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Science News for July 1, 2022


Engineers design motorless sailplanes for Mars exploration

Researchers develop a motorless sailplane concept that harnesses wind energy to explore Mars' atmosphere and geology. The innovative design, inspired by albatross flight, enables the sailplanes to fly for days at a time without relying on solar panels or batteries.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·JournalAerospace·DateJul 1, 2022

New articles for Geosphere posted online in June

Researchers investigated seismic attenuation in the Turkish-Iranian Plateau and Zagros highlands, revealing moderate Sn Q values beneath the plateau and high Q values beneath the Zagros. Additionally, studies explored magmatic processes in West Kunlun, Northwestern China, and the Little Cottonwood stock, Utah, USA, providing insights i...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateJul 1, 2022

New sibling diagnosis for post-traumatic stress disorder

The World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases has introduced a new diagnosis for complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), expanding the criteria for PTSD. CPTSD is characterized by excessive emotional responses, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulties in relationships.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 1, 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.

Hidden in genetics: The evolutionary relationships of two groups of ancient invertebrates revealed

Scientists from OIST and colleagues reveal that Kamptozoa and Bryozoa belong together, contrary to previous studies. Using high-quality sequencing technology, they found the two phyla split from mollusks and worms earlier than thought, forming a distinct group.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 1, 2022

Rare wild ancestors of feral pigeons found living on British and Irish islands

Researchers have discovered rare colonies of Rock Doves, the wild ancestors of common domestic and feral pigeons, on secluded Scottish and Irish islands. The findings provide valuable insights into how the domestic pigeon came to be, with varying degrees of interbreeding between the two forms of the species.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2022

Technologies boost potential for carbon dioxide conversion to useful products

Metal-organic frameworks based catalysts offer an alternative to traditional catalysts for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide. Researchers have systematically reviewed various metal-organic frameworks based catalysts for selective hydrogenation of carbon dioxide, identifying their potential in future applications.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateJul 1, 2022

“Soft” CRISPR may offer a new fix for genetic defects

A new CRISPR strategy, employing natural DNA repair machinery, provides a foundation for novel gene therapy strategies to cure genetic diseases. The technique, known as homologous chromosome-templated repair, uses "nicks" of single DNA strands to correct genetic defects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 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.

Study highlights heavy mental health burden of COVID-19 for ‘shielders’

A new study by University of Bath psychologists highlights a significant rise in health anxiety among those who shielded at home, growing with time spent indoors. This contrasts with the general population, where anxiety decreased over time, indicating a pressing need for increased psychological support for 'shielders'.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 1, 2022

Nano-scaled cavity can trap a single molecule

Researchers from Kumamoto University create nanocavities using ovalene molecules on gold electrodes, trapping a single thiol molecule. This breakthrough enables precise molecular design for future electronic devices and sensors.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2022

Cleveland Clinic researchers shed new light on importance of ecological cellular interactions in targeted therapy resistance in lung cancer

Researchers have found that tumor cells co-exist with normal tissue in a complex, heterogeneous mixture, leading to unexpected effects on therapeutic resistance. The study suggests that understanding these ecological interactions could lead to novel treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 1, 2022

Heat transfer coefficient prediction AI system for mini-channels based on thermoinformatics technology

A new AI system predicts heat transfer coefficients with higher accuracy than existing methods, providing reliable results and uncertainty analysis. The system combines deep learning and Gaussian process regression to tackle the challenges of mini-channel heat transfer.

SourceThe University of Electro-Communications·JournalMultiphase Science and Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 1, 2022

Scientists proposed novel algorithm to identify authenticity of crop varieties

Researchers have proposed a novel algorithm, InResSpectra, to accurately identify crop varieties using near-infrared spectroscopy. The model achieved high accuracy in identifying wheat and rice varieties, providing an effective method for authentic identification.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalInfrared Physics·DateJul 1, 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.

New classification system proposed for colorectal cancer to guide treatment and clinical trials

A new classification system for colorectal cancer has been proposed, grouping cancers into five subtypes based on epithelial status, microsatellite status, and fibrosis. This update could inform targeted drug development efforts and improve treatment approaches for patients with different biological characteristics.

SourceSingHealth·JournalNature Genetics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 1, 2022

Ovarian cancer in the fatty omentum: Metabolic enzyme’s key role in tumor metastasis

Researchers discover G6PD's pivotal role in activating pentose phosphate pathway to counter oxidative stress, leading to increased cell death and tumor shrinkage. Ovarian cancer cells' reliance on fatty acid metabolism fuels oxidative compound production, which can be offset by G6PD inhibition.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 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.

