Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 22, 2022


Case solved: missing carbon monoxide was hiding in the ice

Astronomers find that carbon monoxide is three to 100 times less than predicted in disk observations, suggesting a massive ice formation problem. The new model suggests carbon monoxide forms on large particles of ice, especially after one million years.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalNature Astronomy·DateAug 22, 2022

A reflection on the real world

KAUST researchers created a more efficient solar-cell module by redesigning its optical design, reducing power conversion efficiency loss in real-world applications. The new module achieved an efficiency increase from 25.7% to 26.2% due to refractive-index engineering.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateAug 22, 2022

The environment alters breastmilk and maternal behavior in rats

Research in rats found that an enriched environment leads to better maternal behavior and higher-quality breastmilk. Mothers in enriching environments had more efficient parenting, resulting in larger offspring with increased body weights and improved social behavior.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 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.

New insights into the mechanisms behind Crohn’s disease point to potential therapeutic target

A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers suggests that certain anti-cancer drugs may target a key player in Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. The study found that mutations in a specific chromatin reader, SP140, are associated with an increased risk of immune diseases like Crohn's.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Eye test could screen children for autism

Researchers have found that children with autism show significant differences in their pupillary light reflexes, which can be used as a potential screening biomarker. The study demonstrates the parameters of interest that matter for detecting autism and validates earlier findings using monocular technology.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNeurological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Predicting the new monkeypox outbreak

The recent surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the US is being linked to the new monkeypox outbreak, with experts warning of a potential pandemic. Dr. Jeffrey Laurence presents a primer on monkeypox and reviews available vaccines and therapeutics.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Patient Care and STDs·TypeCase study·DateAug 22, 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.

Superior phase recovery and hologram reconstruction using a deep neural network

Researchers have developed a novel neural network architecture that achieves unprecedented generalization to unseen sample types, outperforming classical algorithms and state-of-the-art models. The Fourier Imager Network (FIN) demonstrates superior computational speed in phase retrieval and holographic image reconstruction tasks.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 22, 2022

Rare-earth-based lasing in multiple bands simultaneously

Researchers successfully demonstrate room-temperature multiband microlasers spanning a large wavelength range using rare earth elements. The lasing process combines downshifting and upconversion, expanding the emission wavelength range. The resulting microlasers exhibit good intensity stability and are suitable for practical applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateAug 22, 2022

Microbial food chain: Nutritional interactions promoting periodontitis

Researchers led by Osaka University found that Fusobacterium nucleatum produces polyamines through metabolic cross-feeding, creating favorable conditions for periodontal pathogens to grow and spread. This integration of a metabolic network within the oral microbiome may promote the development of periodontitis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalmSystems·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 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.

Home gardens are “living genebanks” that sustain livelihoods in Central Asia

Home gardens in Central Asia serve as living genebanks, maintaining a rich diversity of fruit and nut tree species. However, the increasing popularity of foreign varieties poses a threat to local biodiversity, highlighting the need for integrated conservation efforts.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 22, 2022

Modified bladder cancer treatment shows promise in animal studies

Researchers at Texas Biomed have developed a modified tuberculosis vaccine that can treat non-muscle invasive bladder cancer without strong side effects. The delipidated vaccine triggers well-regulated immune responses and reduces inflammation, making it more effective than traditional treatments.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCancer Immunology Immunotherapy·DateAug 22, 2022

Cooking, diabetes self-management education, intervention improves quality of life

Researchers found that participants who received cooking education showed improvements in eating more vegetables, fewer carbohydrates, and lower A1C levels. The study also highlighted the importance of addressing food insecurity in diabetes management.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 22, 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.

Life at close quarters

Researchers discover fossil lacewing larvae with enlarged abdomens, providing insights into the evolution and lifestyle of early lacewings. The discovery sheds light on the successful evolutionary strategy of physogastry, which allows insects to greatly increase their body volume when required.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 22, 2022

Scientists develop active and smart Terahertz electro-optic modulator

Researchers at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences developed an active and smart Terahertz electro-optic modulator based on VO2 film. The device achieved near-perfect antireflection and 180o phase switching, enabling accurate THz amplitude control.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 22, 2022

Wastewater viral loads can provide advance warning of COVID-19 outbreaks

A study by Hokkaido University scientists found a close association between clinical cases of COVID-19 and viral loads in wastewater, with the viral loads picking up to two days before the cases were detected. The researchers used wastewater-based epidemiology to track the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 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.

