exclusively straight?

A University of Sydney study found that reading informational articles on the nature of sexual orientation can change how people interpret their underlying feelings. This led to a significant increase in reported non-exclusive heterosexuality, with participants being more willing to engage in same-sex activities.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 20, 2021

Journal of Dental Research special issue: Interface between materials and oral biology

This special issue of Journal of Dental Research focuses on the complex interactions between biomaterials, fluids, cells, and tissues in the oral cavity. Researchers discuss designs for surfaces that trigger desirable biological responses, such as enhanced adhesion to dentin or bone.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 20, 2021

Hundreds of Cape Fur seals entangled in fishing lines and nets every year

A study by Stellenbosch University and conservationists reveals a high number of Cape Fur seals are entangled in fishing lines and nets annually, with most affected being pups and juveniles. The researchers found that disentanglement efforts have been successful, but the problem remains urgent, emphasizing the need for policy changes t...

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateAug 20, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Efficient buildings could save thousands of lives in US every year

A new study suggests that improved building energy efficiency can prevent up to 5,100 yearly premature deaths and up to 2,900 lives in the US. The 'optimistic' scenario envisions a 50% increase in appliance efficiency and 60-90% increase in building shell efficiency by 2050.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

Perovskite solar cells: Interfacial loss mechanisms revealed

Researchers at HZB developed a method to quantify charge extraction at buried interfaces in perovskite solar cells. Time-resolved surface photovoltage technique facilitates design of ideal charge-selective contacts and improves efficiency.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2021

Can isometric resistance training safely reduce high blood pressure?

A new study reveals isometric resistance training (IRT) as a safe and effective method for reducing high blood pressure. IRT, which involves contracting muscles without changing length, can lower office blood pressure by almost as much as blood pressure-lowering medications.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalHypertension Research·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 20, 2021

Novel resilient state estimation method for process control in cyber-physical systems

Researchers developed a novel resilient state estimation (RSE) method for cyber-physical systems that can withstand malicious attacks and external disturbances. This allows the system to maintain its functionality even when faced with faults or attacks, making it crucial for the design of control systems.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Automatic Control·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 20, 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.

Photo posts reveal huge interest for real coastal nature

A study analyzing over 120 million social media posts reveals that tourists focus more on nature in marine protected areas than neighboring coastal zones. The research found that these areas provide more cultural ecosystem services than adjacent coastal areas.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalOne Earth·DateAug 20, 2021

UT Southwestern pioneers PULSAR-integrated radiotherapy with immunotherapy for improved tumor control

Researchers have developed a new adaptive radiotherapy strategy called PULSAR, which combines radiation and immunotherapy to improve tumor control. The approach uses artificial intelligence to personalize treatment plans, allowing oncologists to replan cancer treatment in under 30 minutes.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics·DateAug 20, 2021

CVD genetic testing in children presents unique challenges, needs individualized approach

The American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of pre-test and post-test counseling for families with children undergoing CVD genetic testing. The statement emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address family concerns and provide appropriate follow-up care.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Genomic and Precision Medicine·DateAug 20, 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.

How well did the EU respond to the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic? Experts now give their verdict

A review of expert opinions reveals mixed results for the EU's COVID-19 response, with successes including coordinated vaccine procurement but shortcomings including inconsistent national responses. Experts emphasize the need for strengthened local surveillance systems and improved EU leadership to prevent similar crises.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateAug 20, 2021

Fighting resistances: Concepts for new antibiotics

The urgent demand for new antimicrobial agents is threatened by a lack of investment in research. Scientists propose concepts for sustainably bridging the gap between pure research and industrial implementation to create new, effective antibiotics.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNature Reviews Chemistry·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 20, 2021

Here comes the Sun: Planetary scientists find evidence of solar-driven change on the Moon

Researchers from Northern Arizona University found that solar radiation can produce iron nanoparticles on the Moon's surface, a process previously thought to be less significant. This discovery has important implications for future space missions and the study of the Moon's surface evolution.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

Using artificial intelligence for early detection and treatment of illnesses: TU Dresden researchers develop an implantable AI system

Researchers at TU Dresden have developed an implantable AI platform that can classify healthy and pathological patterns in biological signals, such as heartbeats, with high accuracy. The system uses a biocompatible AI chip based on polymer-based fiber networks and has been shown to detect diseases without medical supervision.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateAug 20, 2021

Symptoms, like pain and fatigue, often cluster in newly diagnosed MS, study finds

A recent Michigan Medicine study found that people newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis experience a myriad of significant symptoms that often cluster together. Nearly two-thirds of MS patients reported fatigue, half experienced pain in the first year after diagnosis. The research team collected questionnaires from MS patients at si...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 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.