Highly-sensitive SERS probes developed to detect the PD-L1 biomarker

A team of scientists at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science have fabricated ultrasensitive biosensors based on Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) to detect the PD-L1 biomarker. The probes were found to be highly sensitive and specific, allowing for the quantification of PD-L1 as low as 4.31 ag/mL.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Chromatography A·DateJul 1, 2022

Study: How placentas evolved in mammals

A new study uses gene expression patterns to reconstruct the evolution of the placenta and predict its characteristics in early mammals. The research suggests that the placenta was invasive in the last common ancestor of eutherian mammals, with non-invasive placentas evolving multiple times among mammals.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournaleLife·DateJul 1, 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.

Sieving carbons: Ideal anodes for high-energy sodium-ion batteries

Researchers have developed sieving carbons as the ideal carbon anode for high-energy sodium-ion batteries, featuring extensible low-potential charge/discharge plateaus. The small pore entrance diameter helps screen out solvated sodium ions, inducing solid electrolyte interphase formation outside nanopores.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 1, 2022

Advocating a new paradigm for electron simulations

Physicists at HZDR and CASUS improved the density functional theory method to accurately describe quantum many-body systems, breaking a significant simplification. This enables studies of non-linear phenomena in complex materials with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 1, 2022

Monkeypox virus on surfaces: no proof that contact can cause infection

Researchers found viral DNA on hospital surfaces, including patient rooms and frequently touched areas. However, the study's authors caution that surface contamination does not prove the virus can cause infection through contact.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Individual re-identification from incomplete datasets protected by differential privacy

Researchers found that differential privacy can lead to high re-identification accuracy, even with multiple databases involved. The study suggests that John's unique attribute data can be used to predict the number of citizens with specified values, despite anonymity requirements.

SourceThe University of Electro-Communications·JournalIEEE Open Journal of the Computer Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 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.

Dinosaurs took over amid ice, not warmth, says a new study of ancient mass extinction

A new study suggests that dinosaurs were well adapted to cold temperatures and survived a mass extinction event caused by massive volcanic eruptions. The research found evidence of dinosaur footprints and pebbles in lake sediments at high latitudes, indicating that they thrived in conditions where other reptiles died.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2022

THE LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES: Monkeypox symptoms in patients attending London sexual health clinics differ from previous outbreaks, study of May 2022 UK outbreak suggests

A study of 54 patients with monkeypox in London's sexual health clinics found higher skin lesion prevalence and lower tiredness/fever rates compared to previous outbreaks. The authors suggest reviewing current case definitions due to differences in clinical features, including a possible link to sexually transmitted infections.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 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.

NTU Singapore successfully launches its 10th satellite into space

The university's latest satellite, SCOOB-I, orbits the Earth with advanced payloads, including a small Earth imaging camera and a solar spectrum sensor. The mission provides valuable insights into the Sun-Earth connection and its impact on climate, marking NTU Singapore's leadership in the growing space industry.

SourceNanyang Technological University·DateJul 1, 2022

New method boosts the study of regulation of gene activity

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a novel method to profile different types of DNA methylation, including 6mA, 4mC and 5mC. The NT-seq method allows for efficient and cost-effective detection of these epigenetic markers in various organisms, paving the way for further studies on cancer epigenetics.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenome Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2022

Raman and infrared spectroscopy identified different acetylated lysine

Researchers used infrared and Raman spectroscopy to identify lysine acetylation features, providing a theoretical basis for protein acetylation structure analysis. The study found distinct vibrational spectral characteristics for each acetylation type, enabling accurate identification of acetylated lysine.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalSpectrochimica Acta·DateJul 1, 2022

Brigham and Women’s Hospital announces $16 million grant from Helmsley Charitable Trust to expand access to care for severe noncommunicable diseases in lower-income countries

The Brigham and Women's Hospital will implement and evaluate an integrated service delivery model (PEN-Plus) for severe chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatic heart disease, in eight low- and lower-middle-income countries. The initiative aims to enable one million of the world's poorest children and you...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateJul 1, 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.

Mining's effect on fish warrants better science-based policies

A new study synthesizes the impact of metal and coal mines on salmon and trout in northwestern North America, revealing severe and long-lasting harm to watersheds and ecosystems. The research emphasizes the need for more complete and transparent science-based policies to inform mining governance.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 1, 2022

BU researchers demonstrate activation of hippo pathway restrains tumor growth in melanoma cells

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine demonstrate activation of the Hippo pathway, which restrains the growth of melanocytes and prevents their transformation into melanoma. The study suggests that targeted reactivation of the Hippo pathway could be an attractive therapeutic possibility for treating melanoma.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2022

Montana bio station researchers discuss mine risks to salmon rivers

A team of scientists from Montana and Canada reviewed mining risks to watersheds, finding extensive pressures on salmon populations and valuable fish habitat. The study highlights the importance of accurately assessing risk to water, fish, and communities, and emphasizes the need for strong science-based risk assessment.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 1, 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.

