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Science News for June 10, 2022


How the first biomolecules could have been formed

Researchers from Friedrich Schiller University Jena reproduced chemical reactions that may have occurred in the 'primordial soup' to form biologically relevant compounds. The team found substances like thiols and acetaldehyde, as well as adenine, a nucleobase in the genetic code.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalChemSystemsChem·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2022

New eco-friendly synthesis method uses alumina as a recyclable catalyst

Researchers developed a sustainable method of synthesizing diphenylmethanol derivatives using Chinese alumina, reducing waste and costs. The new method recycles alumina by washing it with water and drying between usages, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

SourceKobe University·JournalChemistryOpen·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Confined water matters to energy storage performance

The study proposes a method to manipulate nanoconfined water through surface chemistry modification, resulting in exceptional high capacitance and outstanding high-rate performance. The atomic scale elucidation of layer-dependent properties of nanoconfined water reveals its crucial role on energy storage.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJun 10, 2022

How mother-youth emotional climate helps adolescents cope with stress

A University of Illinois study examines how mothers' emotional involvement helps youth cope with peer stressors during middle school. The research reveals that youth who experience positive mother-child interactions and high maternal affect are more likely to engage in active coping strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2022

The Earth moves far under our feet: A new study shows the inner core oscillates

Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences found evidence of the inner core's six-year cycle of super-rotation and sub-rotation. The study suggests the inner core changed direction in the six-year period from 1969-74, causing variations in the length of day.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 10, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Thalidomide is an effective treatment for abnormal blood vessel formations

Researchers found thalidomide to be an effective treatment for severe arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), reducing symptoms and improving quality of life in patients. The study showed a striking reduction in symptoms, with some patients experiencing complete cure after treatment.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Genetics·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeCase study·DateJun 10, 2022

Posture assessed in health exam detects cognitive decline

A mass survey of Japanese citizens aged 50-89 years found that sagittal spinal balance measurement can detect cognitive decline. The study discovered associations between anteriorization of the spine and lower cognitive function in both males and females, with greater risks detected in cases of SVA ≥ 70mm regardless of age.

SourceShinshu University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 2022

Long-lived things for the internet of things

Researchers at University of Virginia are developing long-lived sensors for the Internet of Things (IoT) to reduce maintenance costs and upgrade challenges. The goal is to create an ecosystem that enables sensors to adapt to changing environments, reducing electronic waste.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJun 10, 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.

Missing race, ethnicity information in healthcare.gov marketplace enrollment data

A study of HealthCare.gov Marketplace enrollment data from 2015 to 2021 found that 32% of enrollees lacked reported race or ethnicity information. Disproportionately, Black and Hispanic individuals were more likely to have missing data, suggesting the marketplace may serve a more diverse population than indicated by self-reported data.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 10, 2022

Unique molecular CODE – Paramagnetic encoding of molecules

Researchers have developed a novel method for molecular encoding using paramagnetic properties, enabling digital information storage and transmission. The system uses lanthanide elements to create unique signals that can be read remotely, with potential applications in chemistry, pharmacy, telemedicine, and more.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2022

Saving kids from dangerous infections -- with an amoeba

A UVA researcher is using a harmless amoeba to develop an innovative treatment for deadly C. difficile infections in young children. The approach has the potential to deliver specific antibodies directly to the gut, reducing the need for antibiotics and addressing a growing public health threat.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateJun 10, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Early, encouraging data for glioblastoma treatment reported at ASCO

Researchers have reported encouraging early-stage data for the Phase 1 clinical trial of INB-200, a gamma-delta T cell-based immunotherapy. All patients enrolled in the trial have exceeded their expected progression-free survival, with two patients exceeding overall survival as well. The treatment shows promising activity against gliob...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 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.

Decoding a key part of the cell, atom by atom

The nuclear pore complex is a vital gatekeeper for cell operations, controlling DNA entry and exit. A recent study has made significant breakthroughs in understanding its structure and function, shedding light on the complex's role in various diseases.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJun 10, 2022

Researchers create rapid test for deadly infections in livestock, starting with pigs

Researchers at McMaster University have developed a rapid test to detect deadly diarrheal infections in pigs and other animals. The saliva-based test can identify pathogens with high accuracy and speed, enabling veterinarians to isolate infected animals quickly and limit the risk of animal-to-human transmission.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 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.

For communication between brain areas, milliseconds matter

Researchers at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre discovered that brain area communication is dynamic and changes over rapid timespans, with influences varying on a fast timescale. This finding suggests that cortical areas may control different aspects of processing in downstream regions over very short time spans.

SourceSainsbury Wellcome Centre·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2022

Research reveals the science behind this plant’s blue berries

Researchers have discovered a new plant species that produces blue berries through structural color, which reflects light and gives the fruit a metallic finish. The unique trait is shared by only six plants in the world, highlighting the complexity of evolution and the possibility of multiple evolutionary pathways.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJun 10, 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.

