Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 11, 2022


Biomolecular insights into protein-insolubility-related disease

Extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in the aggregation and deposition of TTR amyloids in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis, according to new research. The study reveals that EVs promote the formation of V30M-TTR aggregates on cells, leading to tissue damage.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Biosciences·DateApr 11, 2022
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.

Engineered bacteria could help protect “good” gut microbes from antibiotics

Researchers developed a new way to help protect the natural flora of the human digestive tract by engineering bacteria to break down beta-lactam antibiotics. This approach protects the microbiota in the gut while allowing antibiotics to remain effective, reducing the risk of infection and antibiotic resistance.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 11, 2022

Cereals take control of bacterial production of ammonia fertiliser

Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling bacterial nitrogen fixation by cereals, enabling them to produce their own ammonia fertiliser. This development has the potential to reduce reliance on industrially produced ammonia-based fertilisers and mitigate environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy before surgery improves outcomes for lung cancer patients

Adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy before surgery reduced the risk of recurrence and death in lung cancer patients by 37%, according to a phase III trial. The treatment also led to a nearly twelvefold increase in pathological complete response, with 24% of patients achieving no active cancer remaining when the tumor was removed.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 11, 2022

Using vertical sounding data to forecast Zonda wind in the Andes region

Researchers used vertical sounding data to improve forecasting of Zonda windstorms, a severe weather phenomenon affecting Argentina's agricultural communities. By analyzing atmospheric profiles and applying principal component analysis, they achieved reliable forecasts with up to 24 hours of lead time.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022

Study shows smoking increased in those trying to quit during COVID-19

A study published in the Ochsner Journal found that 28.2% of current smokers reported increased tobacco use during the pandemic, while former smokers experienced no relapse. Researchers identified correlates of increased tobacco use, including mental health concerns and coping strategies.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalOchsner Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 11, 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.

Medical assistants help close virtual-visit digital divide

Patients in low-socioeconomic-status neighborhoods and those needing language interpretation had higher connection rates for successful video visits, thanks to medical assistant involvement. Overall, the study found 87% of video visits had a successful connection.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 11, 2022

Ultrasound gave us our first baby pictures can it also help the blind see?

A new study by USC researchers uses focused ultrasound technology to stimulate the retina of blind rats, demonstrating the potential for a non-surgical solution to restore sight. The technology generates sound waves that activate neurons and send signals to the brain, bypassing traditional light-based stimulation.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Microplastics in the Cauvery River may be harming fish

A new study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety reveals that microplastics in the Cauvery River may be causing growth defects in fish, including skeletal deformities and DNA damage. The study found that pollutants from slow-flowing and stagnant sites caused significant harm to zebrafish embryos.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalEcotoxicology and Environmental Safety·DateApr 11, 2022

New 3D Printing technique: a game changer for medical testing devices

Researchers have developed a new 3D printing technique to fabricate microfluidic devices with precise channels at the microscale. This breakthrough allows for accurate creation of channels in clear resin, enabling applications such as COVID-19 detection and cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Scientists crack egg forging evolutionary puzzle

A recent study by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Boston University has made a major breakthrough in understanding how cuckoo finches mimic eggs of multiple host species. The team found that female cuckoo finches inherit their egg-mimicry abilities from their mothers, allowing them to exploit different host species. Ho...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022

Yale researchers have uncovered a regulator of body weight that could lead to new treatments for metabolic disorders

Yale scientists have discovered a protein called augmentor-alpha that regulates body weight in mice, offering insights into potential new treatments for metabolic disorders. The protein is found in the hypothalamus region of the brain and plays a role in energy conservation during fasting.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022
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.

Epigenetic treatments: New allies for chemotherapies?

