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Science News for May 27, 2022


Most doctors still believe in prescribing unnecessary antibiotics to treat asymptomatic infections, study suggests

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that more than 70% of primary care physicians reported prescribing antibiotics to treat asymptomatic bacteria in urine tests, defying medical guidelines. This practice can lead to adverse health effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

Shared autonomous micro-mobility

Researchers at MIT City Science explore the impact of autonomy on shared micro-mobility systems, proposing it as a solution to mitigate challenges such as rebalancing and vehicle oversupply. An agent-based simulation tool assesses fleet performance and user experience, providing insights for informed decisions.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalCommunications in Transportation Research·DateMay 27, 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.

Just being exposed to new things makes people ‘ready to learn’

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that people learn from incidental exposure to new objects, making them ready to learn. Participants who were exposed to unfamiliar creatures earlier on learned the differences between them more quickly during explicit learning than those who received no prior exposure.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

Autistic individuals have poorer health and healthcare

A recent study by the University of Cambridge found that autistic individuals have a higher risk of chronic mental and physical health conditions. They also report lower quality healthcare experiences, including difficulties with symptom description and sense overload.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMolecular Autism·TypeSurvey·DateMay 27, 2022

T cell warriors need their R & R

Researchers at Yale University discovered a critical protein pair that maintains T cell quiescence, keeping immune systems healthy. Without this resting state, T cells die, making hosts more susceptible to infections and cancer.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 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.

Ancient viral elements embedded in human genome not from fossil retrovirus

Researchers discovered that ancient retroviruses embedded in human genome can undergo retrotransposition into iPS cells, potentially posing a risk for regenerative medicine. The study found that HERV-K is expressed in SOX2-expressing cells and may cause cancer and neurological diseases by altering gene expression profiles.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

A sunlight-driven “self-healing” anti-corrosion coating

A new 'self-healing' anti-corrosion coating has been developed, which can repair microcracks and protect metal from erosion under solar irradiation. The coating's performance is verified to be maintained above 99% regardless of the repair, making it suitable for outdoor facilities.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 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.

MU study finds health benefits of ‘aging in place’ at TigerPlace

Researchers found that care coordinators identifying illnesses early and providing timely care allowed most residents to 'age in place,' reducing need for nursing home care. Exercise and socialization opportunities also improved physical and mental health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalGeriatric Nursing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2022

New light-powered catalysts could aid in manufacturing

Researchers at MIT have designed a new type of photoredox catalyst that can be used to coat plastic tubing and perform chemical transformations on reactants as they flow through the tube. This breakthrough could enable the use of light-driven reactions in manufacturing processes, increasing efficiency and reducing waste.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2022

Revisiting the history of CPT theorem

The CPT theorem, a fundamental concept in quantum field theory, has its roots in the early 20th century revolution of quantum mechanics and relativity. The new paper reveals how this theorem's significance evolved over time, from being initially overlooked to becoming a cornerstone of modern physics.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateMay 27, 2022

Siberian tundra could virtually disappear by mid-millennium

The Siberian tundra is projected to disappear entirely unless ambitious greenhouse-gas reduction measures are taken. A simulation shows that only 30% of the tundra can survive with aggressive climate protection, while the rest will be lost.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournaleLife·DateMay 27, 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.

Study reveals potential target for treatment of diseases associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations

A study by Brazilian scientists reveals that autophagy can modulate the accumulation of mutant mitochondrial DNA in cells during aging. The researchers found that mice with liver-specific atg7 knockout showed reduced buildup of mutant DNA, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for diseases associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAutophagy·DateMay 27, 2022

An arms race that plays out in a single genome

Biologists at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a two-sided genomic arms race between satellite DNA and its binding proteins in fruit flies. The study reveals that when these elements interact, significant costs to fitness can occur, including impacts on fertility and cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 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.

