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Science News for August 15, 2022


Racial and sex disparities in the prevalence of gout among US adults

Researchers found gout is more prevalent among Black adults in the US compared to White adults, with differences attributed to factors like poverty and body mass index. The study used nationally representative data from 2007-2016 and suggests that culturally sensitive efforts could help reduce disparities.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2022

Delays in contact tracing impeded early COVID-19 containment

Researchers found that a five-day delay in identifying cases and isolating contacts hindered contact tracing programs' effectiveness. Reducing this delay can prevent 26.6% more infections under certain conditions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 15, 2022

Monkeypox virus found in anal samples from asymptomatic MSM

Researchers discovered 13 cases of asymptomatic MSM with positive monkeypox virus PCR results in anal samples, raising concerns about the outbreak's transmission dynamics. The findings suggest that vaccination may not be an effective strategy for preventing infection, highlighting the need for expanded public health interventions.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2022

Humans have totally altered small mammal communities in just a few centuries

Researchers have found that small mammal diversity decreased with increasing human modification and that modern communities are fundamentally distinct from past ones. Even protected spaces can conserve native small mammal communities, highlighting their importance in urban conservation projects.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateAug 15, 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.

Cash may not be the most effective way to motivate employees

A recent study by University of Waterloo researchers found that tangible rewards outperform cash rewards in motivating employees. The key to success lies in offering rewards with distinct and pleasurable qualities, such as ease of use, hedonic nature, novelty, and presentation.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalAccounting Organizations and Society·DateAug 15, 2022

Study: Holocaust Museum motivates visitors to create social change

Visitors to the Illinois Holocaust Museum reported feeling empowered and motivated to address injustice after experiencing exhibits on human rights and anti-racism. The study found that negative emotions triggered by the exhibits can lead to collective positive emotions, inspiring visitors to engage in social activism.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Travel Research·TypeSurvey·DateAug 15, 2022

Study reveals mechanism of Cl-initiated oxidation of methacrolein under NOx-free conditions

A team of scientists investigated the Cl-initiated oxidation of methacrolein (MACR) under NOx-free conditions, revealing key species and reaction pathways. The study found that MACR reacts with Cl atoms to form C4H5O and C4H6OCl radicals, which then react with O2 to produce peroxy radicals.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateAug 15, 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.

Statistical tool finds ‘gaps’ in DNA data sets shouldn’t be ignored

A new study found that 'gaps' within DNA protein and sequence alignments can provide valuable information about nucleotide and amino acid substitutions. The finding is particularly relevant for studying distantly related species.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2022

Irreversible declines in freshwater storage projected in parts of Asia by 2060

A new study projects significant declines in freshwater storage in parts of Asia, including a near-total collapse for Northern India and Pakistan, due to climate change. The Tibetan Plateau, a critical water source for nearly 2 billion people, is expected to lose nearly 100% of its water availability under a 'business as usual' scenario.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 15, 2022

Novel method accelerates neutron transport calculation

A novel method called On The Fly (OTF) accelerates Monte Carlo shielding simulation, making it applicable for complex fusion reactors. The OTF method achieved remarkable acceleration effects of 13 to 20 times compared to existing variance reduction methods.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalChemical Communications·DateAug 15, 2022

New chip could make treating metastatic cancer easier and faster

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new chip that can detect cancer metastasis in blood samples with high precision and scalability. The Cluster-Well chip uses microfluidic technology to isolate circulating tumor cell clusters, allowing for earlier and more targeted treatment.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Multiple shots of the BCG vaccine protect type 1 diabetics from COVID-19

A double-blind study found that 12.5% of placebo-treated individuals and 1% of BCG-treated individuals met criteria for confirmed COVID-19, indicating a 92% vaccine effectiveness. The BCG-vaccinated group also displayed protective effects against other infectious diseases, including fewer symptoms and reduced disease events.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 15, 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.

Proteins in cell-based particles could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer metastasis

A team of researchers has identified a promising prognostic and therapeutic target for patients with metastatic breast cancer: integrins αv and β1. These proteins are highly expressed in extracellular vesicles from tumour cells and may help develop new ways to assess, monitor, and suppress cancer metastasis.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Comparison of electric scooter, bicycle injuries

A study of nearly 3,200 individuals found that electric scooter riders were more likely to be young and intoxicated when injured. Implementing stricter helmet and alcohol policies, improving infrastructure, and awareness campaigns may help reduce injuries among electric scooter users.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 15, 2022

Decreasing backyard bird diversity flies under the radar

A study of bird survey data reveals that iconic backyard birds are experiencing declines in prevalence in urban areas, while introduced species are on the decline. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring and conservation action in suburbs to protect biodiversity.