Researchers identified genes and epigenomic marks that enable cancer cells to resist chemotherapy. By inhibiting these marks, epi-drugs can restore treatment sensitivity. Future clinical trials aim to adapt this concept for human use.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Climate change demands near perfect weed control in soybean

Research reveals that climate change and drought can cause significant yield losses in soybeans, even with high levels of weed control. To mitigate this, farmers need to adopt integrated weed management strategies, including the use of soil-residual herbicides and late-maturing soybean varieties.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateApr 11, 2022

Researchers identify a new treatment for metabolic syndrome

Researchers at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University have discovered a new receptor, Ptprd, that controls appetite and body weight. The receptor trap drug suppresses appetite, body weight, and blood glucose levels in obese mice.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 11, 2022

Community study reveals unexpected negative correlation between residential greenspace and psychological well-being of people with spinal cord injury

A study revealed a negative correlation between living in areas with low residential greenspace and lower depressive symptoms among people with spinal cord injury. The findings have implications for urban planning and public policy, highlighting the need to understand how community environment factors influence quality of life.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalSpinal Cord·TypeSurvey·DateApr 11, 2022
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.

Why 90% of clinical drug development fails and how to improve it?

Current drug optimization prioritizes potency/specificity over tissue exposure/selectivity, leading to clinical failures. A new approach, STAR, classifies drugs based on potency/selectivity, tissue exposure/selectivity, and required dose to achieve clinical efficacy/toxicity balance.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·DateApr 11, 2022

The power of kindness in improving brain health

A kindness training program adapted from Children's Kindness Network improves both parents' resilience and children's empathy. The study found that teaching kindness at home boosts parental resilience and enhances emotional intelligence in preschoolers, supporting overall brain health.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Rhesus monkeys can perceive their own heartbeat

Researchers have discovered that rhesus monkeys can sense their heartbeats, which may help understand interoception and its link to mental health conditions. This finding provides an important model for future psychiatric research.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Inferring the size of a collective of self-propelled Vicsek particles from the random motion of a single unit

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering propose a paradigm to solve the problem of inferring collective size from individual behaviors. By observing self-propelled Vicsek particles, they show that the time rate of growth of mean square heading is sufficient to predict the number of particles under particular parameters.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2022

Research brief: Critical benefits of snowpack for winter wheat are diminishing

Research finds that declining snowpack due to climate change poses significant risks for winter wheat crops, increasing exposure to freeze and agricultural drought. The study's findings highlight the need for improved representation of snow processes in crop models to better understand climate change effects.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 11, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Certain personality traits associated with cognitive functioning late in life

Research by the American Psychological Association found that individuals with high levels of conscientiousness and low neuroticism tend to have better cognitive functioning late in life. Those high in extraversion may also maintain normal cognitive function longer, while high neuroticism is associated with decreased healthy cognition.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 11, 2022

Magic mushroom compound increases brain connectivity in people with depression after use

A new analysis of brain scans from close to 60 people receiving treatment for depression reveals that psilocybin-assisted therapy shows increased brain connectivity even after use, leading to self-reported improvements in depression. The findings differ from conventional antidepressants and suggest a fundamental mechanism via which psy...

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022
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.

How ovarian cancer defies immunotherapy

Researchers at UC San Diego found that ovarian cancer tumors activate FAK protein to regulate CD155 expression, creating a shield against immune detection and evading treatment. New molecular targets may boost immune response and lead to new combinatorial strategies for this disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022

Brain circuit strength predicts a child’s ability to understand numbers

Research finds that brain circuit strength is linked to a child's ability to understand numbers. A four-week number sense training program targeting the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and hippocampus improved learning outcomes for elementary school-aged children across abilities.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Light-powered microbes are super-producing chemical factories

Researchers from Osaka University engineered microorganisms to use light as an external energy source, accelerating biomanufacturing of target compounds without disrupting the host microorganism's natural metabolism. This approach has the potential to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in bioprocesses.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Climate change reduces HIV treatment adherence in Africa

A new study found that climate change and drought can lead to increased rates of HIV treatment non-adherence in Africa. The review highlights the complex interactions between social, economic, and environmental factors that exacerbate this issue.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 11, 2022

World’s first LED lights developed from rice husks

Researchers at Hiroshima University have created the world's first silicon quantum dot (QD) LED light using waste rice husks, offering an eco-friendly alternative to toxic semiconducting materials. The new method transforms agricultural waste into high-quality LED lights with high luminescence efficiency and low environmental impact.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 11, 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.

