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Science News for December 28, 2022


Human brain organoids implanted into mouse cortex respond to visual stimuli for first time

Researchers have successfully demonstrated that human brain organoids implanted in mice can establish functional connectivity and respond to external sensory stimuli, including visual cues. The breakthrough uses a combination of transparent graphene microelectrode arrays and two-photon imaging, enabling real-time observation of neural ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2022

Singing supports stroke rehabilitation

A recent study at the University of Helsinki found that singing-based group rehabilitation can increase communication and speech production in stroke survivors, while also reducing social isolation. The study's results suggest that this type of rehabilitation could be a valuable addition to existing aphasia treatment protocols.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBrain Communications·DateDec 28, 2022

Modelling the collective movement of bacteria

Researchers developed a mathematical model of bacterial movement that includes cell division and death. The model predicts bacteria can form colonies through travelling waves of concentrated 'packages' of bacteria.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateDec 28, 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.

Drivers of political violence in the United States

The study identifies four key drivers of political violence in the United States: toxic polarization, identity-based ideologies, erosion of democratic norms, and disinformation. These drivers contribute to increased acceptance of political violence and undermine democratic institutions.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateDec 28, 2022

A greener internet of things with no wires attached

A new form of thin-film device technology using alternative semiconductor materials could contribute to a more sustainable IoT. Wireless power harvesting from the environment using photovoltaic cells and RF energy harvesters is being explored.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Electronics·DateDec 28, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dawn of solid-state quantum networks

Researchers demonstrated high-visibility quantum interference between two independent semiconductor quantum dots, an important step toward scalable quantum networks. The observed interference visibility is up to 93%, paving the way for solid-state quantum networks with distances over 300 km.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateDec 28, 2022

Development of bio-friendly transparent temperature sensor technology that precisely measures temperature changes by light

Researchers developed a transparent temperature sensor that can measure rapid temperature changes in less than a few milliseconds. The sensor uses the thermoelectric effect and achieves high transparency, making it suitable for various photothermal bioengineering and medical applications.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateDec 28, 2022

Exotic clasts in Chang'e-5 samples indicate unexplored terrane on moon

Researchers identified seven exotic igneous clasts in Chang'e-5 samples, providing critical information about the Moon's lithological diversity and regolith gardening process. The findings indicate that there are still unknown geological units on the moon, which may aid future lunar exploration missions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 28, 2022

Oncotarget | The role of pyrethroid derivatives in autophagy and apoptosis crosstalk signaling and potential risk for malignancies

Researchers found that pyrethroid derivatives induce autophagy, increase reactive oxygen intermediates, and alter membrane fluidity in human primary cells. These findings suggest a potential risk for malignancies and highlight the need for further investigation into pyrethroid-related cancer risks.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateDec 28, 2022

Assessment of mental health services available through smartphone apps

A study of 578 mental health apps found that most offered basic features like psychoeducation and goal tracking, but fewer innovative features like biofeedback or specialized therapies. Privacy concerns remained a significant issue, with app popularity metrics providing little help in identifying more private apps.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 28, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Changes in state-level cigarette sales during pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, state-level cigarette sales varied significantly across the US. The analysis found lower per capita sales in eight states and higher sales in 22 states compared to expected levels. These findings may be related to differences in state responses to the pandemic and tobacco control policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 28, 2022

Good and bad feelings for brain stem serotonin

Researchers at Hokkaido University identify a nerve pathway in the brain stem involved in processing rewarding and distressing stimuli, opposing a previously identified pathway. This finding could lead to developing drug treatments for mental disorders like addiction and major depression.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2022

Restricted abortion access linked to increased suicide risk in young women

Researchers found a significant association between restricting abortion access and increased suicide rates among women of reproductive age. The study's findings have clinical, policy, and ethical implications, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to approach suicide risk classification in this demographic differently.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 28, 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.

Review on intrinsic electrocatalytic activity of transition metal nitrides on HER

Transition metal nitrides (TMNs) show high intrinsic electrocatalytic activities on hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), thanks to their unique electronic structures and properties. Recent strategies like facet, alloying, doping, vacancy, heterostructure, and hybridization have improved TMN performances.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2022

A glimpse of a cell’s sense of touch

Researchers reveal how cells use their sense of touch to make vital decisions during embryogenesis, including testing the surroundings and sensing tissue architecture. The study provides new insights into cell communication and may lead to the development of more robust synthetic tissues in tissue engineering.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 28, 2022

Tissue-specific immunity may be the future, if we can first learn its rules

Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified distinct patterns of cytokine and granzyme expression in tissue-resident memory T cells, highlighting their complex biology. These findings pave the way for a new branch of precision therapeutics targeting infection, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalImmunity·DateDec 28, 2022

Actinidia arguta (sarunashi) juice inhibits lung cancer in mice

Researchers from Okayama University found that Actinidia arguta (Sarunashi) juice and its component isoquercetin inhibit lung cancer development in mice, accelerating DNA repair and suppressing Akt-mediated growth signaling. The study suggests Sarunashi juice as an attractive candidate for chemoprevention.

SourceOkayama University·JournalGenes and Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 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.

Skiing over Christmas holidays no longer guaranteed – even with snow guns

Researchers at the University of Basel have calculated that Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis ski resort's 100-day ski season is unlikely by 2100 due to warmer winters. Water consumption for snowmaking will increase significantly, with an average winter requiring 540 million liters of water.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalInternational Journal of Biometeorology·DateDec 28, 2022