Novel sensors enable precise measurement of dopamine

Researchers have developed novel sensors that can precisely measure dopamine levels in nerve cells, providing new insights into the mechanisms of dopamine release. The sensors use modified carbon nanotubes to visualise individual dopamine release events along neuronal structures.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

Watching video feed of hospitalized baby improves pumping experience

Parents who used videoconferencing technology to view their hospitalized premature infant reported improved pumping experiences and increased bonding. The study found that videoconferencing strengthened the connection between families and their newborns, reducing stress and anxiety.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 27, 2022

Follow-up data further support the superior efficacy of cabozantinib in patients with progressive differentiated thyroid cancer

Follow-up data from the COSMIC-311 study confirm cabozantinib's superiority over placebo in patients with progressive differentiated thyroid cancer, with significant improvements in progression-free survival across all tumor subtypes. The treatment also demonstrated manageable safety and efficacy in a diverse patient population.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·DateMay 27, 2022

Easy, flexible access to produce, resources boosts healthy eating for central Texas kids

A new study from researchers at Dell Medical School found that providing caregivers with four weeks of free tastings of produce and grocery gift cards can lead to improvements in kids' diets. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, showed that children ate healthier foods two additional times per day compared to the control group.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 27, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ECOG-ACRIN research highlights at ASCO 2022

The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group presented promising trial results at ASCO 2022, including an 8-year survival rate in the CHAARTED prostate trial. The research also explored outcomes by tobacco use in head and neck studies, shedding light on cancer treatment effectiveness.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·DateMay 27, 2022

Anticipating future social fault lines

A team of researchers at Singapore Management University is working on a project to identify polarizing topics and measure attitude strength using machine learning algorithms. The study aims to understand how opinion-based division can undermine social resilience, particularly in the digital age.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateMay 27, 2022

Meta-analysis shows targeted radiation therapy may be as effective as standard care for small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases

A meta-analysis published in The Lancet Oncology suggests that targeted radiation therapy, which spares healthy brain tissue, is equitable to whole brain radiation therapy for patients with small cell lung cancer and brain metastases. This approach may improve their care experience with fewer negative cognitive consequences.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 27, 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.

AI learns coral reef 'song'

A new AI method can distinguish between the overall sounds of healthy and unhealthy coral reefs, making it a valuable tool for monitoring reef health. The technique uses machine learning to analyze sound recordings and track the progress of reef restoration projects.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2022

Choking local funding prevents terrorism

New research by Nicola Limodio finds that terrorist attacks are sensitive to local funding availability, with more attacks occurring in cities with higher funding. Financial counter-terrorism can be effective in limiting the ability of terrorist organizations to access funds.

SourceBocconi University·JournalEconometrica·DateMay 27, 2022

Modelling the behavior and dynamics of microswimmers

Researchers studied microswimmers' dynamics under gravity, discovering how clusters form through a combination of gravity and hydrodynamic interactions. The team's simulations showed that two key ingredients – gravity and the strength of reorienting gravity torque – are sufficient for cluster formation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 27, 2022

MSK scientists identify new — and very common — subtype of prostate cancer

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have identified a new subtype of prostate cancer that accounts for 30% of all cases. This stem cell-like subtype, characterized by specific gene expression patterns, is the second most prevalent group after androgen-sensitive type.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 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.

How randomly moving electrons can improve cyber security

A team of researchers at Indian Institute of Science developed a record-breaking true random number generator (TRNG) that uses the random motion of electrons to generate secure random numbers. The device, which is more compact and faster than previous TRNGs, has exceeded NIST standards with a high min-entropy value of 0.98.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 27, 2022

Same symptom – different cause?

Researchers developed an algorithm to classify patients into disease subtypes based on molecular changes, enabling more targeted treatments. The tool has shown potential in a study on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, identifying lipid biomarkers for disease progression.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2022

Wine as scapegoat in trade disputes means consumers pay the price

A new study from the University of Illinois finds that wine tariffs imposed during trade disputes have substantial economic costs for producers and consumers. The study estimates that the U.S.-EU dispute cost $190 million in lost trade, while the China-Australia dispute cost $149 million annually.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFood Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2022

Kyoto scientists discover ‘crack team’ of kidney cells that are key to disease recovery

Researchers at Kyoto University identify a distinct subpopulation of fibroblasts responsible for producing the hormone erythropoietin (Epo), which stimulates red blood cell production. This discovery provides insight into renal anemia and may lead to novel treatment methods for patients with chronic kidney disease.