Decoy particles trick coronavirus as it evolves

Researchers have developed a new potential COVID-19 treatment using decoy nanoparticles that mimic cells. These nanoparticles effectively inhibit viruses and bind them, rendering them inactive. The treatment has shown promise against drug-resistant variants, outperforming traditional treatments in some cases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

New study suggests wildlife may be answer to phosphorus crisis

Researchers propose that wildlife can return phosphorus to the land by restoring interconnected animal communities, revitalizing ancient pathways of natural fertilization. This approach aims to generate sources of fertilizer for farmers and increase ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateApr 11, 2022
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.

Bladder cancer: therapeutically effective drugs identified

Researchers identified clofarabine as a promising compound with inhibitory effects on bladder cancer cells, including urothelial carcinoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma. The study suggests potential for clinical trials to treat metastatic bladder cancer patients who cannot receive traditional cisplatin-based therapy.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalEuropean Urology·DateApr 11, 2022

Children think farm animals deserve same treatment as pets

Research shows that children aged 9-11 believe farm animals should be treated like pets and think eating animals is less morally acceptable than adults. The study suggests that speciesism - a moral hierarchy giving different value to different animals - is learned during adolescence.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeSurvey·DateApr 11, 2022

MU grant will help nurses boost confidence in COVID-19 vaccine

The University of Missouri has received a grant to help nurses discuss COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy with their communities. The project will equip nursing students with knowledge and confidence to promote public health through effective communication strategies.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateApr 11, 2022
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.

Psilocybin rewires the brain for people with depression

A new study by UC San Francisco and Imperial College London found that psilocybin therapy reduces connections within brain areas tightly connected in depression, while increasing connections to other regions. This leads to improved depressive symptoms and better cognitive functioning in participants.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 11, 2022

Study suggests why most smokers don’t get lung cancer

A recent study led by scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine suggests that some smokers have robust mechanisms to limit mutations, protecting them from lung cancer. The findings could help identify those with an increased risk for the disease and warrant close monitoring.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·TypeCase study·DateApr 11, 2022

A single memory is stored across many connected brain regions

A new study by MIT researchers confirms that a single memory is stored across many connected brain regions, challenging long-held assumptions. The study used advanced imaging techniques to map memory encoding and recall activity in mice, revealing dozens of brain regions involved in memory storage.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022
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.

Converting solar energy to electricity on demand

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have successfully converted solar energy into electricity using a thermoelectric generator. The new technology can store solar energy for up to 18 years and release it when needed, making it a promising solution for renewable energy production.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Clarifying carb confusion: experts propose evidence-based scoring system to assess the overall healthfulness of carb-containing foods

A new 'Carbohydrate Food Quality Score' considers a comprehensive approach to quantify CF quality, incorporating fiber-to-carbohydrate and free sugar ratios, sodium, potassium, and whole grain content. The scoring system aims to offer relevant recommendations to improve nutrient intake and public health.

SourceThe Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE)·JournalNutrients·DateApr 11, 2022

Study links fracking, drinking water pollution, and infant heath

A new study finds that fracking is linked to poor birth outcomes and contaminants in public drinking water. The research, which analyzed data from Pennsylvania between 2006 and 2015, shows a significant increase in preterm births and low birth weight among infants exposed to fracking-related chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateApr 11, 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.

