Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 3, 2022


New insight: Socio-economic disparities in physical activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study by Kobe University researchers found significant socio-economic disparities in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, with vulnerable populations experiencing reduced levels of activity. The findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring to address widening health disparities stemming from economic circumstances.

SourceKobe University·JournalPublic Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 3, 2022

New drug combination lengthens survival for some with lung cancer

A combination of ramucirumab and pembrolizumab reduced the risk of death by 31% compared to standard care in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients who had previously failed immunotherapy. The study found that these patients lived significantly longer, with a mean overall survival time of 14.6 months.

SourceYale University·DateJun 3, 2022

DNA moves steadily during interphase, providing cells robust housekeeping system

A recent study found that local DNA motion remains steady throughout interphase, allowing cells to conduct routine tasks like RNA transcription and DNA replication under similar nuclear environments. This steady-state motion provides a robust cellular system, unaffected by various nuclear changes.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 3, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Catching microplastics with spider webs

A study by researchers at the University of Oldenburg found that spider webs are contaminated with varying levels of microplastic particles, including PET and PVC. The team discovered that the amount of plastic particles in the webs depends on location, with roads having high traffic volumes producing more microplastics.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2022

Novel immunotherapy mechanism suppresses breast cancer development

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered a novel immunotherapy mechanism that uses CD4+ T helper 2 cells to suppress breast cancer development. These cells force breast cancer cells to revert to benign breast gland cells, providing new insights into the treatment of this disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2022

Novel method for early disease detection using DNA droplets

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a computational DNA droplet that can recognize specific combinations of chemically synthesized microRNAs as biomarkers of tumors. The droplet can perform logic computing operations and detect multiple cancer biomarkers simultaneously.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2022

New drug combination lengthened survival for some with lung cancer

A new drug combination of ramucirumab and pembrolizumab significantly extended overall survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients who had progressed on prior immunotherapy. The study found a 31% reduction in risk of death compared to standard therapy, with median overall survival times of 14.5 months.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 3, 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.

Insulation from wood research proves better than existing plastic-based materials

Researchers developed a wood-based insulating material that offers superior thermal performance to existing plastic-based materials. The new aerogel-integrated wood material is created without adding additional substances and has the potential to replace fossil-based aerogels for energy efficiency and sustainable development.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 3, 2022

Ibrutinib with chemoimmunotherapy improved progression-free survival for newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma patients

The study found that combination chemoimmunotherapy with ibrutinib improved progression-free survival over standard chemoimmunotherapy in patients with previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma. The median PFS was 80.6 months with the ibrutinib combination versus 52.9 months in the control arm.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 3, 2022

Grain boundaries go with the flow

A team of researchers from Rice University has modeled the dynamics of grain boundaries in polycrystalline materials using a rotating magnetic field technique. The study shows that grain boundaries can change readily in response to shear stress, and voids in these structures can act as sources and sinks for their movement.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

How we choose to end deforestation will impact future emissions

Researchers argue that the Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forests and Land Use is too vague regarding gross vs net deforestation. This distinction matters for carbon dioxide emissions. Stopping gross deforestation would significantly reduce emissions.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2022

How plesiosaurs swam underwater

Researchers found that plesiosaurs used a unique swimming motion, twisting their flippers to create lift and propel themselves through the water. This was achieved by using muscles to twist the flippers around their long axis, allowing for efficient swimming without rotating the upper arm and thigh.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPeerJ·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 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.

In first year of COVID-19 pandemic and after George Floyd’s death, rates of some crimes rose while others fell

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd's murder on crime rates in 28 US cities. The study found that homicides and auto thefts increased, while robberies and larcenies declined. The authors suggest that social unrest, economic conditions, and changed police behavior may b...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalStatistics and Public Policy·DateJun 3, 2022

Finally, after 40 years – a diagnosis

A 58-year-old woman from Armenia suffered from severe finger pain for over 40 years when knitting, which was later revealed to be caused by a rare benign glomus tumor under her fingernail. The tumor was successfully removed in a 30-minute operation, restoring the patient's quality of life and allowing her to return to her hobby.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateJun 3, 2022

Fecal transplant throws new light on inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers found that fecal transplants restored intestinal function and reduced inflammation in mice lacking the antimicrobial compound catestatin. The study suggests that changes in gut microbial composition are responsible for the inflammatory response.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalGut Microbes·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2022

Controlling the waveform of ultrashort infrared pulses

Researchers successfully controlled ultrashort mid-infrared light pulses, enabling new possibilities in optical control for biomedical applications and quantum electronics. The team developed a method to precisely control the oscillations of generated mid-infrared light via tuning laser input parameters.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 3, 2022

Removing barriers to opioid use disorder treatment shows success during pandemic

A study by Drexel University found that reduced prescribing guidelines and telemedicine visits improved patient retention in treatment, with patients staying an average of 78 days on-site and 180 days offsite. Buprenorphine helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, cutting overdose risk in half.