SourceKyoto University·JournalKidney International·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 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.

On the way to smart hearing aids

The Collaborative Research Centre Hearing Acoustics is developing smart hearing aids that use artificial intelligence to adjust to different environments. The project, which aims to create more adaptable hearing devices, has received $8.1 million in funding for another four years.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·DateMay 27, 2022

New liver and kidney disease identified

Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a new inherited condition, TULP3-related ciliopathy, which causes kidney and liver failure in children and adults. The study identified the faulty gene responsible for increased fibrosis in the liver and kidney, leading to organ failure.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 27, 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.

Joint research revealed the importance of anthropogenic vapors on haze pollution over Hong Kong and Mainland China's megacities

A comprehensive study by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology revealed that anthropogenic low-volatility organic vapors play a critical role in forming secondary organic aerosols (SOA) and haze pollution in urban environments. The research found that oxidation of VOCs dominates OOMs formation, with nitrogen oxides significant...

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 27, 2022

Seeing how odor is processed in the brain

Researchers at University of Tokyo used machine learning-based analysis of scalp-recorded EEG to see when and where odors are processed in the brain. Unpleasant odors were found to be processed earlier than pleasant ones, suggesting potential early warning system against dangers.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging shows brain inflammation in vivo for the first time

Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to visualize and quantify brain inflammation using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This breakthrough has significant implications for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 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.

New cancer subtype may illuminate treatment strategy

Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized form of hormone therapy-resistant prostate cancer and found promising drug targets to treat it. The discovery opens the door to developing therapies that specifically target this disease, which accounts for approximately a quarter of castration-resistant prostate cancers.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2022

New gels could help the medicine go down

Researchers created oil-based gels that can deliver a variety of medications, including those for infectious diseases, in a stable and palatable form. The gels can be used to administer drugs to children and adults with difficulty swallowing pills, and could have a significant impact on improving medication adherence.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 2022

No photosynthetic improvement in ictB transformants in field-grown model crop

Researchers tested ictB transformants in field-grown tobacco and found no significant improvement in photosynthesis or biomass production. Despite previous studies suggesting potential benefits, the current study suggests that ictB overexpression may only be beneficial in controlled environments.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 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.

Observation of fractional exclusion statistics in quantum critical matter

Researchers found a simple correspondence between interaction strength and statistics parameter in 1D and 2D quantum Bose gases in the quantum critical regime. This emergence of fractional exclusion statistics is confirmed through theoretical computations, numerical simulations, and experimental measurements.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 27, 2022

Understanding China's rural modernization

China's rural modernization policy seeks to revitalize rural economies by promoting entrepreneurship, new organisational forms, and increased commercialisation of agriculture. The goal is to raise rural income levels and reduce disparities with urban areas.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateMay 27, 2022

New insights into the complexity of the brain

A recent study out of the Complexity Science Hub Vienna developed a mathematical and computational framework for analysing neural activity in C. elegans, a tiny worm used to study neural activity. The study proposes a way to unmask the roles of neurons by using more natural perturbations.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 27, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

In wake of hurricane, microbial ecosystem remarkably resilient

A Johns Hopkins University study found that microbial mats on Little Ambergris Cay regrew in just 10 months after Hurricane Irma's devastating impact. The discovery suggests these ecosystems may adapt to changing sea levels and stabilize under climate change.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 2022

Biomedical engineers design drug-delivery solution for low-resource settings

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and MIT designed an oil-based gel system, oleogel, to deliver medications to children with swallowing difficulties. The system has been shown to be compatible with most drugs and can facilitate drug uptake at levels comparable to solid tablets.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

