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Science News for November 18, 2022


How “2D” materials expand

Scientists have developed a method to accurately measure the thermal expansion coefficient of 2D materials when heated, which could help engineers design next-generation electronics. The approach uses laser light to track vibrations of atoms in the material, allowing for precise measurements and confirming theoretical calculations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 18, 2022

Caregivers’ coping strategies tied to anxiety, depression and quality of life

A study published in Blood Advances reveals that caregivers of patients undergoing a stem cell transplant who use approach-oriented coping strategies such as positive reframing and acceptance have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. These strategies can help caregivers fulfill their role while protecting their mental health.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateNov 18, 2022

Looking at oxygen storage dynamics in three-way catalysts

Researchers developed a novel technique using isotope quenching to visualize the oxygen storage process in Pd/CeO2-ZrO2 three-way catalysts. The method revealed key insights into oxygen adsorption/desorption and surface/bulk diffusion, improving exhaust gas treatment efficiency.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 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.

What Darwin would discover today

Eduardo Sampaio joined the Captain Darwin expedition to study octopus behavior and discovered they can recognize themselves in mirrors. The project aims to update Darwin's research style with modern methods, including machine learning and computer vision.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 18, 2022

Repairing gut saves brain function after stroke

Scientists at Texas A&M University found that transplanting intestinal epithelial stem cells can repair the gut and reduce inflammation, potentially preserving cognitive function after a stroke. The study suggests that targeting gut health may be key to developing more effective stroke therapies.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateNov 18, 2022

Exploring the duality of gravity and gauge theory

The gauge/gravity duality states that gravity emerges from a quantum gauge theory, linking the fundamental nature of spacetime and matter. Recent advances in this duality have led to breakthroughs in resolving information paradoxes of black holes and modeling neutron star behavior.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateNov 18, 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.

Fruit flies use corrective movements to maintain stability after injury

Researchers found that fruit flies compensate for catastrophic wing injuries by flapping the damaged wing harder and reducing the speed of the healthy one. This allows them to maintain stability while exchanging some performance, actively increasing damping to counteract decreased friction between the wing and air.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2022

Engineers solve a mystery on the path to smaller, lighter batteries

Researchers at MIT discovered that mechanical stresses can prevent dendrites from forming in solid-state lithium batteries. The team developed a way to apply controlled pressure to divert the growth of dendrites, making lightweight batteries safer and more efficient.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateNov 18, 2022

Potatoes can be part of a healthy diet

A new study from Pennington Biomedical Research Center found that potatoes are filled with key nutrients and can aid in weight loss. Participants who incorporated potatoes into their diet lost weight and showed improved blood glucose levels compared to those following a diet with beans and peas.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalJournal of Medicinal Food·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 18, 2022

Rice turns asphaltene into graphene for composites

Researchers at Rice University have successfully converted asphaltene, a byproduct of crude oil production, into turbostratic graphene using flash Joule heating. This process utilizes the existing material to create useful graphene for thermal, anti-corrosion and 3D-printing applications.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 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.

Brain organoids reveal in detail the harms of prenatal alcohol exposure

A new study using human brain organoids reveals that prenatal alcohol exposure impairs brain cell development and functioning. The findings confirm the harm inflicted by alcohol on the developing fetus, with effects including faulty brain architecture and impaired electrical activity patterns.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 18, 2022

Hormonal domino

A team of scientists from Nicolaus Copernicus University and international partners found that plant receptors have intracellular adenylate cyclase activity, which affects root growth and gravitropism. This discovery sheds light on the mechanism of transduction signals in plants.

SourceNicolaus Copernicus University in Torun·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateNov 18, 2022

Black holes in eccentric orbit

Gravitational wave observatories LIGO and Virgo captured a signal in 2019 that differed from previous measurements. Researchers found an alternative explanation: the collision occurred on a strongly eccentric path, where one black hole was initially free to move before being captured by another's gravitational field.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 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.