A historical perspective on glacial retreat

A team of researchers from ETH Zurich and WSL reconstructed the topography of all Swiss glaciers in 1931 using stereophotogrammetry. They found that the glacier volume halved between 1931 and 2016, with some glaciers losing mass at varying rates depending on factors like altitude, snout shape, and debris coverage.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateAug 22, 2022

Tracking air pollution disparities — daily — from space (video)

Researchers analyzed satellite-based data to study daily variations in air quality across 11 major US cities, revealing disproportionate impacts on economically disadvantaged communities. The findings suggest climate change could exacerbate these differences, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce emissions and impr...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 22, 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.

Dental biorhythm is associated with adolescent weight gain

Research found that adolescents with faster dental biorhythms (five or six-day cycle) weighed less and gained less weight than those with slower biorhythms. This discovery provides a new avenue for exploring links between childhood overweight and adult health risks.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateAug 22, 2022

Revealing roles of dementia proteins in normal memory

A recent study has identified the tau protein's involvement in normal learning and memory processes in the healthy brain. The researchers used proximity labelling to map out all proteins that interact with tau and found that it interacts with enzymes controlling vesicles and cell surface receptors for neurotransmitters.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2022

Brains cells born together wire and fire together for life

A new study found that neurons with the same birthdate show distinct connectivity and activity throughout adulthood, forming cooperative signaling circuits. This suggests that the brain may exploit orderly neuronal layer formation to establish neural templates that match each new experience to an existing template.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 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.

The Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) team succeeded with the world’s first Mini Organ transplantation to a patient with “Ulcerative Colitis (UC)”

The TMDU research team successfully transplanted a mini organoid into a patient with Ulcerative Colitis, showing potential for a radical cure. The treatment uses the patient's own cells and minimally invasive colonoscopy, reducing transplant rejection risk and laparotomy needs.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·DateAug 22, 2022

Unmitigated school choice policies increase segregation, USC research shows

A new study by USC researchers found that unmitigated school choice policies can increase segregation, even when parents don't factor in racial demographics. The study revealed that Black parents prioritize schools with high performance ratings, while White parents value short commutes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 22, 2022

The locked library: Disease causes cells to reorder their DNA incorrectly

Researchers found that cells in diseased connective tissue lose their ability to reorder DNA information correctly, leading to cell dysfunction. The study suggests that epigenetic treatments could restore healthy genome organization and may be effective treatments for conditions affecting dense tissues.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Hepatitis C drugs may reduce PTSD symptoms

Researchers found that certain hepatitis C medications, such as glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, improved PTSD symptoms in a national cohort of VA patients. The study suggests these medications could fill the gap in FDA-approved treatments for PTSD, offering new hope for US adults affected by this condition.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 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.

Self-reported insomnia and sleep apnoea a risky combo

A new Flinders University analysis found that people reporting symptoms of both insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea are at an increased risk of death compared to those without the conditions. The study highlights the importance of self-reported symptoms and risk factors, and could lead to greater and more rapid assessment in populatio...

SourceFlinders University·JournalSleep Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2022

Genetic score detects those at risk for sudden cardiac death

Researchers developed a polygenic risk score to predict sudden cardiac death in coronary artery disease patients. The study found that patients with high genetic risk scores had a 77% increased risk of sudden cardiac death.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 22, 2022

A quantum pump without the crank

Researchers demonstrate the creation of a self-oscillating pump in a topological dissipative atom-cavity system, transporting atoms without external periodic driving. This discovery combines quantum many-body physics and open quantum systems, offering insights into exotic states of matter.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Autism diagnosis impacted by men and women’s different emotional needs

A new study published in JCPP Advances explores the impact of gender differences on autism diagnosis, finding that women's higher emotional needs may mask their autistic traits. The research highlights the importance of improving accurate diagnosis for both men and women, with potential implications for clinical practice.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJCPP Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 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.