SourceGriffith University·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 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.

Meth use drives overdose epidemic in rural U.S. communities

A new study reveals that methamphetamine use is widespread in rural America, driving overdoses and deaths. The research found that people using both methamphetamine and opioids had a significantly higher risk of nonfatal overdose, with 22% reporting an overdose in the past six months.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 15, 2022

What guides our attention to faces in videos changes with age

Researchers discovered that face centering, not saliency, plays a key role in guiding attention to faces in videos as people age. The findings have implications for children's television programming and the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalInfancy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2022

Gifted dogs are more playful

Researchers found that gifted word learners, a rare breed of dogs capable of learning multiple toy names, exhibit even higher levels of playfulness than typical border collies. The study suggests a correlation between playfulness and giftedness in learning object verbal labels.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateAug 15, 2022

Colorful solar panels could make the technology more attractive

Researchers have developed a method to create colorful solar panels by applying a thin layer of photonic glass, which reflects selective colors based on microscopic zinc sulfide spheres. The new technology results in energy efficiency improvements of up to 21.5% while maintaining color and durability.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 15, 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.

Brain support cells transfer their mitochondria to fight free radicals

Researchers found that astrocytes can transfer their mitochondria to damaged neurons after a brain hemorrhage, stimulating the production of an enzyme that neutralizes free radicals. This treatment showed improved neurological recovery in mice, but not if the mitochondria were without the protective enzyme Mn-SOD.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Pediatric kidney transplant patients fare better when kidney is from live donor

A new study published in Pediatric Transplantation found that pediatric kidney transplant patients have better long-term outcomes when their kidney comes from a living donor. The study analyzed data from the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network database and compared the rates of graft failure and death among children who received k...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPediatric Transplantation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2022

Road signs for immune defense cells

A recent international study has shed light on the inner workings of the adaptive immune response, revealing how killer T cells recognize viral invaders using molecular road signs. The study highlights the crucial role of chaperones in ensuring the stability and longevity of these road signs, allowing for more effective detection and d...

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 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.

Could a blood pressure hormone work as a treatment for immune dysregulation in sepsis?

A new study published in PNAS found that angiotensin-II, a blood pressure hormone, can enhance bacterial killing functions, increase bacterial clearance, and modulate systemic inflammatory responses in sepsis. The treatment improved immune function without increasing inflammatory injury.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Immune cells in the intestine have a sweet tooth

A new study led by Marc Veldhoen found that tissue resident white blood cells use glucose as an energy source and have a faster metabolism than circulating lymphocytes. This discovery highlights the importance of having a balanced diet for a healthy immune response.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Racial, sex disparities of gout

A recent study reveals racial and sex disparities in gout prevalence, with Black adults more commonly affected. Culturally informed efforts targeting diet and social determinants may help reduce these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 15, 2022

Differences found in antioxidant activities of astaxanthin isomers against singlet oxygen evaluated using a spectroscopic method

Researchers developed a spectroscopic method to evaluate astaxanthin isomers' antioxidant activity against singlet oxygen. The study found that the 1O2 quenching capacity of cis-astaxanthin was significantly higher than all-trans astaxanthin, offering new insights into astaxanthin's practical application in the food industry.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalFood Chemistry·DateAug 15, 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.

Catching up with quicksilver: MXene material can counter mercury contamination

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a new MXene material that can efficiently remove mercury from contaminated water. The carboxylated titanium carbide MXene has shown superior performance in removing mercury ions compared to existing adsorbents, with the ability to capture 95% of mercury ions within one minute.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Solving Everest’s wildlife mysteries with eDNA

A team of scientists used environmental DNA (eDNA) to document the breadth of high-alpine biodiversity on Mt. Everest, identifying organisms from 187 taxonomic orders. The study found surprising presence of domestic dogs and chickens, highlighting human impact on the landscape.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Can a human with a spinal cord injury walk and run? Discovering clues to solving science challenges with neuromorphic technology

A team of researchers has successfully recovered muscle movements in paralyzed mice using organic artificial nerves. The study demonstrates a new approach to overcoming nerve damage using neuromorphic technology, paving the way for wearable neural prosthetics and improving quality of life for those with related diseases and disorders.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 15, 2022

Using ammonia to heal perovskite film for solar panel construction

Researchers have found a new method to process formamidinium-based perovskite films, relieving limitations by using ammonia treatment. This approach enables the creation of highly uniform films with improved power conversion efficiency.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2022

New psychological science findings involving bias, fear, gender differences, and more

Recent research has found significant decreases in bias across explicit attitudes in the US over 14 years. Fear responses to imagined stimuli are also acquired and generalized, with no long-term change in implicit attitudes towards age, disability, or body weight. Gender differences in verbal fluency and memory have been identified, wi...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 15, 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.