Rutgers scientists produce “DNA virus vaccine” to fight DNA viruses

Researchers have developed a new approach to stopping viral infections using a live-attenuated DNA virus vaccine. The method employs centanamycin to generate an altered virus that can't reproduce inside cells, stimulating the host's immune system to recognize and eliminate the invading virus particles.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2022

Healthcare utilization varies among community-living people with spinal cord injury by demographic, injury-related, and socioeconomic factors

A survey of community-living people with spinal cord injury revealed lower-than-recommended healthcare utilization rates for primary care, dental, and optical services. Demographic, socioeconomic, and injury-related factors contributed to disparities in healthcare access.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Spinal Cord Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateNov 18, 2022

Scientists build nanoscale parapets, aqueducts, and other shapes

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory create a new way to guide the self-assembly of novel nanoscale structures using simple polymers as starting materials. The team describes their approach in a paper published in Nature Communications, which shows that different shapes have dramatically different electrical conductivity.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2022

Toxins force construction of ‘roads to nowhere’

Researchers discovered that toxins produced by Vibrio bacteria hijack cell processes, redirecting key proteins into "roads to nowhere". This abnormal filament formation wastes cell resources and raises questions about its potential role or necessity.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 18, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A low-carbon energy transition may result in substantial emissions

A new study finds that transitioning to a low-carbon energy system could lead to significant global emissions, consuming much of the remaining carbon budget. The average emissions associated with decarbonization amount to 195 gigatonnes of CO2, equivalent to 0.1°C of additional global warming.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2022

‘Butterfly bot’ is fastest swimming soft robot yet

Researchers at NC State University have created an energy-efficient soft robot that can swim more than four times faster than previous models. The 'butterfly bots' use bistable wings for propulsion and achieve speeds of up to 3.74 body lengths per second.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 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.

Revealing biochemical “rings of power”

Researchers at Max-Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology have deciphered the biosynthesis of benzobactins, a class of natural compounds with special biological activity. The study reveals that these compounds are widespread in diverse bacteria and could be excellent candidates for future drug therapy.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 18, 2022

UCF researcher exploring long-term effects of COVID-19 in diabetics

A UCF researcher is studying the potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on people with diabetes, including how it can advance their risk for heart disease and other complications. Dr. Singla believes that COVID-19 can alter a person's genetic makeup, leading to enhanced proliferation of disease.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 18, 2022

Can pharmacotherapies prevent alcohol use disorder in people with PTSD?

A Scripps Research team has identified a class of drugs that may break the link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). The findings show that these compounds, which target brain pathways shared by both disorders, can reduce alcohol preference and other behaviors associated with PTSD.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateNov 18, 2022

Dietary change starves cancer cells, overcoming treatment resistance

A low-protein diet blocks nutrient signaling pathways that fire up a master regulator of cancer growth, leading to massive cell death. Researchers found this approach could be an alternative way to shut down mTORC and increase the efficacy of chemotherapy.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalGastroenterology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 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.

How well do state-of-the-art climate models simulate sea level?

Climate models show promise in simulating sea level trends, but biases persist, particularly in reproducing interannual signals over subtropical regions. Higher model resolution reduces nearshore bias, highlighting the importance of improved ocean process representation.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 18, 2022

New review publication: Features a detailed “GPS system” to boost Alzheimer's disease research forward

A systematic review article collects 30 years of protein research data to provide a detailed GPS system for Alzheimer's disease research. The study highlights the involvement of the VPS10p-domain receptor family in brain degeneration and cell-to-cell communication, providing new insights into the disease's development.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMolecular Neurodegeneration·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 18, 2022

Study: Turning wastewater into fertilizer is feasible and could help to make agriculture more sustainable

Researchers at Drexel University have conducted a lifecycle analysis of nitrogen reclamation from wastewater, showing that it's technically viable and could help reduce the environmental impact of fertilizer production. The study suggests air-stripping technology can be used to remove ammonia from wastewater, producing fertilizer chemi...

SourceDrexel University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2022

You are “what you eat”, but you are not “where you live”

Researchers found that food preferences can be combined into unique 'food signatures' linked to individual characteristics such as age, sex, and culture. These signatures were not typical of a specific village or country but rather reflected broader genetic and cultural differences.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 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.

