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Science News for July 29, 2022


New DNA repair-kit successfully fixes hereditary disease in patient-derived cells

A new DNA repair-kit successfully fixed genetic mutations causing Steroid Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome (SRNS) in patient-derived kidney cells. The kit, developed by University of Bristol scientists, uses a modified baculovirus to deliver larger DNA pieces and build them into human genomes.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 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.

BU researchers find interplay of ancestry and sexual dimorphism significantly affect growth patterns in frontal sinuses

A new study by Boston University School of Medicine found that the unique shape of the frontal sinuses, used in forensic anthropology to identify human remains, is influenced by both ancestry and sex. The research analyzed over 300 CT images, revealing that when considering both factors together, they significantly affect sinus dimensions

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBiology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 29, 2022

KAIST research team proves how a neurotransmitter may be the key in controlling Alzheimer’s toxicity​

A KAIST research team has discovered a new role for somatostatin, a protein-based neurotransmitter, in reducing the toxicity caused by Alzheimers disease. When somatostatin is met with copper and Aβ proteins, it attenuates the toxicity and agglomeration of metal-Aβ complexes.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

JAMA study, led by Heritage College faculty, finds association between high insulin dosage and cancer

A recent JAMA study found a positive association between high insulin dosage and cancer incidence among patients with type 1 diabetes. The study suggests that clinicians may need to balance cancer risk when treating patients on high insulin doses, with improving insulin sensitivity potentially being a preferred approach.

SourceOhio University·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 29, 2022

A paper battery with water switch

A new paper battery that can be activated by adding a drop of water has been developed, using salt and zinc to generate electricity. The battery's performance decreased over time due to the paper drying out, but it showed promise for low-power electronics.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeNews article·DateJul 29, 2022

Common viruses may be triggering the onset of Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists at Tufts University found that varicella zoster virus (VZV) may activate herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), leading to inflammation and accumulation of Alzheimer's associated proteins in the brain. This suggests a new pathway to Alzheimer's disease.

SourceTufts University·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

Listening to the people results in a more sustainable future energy system

A new energy plan developed by researchers at Kyushu University suggests a more sustainable future energy system that includes 61% renewable-based electricity. The plan, which prioritizes solar and wind power, exceeds current projections by 50%, with significant reductions in coal-based generation and nuclear power.

SourceKyushu University·JournalEnergy Economics·TypeSurvey·DateJul 29, 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.

Prenatal opioid exposure may trigger neurological, behavioral changes later in life

A new study at the University of Missouri found that prenatal opioid exposure can trigger long-term neurological or behavioral effects in children. The research suggests that opioids impact the developing fetus' gut microbiome, leading to changes in metabolic pathways and potentially affecting overall health and wellness.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalmSystems·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

Communication makes hunting easier for chimpanzees

Researchers found that specific vocalizations, known as the 'hunting bark', recruit more group members to hunt and capture prey more effectively. Chimpanzees have been observed joining hunts after hearing these barks, increasing success rates.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2022

New $10M NSF-funded institute will get to the CORE of data science

The Institute for Emerging CORE Methods in Data Science (EnCORE) aims to transform the core aspects of data science, including complexity, optimization, responsible computing, and education and engagement. EnCORE will conduct interdisciplinary research, develop innovative tools, and engage students from K-12 to postdoctoral levels.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJul 29, 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.

Methanol biotransformation enables efficient production of fatty acid

Engineers yeast Ogataea polymorpha for efficient productions of free fatty acids from sole methanol, achieving high levels of FFA accumulation. The research uncovers mechanisms of methanol toxicity during bio-productions and develops a sustainable route for fatty acid production.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 29, 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.

A roadmap for the future of quantum simulation

The paper explores near- and medium-term possibilities for quantum simulation on analogue and digital platforms to evaluate its potential. Quantum simulation has promising applications in materials science, high-energy physics, and quantum chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 29, 2022

Benefits of pre-surgical immunotherapy were independent of race in patients with aggressive breast cancer

A phase I/II clinical trial found that treatment outcomes were similar between Black and non-Black patients with triple-negative breast cancer who received neoadjuvant durvalumab plus chemotherapy. The study's results suggest that improving healthcare access and delivery could mitigate some of the existing disparities in healthcare.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 29, 2022

Promising eco-friendly plug to treat nosebleeds

Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have developed a nasal plug using soy protein and chitin from food industry waste, which promotes haemostasis and is biocompatible. The new material has shown superior mechanical and haemostatic properties compared to current gold standard nasal plugs.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalMaterials Today Bio·DateJul 29, 2022

Pathogenic microbes in drying soils could present public health threat

Research suggests that climate change may lead to the proliferation of pathogenic fungi in drying soils, which could pose a significant public health threat. The study's findings are being used to inform policymakers on the potential risks of global climate change on soil fungal communities in the US Southwest.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateJul 29, 2022

The gut patrol

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discover how gut barrier cells send secret messages to patrolling T cells, keeping them alive and active. The study sheds light on conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and highlights the importance of HVEM protein in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 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.