Rehabilitation method to improve taste sensitivity

Researchers developed a new rehabilitation method using filter paper discs to improve taste sensitivity in healthy individuals. The four-step training method increased sensitivity to all four tastes, with significant improvements seen at day 4.

SourceToho University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 22, 2022

Brushing thin films onto electrodes preserves batteries

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to create a thin film coating on lithium anodes using powder brushing, which improves battery life and capacity. The coated anodes retained 70% more capacity after 340 charge-discharge cycles than off-the-shelf batteries.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Dogs cry more when reunited with their owners

A study published in Current Biology found that dogs shed tears associated with positive emotions, such as reuniting with their owners, suggesting a stronger bond between humans and dogs. Oxytocin may play a role in this emotional response, with researchers also noting that people tend to respond more positively to teary-eyed dog faces.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Biomedical, data science training wins new grant

The program, one of only 18 nationwide, will support eight Ph.D. students and five postdoctoral fellows each year for five years, focusing on biomedical informatics and data science. The grant is the seventh renewal of support for a multidisciplinary training program that began over 30 years ago.

SourceRice University·DateAug 22, 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.

A more environmentally friendly air conditioner

Researchers have developed a prototype device that could replace traditional air conditioners with solid refrigerants, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The system uses pressure changes to cycle between solid and liquid states, efficiently cooling spaces without leaks.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 22, 2022

Researchers call for more work to balance nitrogen cycle

The Haber-Bosch process has disrupted the planet's nitrogen cycle, warming the globe and risking human health. Researchers propose using electrocatalysis to rebalance the cycle, leveraging heterogeneous nanomaterials for efficient and stable catalysts.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research Energy·DateAug 22, 2022

Untapped potential of stem cells could aid repair of spinal cord damage

Researchers have identified a group of latent stem cells in the central nervous system of mice that respond to injury by dividing, migrating towards damaged areas, and differentiating into astrocytes. If similar cells exist in humans, they could provide a new therapeutic approach for treating spinal cord injuries.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Understanding why deadly brain cancer comes back

A new study found that high-grade gliomas remodel the surrounding brain environment to protect tumour cells and hide them from the body's defences. Lower grade tumours often develop a new mutation allowing rapid cell division, potentially progressing to higher grade forms.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCell·DateAug 22, 2022

Higher folate levels during pregnancy may lower risk of congenital heart disease

A case-control study found that pregnant women with higher folate levels are at a lower risk of having children with congenital heart disease. The researchers measured red blood cell folate levels and found that those with CHD had significantly lower median levels than those without CHD.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2022

Hopes of a new curative treatment for children with neuroblastoma

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a potential curative treatment for neuroblastoma, using DHODH blockers in combination with chemotherapy to cure mice with the disease. The treatment has shown promising results and could improve survival rates for children with neuroblastoma.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Monitoring genetic mutations will be important for Florida panther management

A new study found nearly half of Florida panther mutations originated from Texas and Central American pumas, bringing both good and bad genetic material. Researchers emphasize the need to monitor genetic health due to potential risks, especially with small population sizes. Genetic screening for future introductions may be necessary.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of Heredity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2022

Cage with caps

A Japanese team has introduced a molecular cage with 'caps' that can confine certain rare-earth-metal ions, including lanthanum and europium, for isolation or recycling. The critical feature of the cage is its two 'caps' that cover the openings and bind to the ions through hydrogen bridges and electrostatic interactions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 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.

Poor heart health predicts premature brain ageing

A study led by University College London found that poor heart health at age 36 predicts a higher brain age later in life, with men having older brains than women of the same age. The research used machine learning to estimate brain age from MRI scans and found an association between brain age and increased brain shrinkage over time.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2022

One step closer to the localization of semiconductor sensor technology!

The Korean research team successfully developed a high-selectivity gas sensor that can detect water molecules and distinguish between different alcohols. The material is an eco-friendly copper-based metal halide thin film with a reversible crystal structure change when exposed to specific gases.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 22, 2022

Plastic upcycling: From waste to fuel for less

Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a new method for converting plastics into valuable chemicals using hydrogenolysis. The process reduces the use of precious metal ruthenium while increasing efficiency and selectivity.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 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.