Study sheds new light on the origin of civilization

A new study by University of Warwick researchers finds that the adoption of cereal crops is the key factor in the emergence of complex hierarchies and states. Contrary to conventional theory, high land productivity does not lead to the development of tax-levying states.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateApr 11, 2022

Accounting for genetic factors that cause normal variations in PSA levels may improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection

A study suggests that accounting for genetic factors causing normal variations in PSA levels could improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection. By analyzing data from over 95,000 men, researchers identified a polygenic score that accounted for 7.3-8.7% of variation in baseline PSA levels and was not associated with prostate cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 11, 2022

Aprotinin is effective in COVID-19 patients – researchers of Goethe University and University of Kent paved the way

Researchers from Goethe University and University of Kent found aprotinin effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta and Omicron, by preventing virus entry into host cells. A recent phase III clinical study demonstrated the treatment reduced hospital stays by five days.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Collision hotspots for migrating birds revealed in new study

Researchers used GPS data from 65 bird tracking studies to identify areas where migrating birds are more sensitive to onshore wind turbine or power line development. These 'collision hotspots' are concentrated along important migration routes, coastlines, and near breeding locations in Europe and North Africa.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 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.

Even in a virtual classroom, preschoolers can gain reading skills

A new study by the University of Washington's Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences finds that children can develop key reading skills in a virtual classroom with other students. The 'Reading Camp' program demonstrates not only its effectiveness but also its potential to reach larger numbers of students remotely.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateApr 11, 2022

Cloud server leasing can leave sensitive data up for grabs

Researchers found that cloud tenants are vulnerable to receiving sensitive customer data when IP addresses are leased and released back to the public. To mitigate this risk, companies and cloud-service providers must implement practices such as preventing IP address reuse.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 11, 2022

Cancer-fighting viruses soften up their victims before attacking

Researchers developed a virus that infects cancer cells, killing them while sending signals to nearby uninfected cells for viral attack. This approach shrinks tumors and enhances cancer-killing efficacy in various models, including pancreatic and ovarian cancers.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 11, 2022

Neptune is cooler than we thought: Study reveals unexpected changes in atmospheric temperatures

A new study by University of Leicester researchers reveals Neptune's atmospheric temperatures have dropped by roughly 8 degrees Celsius between 2003 and 2018, with unexpected stratospheric warming at the south pole. The cause of these changes is currently unknown, but may be related to seasonal variations in atmospheric chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPlanetary Science·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 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.

Researchers map lung development after birth into late childhood for the first time

Scientists have constructed a detailed map of lung development after birth, providing insights into the genetic and epigenetic factors that affect lung health. The study used next-generation single-cell sequencing technologies to analyze over 80,000 human and mouse lung cells, revealing clues on how cell types communicate and develop.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Genomics·DateApr 11, 2022

Chemists harness the sun to upcycle plastic waste

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a way to use light and oxygen to upcycle polystyrene into benzoic acid, a product stocked in chemistry labs and used in various products. The process is mild, climate-friendly, and scalable to commercial waste streams.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 11, 2022

Pediatric cancer patients in lower- and middle-income countries faced significantly higher mortality risk during the COVID-19 pandemic

Pediatric cancer patients from lower- and middle-income countries faced a higher risk of all-cause mortality than those in high-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that patients in LMICs had 35.7 times the risk of all-cause mortality compared to those in HICs.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 11, 2022

New transistor could cut 5% from world’s digital energy budget

A new magneto-electric transistor has been developed by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University at Buffalo. The design can reduce energy consumption by up to 75% and retain memory in event of power loss, making it a promising alternative to silicon-based transistors.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 11, 2022

Researchers publish most thorough study yet of 'smart,' spitting archerfishes

A new study published in Integrative Organismal Biology sheds light on the evolutionary history and anatomical variation of archerfishes, a group of fishes known for their ability to spit water from their mouths. Researchers found that all species can shoot, but there are differences among them.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·DateApr 11, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Study boosts support for single-dose HPV vaccine regimen

A randomized controlled trial of 2,275 women in Kenya found a single dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to be highly effective. The study results support the adoption of a single-dose HPV vaccination, which could increase accessibility in low- and middle-income countries.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNEJM Evidence·DateApr 11, 2022

Concussion worse if fighters rapidly cut weight before boxing and MMA matches, ground-breaking study reveals for the first time

Researchers found that fighters who rapidly cut weight before bouts are more likely to suffer concussions or be misdiagnosed with head trauma. The study also discovered that the practice may not offer a competitive advantage and can leave fighters at a disadvantage more often than not.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalClinical Journal of Sport Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateApr 11, 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.