Physical exercise modulates iron in Alzheimer’s disease

A recent study found that regular physical exercise modulates iron homeostasis in both the brain and skeletal muscle of mice with Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest that IL-6 is a key modulator of hepcidin in exercise-induced brain iron modulation, which may help explain why exercise is beneficial for AD prevention or treatment.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2021

Rare Cambrian fossils from Utah reveal unexpected anatomical complexity in early comb jellies

Researchers describe two new species of fossil ctenophores from Utah with preserved nervous systems and up to 24 comb rows. These findings suggest that Cambrian ctenophores had more complex nervous systems than living species, with specific nerve tracks along the body and a ring around the mouth.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournaliScience·DateAug 20, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Girdin one’s loins

A team of researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine discovered that GIV/Girdin plays a critical role in sperm motility, survival, and fertilization success. The protein regulates capacitation and acrosome reaction processes, essential for successful fertilization.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

Immigration policies and how private prisons are shaping them

Researchers found that private prison companies tend to donate to lawmakers who cosponsor punitive immigration legislation. This fuels a cycle of increased deportations and immigrant detention, with the private prison industry profiting from it. The study highlights the financial payoffs for politicians who support such policies.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalBusiness and Politics·DateAug 20, 2021

Study: Evolution now accepted by majority of Americans

A new study reveals that public acceptance of evolution in the US has surpassed the halfway mark, with education and civic science literacy identified as key factors leading to its adoption. The study found a decline in religious fundamentalism's impact on rejecting evolution, with approximately 30% of Americans still holding fundament...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPublic Understanding of Science·DateAug 20, 2021

SUTD researchers develop liquid metal antenna that can conform to soft biological tissues

SUTD researchers developed a liquid metal antenna that can conform to soft biological tissues, addressing the mechanical mismatch at the tissue-device interface. The antenna demonstrated high wireless powering efficiency and stability under extreme deformations, making it suitable for implantable devices in hard-to-reach lesions.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 20, 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.

Integrative approach by NUS biologists increases accuracy of mosquito vector surveillance

A team of researchers from NUS developed an integrative approach to boost accuracy in mosquito surveillance by including larvae and species identification using mini-barcodes. This approach improves overall diversity estimates by 38% compared to adult-only data, contributing to baseline knowledge on potential vectors in Singapore.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 20, 2021

National 2D materials research center wins NSF funding

The Center for Atomically Thin Multifunctional Coatings (ATOMIC) has received Phase II funding to expand its research and development of advanced 2D coatings. With the addition of Boise State University, ATOMIC aims to advance technology to more applied solutions and collaborate with industry partners on high-reward projects.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 20, 2021

Under the northern lights: Mesospheric ozone layer depletion explained

Researchers found that electron precipitation from northern lights causes local ozone layer depletions in the mesosphere, potentially impacting climate. The study provides insight into this phenomenon, known as pulsating aurorae, and highlights its significance for global climate change.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 20, 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.

Houston Methodist studies identify risk severity & long-term effects of COVID-19

A recent study published in PLoS One found that young adult patients with COVID-19 are at risk of severe disease and readmission, especially those with comorbidities. The study also identified over 50 lingering symptoms, including fatigue, headache, and loss of smell, which can last weeks to months after initial recovery.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

Cooperative control brings ‘smart shipping’ closer to port

Drones are not the only vehicles at the forefront of automating deliveries; researchers have developed a control strategy for ships and partnered tugs to navigate environmental disturbances. The multi-layer, multi-agent control scheme increases efficiency in the shipping process while reducing human error.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 20, 2021

Moffitt researchers develop model to predict non-small cell lung cancer patient outcomes to immunotherapy

Researchers have developed a prediction model that uses radiomic features from pre-treatment CT scans combined with clinical data to identify patients who are not likely to respond to immunotherapy. The model divides patients into four risk groups, including those with very high and low risks of death following immunotherapy.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