High cost of cancer care in the U.S. doesn’t reduce mortality rates

A new analysis by Yale University researchers found that the US spends significantly more on cancer care than other high-income countries, yet its cancer mortality rates are only slightly better. The study suggests lax regulation of cancer drug approvals and pricing contribute to the high cost.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 27, 2022

Supermassive black holes inside of dying galaxies detected in early universe

Astronomers used the Cosmic Evolution Survey to discover active supermassive black holes in distant galaxies. These findings suggest that a supermassive black hole can disrupt gas and prevent star formation, leading to the sudden end of galaxy star formation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2022

A cushy lab life has its evolutionary costs — when it comes to fish, that is

Researchers found that lab zebrafish have lost physiological plasticity, a characteristic that allows organisms to adjust to different environments, over time. This loss affects their ability to perform consistently across a wide range of temperatures, highlighting the costs of domestication.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 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.

Determining the impact of communication media on negotiation

Research investigates the effectiveness of different communication modes in negotiations, including video-conferencing, audio calls, text messaging, and face-to-face interaction. The study aims to identify key factors influencing negotiation outcomes, such as negotiator characteristics and conflict resolution styles.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateMay 27, 2022

Art meets 5G: Digital experiments held at art museums in Turin

The collaboration between public and private organizations has led to innovative applications in tourism and culture sectors. Visitors can interact with a humanoid robot and solve puzzles using Meta Quest visors connected to the 5G network, exploring artworks and moving virtual objects.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

British coral predicted to be resilient to climate change

A new study by the University of Exeter predicts that the pink sea fan coral species will expand its range northwards along the British coast as global temperatures rise. The research found suitable habitat for the species beyond its current northern limits, indicating potential spread by 2100.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPeerJ·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 27, 2022

New route to build materials out of tiny particles

By using the shape of colloids, researchers can create building blocks for new materials with interesting properties. The study's findings show that the density of the structure can be lower than expected, leading to the possibility of creating strong but lightweight materials.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 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.

When hurricanes strike, social media can save lives

A recent study found that social media is a powerful tool for cities to communicate and collect information during emergencies. The research analyzed data from 23 Florida counties and their use of social media during Hurricane Irma, finding that many counties struggled with managing multiple social media accounts and correcting bad inf...

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalDisasters·TypeCase study·DateMay 27, 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.

Women resent compliments about communality at work

New Cornell University research finds that women experience more frustration when praised for collaborative qualities than men, who are expected to be assertive. The study suggests that positive gender stereotypes can backfire and have negative emotional consequences for women in the workplace.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 27, 2022

No 'echo chambers' in Reddit climate debate

A recent study on Reddit climate debates found little evidence of echo chambers, instead revealing a mix of polarized discussions and deliberate debate. The researchers analyzed over 18,000 posts and 267,000 comments from 93,850 users to examine topics, information sources, and community dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Communication·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2022

Foreseeing risk of a stock price crash

Research suggests that non-GAAP earnings reports can lead to a higher risk of stock price crashes due to information asymmetry and manipulation. Companies use non-GAAP earnings to present a more positive picture, but investors should be cautious when managers have an incentive to mislead them.

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalJournal of Accounting and Economics·DateMay 27, 2022

Animals may evolve faster than previously thought

A new study suggests that wild animal populations can adapt more rapidly than scientists previously thought, thanks to a higher genetic contribution to differences in individual survival and reproduction. This rapid adaptation could aid species' odds of survival, but may be hindered by habitat loss and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 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.

ETRI promoted the 8K-UHD technology in NAB Show

ETRI showcases its 8K-UHD media service technology based on ATSC 3.0 standards, which enables seamless 8K-UHD broadcasting and 5G convergence. The technology includes MIMO-based 8K service technology, OTA/OTT converged 8K service technology, and 5G-MBMS broadcasting system.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·DateMay 27, 2022

New study finds public health messaging could benefit from an ‘autonomy-supportive’ approach

A recent study by Durham University and Illinois Institute of Technology found that controlling message approaches can have negative effects on attitudes towards social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, an autonomy-supportive approach was shown to lower feelings of defiance and increase positive motivation.

SourceDurham University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2022