Foreign languages slow down brain ageing

Research found that bilingualism can slow down age-related changes in the human brain, with longer language proficiency linked to improved conflict resolution skills. Bilingual speakers showed better performance in a flanker task, indicating enhanced inhibitory executive control.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateApr 11, 2022

Regular cycling helps patients with ‘accelerated aging’ disease

A study at McMaster University found that cycling for 35 minutes three times a week increased overall fitness in people with myotonic dystrophy by 32%. Patients also saw significant gains in muscle mass and reductions in body fat.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Lung cancer drug could improve survival rates for bladder cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

A phase two randomised placebo controlled trial showed giving patients nintedanib, as well as chemotherapy before surgery or radiotherapy, significantly increased overall survival rates at one, two and five years. Nintedanib blocks different proteins from sending signals to cancer cells to grow, causing the cancer cells to die.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022
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.

Think piece

Researchers have developed a new MRI technique that captures the brain's function during normal behavior, revealing its activities on a scale previously unknown. This 'time-lapse' imaging method, called manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI), uses manganese as a contrast agent to highlight brain cell activity and neural projections.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalNMR in Biomedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 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.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy shows promise for opioid addiction treatment

A pair of studies published by Washington State University scientists found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help individuals with opioid addiction reduce their methadone dose and better manage pain and withdrawal symptoms. The treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, resulting in significant dose reduct...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Addictions Nursing·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Sex-specific guidelines needed to accurately treat women

Current guidelines for treating women's obesity, hypertension and diabetes are based on men's studies. Researchers call for sex-specific guidelines to accurately treat these conditions in women, as they have different risk factors and manifestations.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 11, 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.

Structure‒tissue exposure/selectivity relationship (STR) correlates with clinical efficacy/safety

Researchers investigated the structure‒tissue exposure/selectivity relationship (STR) in correlation with observed clinical efficacy/toxicity using seven selective estrogen receptor modulators. The results showed that tissue exposure/selectivity of SERMs was correlated with clinical efficacy/safety, while plasma exposure was not.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·DateApr 11, 2022

Optical vortex crystals for photonic simulations of complex systems

Scientists at IIT realized coupled light vortices forming an ordered structure, a light crystal. They developed metasurfaces to control laser beams and created 100 light vortices with tunable topology, enabling new properties for optical communications and simulations of complex systems.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Meat industry not threatened by plant-based alternatives, study suggests

New research suggests that plant-based meat alternatives have grown in market share but are not replacing traditional meat, instead serving as an add-on. The study found that consumers buy both plant-based and animal products, with plant-based meats accounting for only 0.4% of total fresh meat expenditures.

SourceOhio State University·JournalApplied Economic Perspectives and Policy·DateApr 11, 2022
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.

New tool reveals how immune cells find their targets

MIT biological engineers have developed a new technique that allows them to precisely identify interactions between immune cells and their target antigens. This tool, which uses engineered viruses, enables large-scale screens of such interactions and could accelerate the development of more effective vaccines and immunotherapies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 11, 2022

New approach for delivery of anti-HIV antibody therapy shows promise in phase I clinical trial

A phase I clinical trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of a novel adeno-associated viral vector-based treatment for HIV, producing measurable amounts of a broadly neutralizing antibody. The treatment showed wide-ranging clinical implications for potentially preventing or treating HIV and other infections.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Former partners-in-crime likely to violently turn on one another – UK crime gang study

A UK crime gang study found that OCG members who previously offended together are more likely to become victims of violence, with a 56-fold increase in risk. The study also revealed cycles of escalating violence within the criminal milieu, with harassment increasing the potential for violence by 243 times.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Quantitative Criminology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 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.

