Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 17, 2022


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.

More digging needed to see whether bones of fallen Waterloo soldiers were sold as fertilizer, as few human remains have ever been found

A new study suggests that the bones of fallen Battle of Waterloo soldiers were likely sold as fertilizer due to the scarcity of human remains found on the battlefield. The research, published in the Journal of Conflict Archaeology, is based on original data and visitor accounts from the time period.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Conflict Archaeology·DateJun 17, 2022

Transparent face masks protect while facilitating communication

Researchers found that transparent face masks facilitate communication by not occluding facial expressions, unlike surgical masks. The study used digital images and showed that transparent masks did not disrupt the perception of facial emotions in both male and female faces.

SourceHokkaido University·Journali-Perception·TypeSurvey·DateJun 17, 2022

How stock market inefficiencies can affect the real economy

A study by Thorsten Lehnert shows that corporate managers' behavior is linked to investor sentiment, predicting investment strategy success. The researcher found a significant relationship between market-level euphoria and investment factor performance, outperforming static strategies.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalFinancial Innovation·DateJun 17, 2022
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.

Dual-wavelength technique for phase imaging and 3D topography

The Holography and Metamaterials Lab uses a Mach-Zehnder interferometer to record holograms containing intensity and phase information. These are reconstructed and combined to create true 3D virtual reality and high-resolution topograms of fingerprints, revealing level-3 details.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJun 17, 2022

New pediatric obesity program makes treatment more accessible

A new pediatric obesity program, Guided Self-Help (GSH), was developed to provide a less intensive and more accessible way to treat childhood obesity. The study found that GSH was similarly effective as traditional Family-Based Treatment (FBT) in supporting pediatric weight loss, but with higher attendance rates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 17, 2022

Math model predicts efficacy of drug treatments for heart attacks

Researchers at Ohio State University created a mathematical model that assesses the efficacy of immunomodulatory drugs in treating myocardial infarctions. The study found that certain combinations of these drug inhibitors were more efficient at reducing inflammation, offering new possibilities for improving patient outcomes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 17, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Invasive species are taking over some American forests

A new survey found dozens of non-native invasive species thriving in southwest Ohio's woods, including Amur honeysuckle, which is crowding out native plants. The study highlights the dangers of introduced species, such as allelopathy and fungal diseases that can wipe out native trees.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEcological Restoration·TypeObservational study·DateJun 17, 2022

Accuracy of diagnostic mammograms may vary across racial and ethnic groups

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that diagnostic mammogram accuracy differed across racial and ethnic groups. Asian/Pacific Islander women were more likely to receive false-positive reports, while non-Hispanic Black women were more likely to receive false-negative reports.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateJun 17, 2022

New research delves into the contributors to obesity-related health disparities

This supplement explores the complex contributors to obesity and obesity-related health disparities, highlighting the role of social determinants, behavioral factors, and biological influences. Researchers propose strategies for improving population wellbeing and inform healthcare and public policy approaches.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 17, 2022

Rethinking the rabies vaccine

Scientists have discovered a new, high-resolution view of the rabies virus glycoprotein, which could lead to more effective vaccines. The study's findings suggest that a better-shaped vaccine could provide lifelong protection against the deadly disease.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2022

Exciting light emission and measuring temperature with ultrasound

Researchers at Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena create a material that can emit visible or invisible light in response to ultrasound, also providing feedback on local temperature. This innovation could enable new applications in medicine, such as photodynamic therapy, and other areas where targeted light and heat are required.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2022
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.

COVID-19: Identification of broadly SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies

Scientists at Institut Pasteur developed potent neutralizing antibodies from convalescent COVID-19 individuals effective against various SARS-CoV-2 variants. These human antibodies are promising candidates for immunotherapies to prevent severe forms and/or treat COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2022

Training virtually can reduce psychosocial stress and anxiety

Researchers from Tohoku University found that virtual training can decrease psychosocial stress response and lower anxiety levels, comparable to real exercise. The study used immersive virtual reality to simulate physical activity, inducing physiological changes and cognitive benefits in young healthy subjects.

