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Science News for November 11, 2022


The nose-brain pathway: exploring the role of trigeminal nerves in delivering intranasally administered antidepressant

Researchers developed a novel intranasal delivery system that utilizes the trigeminal nerve to deliver antidepressant drugs to the brain. The system showed efficacy at delivering the same dose as intracerebroventricular administration, highlighting a potential new approach for treating depression and other neurological disorders.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2022

Researchers unravelling the mystery of extreme waves

Research has found that extreme ocean waves can arise from modulation instability in multi-directional wave systems, challenging previous assumptions. The study demonstrates that crossing sea waves can trigger the formation of extreme waves, posing a growing risk to marine infrastructure and coastal communities due to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPhysical Review·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2022

Previously unknown ability of the autonomic nervous system discovered

A research team at MedUni Vienna's Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery has discovered a previously unknown ability of the autonomic nervous system to spontaneously restore muscle function following a nerve injury. This finding may form the basis for improving interventions to treat nerve lesions.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJNeurosci·DateNov 11, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Magma floods erupt from deeper sources than earlier believed

A new study by University of Helsinki researchers finds that magma floods can form in thick tectonic plates, contradicting the long-held assumption. The research uses geochemical modelling to demonstrate that high-temperature mantle sources can produce magmas with similar trace element compositions as low-pressure conditions.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Petrology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 11, 2022

Caltech Hall is getting stiffer, according to decades of data

Researchers found that Caltech Hall's natural frequencies have increased by 5% in the east-west direction and 2% in the north-south direction over 20 years. This suggests up to 20% variation in the building's stiffness between earthquakes, posing a challenge for seismic structural health monitoring.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeObservational study·DateNov 11, 2022

How we experience the pain of other people?

A new study from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience used electrodes implanted in epilepsy patients to directly measure electrical activity in the insula, a brain region critical for emotions. The researchers found that neurons in this region respond to the level of pain experienced by others, providing evidence for how we empat...

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournaleLife·DateNov 11, 2022

Your favorite songs reveal your attachment style: New psychology research

A new study found that people's favourite songs about relationships reflect their attachment style, with anxious themes dominating. On the other hand, secure and avoidant styles are represented in lyrics, indicating a strong connection between music and relationship experiences.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPersonal Relationships·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 11, 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.

Attitudes towards corona vaccination among medical and nursing staff

A nationwide survey in Germany found that 82% of medical and nursing personnel were vaccinated at least once, with 75% having received two doses. In contrast to the general population, unvaccinated healthcare workers had stronger concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness. The study suggests a need for targeted measures to convinc...

SourceDeutsches Aerzteblatt International·JournalDeutsches Ärzteblatt international·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 11, 2022

Black holes don’t always power gamma-ray bursts, new research shows

According to new research led by the University of Bath, some short-duration gamma-ray bursts are triggered by the birth of supramassive stars, not black holes. This discovery may offer a new way to locate neutron star mergers and gravitational wave emitters.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 11, 2022

Searching for traces of dark matter with neutron spin clocks

A team of scientists at the University of Bern's Albert Einstein Center for Fundamental Physics has successfully narrowed the scope for the existence of dark matter using a precision experiment with neutron spin clocks. The results excluded axion-like particles and set new limits on dark matter existence.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 11, 2022

Probiotic 'backpacks' show promise for treating inflammatory bowel diseases

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison develop nanoparticles to neutralize molecules implicated in IBD, significantly improving treatment outcomes. The probiotic bacteria are equipped with nano-backpacks that target reactive oxygen species, reducing inflammation and promoting weight gain and colon length restoration.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 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.

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.

Climate change strikes: lightning patterns change with global warming

New research finds climate change could lead to more frequent lightning strikes over mountains and Northern Europe, triggering increased wildfire risks. However, relatively fewer lightning hazards are expected over populated areas of Central Europe.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 11, 2022

Machine learning of binary ‘yes / no’ systems may improve medical diagnoses, financial risk analysis, more

Researchers developed a method to learn complex Boolean systems, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses of urinary diseases, cardiac conditions, and financial risks. The technique uses optimal causation entropy to narrow down correct solutions and turn complex diagnostic processes into decision trees.

SourceEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University·JournalPatterns·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 11, 2022

Case study proposes framework for analyzing U.S.-China geo-political tensions in Indo-Pacific

Experts at Hiroshima University propose a new framework for studying the complex power dynamics between China and the US in the Indo-Pacific. The 'hybrid balancing' concept aims to better understand how China uses its social and economic influence to maintain favorable trade conditions while also quelling liberal Western cultural ideals.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalInternational Affairs·DateNov 11, 2022

Negligible climatic impact of the recent methane leak from the Nord Stream pipelines

Researchers estimate that the leaked methane from Nord Stream pipelines would raise atmospheric CO2 concentration by only 0.0026 ppm over 20 years. This tiny warming is imperceptible in ecosystems and human society, but highlights the need to control and reduce methane emissions to achieve global warming targets.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateNov 11, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

The transformation between different topological spin textures

Researchers at Shinshu University demonstrate the transformation of isolated skyrmions into bimerons in a magnetic disk, showcasing a potential new operation for future computing architectures. The discovery opens up novel spintronic applications based on different topological spin textures.

