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Science News for December 27, 2022


A checkerboard pattern of inner ear cells enables us to hear

A recent study published in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology has found that the unique checkerboard pattern of cells in the organ of Corti is essential for proper hearing. The researchers discovered that when hair cells adhere to each other abnormally, it leads to apoptosis and a decrease in hair cell numbers, resulting in h...

SourceKobe University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 27, 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.

Mental health revisits at pediatric emergency departments

Pediatric mental health emergency department visits are rising, driven by markers of disease severity and healthcare access issues. Targeted hospital and community interventions can help mitigate recurrent visits and improve mental health care delivery.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 27, 2022

Improving the operational stability of perovskite solar cells

Researchers developed a method to improve power conversion efficiency and stability of pure iodide and mixed-halide perovskites by using two alkylammonium halide modulators. This approach substantially reduces drops in power-conversion efficiency and retains about 80-90% of initial efficiencies after continuous operation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJoule·DateDec 27, 2022

Effect of climate change impact menu labels on fast food ordering choices

A randomized clinical trial found that climate impact menu labels can effectively reduce red meat selections and encourage more environmentally sustainable restaurant food choices. The study suggests that negatively framed labels highlighting high-climate impact items were particularly effective in promoting eco-friendly options.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 27, 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.

Deep brain machine interfaces - interacting with human deep brain

Researchers investigate technologies to interact with the brain at different levels, enabling paralyzed patients to control robotic arms and prosthetics. Deep brain regions are heavily involved in basic life functions, and understanding their activities is crucial for clinical applications.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 27, 2022

Eye scratching mechanisms in rats

Researchers investigate neural mechanisms behind itchy eyes in rodents and find the GRP-GRPR pathway plays a crucial role in transmitting itch signals. Rats exhibit a right-sided preference when scratching itchy eyes, which could lead to new therapeutic approaches for eye conditions.

SourceOkayama University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateDec 27, 2022

Brain area necessary for fluid intelligence identified

A new study has mapped the parts of the brain that support fluid intelligence, a key feature of human cognition. The research found that patients with damage to the right frontal regions performed poorly in tasks requiring problem-solving and reasoning.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateDec 27, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Low tortuosity electrode design facilitates the development of high-performance LMO batteries

A new low-tortuosity electrode design for LMO batteries improves lithium-ion diffusion, reduces concentration polarization, and alleviates irreversible phase transitions. This structure gives the battery excellent rate performance and cycling stability, making it a competitive cathode material.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 27, 2022

Health care is increasingly unaffordable for people with employer-sponsored health insurance—especially women

Researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health found that healthcare costs and out-of-pocket expenditures have continued to rise despite the Affordable Care Act improvements. Women with employer-sponsored insurance report greater difficulty paying for needed health care services, particularly dental and mental health care.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateDec 27, 2022

Alveolar macrophages help CD8+ T cells go (anti-)viral

Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology found that alveolar macrophages act as antigen-presenting cells to prime CD8+ T cell expansion in the lungs. This process involves the production of interleukin 18, leading to the development of resident memory-type cell populations.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 27, 2022

New study finds unionized health care workers earned better pay and benefits

A new study found that unionized health care workers received better pay and non-cash benefits, but not more work hours, compared to their non-unionized counterparts. Labor unionization was associated with improved worker conditions, including higher earnings and better employer-provided insurance.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA·DateDec 27, 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.

tRNA-MaP: functional analyses of RNA-related enzymes using a next-generation DNA sequencer

The study developed a new high-throughput assay method tRNA-MaP to identify characteristic properties of tRNA modification enzymes. Using this technique, researchers predicted numerous natural modifications in Geobacillus stearothermophilus tRNAs and analyzed the substrate recognition mechanism of tRNA m1A22 methyltransferase TrmK.

SourceEhime University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 27, 2022

Bering Land Bridge formed surprisingly late during last ice age

Scientists found the Bering Land Bridge was flooded until 35,700 years ago, with its full emergence occurring shortly before human migration to the Americas. The study's findings suggest a less direct relationship between climate and global ice volume, casting doubt on some explanations for ice age cycles.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 27, 2022

Unlocking cancer’s ancestry

A new software developed by researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory can accurately infers continental ancestry from tumor DNA and RNA. This technology has the potential to lead to more targeted and personalized cancer treatments by identifying genetic connections between cancer and race or ethnicity.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Research·DateDec 27, 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.

Xanthan gum-based fluid thickener can help decrease blood glucose levels

Researchers found that xanthan gum-based fluid thickener decreases postprandial blood glucose levels by increasing Glp1 and Glp1r expression in the ileum. Additionally, the study reveals alterations in gut microbiome composition, favoring beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids to protect intestinal cells.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateDec 27, 2022

More obesity in three- and four-year-olds during pandemic

A study published in the European Journal of Public Health found a significant rise in body mass index (BMI) among Swedish children aged three to five during the pandemic. BMI rose in both boys and girls, with a notable increase in overweight and obesity rates among disadvantaged areas.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 27, 2022