SourceDrexel University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 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.

Oregon State research sheds light on why not all obese patients develop type 2 diabetes

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new analytical method that reveals why some obese patients develop type 2 diabetes while others don't. The study found that a particular type of gut microbe leads to insulin resistance, and treatments targeting microbiota may be a new therapeutic strategy for the disease.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2022

Newly discovered coronavirus common in bank voles

A new coronavirus has been identified in Swedish bank voles, with the virus found in 3.4% of voles between 2015 and 2017. Researchers from Uppsala University discovered the 'Grimsö Virus' in red-backed voles caught around Grimsö in Örebro County.

SourceUppsala University·JournalViruses·TypeSurvey·DateJun 3, 2022

Issue cover image a new study points to evolutionary causes and ecological consequences of the absence of a digestive enzyme in birds

A new study reveals that birds lost the ability to digest trehalose, a non-reducing disaccharide found in common food sources, likely due to evolutionary divergence from their common ancestor. This loss has significant ecological implications, including reduced access to energy-rich foods and potential adaptations by other species.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2022

Repurposing cancer drug to treat neuroinflammation

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have successfully repurposed a cancer drug to target neuroinflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis. A novel drug carrier was developed to deliver the treatment specifically to microglia, reducing inflammation and disease progression.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 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.

A digital twin for citrus fruits

A team of researchers from Empa and two universities developed digital twins of citrus fruits to track quality losses and predict marketing problems. The study found that half of all shipments were outside optimal conditions, leading to decay, cold damage, and spoilage.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Food·DateJun 3, 2022

Changes in cancer screening during pandemic

A national survey study found that colorectal cancer screening increased via stool testing while colonoscopy decreased during the pandemic. Breast and cervical cancer screenings also saw modest declines.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 3, 2022

Heat-lovers are the lucky ones: Insects and climate change

A study by TUM researchers found that warmth-loving insect species increased in population trends, while cold-adapted species declined. This is partly due to improvements in water quality benefiting dragonflies, which depend on aquatic habitats.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 3, 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.

Researchers study society’s readiness for AI ethical decision making

The study explored how humans react to AI decision making by studying human interaction with autonomous cars. Researchers found that people show an aversion to AI when asked explicitly, but not when not being asked, and that this rejection is mostly due to incorporating individuals' beliefs about society's opinion.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateJun 3, 2022

Feeling the heat

The study collected sensor data and conducted surveys to understand the conditions people experience as they move about their daily life. The dataset provided a granular picture of temperature exposure, revealing that participants were well-situated to maintain low temperatures, but still faced dangerously hot environments.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateJun 3, 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.

Researchers find large cost benefits for companies with Machiavellian CEOs

Researchers found that companies with Machiavellian CEOs have a net income savings of over 6.6% on firm costs, including lower acquisition premiums and debt financing costs. The study suggests that high Mach CEOs' cultural norms filter down to bargaining performance, contributing to the cost savings.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeCase study·DateJun 3, 2022

Black girls commonly have negative experiences related to their natural hair

A recent study published in the journal Body Image found that young Black girls experience high levels of verbal teasing and unwanted hair touching due to their natural hair. The research highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of these issues to promote positive body image and self-acceptance among young Black girls.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBody Image·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2022

Pathways to the skies: NAU and CCC launch partnership to increase URM participation in astronomy, planetary science and other STEM fields

Northern Arizona University has launched a partnership with Coconino Community College to increase underrepresented minority (URM) student participation in astronomy, planetary science, and other STEM fields. The two-year project will provide paid internships for 20 students, enabling them to carry out research on various topics.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·DateJun 3, 2022

New insights into effects of membrane proteins on plant growth

Researchers at Hokkaido University identified two deubiquitinating enzymes, UBP12 and UBP13, that stabilize the brassinosteroid receptor BRI1 in plant cells. This finding reveals a crucial role for these enzymes in regulating plant growth and development.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 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.