SourceShinshu University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2022

Tracing the origin of Kampo, Japan’s traditional medicine

Researchers uncover the origins of Kampo, tracing it back to 8th century Chinese monk Jianzhen's herbal medicines and prescriptions. These findings show that Kampo has been integrated into Japan's healthcare system for centuries, influencing traditional Japanese medicine.

SourceOkayama University·JournalCompounds·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 11, 2022

Researchers learn to engineer growth of crystalline materials consisting of nanometer-size gold clusters

Researchers in Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Finland achieved first insights into engineering crystal growth by atomically precise metal nanoclusters. They synthesized gold clusters consisting of 25 atoms, regulating their size and concentration to form well-defined crystals with unique morphology.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2022

Chung-Ang University researchers develop a meta-reinforcement learning algorithm for traffic signal control

The study developed an extended deep Q-network (EDQN)-incorporated context-based meta-RL model that can autonomously detect traffic states, classify regimes, and assign signal phases. The model outperformed existing algorithms in simulation experiments and showed adaptability to new tasks without adjusting parameters.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 11, 2022

Climate change attribution of the 2021 Henan extreme precipitation: Impacts of convective organization

A study attributes the 2021 Henan extreme precipitation to climate change and convective organization, highlighting its impact on regional and station-scale extremes. The research uses a conditional storyline attribution method and column quasi-geostrophic modeling framework, showing that warming over the past century has significantly...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateNov 11, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Alzheimer's disease can be diagnosed before symptoms emerge

Researchers at Lund University have discovered that people with Alzheimer's disease can be identified before symptoms appear, using PET scans to visualize tau and amyloid proteins in the brain. Participants found to have these biomarkers were at a 20-40 times higher risk of developing cognitive decline in the next few years.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 11, 2022

What makes mice fat, but not rats? Suppressing neuromedin U, study finds

A study by Okayama University researchers found that neuromedin U (NMU) is involved in metabolic processes but its 'anti-hunger' function may not be crucial for rats. Unlike mice, NMU expression is restricted in the rat brain and does not suppress feeding behavior.

SourceOkayama University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 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.

New strategy to effectively prevent component failures in metals

A new strategy has been developed to inhibit creep in metals by creating stable grain boundary networks. This approach enhances creep resistance, outperforming conventional superalloys. The research aims to improve high-temperature creep resistance in advanced alloys for industries such as energy and chemical processing.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateNov 11, 2022

Having good friendships may make for a healthier gut microbiome

A new study on rhesus macaques reveals a strong link between social connections and the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria. Monkeys with more sociable behavior have a higher presence of microbes like Faecalibacterium, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 11, 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.

Advances in spectroscopy

Researchers at UTA developed a novel spectroscopic tool using auger-mediated positron sticking to measure electronic structure of surface materials selectively. This technique allows for selective measurement of top-layer properties, enabling researchers to understand material's conductivity and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 11, 2022

New tool predicts risk of hospital readmission for children before discharge

A new tool predicts the risk of hospital readmission for children before discharge, utilizing electronic health record data. This comprehensive prediction model can be implemented in real-time during a hospital stay to tailor discharge planning, potentially reducing readmission rates and freeing up scarce pediatric beds.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 11, 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.

Researchers cook up a new way to remove microplastics from water

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new material made from egg whites that can efficiently remove salt and microplastics from seawater. The aerogel material has significant benefits due to its low cost, energy efficiency, and effectiveness in water filtration.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalMaterials Today·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2022

Study assesses environmental sustainability practices in dialysis facilities

A recent study examines the environmental sustainability practices of dialysis facilities in Australia and New Zealand, revealing multiple areas for improvement. The survey-based study identified opportunities to reduce waste and resource consumption, with only 33% of facilities responding to the survey indicating a lack of prioritizat...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 11, 2022

What happens to our dopamine system when we experience aversive events?

A new study at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience has examined how the dopamine system processes aversive events. The researchers found that the release of dopamine gradually decreased during exposure to unpleasant stimuli, and stimuli preceding such exposure began to have a similar depressing effect on dopamine neurons.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournaleLife·DateNov 11, 2022

Nanocrystals store light energy and drive chemical reactions

Researchers have introduced novel ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots that efficiently drive challenging organic transformations with low toxicity. The secret to their success lies in their core/shell structure and variable coatings that can store light energy.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2022

Rats bop to the beat

Researchers at the University of Tokyo found that rats can move their heads in time to music, demonstrating innate beat synchronization. The optimal tempo for nodding along depends on the brain's time constant, similar across species, suggesting a widespread ability among animals to interact with music.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 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.