Moving furniture in the micro-world

A research team investigated the microscopic scale of furniture movement, finding moiré patterns reduce static friction when objects rotate simultaneously. This discovery could lead to ultra-low friction micro-machines.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPhysical Review·DateJun 10, 2022

Ningaloo corals are ill-equipped to handle future climate change

A recent Curtin University study found that corals in the Ningaloo Marine Park are genetically isolated from each other and lack adaptations to survive ocean warming. In contrast, corals in the Kimberley region are better equipped to handle future climate change.

SourceCurtin University·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 10, 2022

Amsterdam physicists build an atom laser that can stay on forever

Physicists from the University of Amsterdam successfully created a continuous Bose-Einstein Condensate, enabling an eternal atom laser that can produce coherent matter waves. This breakthrough solves the problem of fragile BECs and paves the way for technical applications.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature·DateJun 10, 2022

Evidence-based recommendations on menopause management advise individualized care

The joint position statement from British Menopause Society, RCOG, and SfE provides evidence-based guidance for healthcare professionals caring for women experiencing menopause. It recommends an individualised approach to care, considering the risks and benefits of therapies as well as lifestyle choices.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalPost Reproductive Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 10, 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.

Despite dire warnings, monarch butterfly numbers are solid

A new study finds that monarch butterflies are stabilizing their breeding trends, with some regions experiencing population declines while others show increases. The research suggests that changing environmental variables are offsetting negative factors, such as the impact of glyphosate on monarchs.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 10, 2022

Pioneering new targeted treatments

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are studying how lipids help fortify lung cancer cells and if targeting them can lead to better outcomes. The team discovered that lipids play a crucial role in cancer cell growth, membrane fortification, and energy production.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJun 10, 2022

Women in space analogues demonstrate more sustainable leadership

A study by Inga Popovaitė suggests that women may be better suited for long-term space missions due to their positive and supportive leadership style. Women tend to focus on mutual support, motivation, and a positive environment, which can be beneficial in extreme situations where interpersonal conflicts can jeopardize team success.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalActa Astronautica·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 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.

Immunotherapy may get a boost

Scientists at Max Delbrück Center identify EBAG9 gene as key inhibitor of T cell function against tumors, releasing the brake and boosting immune response. The discovery aims to develop CAR T cells without EBAG9 for more effective leukemia treatments.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2022

How crops can better survive floods

Researchers have found a signaling molecule that helps plants survive flooding by triggering a molecular emergency power system. Pretreating plants with ethylene improves their chances of survival. The study could lead to the development of resistant plant varieties to combat waterlogging and flooding in agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJun 10, 2022

Drumming improves behaviour and brain function in autistic adolescents, scientists reveal

A new study reveals that drumming can improve the life quality of young people diagnosed with autism by enhancing brain function and behavior. Participants showed fewer signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and repetitive behaviors, demonstrating better control of their emotions.

SourceUniversity of Chichester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Latin dance may be a step toward better working memory for older Latinos

A study found that older Latinos who participated in a culturally relevant Latin dance program for eight months significantly improved their working memory compared to those in a control group. The program used four types of Latin dance styles and incorporated elements of social engagement, increasing physical activity levels.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2022

Astronomers may have detected a ‘dark’ free-floating black hole

Researchers at UC Berkeley have detected a possible free-floating black hole in the Milky Way galaxy using gravitational microlensing. The object's mass is estimated to be between 1.6 and 4.4 times that of the sun, but its nature as a black hole or neutron star remains uncertain.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2022

Monarch butterfly populations are thriving in North America

Research from the University of Georgia shows that monarch populations have remained relatively stable over the past 25 years due to summer breeding growth. The study suggests that population growth during the summer compensates for losses due to migration, winter weather, and environmental factors.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 10, 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.

AI identifies cancer cells

A new machine learning algorithm called 'ikarus' has found a gene signature characteristic of tumors, distinguishing between healthy and tumor cells in various types of cancer. The algorithm was trained on single-cell sequencing data sets and demonstrated an extraordinarily high success rate in distinguishing between different cell types.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalGenome Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 2022

Words matter: How to reduce gender bias with word choice

A commentary in Trends in Cognitive Sciences suggests using gender-neutral terms to minimize gender bias, while a 'gender-marking' approach can highlight women's success in male-dominated fields. However, this latter approach may reinforce negative stereotypes if used thoughtlessly.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 10, 2022

Early investors can forecast future of startup companies

Researchers analyzed over 11,000 venture-backed startups and found that prior collaboration between venture capitalists predicts exit type, with firms with co-invested VCs more likely to be acquired. Conversely, those without prior collaborations are more likely to go public.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateJun 10, 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.