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Science News for August 19, 2022


Which animals can best withstand climate change?

A new study analyzing 157 mammal species found that those living a long time and having few offspring are less vulnerable to climate-driven population fluctuations. In contrast, short-lived rodents experience more extreme population changes due to their limited fat reserves and ability to quickly adapt.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2022

Mosquitoes have a bizarre sense of smell, study finds

Researchers discovered that mosquitoes process odors in a bizarre way, using multiple sensory receptors housed within one neuron. This uniquely specialized system may explain why mosquitoes are so good at sniffing out humans, even when carbon dioxide cues are eliminated.

SourceBoston University·JournalCell·DateAug 19, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Global warming spawned the age of reptiles

Harvard researchers found that rapid evolution of reptiles began much earlier than previously thought, connected to increasing temperatures. The study used a dataset of over 1,000 fossil specimens and analyzed their adaptation to climatic shifts.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 19, 2022

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: rebleeding rates and rebleeding predictors found

A large-scale clinical study reveals high cumulative rebleeding rates among patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. The study identified overt OGIB, anticoagulants, and liver cirrhosis as independent predictors of rebleeding, emphasizing the importance of long-term follow-ups.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2022

Anti-Black racism linked to lower support for some gun rights

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that racially resentful white Americans are less likely to support some gun rights if they believe Black people are exercising those rights more than white people. This bias led to a quicker match of photos of white people with gun rights phrases and photos of Black peo...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateAug 19, 2022

New study shows patient preference for medical cannabis products in the absence of clinical guidelines

A new study analyzed point-of-sale data from nearly 17,000 patients in New York's medical cannabis program to understand patient preferences for products and dosing. The researchers found considerable variability in product choice and dosing levels across different conditions, highlighting the need for clear clinical guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 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.

Out-of-pocket costs for naloxone

A recent observational study found that out-of-pocket naloxone costs hindered access among the uninsured population, particularly those with opioid use disorder. The study's findings suggest that cost barriers may not significantly limit naloxone use in this vulnerable group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 19, 2022

Metabolism may be key to future treatment of kidney diseases

A new study from Aarhus University found that lysine, an amino acid supplement, protects laboratory animals from kidney damage and prevents hypertensive kidney disease. The research suggests that a diet rich in lysine may help prevent or treat kidney diseases, but more studies are needed to confirm the results.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

Ultrathin dental camera inspired by insect-eye structure

Researchers developed a novel biologically-inspired intraoral camera with a wide-angle insect eye structure, increasing field of view and resolving optical aberrations. The device provides multifunctional dental imaging, including high dynamic range, 3D depth, and autofluorescence, without discomfort or image blur.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateAug 19, 2022

How do you take a better image of atom clouds? Mirrors – lots of mirrors

A team of researchers uses mirrors to gather more light and views of an object from different angles, allowing them to reconstruct a three-dimensional model of an atom cloud. This technique enables 'light-field imaging', capturing not just intensity but also direction of light rays.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalJournal of Instrumentation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 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.

Comparing prevalence of HPV infection

Researchers compared HPV prevalence among women born in the 1980s, 1990s, and before/after vaccination periods. The study found significant differences in HPV prevalence between these groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 19, 2022

Early blood tests predict death, severe disability for traumatic brain injury

Researchers developed a blood test that predicts poor outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), allowing clinicians to make decisions earlier on possible treatment. The test, which measures protein biomarkers GFAP and UCH-L1, showed high accuracy in predicting death and severe disability six months after injury.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 19, 2022

When Alzheimer’s degrades cells that cross hemispheres, visual memory suffers

A new study found that Alzheimer's disease damages a circuit that connects the vision processing centers of each brain hemisphere, leading to disrupted visual memory. The researchers discovered neurons that extend axons across the corpus callosum, which connect the hemispheres, and showed that these cells play a crucial role in synchro...

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 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.

A small backyard, why plays such a big role?

This study explores how Science and Technology Backyards empower smallholders through participatory technology innovation, building continuous trust and promoting sustainable green production. A collaborative tree-shaped diffusion mode enables the spread of technology innovations to different scales.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

Harnessing the heart regeneration ability of marsupials

Researchers at RIKEN have discovered how marsupials' hearts can regenerate for several weeks after birth, allowing for potential treatment of human heart disease. They found that inhibiting a protein called AMPK extended the period of regeneration in both mice and opossums, with minimal scarring.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCirculation·DateAug 19, 2022

New driver for a rare form of liver cancer discovered

Scientists have identified interleukin 6 as the driver of a rare form of liver cancer that develops from degenerate liver cell precursors. Blocking IL-6 reduced both tumor number and size in mice, offering potential treatment approaches against this aggressive type of cancer.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateAug 19, 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.