SourceTohoku University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJun 17, 2022

3 systems develop together for baby's respiratory health

A new study published in iScience found that the co-development of the gut microbiome, immune system, and respiratory system is correlated with a baby's respiratory health. Disruption of any of these systems resulted in greater respiratory morbidity for infants, highlighting the importance of timing in intervening with therapies.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateJun 17, 2022

Clues to bee health found in their gut microbiome

Researchers sequenced the whole genomes of three species of carpenter bees, gaining insights into their gut microbiome, diet, and viral load. They found beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus, which protect against fungal pathogens and boost the immune system.

SourceYork University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 17, 2022
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.

Kawasaki disease rates dropped during COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers found significant decrease in national Kawasaki disease cases in 2020, coinciding with school closures and masking mandates. KD cases rebounded after lifting of masks and return of in-person schooling, hinting at respiratory portal of entry as trigger.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJun 17, 2022

New study at the University of Haifa identifies assassin cells

Researchers at the University of Haifa have identified a new process involving the 'murder' of live newly-generated cells in fruit flies. The study found that phagocytic cells can kill normal cells during cellular differentiation, which could contribute to understanding and developing treatments for cancer.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 17, 2022

A new hope for a therapy against retinitis pigmentosa

A team from UNIGE has identified a molecular mechanism that causes degeneration of photoreceptors in retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disease leading to blindness. The discovery could lead to therapeutic treatments targeting this mechanism.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeNews article·DateJun 17, 2022
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.

Electrons take the fast and slow lanes at the same time

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have measured the speeds of spin and charge excitations in a narrow wire, finding that they travel at fixed but different speeds. This discovery opens up new possibilities for spintronics and our understanding of quantum matter.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 17, 2022

Citizens are more supportive of climate action after COVID-19, but more pessimistic in their expectations

A recent study by ICTA-UAB researchers found that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in public expectations, with many citizens becoming more pessimistic about future climate action. However, some respondents expressed positive views on the impact of COVID-19 on consumption habits and environmental awareness.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJun 17, 2022

Scientists make breakthrough in understanding serotonin receptors

Scientists made a breakthrough in understanding the structure and function of serotonin receptors, revealing the molecular mechanism of selective coupling with G-proteins. The study provides insights into ligand recognition and could lead to rational structure-based drug design for treating diseases linked to serotonin imbalance.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 17, 2022
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.

COVID-19 pandemic curtailed young adults’ access to addiction treatment

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted access to addiction treatment for adolescents and young adults, particularly those with private health insurance. Prescription claims data shows a significant decline in buprenorphine prescriptions among this age group, especially among those with commercial insurance coverage.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJun 17, 2022

Study: Design tricks commonly used to monetize young children’s app use

A new study finds that four in five apps target preschool-aged children with manipulative designs, keeping them engaged longer and encouraging purchases or watching ads. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected, highlighting inequities in how young children's attention is exploited for monetization.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 17, 2022

Integrated tool allows better tracking of clinical trial metrics

The integrated tool allows tracking of clinical trial enrollment and cost effectiveness, enabling study teams to ensure trials are the best fit for the enterprise. It also enables standardization of data collection and reporting, giving the institution a competitive edge.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 17, 2022

When it comes to ADHD and ASD, the eyes could reveal all

New research from University of South Australia and Flinders University uses retina recordings to identify distinct signals for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing a potential biomarker for each condition. Children with ADHD showed higher overall energy, while those with ASD sho...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2022
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.

New research to help address blood shortages in Ireland

A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has identified barriers and motivators to blood donation for people from ethnic minority groups in Ireland. Factors that motivate people from minority ethnic backgrounds to give blood include religious reasons and a desire to help others in their own communities.

SourceRCSI·DateJun 17, 2022

A smart jumpsuit tracks infants’ motor development

A Finnish research group developed a wearable device to assess infants' motor abilities during playtime, allowing for accurate tracking of neurological development. The smart jumpsuit enables out-of-the-lab assessments, supporting early clinical diagnostics and therapies.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateJun 17, 2022

PrEP stigma still high among men who have sex with men

A study found that despite PrEP's effectiveness in reducing HIV risk by 99%, many male couples underestimate its benefits and experience high levels of stigma. Joint education for male couples may improve PrEP adoption rates, and providing information to both partners can facilitate open discussions and concerns about the medication.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care·DateJun 17, 2022

ACMG releases update to secondary findings gene list; SF v3.1 adds five genes, including one with variant linked to heart failure in underrepresented populations

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released an updated recommended minimum gene list for the reporting of secondary findings. The update adds five new genes, four associated with dilated cardiomyopathy predisposition and one with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis, a cause of heart failure. The new list aims to...