The Kryptonite of the “superhero ideal”

A recent study by Wellesley College psychologist Sally A. Theran suggests that cultivating authentic relationships can help combat the negative effects of the 'superhero ideal' on mental health. Authenticity in relationships is key to mediating the relationship between the pressure to be a perfect achiever and depressive symptoms.

SourceWellesley College·JournalActa Psychologica·TypeSurvey·DateApr 11, 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.

Multidisciplinary approach to weight management – including bariatric surgery – is a viable option for adolescents with obesity

A new study published in Surgical Endoscopy found that adolescents with obesity who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy benefited from reduced obesity and concomitant organ damage, regardless of their age at the time of surgery. Additionally, adolescents with a family history of bariatric surgery had a higher weight prior to weig...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalSurgical Endoscopy·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 11, 2022

COVID-19 led to a rise in loneliness & depression in older adults: Report

Rates of depression and loneliness surged among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly women aged 65-74 who experienced a 67% increase in loneliness. Effective interventions are needed to address social isolation, including digital technology education, virtual group fitness classes, and outreach programs for youth.

SourceSimon Fraser University·DateApr 11, 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.

Researchers study how to unlock clinical risk-prediction models so they can be applied to multiple clinical settings

A team of NYU Tandon researchers investigated the variability of mortality prediction models when applied to different hospitals and geographic regions. They found that these models exhibit a lack of generalizability due to dataset shifts in race and clinical variables, leading to disparities in performance across racial groups.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2022

Columbia accelerates research into next-generation radiation therapies

Researchers at Columbia University are studying the effects of heavy ion radiation therapy on hard-to-treat cancers, aiming to improve treatment outcomes. The new linac booster will help scientists better understand how carbon ions work against cancer, potentially leading to more effective therapies.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateApr 11, 2022

New study reveals that exposure to a group of widely used ‘forever chemicals’ may increase diabetes risk in middle-aged women

A new study published in Diabetologia found that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes in midlife women. The study analyzed the stored blood and urine samples from 1400 participants and found a stronger association with combined exposure to multiple PFAS.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateApr 11, 2022

People married into long-lived families share lower risk of type II diabetes

Children of exceptionally long-lived parents and their spouses experience lower risk of type II diabetes compared to the general population. The study found that low BMI, high HDL cholesterol, and certain hormones in the blood protect against developing diabetes II.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 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.

No small measure: probing the mechanics of gold contacts at the nanoscale

Researchers precisely measure gold nanocontact's Young's modulus by combining TEM and LER techniques. The study reveals that the outer surface layer governs the overall strength of gold nanocontacts, with implications for NEMS and potential applications in pressure sensors.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 11, 2022

Study: Climatic variability might not drive evolutionary change as much as previously thought

A recent study combining climate data with fossil records of large mammals in Africa found that times of erratic climate change do not lead to major evolutionary changes. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that environmental variability and species turnover may not be closely related.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

How scientists analyzed the aerodynamic characteristics of Tianwen-1 Mars parachute?

The study focused on the analysis and selection of Mars parachute types, with a focus on supersonic speed, low density, and harsh atmospheric conditions. The optimized tapered DGB parachute structure demonstrated improved deceleration performance, meeting the requirements for the Tianwen-1 Mars probe.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

From rare soil microbe, a new antibiotic candidate

Scientists have identified a potential new antibiotic candidate from the rare soil microbe Lentzea flaviverrucosa. The discovery was made using genomics-based approaches and shows that this actinomycete produces two different bioactive molecules that are active against various types of cancer cells.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022