Bone, heal thyself: Toward ceramics tailored for optimized bone self-repair

Scientists at Tokyo Medical and Dental University discover that smaller alkyl groups in ceramic materials facilitate faster chemical reactions, speeding up hydroxyapatite formation. This breakthrough could lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced need for further repairs after bone surgery.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials·DateJun 3, 2022

LSU Health study shows promise of NB-UVB phototherapy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

A randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study found that NB-UVB phototherapy decreased mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with no adverse events reported. The treatment was effective in both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients, with reduced pathologic inflammation and improved intracellular killing of pathogens.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalExperimental Dermatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 3, 2022

Primates and non-primates differ in the architecture of their neurons

Researchers found that primates and non-primates have distinct axonal origins, with axons emerging from dendrites more common in non-primates. This difference may influence neocortical information processing, but the exact function of axon-carrying dendrites remains unknown.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2022

Nanostructured fibers can impersonate human muscles

Researchers created a new fiber that performs like a muscle actuator, outperforming existing options in efficiency, flexibility, and strain handling. The fibers can be easily made and recycled, opening up potential applications in prosthetic limbs, robotic arms, and self-closing bandages.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 3, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New guidelines for pancreatic cancer screening

The new guidelines expand indication for screening to all with BRCA 1/2 gene variations, increasing chances of early detection and treatment. The guidelines also acknowledge potential downsides of screening, including false-positive results and encourage careful patient counseling.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJun 3, 2022

Promising results for chemo-immunotherapy combination against pancreatic cancer, Penn study finds

Researchers found that combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy increased one-year survival rates for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, with anti-PD-1/chemo regimen showing the highest response. The study identified key immune system biomarkers associated with better outcomes, offering new hope for precision oncology.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2022

Yale research to be presented at ASCO Annual Meeting

New treatments and diagnostic advances in various areas of oncology will be showcased by Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital researchers at the ASCO Annual Meeting. The research highlights include efficacy and association with MGMT for advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

SourceYale University·DateJun 3, 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.

‘Beam-steering’ technology takes mobile communications beyond 5G

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new beam-steering antenna that increases data transmission efficiency, particularly at higher frequencies. The technology is fully compatible with existing 5G specifications and has been demonstrated to provide unprecedented data transmission efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·DateJun 3, 2022

A novel path for sustainable photon upconversion with non-precious metals

Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have achieved a breakthrough in using chromium compounds for efficient green-to-blue photon upconversion. This process can expand the use of low-energy sunlight in solar cells and photochemical reactions, reducing environmental impacts associated with rare metal extraction.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 3, 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.

Water distribution in the fuel cell made visible in 4D

Researchers have used high-speed 4D neutron computed tomography to visualize the three-dimensional water distribution within fuel cells. This allows for optimized channel design and increased efficiency, as excess water can be drained without compromising membrane integrity.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2022

Targeted drug achieves 43% response rate in KRAS-mutated lung cancer

A phase 2 trial of the experimental drug adagrasib showed a 42.9% objective response rate and median overall survival of 12.6 months in patients with KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment also achieved a 33.3% response rate in patients with stable brain metastases.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 3, 2022

Climate change - is it time to say goodbye to inhaled anaesthesia?

Inhaled anaesthetic gases are potent greenhouse gases with effects up to thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide. The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care recommends reducing their use through alternatives like TIVA and regional anaesthesia.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateJun 3, 2022

Donating milk as a way of making meaning from the loss of a child

A study by Diane Spatz of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that donating milk served as an important part of the grieving process for some parents who had lost a baby before or at birth. This practice helped them form a connection with their child, reduce grief, and create a positive outcome for another family.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJun 3, 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.

ASCO22: Lung cancer therapy could help patients live longer

A Phase II clinical trial found that an immunotherapy drug combination extended the lives of patients with non-small cell lung cancer, improving survival by 14.5 months compared to standard care therapy. The treatment also reduced chemotherapy use and side effects.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 3, 2022

Great timing, supercomputer upgrade lead to successful forecast of volcanic eruption

A team of geologists successfully forecasted a Sierra Negra volcano eruption in June 2018 using a supercomputer-powered model. The model predicted an imminent eruption five months before it occurred, highlighting the power of high-performance computing in volcanic forecasting.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 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.

Everolimus after surgery can improve outcomes in those with high-risk kidney cancer

A study of patients with high-risk renal cell carcinoma found that those taking everolimus daily after surgery lived longer without disease recurrence. The results, although narrowly missed statistical significance, showed improvement primarily in very high-risk disease, with a 21% improvement in RFS for those with the highest risk.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 3, 2022