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 17, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Breakthrough finding could yield benefits for patients with diabetes

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a key enzyme involved in producing a new class of lipids with therapeutic effects for patients with diabetes. The discovery, published in Nature, could pave the way for new treatments to protect insulin-producing cells and improve blood sugar control.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2022

New polymer mesophase structure discovered​

Scientists at KAIST have discovered a new polymer mesophase structure that forms through a random copolymer sequence. This unique structure is characterized by a bilayer-folded lamellar mesophase, which exhibits properties such as birefringence and viscoelasticity.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 17, 2022

Studying COVID-19 spread during short conversations

A team of researchers from Indian Institute of Science used computer simulations to analyse speech aerosols and found the risk of infection was higher when one person acted as a passive listener. The study also suggests that turning heads away by about nine degrees can reduce the risk for speakers

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalFlow·DateJun 17, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

HKUST researchers discover 'hotspots' of three-layered alternatively rotating circulation in South China Sea

A research team led by Prof. Gan Jianping found a three-layered structure in the SCS rotating circulation with 'hotspots' of intensified currents along steep continental slopes. This discovery clarifies previous misunderstandings of water mass motion and demonstrates the first-ever 3D simulation and visualization system for ocean circu...

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2022

Colorful urban environments, even if just in virtual reality, promote wellbeing

A new study published in Frontiers found that virtual reality environments with green vegetation and colorful patterns increase heart rate and promote a pleasurable experience. Conversely, colorful patterns alone stimulate interest and fascination without the same restorative effect as nature.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Virtual Reality·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2022

Review examines the impact of herbicide-resistant crops on weed management

A recent review of 25 years of data on herbicide-resistant crops found they can play a key role in integrated weed management, reducing herbicide use and weed population selection pressure. However, growers often rely solely on these crops, leading to widespread herbicide-resistant weed populations.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 17, 2022

How holographic interferometry could influence the future

Researchers have discovered a new application of holographic interferometry, enabling the measurement of real-time vibrations on reflective surfaces. This technique has significant implications for industries such as aviation, where it can help prevent engine failure and improve overall efficiency.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJun 17, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Why vaccination against malaria quickly loses its protective effect

A study found that malaria vaccines elicit a weak and limited immune response against the naturally occurring Plasmodium falciparum pathogen, resulting in short-lived protection. The researchers suggest that inducing a broader spectrum of T helper cells could generate longer-lasting immunity.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2022

Scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and 23andMe find genetic link to people’s ability to move to a musical beat

Scientists have discovered a significant genetic link to humans' ability to move in sync with music. The study identified 69 genetic variants related to beat synchronization and found connections between rhythm and health, while acknowledging that environment also plays a crucial role.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJun 17, 2022
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.

Change in cases of Kawasaki disease during pandemic

Cases of Kawasaki disease fell in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained low during masking and school closure. The findings suggest a respiratory portal of entry for the trigger agent(s), consistent with social behavior influencing exposure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 17, 2022

Biogas and biomethane supply chains leak twice as much methane as first thought

A new Imperial analysis found that biogas and biomethane supply chains release more than twice as much methane as previously estimated, with 62% of leaks concentrated in a few 'super-emitters'. The researchers call for better monitoring and fixing of leaks to ensure the continued use of these climate-friendly gases.

SourceImperial College London·JournalOne Earth·DateJun 17, 2022

Study finds that accurate diagnostic mammography outcomes vary by racial and ethnic groups

A multi-institutional study found that diagnostic mammography outcomes vary across racial and ethnic groups, with higher accuracy in non-Hispanic white women and lower accuracy in Hispanic women. The study suggests that imaging facility and concurrent use of breast ultrasound or MRI may contribute to some disparities.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 17, 2022
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.