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Science News for July 15, 2022


How a callback program reduces ER return rates

A phone call two days after discharge significantly reduces the likelihood of patients returning to the emergency room. The study found that nearly 4,000 patients who received an automated telephone call had lower return rates compared to those without calls.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 15, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study finds librarian-teacher co-teaching benefits students, teachers

A three-year study found that librarian-teacher co-teaching significantly facilitates learner-centered instruction, such as maker learning and inquiry learning, across all levels of schools. School librarians played a crucial role in making these individualized learning opportunities possible by using various instructional methods.

SourceUniversity of Illinois School of Information Sciences·DateJul 15, 2022

PSU study shows vaping cannabinoid acetate leads to formation of deadly gas

A new PSU study found that vaping cannabinoid acetates leads to the formation of ketene, a toxic gas known to cause vaping-induced lung injury. The study suggests that prolonged exposure to ketene could be particularly hazardous, as it is virtually untraceable in the human body.

SourcePortland State University·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateJul 15, 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.

Opening new doors: First synthetic mechanosensitive potassium channel

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have successfully synthesized a synthetic mechanosensitive potassium channel, exhibiting stimuli responsiveness and selective ion transport. The new ion channel could lead to breakthroughs in therapeutic treatments for ion-channel related diseases.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2022

Watching primordial neural cells grow in 3D scaffolds to heal brain injury

Biomedical engineers have created a novel 3D synthetic structure that mimics the extracellular matrix, guiding neural progenitor cells and promoting their differentiation. The results show promise for developing brain-healing treatments, including biogels that can repair and regrow brain tissue after a stroke or other trauma.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2022

Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School succeed in freezing rodent livers and preserving at subzero temperatures for five days

Researchers develop new method to preserve organs by freezing them partially, allowing for longer storage duration and improved organ matching. This breakthrough could lead to more successful transplants and increased organ availability.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2022

CSU researcher links real encounter with ‘milky seas’ to satellite pictures

A CSU researcher has obtained photographic evidence of milky seas observed from both the Earth's surface and space at the same time. The observations were made possible by a private yacht's encounter with the rare phenomenon off the coast of Java, providing new insights into its formation.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 15, 2022

Bacteria-based biohybrid microrobots on a mission to one day battle cancer

Researchers have developed bacteria-based biohybrid microrobots that can navigate through viscous tissues and deliver chemotherapy directly to tumors. The microrobots use near-infrared light to melt liposomes containing drugs, triggering release in acidic environments.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 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.

Risk of COVID-19 in adolescents vs older adults

According to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, adolescents were found to have a significantly higher incidence rate and relative risk of COVID-19 infection from wild-type SARS-CoV-2 compared to older adults. The study analyzed data from the start of the pandemic through fall 2020 across 16 of the 19 states examined.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 15, 2022

Towards stable, sustained Raman imaging of large samples at the nanoscale

A research team from Japan has developed a stable TERS system that enables characterization of defect analysis in large-sized WS2 layers at high pixel resolution. The team successfully imaged nanoscale defects over a period of 6 hours in a micrometer-sized WS2 film without significant signal loss.

SourceInstitute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2022

Best available therapy for AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma is cost effective in Africa

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that paclitaxel improves clinical outcomes and is cost-effective compared to commonly used treatments in Kenya. Using paclitaxel instead of bleomycin-vincristine could save 6,400 years-of-life and reduce healthcare expenditures by $3.7 million over five years.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 15, 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.

An Achilles heel shared by plants and animals

Researchers discovered that diphthamide is formed in plants and plays a crucial role in protein biosynthesis, with reduced growth rates observed when its formation is impaired. Environmental stressors such as copper and cadmium also inhibit diphthamide production, highlighting a new factor influencing plant growth rates.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2022

Online parenting skills program shields children from adverse effects of divorce

A new online parenting skills program has been shown to reduce interparental conflict, improve quality of parenting, and decrease anxiety and depression symptoms in children of divorcing parents. The eNew Beginnings Program, adapted from a 30-year research study, benefits over 1 million children affected by divorce each year.

SourceArizona State University·JournalFamily Court Review·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 15, 2022

A novel graphene based NiSe2 nanocrystalline array for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction

Researchers developed a novel graphene-based NiSe2 nanocrystalline array that significantly enhances the efficiency of hydrogen evolution reactions. The composite material achieves an overpotential of 158 mV and exhibits extremely stable performance, providing a promising approach for the development of high-efficiency electrocatalysts.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers in Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2022

Air samples from Arctic region show how fast Earth is warming

Researchers from Colorado State University have made direct observations of ice nucleating particles in the central Arctic, revealing strong seasonality and seasonal changes. These findings provide crucial insights into the effects of climate change on clouds and precipitation patterns.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 15, 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.

Development of high-performance, high-tension wearable displacement sensors

A research team at Seoul National University developed a stretchable piezoelectric displacement sensor with high sensitivity and tensile properties using a kirigami design cutting. The sensor was successfully applied in various fields such as healthcare and sports equipment, including wireless haptic gloves for VR technology.