Maximizing could be key to minimizing our environmental footprint

A new study finds that maximizing behavior is linked to increased item usage, suggesting a potential strategy for reducing over-consumerism and its environmental impact. Maximizers tend to spend more time considering options and make greater use of their choices, which could encourage people to get more mileage out of their stuff.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 22, 2022

How did the early COVID-19 pandemic affect cancer survivors?

Working-aged adults with and without a history of cancer reported healthier behaviors and steady health insurance status during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of unhealthy behaviors decreased, including insufficient sleep and smoking, while self-rated health improved among all groups.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateAug 22, 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.

When recovery goes awry

A new study from Harvard Medical School reveals that patients who recover well after cardiovascular surgery exhibit precise paths for white blood cell and platelet counts. These trajectories can be used to monitor recovery in a personalized way, enabling clinicians to intervene earlier when necessary.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2022

More folic acid in flour needed to prevent severe birth defects

The UK government's current proposal to fortify flour with folic acid is inadequate, as it suggests a low dose that would fail to prevent hundreds of cases of severe birth defects each year. Increasing the dose could prevent about 80% of neural tube defects.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Medical Screening·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 22, 2022

New research shows Louisiana State University campus mounds as the oldest known man-made structures in North America

The Louisiana State University campus mounds are the oldest known man-made structures in North America, with construction beginning at approximately 11,000 years ago. The mounds were built by ancient indigenous people and feature a coordinated alignment with the brightest star in the night sky.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Science·TypeSurvey·DateAug 22, 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.

The electron slow motion: Ion physics on the femtosecond scale

Scientists have analyzed the interaction between highly charged ions and graphene at a femtosecond scale, revealing complex processes involved in material response. The study provides fundamental new insights into how matter reacts to short and intense radiation exposure.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 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.

Microscopic color converters move small laser-based devices closer to reality

Researchers developed a new method for converting light frequencies using atomically thin layers of molybdenum disulfide, enabling smaller lasers and potential applications in optical communications. The breakthrough could lead to compact phase-matched nonlinear optics and waveguide devices.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Smartphones make consumers prefer unique, tailored products

A new study from the University of Florida finds that smartphones encourage consumers to prefer customized options, leading to increased self-expression and altered behaviors. The researchers suggest that companies should adapt their offerings based on device usage to tap into this trend.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 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.

Scientists are unravelling the mystery of the arrow of time

Researchers at CUNY Graduate Center explore how particles and cells give rise to large-scale dynamics that we experience as the passage of time. They found that the arrow of time emerges from simple interactions between pairs of neurons, not large groups. This discovery has implications for physics, neuroscience, and biology.

SourceThe Graduate Center, CUNY·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 22, 2022

Towards better and sustainable weather forecasting in the southern hemisphere

Researchers in Japan have demonstrated that incorporating radar data from the Antarctic Syowa Station enhances atmospheric parameter reproducibility, improving mid-latitude cyclone forecasts. This sustainable approach reduces environmental waste and error uncertainty.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·DateAug 22, 2022

‘Drug factory’ implants eliminate mesothelioma tumors in mice

Rice University researchers have developed a treatment combining drug factory implants producing interleukin-2 with checkpoint inhibitors to eradicate advanced-stage mesothelioma tumors in mice. The treatment resulted in complete tumor destruction in all seven treated mice, offering a promising approach to this aggressive lung cancer.

SourceRice University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 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.

Super-fast electric car charging, with a tailor-made touch

Researchers have designed superfast charging methods tailored to power different types of electric vehicle batteries in 10 minutes or less without harm. By incorporating charging data into machine learning analysis, the team identified and optimized new protocols that significantly increase energy storage while minimizing battery damage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 22, 2022

Study finds COVID vaccine mandates for nursing home staff effective

A study published in JAMA Health Forum found that COVID vaccine mandates for nursing home staff led to increased vaccination rates, with larger effects in Republican-leaning counties. The mandates did not significantly contribute to reported staffing shortages.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 22, 2022

Illinois study suggests the humble minnow can take the heat(wave)

A new University of Illinois study shows that fathead minnows can handle simulated heatwaves with few nasty side effects. Most minnows rapidly returned to normal physiological functioning after cooling down, but some became more susceptible to oxidative stress.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFreshwater Biology·DateAug 22, 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.