Robotic kidney cancer surgery shows desirable outcomes in study

A recent study published in the Journal of Urology found that robotic IVC thrombectomy is not inferior to standard open surgery and has lower complication rates. The robotic approach also showed a lower blood transfusion rate, making it an attractive option for patients with optimal candidacy.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalThe Journal of Urology·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 19, 2022

UTSW Clinical trial sets stage for new paradigm in kidney cancer treatment

A recent clinical trial at UT Southwestern Medical Center successfully tested stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SAbR) for patients with oligometastatic kidney cancer. The study found that more than 90% of patients with disease control at one year without systemic therapy, and no serious side effects were experienced.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalEuropean Urology·DateAug 19, 2022

MSU is forecasting the future to help protect monarch butterflies

Michigan State University researchers forecast future breeding grounds for monarch butterflies in the Midwest and Ontario, Canada, to guide conservation efforts. The team's data-informed predictions suggest that eastern monarch populations will continue to decline under current climate change scenarios.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 19, 2022

Study identifies key molecule required for corneal differentiation

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital identified Basal Cell Adhesion Molecule (BCAM) as a key population of proliferative cells involved in corneal regeneration. BCAM plays a crucial role in mediating corneal differentiation, which could lead to future medical therapies for corneal disease.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 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.

Scientists identify liquid-like atoms in densely packed solid glasses

Researchers have discovered that metallic glasses contain liquid-like atoms with dynamics similar to high-temperature liquids. These findings reveal a 'part-solid and part-liquid' nature of metallic glasses, which can affect their elasticity, strength, and ductility.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

Compost to computer: Bio-based materials used to salvage rare earth elements

Penn State researchers have developed a method to extract valuable rare earth elements like neodymium from electronic waste using bio-based micro- and nanoparticles created from organic materials. This process can efficiently separate metals from refuse, providing a more sustainable solution than traditional mining methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 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.

Out-of-pocket cost of naloxone may keep may uninsured from using life-saving treatment

A RAND Corporation study found that the out-of-pocket cost of naloxone increased by more than 500% for those without health insurance, while decreasing for those with coverage. The high cost may be a significant barrier to naloxone adoption among the uninsured, highlighting the need for policymakers to address financial barriers.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2022

60 million years of climate change drove the evolution and diversity of reptiles

A new Harvard-led study reveals that rising global temperatures caused the explosive evolution of early reptiles, challenging previous explanations. The research suggests climate change triggered morphological changes in reptile groups, including those that gave rise to crocodiles and dinosaurs.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2022

Opening the black box of late neurodevelopment

A team of scientists has created the first detailed map of embryonic movements in C. elegans, showing a slow-wave twitch phase before hatching that depends on neuronal activity. The study used innovative imaging techniques and computational tools to track the embryo's movements, revealing new insights into neurodevelopment.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

Deep brain stimulation to brain area linked to reward and motivation is potential therapy for treatment-resistant depression, study finds

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the superolateral branch of the medial forebrain bundle can alter metabolic brain changes over 12 months, making it a strong potential therapy for treatment-resistant depression. The results showed that 8 out of 10 patients experienced significant sy...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 19, 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.

How scientist established a two-stage solar flare early warning system?

Researchers built a two-stage warning system predicting solar flares within 48 hours via k-means clustering and neural networks. The model improved recall while increasing precision, but lost some positive sample information, affecting prediction accuracy.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateAug 19, 2022

Climate change may cause steeper wheat price spikes and economic inequality

A recent study estimates that climate change will lead to higher global wheat prices and increased economic inequality between exporting and importing countries. The researchers used a novel climate-wheat-economic ensemble modelling approach to analyze the impact of a 2℃ warmer world on global wheat supply and demand.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalOne Earth·DateAug 19, 2022

Study: New model for predicting belief change

A new predictive network model estimates how much dissonance people experience when holding conflicting beliefs about a topic. This approach can help determine who will change their minds about contentious scientific issues when presented with evidence-based information.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2022

Scientists take a deep dive into how sharks use the ocean

Researchers assembled a large biologging dataset to understand how sharks, rays, and skates use the ocean depths. They found that many species migrate vertically in response to food resources, with some diving to extreme depths.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 19, 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.

Sweet sap, savory ants

Researchers found that woodpeckers have regained the ability to sense sugar by repurposing their savory receptor. In contrast, wrynecks selectively lost this ability due to a single amino acid change in their receptor, highlighting a novel mechanism of sensory reversion.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2022

Shark depredation impacts support for shark conservation

A new study reveals that shark depredation is increasing in the Maldives shark sanctuary, resulting in significant catch and income losses. Fishers who experience greater losses due to depredation show reduced support for conservation efforts, highlighting the need for more inclusive approaches to manage conflicts.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalConservation Letters·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2022

Plasma-produced gas helps protect plants against pathogens, researchers find

The study discovered that exposure to dinitrogen pentoxide gas can activate plant immunity and control plant diseases, depending on the type of pathogen. This novel approach utilizes reactive nitrogen species generated from plasma technology, which may contribute to the development of a sustainable agricultural system.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 19, 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.

New heat-tolerant, high-capacity capacitor created with solid electrolytes borrowed from all-solid-state batteries

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a thermally stable bulk-type all-solid-state capacitor with a highly deformable oxide solid electrolyte. This innovation enables high current densities and high-capacity charging/discharging at temperatures up to 300°C, opening doors for high-temperature applications.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

Transplant candidates’ thoughts about tradeoffs of shorter wait time for lower quality kidneys

A recent study suggests that many patients on the transplant waitlist would accept lower quality kidneys in exchange for a shorter waiting time. The research identifies three patient-preference classes, with some respondents willing to accept increases in waiting time for small improvements in kidney quality.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 19, 2022