Synapses as a model: solid-state memory in neuromorphic circuits

Researchers compiled their research results in a detailed review article to provide insight-driven material optimization for memristive memory cells. The article explains the physical principles and models behind these cells, which can function like artificial synapses in neuromorphic circuits.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalAdvances In Physics·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 15, 2022

Unexpected quantum effects in natural double-layer graphene

An international research team led by the University of Göttingen has discovered unexpected quantum effects in naturally occurring double-layer graphene. The study reveals a variety of complex quantum phases emerging at temperatures near absolute zero, including magnetic behavior without external influence.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

National parks - islands in a desert?

A study found that biodiversity conservation in national parks is strongly associated with socioeconomic conditions, including the Human Development Index. National parks in countries with higher HDI values showed lower species abundance declines compared to those with lower HDI.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 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.

Underwater snow gives clues about Europa’s icy shell

A new study suggests Europa's ice shell could be orders of magnitude purer than previously thought due to the formation of frazil ice, which keeps salt in seawater. This could affect the ice's strength and heat transfer, making it crucial for understanding Europa's habitability.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAstrobiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2022

Patient survey reveals preference and economic cost of breathlessness services

A new study surveyed 190 patients and 68 carers in the UK, revealing that patients prefer breathlessness services offered in hospital outpatient clinics or at home. The research found that these services improve quality of life and reduce healthcare costs, with estimated savings ranging from £663 to £5086 per person.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThorax·DateAug 15, 2022

Today’s heat waves feel a lot hotter than heat index implies

Researchers at UC Berkeley find that the traditional heat index, which calculates how hot it feels based on temperature and humidity, fails to account for physiological responses to extreme heat. The new study suggests that this underestimation can lead to increased stress on the human body, particularly in sweltering conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 15, 2022

2D array of electron and nuclear spin qubits opens new frontier in quantum science

Purdue researchers have created a 2D array of electron and nuclear spin qubits, enabling atomic-scale nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and reading/writing quantum information with nuclear spins in 2D materials. This method harnesses three nitrogen nuclei at a time for longer coherence times than electron qubits.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 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.

Sugar metabolism is surprisingly conventional in cancer

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that cancer cells metabolize glucose in their mitochondria, following conventional biochemical patterns. The study suggests that limiting glucose uptake may not be an effective strategy to target cancer cells, and glucose metabolism may need to be reevaluated as a therapeutic target.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

No-till farming study shows benefit to midwestern land values

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals no-till farming boosts agricultural land values in the Midwest, with a 1% increase translating to a $7.86 per acre gain. This finding supports the economic and environmental benefits of adopting soil conservation practices like no-till farming.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 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.

The best way to take pills according to science

A new model, StomachSim, simulates human stomach mechanics to show that posture can impact pill absorption by up to an hour. Lying on the right side is best for quick dissolution, while standing upright is a decent second option.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 15, 2022

Pain is no joke in labor, but withdrawing laughing gas has no ill effects

Researchers studied the impact of withholding nitrous oxide on labor pain and found no adverse outcomes for mothers or children. Opioid use increased significantly but no change in other measures such as epidural use or Caesarean section rates were observed.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·TypeCase study·DateAug 15, 2022

New MIT research forecasts effect of two-dose vaccine allocation strategies on cumulative number of infections and death in US

A new MIT model simulates vaccine allocation strategies to predict the effect on cumulative deaths and infections in the US. The research finds that allocating more than 50% of available doses to non-vaccinated individuals can significantly increase lives saved and reduce infections.

SourceMIT Sloan School of Management·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 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.