Novel AI blood test detects liver cancer

A new AI-powered blood test, DELFI, has been developed to detect liver cancer with high accuracy. The test detected over 80% of liver cancers in a study of 724 individuals, with an overall sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 98%.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Discovery·DateNov 18, 2022

Unusual type of antibody shows ultrapotent activity against Zika

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified an ultrapotent IgM antibody that neutralizes the Zika virus and prevents infection in preclinical models. The discovery could lead to the development of therapies to protect babies from birth defects caused by Zika.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 18, 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.

Study: New imaging technique in animal study gives insight to popular supplement's potential role in cancer progression

Researchers discovered that nicotinamide riboside supplements may increase the prevalence of triple-negative breast cancer and its metastasis to the brain. The study used bioluminescent imaging technology to investigate NR uptake and found a link between NR levels and NAD+ metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateNov 18, 2022

Researchers control individual light quanta at very high speed

A team of researchers has successfully controlled individual photons on a chip with unprecedented precision, enabling the development of hybrid quantum technologies. By harnessing nanoscale soundwaves, they can switch photons between two outputs at gigahertz frequencies, paving the way for secure quantum communication networks.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2022

Biologist applies quality control for quail

A University of Cincinnati biologist is using a novel system to track the daily care of 47 northern bobwhite quail. The system uses wireless QR scanners to record health, food, water, and behavioral enrichment, making it easier to collect detailed data on animal welfare.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAnimal Behavior and Cognition·TypeNews article·DateNov 18, 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.

Food marketing and research on kids lacks government oversight

A new analysis finds that the US lacks effective government oversight of food marketing and research on children, allowing companies to target unhealthy products at vulnerable populations. The industry's self-regulation efforts have failed to keep pace with modern marketing practices.

SourceNew York University·DateNov 18, 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.

Sea level rise to dramatically speed up erosion of rock coastlines by 2100

A new study models likely future cliff retreat rates of two rock coasts in the UK, finding that rock coasts are likely to retreat at a rate not seen for 3,000-5,000 years. The researchers predict that rock coast cliffs will retreat by at least 10-22 meters inland due to accelerating sea level rise.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2022

New insights into energy loss open doors for one up-and-coming solar tech

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new method to express energy loss in organic solar cells, revealing that disorder plays a significant role in determining overall energy loss. By understanding and minimizing disorder, scientists can create more efficient devices with homogeneous mixtures of materials.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalJoule·DateNov 18, 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.

Moral behavior pays off

A game-theory-based approach explains the emergence of moral norms through the coupling of two games: social dilemma and coordination tasks. Cooperation can pay off when individuals prioritize group benefits over personal interests, leading to a self-sacrificing behavior that benefits all parties.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2022

Genetic background has an effect on the metabolism of essential fatty acids

A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that genetic background has an effect on the metabolism of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. The study showed that the FADS1 genotype modifies the responses to diets rich in alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateNov 18, 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.

The tilt in our stars: the shape of the Milky Way's halo of stars is realized

A new study has revealed the true shape of the diffuse cloud of stars surrounding the disk of our galaxy, with the stellar halo found to be oblong and tilted. The findings shed light on the history of our galaxy and galactic evolution, while also offering clues in the ongoing hunt for dark matter.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateNov 18, 2022

Improvisation and creativity in professional jazz musicians

A study by Aarhus University researchers found that expert jazz musicians store linked audio and motor representations in the brain, which are drawn upon to create improvisations. These improvisation vocabularies vary between players and exhibit stylistically appropriate and novel characteristics, hallmarks of creativity.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCognition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2022

Legacy of a molecular dynamics trailblazer

Molecular dynamics simulation pioneer Martin Karplus and his team pioneered the simulation of protein motion, impacting biology and physics. This breakthrough enabled scientists to study protein function through dynamic simulations, leading to a deeper understanding of biological processes.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateNov 18, 2022