Small but powerful: A tiny molecule with massive anti-cancer potential

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified a microRNA molecule that can silence specific cancer-promoting genes, overcoming resistance to certain drugs. The study found that the miRNA target multiple genes and pathways simultaneously, making its impact potent.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·DateAug 20, 2021

Study proposes new ways to estimate climate change impacts on agriculture

Researchers propose new statistical approaches to estimate climate change impacts on US agriculture, focusing on county-level analysis. They suggest that current grouping methods can lead to inaccurate results and recommend using C-Lasso, causal forest algorithm, and geographically weighted regressions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalClimatic Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

How schools of ‘microswimmers’ can increase their cargo capacity

Researchers discovered that groups of microscopic, self-propelled droplets can transport more material through narrow channels using collective hydrodynamic entrainment. The effect is stronger in confined spaces due to focused flows and front-back symmetry.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 20, 2021

NEJM: Anticoagulants help moderately ill COVID-19 patients

A study involving 2,200 patients found that therapeutic-dose anticoagulation improved survival rates among moderately ill COVID-19 patients. The treatment reduced the likelihood of needing cardiovascular respiratory organ support by 27% and increased chances of survival without such support by 4%.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 20, 2021

UC Davis C-STEM Center receives $2.4M grant to introduce African American girls to engineering and robotics

The UC Davis Center for Integrated Computing and STEM Education has received a $2.4 million grant to establish an initiative introducing Black/African American girls to engineering and robotics. The Ujima Girls in Robotics Leadership Project offers a free, hands-on program teaching girls middle and high school engineering and leadership.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateAug 20, 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.

It’s elementary: Visualizing molecular motion of substituted 9-phosphaanthracene

Scientists have successfully visualized the molecular motion of a highly unstable compound, 10-mesityl-1,8-bis(trifluoromethyl)-9-phosphaanthracene, using novel spectroscopic techniques. The study revealed unprecedented molecular motions and structure information, shedding light on its radical reactivity and potential applications.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2021

New fossils show what the ancestral brains of arthropods looked like

Rare fossils from the Cambrian period confirm the presence of an ancestral frontal domain in arthropods, which gives rise to crucial neural centers involved in decision-making and memory. The discovery also sheds new light on the evolutionary origin of visual systems in arthropods.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

Seeing both the forest and the trees: Trans-scale scope shows big picture of tiny targets

Scientists from Osaka University create optical imaging system that can capture over a million cells in a single image, enabling simultaneous observation of centimeter-scale dynamics with micrometer resolution. This technology, termed 'trans-scale scope,' may accelerate research in fields such as neuroscience, oncology, and immunology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

New imaging tool visualizes cell functions in a microphysiological system

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new analytical method that utilizes scanning probe microscopy to visualize cell functions in microphysiological systems. The tool provides spatial information about cell functions rapidly, overcoming limitations of traditional electrochemical sensors.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateAug 20, 2021
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.

Can a heartburn drug help doctors treat COVID-19?

Researchers found that famotidine improves COVID-19 survival odds and reduces disease severity when used with aspirin. The study, involving over 22,000 patients, suggests famotidine may have a beneficial 'off-target effect' in treating the disease.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature·DateAug 20, 2021

Restoring hormone levels in a neutered dog leads to health improvements

A case study reports success in restoring hormone balance to a castrated dog, improving mobility, reducing anxiety, and alleviating various health issues. The treatment involved testosterone and GnRH agonist therapy, resulting in significant health improvements.

SourceParsemus Foundation·JournalTopics in Companion Animal Medicine·TypeCase study·DateAug 20, 2021

One-half of patients with low-risk prostate cancer switch from active surveillance to active treatment

A population-based study found that nearly half of men with low-risk prostate cancer transitioned from active surveillance to definitive treatment within five years after diagnosis. The study, published in The Journal of Urology, analyzed data from 8,541 men and identified factors associated with the likelihood of transition, including...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateAug 20, 2021
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.

UVA research group opens a path toward quantum computing in real-world conditions

A UVA research group has developed a scalable quantum computing platform using photonic devices, reducing the number of devices needed to achieve quantum speed. The team created a quantum source in an optical microresonator on a chip, generating 40 qumodes and verifying the generation of multiplexed quantum modes.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2021