Analysis reveals sex differences in the recognition, monitoring, and treatment of chronic kidney disease

Women are less likely to receive diagnostic codes related to CKD, be referred to a nephrologist, and have their kidney function monitored compared to men. Despite guidelines recommending equal care, women receive suboptimal management of chronic kidney disease, with lower rates of testing and guideline-recommended medications.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 29, 2022

Technique for the isolation of volatile food compounds optimized

Researchers developed an automated method for isolating volatile food ingredients, increasing yields and reducing contamination risks. The optimized 'aSAFE' technique eliminates operator errors and improves the accuracy of odorant analysis, enabling targeted product development in the food industry.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalEuropean Food Research and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

Flexible hybrid capacitors based on transition metal composite electrode

A new electrode material Co3O4@NiMoO4 has been developed for flexible hybrid capacitors, exhibiting high energy density and long cycle stability. The material was grown on porous nickel foam using a two-step hydrothermal method, providing a conductive skeleton for the electrodes.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 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.

Meningref trial shows better protection against meningococcal infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

Researchers studied the immunogenic potential of the 4CMenB vaccine in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, finding 90% of patients developed protective antibody levels after two doses. The trial supports including meningococcal B vaccination alongside A, C, W, and Y vaccines from 6 months post-transplant to improve protection.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateJul 29, 2022

No 'safe space' for 12 key ocean species on North American West Coast

Research warns of substantial loss in kelp canopy, decline in Dungeness crab and razor clam survival rates, and loss of aerobic habitat for anchovy and pink shrimp. Climate change impacts will be complex, with some effects boosting metabolism but others decreasing survival rates.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 29, 2022

NSF grant to help Zhang lab build better muscle with synthetic biology

Washington University in St. Louis' Zhang lab has been awarded a $458,490 NSF grant to refine their synthetic biology platform for producing muscle fibers with improved material properties. The team plans to examine genetic changes associated with titin protein and create fibers with defined sequences to study material properties.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateJul 29, 2022

Taking your time makes a difference – Brain development differs between Neanderthals and modern humans

Researchers at MPI-CBG found that modern human variants cause longer metaphase and fewer chromosome segregation errors in neural stem cells, leading to more efficient brain development. This suggests that some aspects of modern human brain evolution may be independent of brain size.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

European University Alliance FORTHEM granted EUR 14.4 million by the European Commission for additional four years

The FORTHEM alliance, a nine-university network in Europe, will receive nearly EUR 14.4 million in funding from the European Commission for the next four years. This funding will support the expansion of mobility offerings for students and staff, as well as the development of common infrastructure to foster a transnational European Uni...

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateJul 29, 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.

Green purchasing is affected by price only in times of economic crisis

A study found that economic crises moderate the relationship between environmental behaviour and various factors, such as motivation and effectiveness perceived by the consumer. In times of crisis, price has a significant impact on green activism and purchasing, while in well-being periods, distribution is more important.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateJul 29, 2022

Manipulating chromosomes in living cells reveals that they are fluid

Researchers from CNRS and MIT discover that chromosomes are fluid and able to move freely outside of cell division phases. They achieve this through direct mechanical manipulation using magnets, challenging the traditional representation of chromosomes as entangled molecules.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

Children who lack sleep may experience detrimental impact on brain and cognitive development that persists over time

A new study finds that children who get less than nine hours of sleep per night have significant differences in certain brain regions compared to those who get the recommended amount. The study also linked inadequate sleep to greater mental health problems, like depression, anxiety, and impulsive behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 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.

A stable gut helps elite athletes perform better

Research from Anglia Ruskin University found that microbial instability in the gut hinders endurance athlete performance. High-carbohydrate diets were associated with improved time trial performance, while a short-term high-protein diet led to reduced time trial performance by 23.3%.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalmSystems·DateJul 29, 2022

Space travel: Bone aging in fast forward

Researchers have discovered that long periods in space can damage bone structure irreparably, causing premature aging by up to 10 years. Adapting training programs and medication could help protect astronauts on future missions.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 29, 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.

Association of state COVID-19 vaccine mandates with staff vaccination coverage, staffing shortages in nursing homes

A study of nursing homes found that states with vaccine mandates had higher staff vaccination rates and fewer staffing shortages compared to those without mandates. This suggests that vaccine mandates can lead to improved vaccination coverage among healthcare workers, reducing the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJul 29, 2022

New smartphone clip-on can detect Zika virus in blood samples

Researchers have developed a smartphone clip-on instrument that can rapidly detect Zika virus in whole blood using spatial RT-LAMP technology. The device is sensitive, accurate, and easy to use, making it ideal for point-of-care clinics and controlling the spread of infectious diseases.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

New Geology articles published online ahead of print in July

Researchers applied a new U/Th-Pb geochronology approach to constrain the provenance of eolian sediments from the Chinese Loess Plateau. Their study revealed dominant U/Th-Pb age peaks in early Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and late Cenozoic, mirroring northeast Tibetan Plateau orogenic episodes. In contrast, gold deposits in northern Perú clus...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJul 29, 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.