HKUST develops world’s most durable hydrogen fuel cell

Researchers at HKUST developed a new hydrogen fuel cell with 97% platinum catalytic activity after 100,000 cycles, outperforming current catalysts. The new fuel cell uses a hybrid catalyst with three active sites, accelerating reaction rates and achieving higher power delivery.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2022

Study of pre-teens yields surprises about alcohol, tobacco and marijuana

A new study reveals that up to 10% of pre-teen children are curious about using substances, with boys more likely than girls to be interested. Parents' rules and home access play a significant role in shaping their children's curiosity, with Black parents being more likely to set rules against substance use.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence Reports·TypeSurvey·DateJul 1, 2022

New screening technique could accelerate and improve mRNA therapies

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new screening technique called DNA barcoding, which accelerates the discovery of effective lipid nanoparticle carriers. The technique allows for simultaneous testing of many experiments and has improved nanoparticle pre-clinical screening.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 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.

Keeping the energy in the room

Professor Ben Mazin and his team developed precision optical sensors for telescopes, doubling the spectral resolving power. This breakthrough enables scientists to analyze exoplanet composition using spectroscopy, with implications for detecting different molecules across the universe.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 1, 2022

What are whale sharks up to?

Satellite-tracking of whale sharks in the Panamanian Pacific reveals their feeding and breeding patterns, with a focus on protecting these endangered species from human threats. The study highlights the importance of identifying and conserving large oceanic areas and marine corridors to safeguard their migration routes.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJul 1, 2022

Protecting the brain from dementia-inducing abnormal protein aggregates

Researchers at National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology found that p62 selectively degrades toxic tau species, preventing neurodegenerative disorders. The study demonstrates the pivotal role of p62 in suppressing abnormal protein aggregates using mouse models of dementia.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2022

Rapid method to detect Arf6 guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) activity

Researchers developed a rapid detection method for Arf6 GEF activity using 1D 19F NMR-based approach. The new strategy allows for the monitoring of conformational changes in sGTPases and detecting regulatory protein activities in physiological and pathological environments.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJul 1, 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.

Determining how and why cells make decisions

Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing mathematical models to predict and control cellular differentiation. They created a technique using mix-and-read assays, which allow for the detection of key signaling proteins in live tissues. This method enables researchers to gain a deeper understanding of how cells make decisions.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalACS Omega·DateJul 1, 2022

Emerging Omicron subvariants BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 are inhibited less efficiently by antibodies

Researchers at the German Primate Center found that emerging Omicron subvariants BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5 are inhibited less efficiently by existing therapeutic antibodies, which may reduce protection against future infections. The study suggests these variants have acquired biological traits allowing for more efficient transmission.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2022

Researchers find ways to stable diamane synthesized by high-pressure

Scientists have developed a new method to synthesize stable diamane under high pressure, which can be used in two-dimensional electronic devices. The researchers found that doping with boron and nitrogen atoms enhances the stability of diamane at ambient conditions.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJul 1, 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.

Black nursing home residents, those under age 65 more likely to have repeat transfers to hospital, MU study finds

A new study by University of Missouri found that Black nursing home residents and those under 65 are significantly more likely to experience repeat hospital transfers. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors including 'full-code' status regarding end-of-life care, comorbidities, and inadequate staffing. The study suggests ...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBMC Health Services Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 1, 2022

An artificial intelligence probe help see tumor malignancy

A new artificial intelligence probe has been developed to detect tumor malignancy through non-invasive imaging, utilizing elevated potassium ion concentrations in malignant tumors. The KDMN probe provides superior MRI contrast and fluorescence imaging performance, allowing for accurate detection of malignant tumors.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 1, 2022

Scientists decipher, catalog the diverse origins of Earth's minerals; will inform models of life’s history, help find new minerals,​ habitable planets, extraterrestrial life

A 15-year study details the origins and diversity of every known mineral on Earth, with over 10,500 mineral kinds identified. The research also reveals that 80% of minerals were formed with water, and 40% have multiple formation processes.

SourceCarnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory·JournalAmerican Mineralogist·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2022

Use of short-course radiation therapy for lymphomas

This analysis evaluated changes in short-course radiation therapy use and spending on low-grade lymphoma patients from 2015 to 2019. The study found a significant increase in the use of this therapy among Medicare beneficiaries, suggesting potential cost savings and improved patient outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJul 1, 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.

Key factor found in tumorigenicity of glioma stem cells

Scientists from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, found that Oct4A is the key factor in maintaining tumorigenic activity of glioblastoma stem cells. Palmitoylation mediated by ZDHHC17 preserves Oct4A protein stability and facilitates Sox4-Oct4A complex formation.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateJul 1, 2022