Survivors of modern slavery take to stage to confront global challenge

A unique performance project aims to tackle modern slavery in Ghana by empowering survivors to share their experiences. The project has uncovered detailed information about the supply chains and recruitment methods used in modern slavery, highlighting the need for support systems for survivors.

SourceUniversity of the West of Scotland·JournalJournal of Modern slavery·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2022

Regular physical activity linked to lower risk of COVID-19 infection and severity

Research suggests that regular physical activity is linked to a lower risk of COVID-19 infection and severity, including hospital admission and death. Adults who engaged in at least 500 MET minutes per week had a significant reduction in risk, with the highest protective effect observed at this threshold.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 22, 2022

What older adults do while they sit affects dementia risk, USC study indicates

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that long periods of sitting for sedentary behaviors like watching TV are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. In contrast, leisure-time activities such as reading or using computers were linked to a reduced risk of dementia.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 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.

DNA profiling solves Australian rabbit plague puzzle

A study published in PNAS confirms the single-origin hypothesis for Australia's invasive rabbits, tracing their ancestry back to Thomas Austin's family in England. Genetic diversity declined as the population spread across the continent, revealing a possible genetic advantage that enabled the rabbits to adapt to Australia's climate.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2022

Scientists found out how to efficiently extract silver

Researchers have created a sorbent that maximizes the absorption of precious metal from solutions, selectively extracting silver even in low concentrations. The new sorbent's properties make it useful for purifying drinking water and processing production waste.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalRussian Journal of Inorganic Chemistry·DateAug 22, 2022

A prehistoric climate feedback loop

A paleoclimatologist discovered an ancient climate feedback loop that accelerated the effects of Earth's last warming episode. The Eemian warm episode, which occurred 128,000 to 125,000 years ago, saw oceans up to 1-1.5°C warmer than today, leading to a significant increase in methane hydrates and their release into the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2022

Georgians in 71 counties don’t have methadone clinic access within a 15-minute drive

A new study from the University of Georgia found that four out of five counties with the highest opioid overdose death rates do not have a methadone clinic accessible within a 15-minute drive. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) may offer a possible solution to improving access to opioid treatment programs in rural communities.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateAug 22, 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.

This popular type of investment fund nearly always loses money

Researchers found that specialized ETFs invest in overvalued areas with an average return about 30% lower than diversified funds. These hot-topic funds are often launched when the hype is at its peak, causing them to lose value quickly.

SourceOhio State University·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2022

Caterpillar-like bacteria crawling in our mouth

Bacteria in the Neisseriaceae family evolved to divide along their longitudinal axis without separating, forming caterpillar-like filaments that aid in attachment and cooperation. This unique strategy helps them survive in the oral cavity, where competition is high.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2022

Researchers discover a material that can learn like the brain

EPFL researchers have discovered a material called Vanadium Dioxide (VO2) that can remember its previous external stimuli for up to three hours. The material's structural memory is capable of anticipating future events, similar to how neurons in the brain function.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Electronics·DateAug 22, 2022

Psychiatrists disagree with US policy on psychoactive drugs

A national survey of US psychiatrists found discrepancies between their perceptions of certain psychoactive drugs' safety and therapeutic value and how they are categorized under the Controlled Substances Act. Psychiatrists rated psilocybin as having low misuse potential and high therapeutic potential, but it is a Schedule I drug with ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·TypeSurvey·DateAug 22, 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.

Study offers insights into how pancreatic cancer develops

A study has revealed two key transition points in the development of pancreatic cancer, shedding light on treatment resistance and possible new therapies. The research provides insights into how normal cells become precancerous and cancerous, as well as a new strategy for checkpoint immunotherapy.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 22, 2022

The prevalence of hypertension in low- and middle-income countries increases more sharply in rural areas

A meta-analysis of nearly 300 studies reveals a higher hypertension prevalence in urban areas but with a narrowing gap over time and socio-economic development, indicating rapid increase in rural areas. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and control measures in rural areas to address the growing burden of hypertension.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 22, 2022