SourceSeoul National University·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·DateJul 15, 2022

New study reveals where memory fragments are stored

A new study found that individual details of a memory are parsed and stored elsewhere, in the prefrontal cortex. This separation ensures that exposure to any cue is sufficient to activate the prefrontal cortex for recall of the whole memory.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 15, 2022

An Alzheimer’s-defying brain offer clues to treatment and prevention of dementia

A Colombian woman lived dementia-free for three decades due to a rare genetic mutation, providing valuable insights into the pathology of dementia. Her brain showed distinct patterns of abnormal tau protein aggregation, which may impact treatment and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalActa Neuropathologica·TypeCase study·DateJul 15, 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.

Experts don’t always give better advice—they just give more

Researchers found that top performers do not necessarily give better advice, but rather provide more of it, leading people to overvalue quantity over quality. This phenomenon is observed in various domains, including word puzzles and darts.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 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.

Adverse events after simultaneous COVID-19 mRNA booster, influenza vaccination

A study of 980,000 people found that simultaneous administration of COVID-19 mRNA booster and seasonal influenza vaccines was associated with significant increases in reports of systemic reactions. The study suggests that the combination may lead to more severe adverse events, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 15, 2022

Firm managers may benefit from transparency in machine-learning algorithms

A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that algorithmic transparency can have positive effects for firms, allowing them to motivate agents to improve valuable features. However, transparency may not always be beneficial for agents, as it can lead to a loss of predictive power and disadvantage high-type agents.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalManagement Science·DateJul 15, 2022

Brass, woodwind instruments emit respiratory particles, study finds

A Colorado State University study found that brass instruments produce 191% more aerosols than woodwinds during play. Male performers and louder playing of brass instruments were associated with higher emissions. Bell covers can reduce particle spread, but not achieve N95 level protection.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2022

Nonopioid pain prescriptions increased after 2016 CDC guideline, study finds

The 2016 CDC guideline aimed to reduce opioid-related overdose deaths by encouraging clinicians to weigh the benefits and risks of prescribing opioids. Researchers found a significant increase in nonopioid pain medication prescribing rates, coinciding with a drop in opioid prescribing.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 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.

The Hippo and the Hydra

A new study reveals that the Hippo signaling pathway is responsible for forming the body axis in Hydra, a process also controlling tissue growth and morphogenesis. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origins of the body axis in animals.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2022

Complex motions for simple actuators

Researchers at Harvard University have developed inflatable actuators that can bend, twist, and move in complex ways using origami-inspired designs. The actuator's bistable origami blocks allow it to perform up to eight different motions with a single pressure source.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 15, 2022

Study reveals new mode of triggering immune responses

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that chemokines can form DNA-bound nanoparticles that induce chronic, dysfunctional immune responses. This new mechanism may play a central role in autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma and lupus, where inflammation goes awry.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 15, 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.

Deformable pump gives soft robots a heart

A team of researchers from Cornell University has developed a deformable pump for soft robots, mimicking the human heart's functionality. The pump uses hydrodynamic and magnetic forces to provide soft robots with a circulatory system, allowing them to store energy and power their movements more efficiently.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2022

A little piece of Washington state blasted into space this week

A team of researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory sent a tiny piece of Washington state soil into space to study how it behaves in microgravity. The experiment, called DynaMoS, aims to understand the dynamics of microbial communities and their role in plant growth, with implications for growing food on other celestial bodies.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJul 15, 2022

Y-chromosome loss due to aging and other factors worsens prognosis for heart failure

Research finds that losing the Y chromosome increases mortality from cardiovascular disease by up to 1.76 times, with a significant link between Y-chromosome loss and fibrosis promoting heart failure. The study also shows that cardiac macrophages without the Y chromosome produce substances that activate fibroblasts, leading to fibrosis.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2022

Amid climate change and conflict, more resilient food systems a must, report shows

A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder warns that increased demand for water, heat waves, droughts, income inequality, and political instability will threaten global food security in the next 20 years. The report emphasizes the need for increased collaboration between researchers to build more resilient food systems.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalOne Earth·DateJul 15, 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.

Debunking the myths that discourage public funding of clean energy

A Yale University-led commentary argues that governments must move beyond misconceptions discouraging public investment in clean energy. By redirecting investments towards decarbonization, subsidizing technologies to reduce costs, and diversifying portfolios, policymakers can maximize energy innovation returns while managing expectatio...

SourceYale University·JournalNature Energy·DateJul 15, 2022

New insights into melanoma brain metastases

Researchers uncovered details about the underlying biology of melanoma brain metastases, including genomics, immunology, and spatial organization. The study found that melanoma brain metastases are more chromosomally unstable than other types of metastases, with potential therapeutic targets in reduced chromosomal instability.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 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.

In survey, COVID-19 vaccine recipients report changes in menstrual bleeding

A study analyzing over 35,000 COVID-19 vaccine recipients found that 42.1% experienced heavier menstrual flow after vaccination. The analysis also revealed correlations between pre-vaccination reproductive history and hormonal status on the likelihood of experiencing these changes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·TypeSurvey·DateJul 15, 2022