Buck Institute scientists uncover a new role for blood-brain barrier in neuron function and damage

Researchers at Buck Institute discover that blood-brain barrier cells influence neuron function and can cause problems rather than just being protective. This finding opens up new avenues for therapies targeting neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Weird and wonderful world of fungi shaped by evolutionary bursts, study finds

Scientists at the University of Bristol discovered that fungal diversity stems from evolutionary increases in multicellular complexity. The study found that fungal disparity has evolved episodically through time, with greater morphological variety emerging after the emergence of multicellular fungi and complex fruiting bodies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 15, 2022

Research Brief: Immune intolerance unlocked with food-specific T-cells

A new study reveals that certain food proteins can cause white blood cells to become dysfunctional, leading to immune intolerance. Researchers found that the gut-associated-lymphoid tissue is a suppressive environment where lymphocytes undergo arrested development, preventing dangerous immune reactions to food.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2022

Thirdhand smoke exposures surpass health risk guideline levels

A new study by Berkeley Lab scientists reveals that thirdhand smoke can exceed health risk guidelines, putting whole households at risk. The study found that concentrations of toxic chemicals in indoor environments where cigarettes have been smoked can lead to exposure through inhalation, dust ingestion, and dermal absorption.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 15, 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.

Carbon market could offset Australia’s huge fire recovery bill

A new study suggests that investing $16 billion a year can restore 65% of fire-impacted species habitat and sequester up to 291 megatons of carbon dioxide. The research also highlights the need for urgent removal of invasive species, replanting, and stopping native forest logging.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalEnvironmental Letters·DateAug 15, 2022

Sugar chain on cell surface directs cancer cells to die

A study led by Toho University identified a glycan structure, Lewis glycans, on the cell surface that makes cancer cells vulnerable to TRAIL-induced death. Cancer cells highly expressing this structure are more sensitive to TRAIL therapy and can serve as a predictive biomarker.

SourceToho University·JournalOncogene·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 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.

Hypertension common among poorest, least educated around the world

A study of over 1.2 million people in 76 low- and middle-income countries found that hypertension prevalence is high among the least educated and poorest individuals, despite common assumptions. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to lower blood pressure in these regions.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 15, 2022

Patients with chronic pain had less sick leave after spinal cord stimulation

Patients with long-term neuropathic pain took significantly fewer sick days after spinal cord stimulation treatment, indicating improved life quality. The study suggests that the treatment can increase life expectancy and reduce productivity loss for patients, resulting in cost savings for society.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPain·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 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.

For checking blood pressure at home, basic cuffs are just as good as standard devices

A national study by UC San Francisco found that basic home blood pressure cuffs and smartphone-connected devices have no significant difference in improving blood pressure control. After six months, patients who used basic cuffs had a lower blood pressure reduction compared to those using Bluetooth-enabled devices.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 15, 2022

Survey finds uneven training in cannabis therapy among cannabis dispensary staff

A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that dispensaries often prioritize sales skills over cannabis therapeutics training, leading to a lack of reliable guidance for patients. The study's findings highlight the need for standardized training and education in cannabis therapy to ensure patients receive accurate information.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 15, 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.

Researchers assess diagnostic criteria for canine glioma

A multi-institutional team assessed the diagnostic criteria for canine glioma using the Comparative Brain Tumor Consortium's guidelines. The study found that consensus was achieved for 71 out of 85 cases (84%), with a moderate level of inter-pathologist agreement.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalVeterinary and Comparative Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2022

DREADDful mimicry

Researchers successfully developed artificial replicas of GPCRs, allowing for controlled activation and replication of original functionality. The method enables precise modulation of immune cells' responses, holding promise for treating diseases targeted by GPCRs.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2022

The AABB releases clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma

The AABB has released clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma, recommending its use for nonhospitalized patients at high risk for disease progression. The guidelines suggest that CCP is most effective when transfused with high neutralizing titers early after symptom onset.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 15, 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.

Low school test scores linked to racial segregation and lead exposure in NC

Research by Duke University finds that black children exposed to lead have lower test scores, with effects exacerbated in racially segregated neighborhoods. Lead-based paint, aging pipes, and living near polluting sources contribute to environmental contamination, narrowing the achievement gap among minority groups.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2022

Targeted cancer vaccines eliminate tumors and prevent recurrence in mice

Researchers at Tufts University have developed a targeted cancer vaccine that delivers mRNA directly to the lymphatic system, resulting in potent immune responses and complete remission in mice with metastatic melanoma. The vaccine's effectiveness was demonstrated by a 40% rate of complete response and excellent immune memory.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022