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Science News for November 21, 2022


New center at UT Austin strives for equity in engineering

The new Center for Equity in Engineering aims to change the culture in the Cockrell School of Engineering by making diversity, equity and inclusion work a collective charge. The center will share best practices with others via presentations, workshops and publications to apply elsewhere in the university and beyond.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateNov 21, 2022

A regime shift in an Arctic marine ecosystem likely to become permanent

A regime shift in the Southeast Greenland marine ecosystem has led to a permanent change from an ice-infested to a more temperate system, with large numbers of fin and humpback whales migrating to the area. This tipping point may be irreversible, having cascading effects throughout the ecosystem.

SourceGRID-Arendal·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 21, 2022

Liver cancer: How liver cells go astray

Comprehensive metabolic changes convert mature liver cells into immature progenitor cells that proliferate rapidly and develop tumors. The main causes of liver cancer are metabolic disorders and infections with hepatitis C virus and high alcohol consumption.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 21, 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.

Microlaser chip adds new dimensions to quantum communication

Researchers at Penn Engineering have created a chip that outstrips existing quantum communications hardware, communicating in qudits and doubling the quantum information space. The technology enables significant advances in quantum cryptography, raising the maximum secure key rate for information exchange.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature·DateNov 21, 2022

Building green energy facilities may produce substantial carbon emissions, says study

A new study estimates the cost of a green transition in greenhouse gases, finding that building renewable infrastructure generates significant carbon emissions. However, speeding up the transition could dramatically decrease these emissions and limit warming to 2 degrees or even 1.5 degrees.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 21, 2022

Electric pulses save sharks from fishing hooks

Researchers found that a device called SharkGuard emits small electrical pulses to scare off sharks, reducing bycatch by up to 91% for blue sharks and 71% for stingrays. Further testing is needed to explore the effects on target species like bluefin tuna.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 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.

Intense femtosecond light pulses in the mid-infrared for spectroscopic and technical applications

Researchers from the Max Born Institute report on a new light source generating ultrashort infrared pulses beyond 10 µm wavelength, exhibiting high potential for vibrational spectroscopy and optical materials processing. The system demonstrates excellent beam quality and stability, with output power and repetition rate scalable.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Simplified process shines light on new catalyst opportunities

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a simple radical-based reaction to create unsymmetric variants of molecular compounds used in transition metal catalysts. This method opens up new avenues for designing catalysts and utilizes abundant ethylene feedstock.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Gene mutation leading to autism found to overstimulate brain cells

A Rutgers-led study found that a gene mutation associated with autism causes an overstimulation of brain cells, disrupting the normal information flow. The researchers used human stem cells and transplanting them into mouse brains to understand how the mutation affects brain development.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 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.

Observation of mechanical bound states in the continuum in an optomechanical microresonator

Scientists have demonstrated mechanical bound states in the continuum (BICs) in an individual optomechanical microresonator, reducing energy dissipation and enhancing performance. BICs exist for a wide range of supporting structure geometries, enabling versatile applications in micro/nanoelectromechanical systems.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateNov 21, 2022

Arctic carbon conveyor belt discovered

Researchers found a previously unknown transport route for carbon-rich particles from the Barents and Kara Seas to the deep sea, absorbing up to 3.6 million metric tons of CO2 annually. This mechanism is essential for creating global carbon dioxide budgets and understanding the ocean's role in the carbon cycle.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 21, 2022

SWOG researchers to present 10 abstracts at 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium

Researchers from the SWOG Cancer Research Network presented several abstracts at the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Two trials found that adding one year of everolimus to adjuvant endocrine therapy did not improve IDFS or OS for HR+, HER2- breast cancer patients, but premenopausal patients showed statistically significant lo...

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 21, 2022

Dust transport in the upper levels of the atmosphere

A new study by researchers from the University of Oldenburg found that particles from central South America were the primary source of iron in the South Pacific during the last two glacial periods. The team's theory suggests that jet stream circulation picked up fine mineral particles on the east side of the Andes and transported them ...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 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.

World Cup: It’s the winning, not the hosting, that delivers an economic boost

A recent study found that winning the FIFA World Cup increases a country's GDP growth primarily through export growth. This effect is attributed to an increase in demand for national products and services globally after the tournament. The study used OECD data from 1961 to examine the impact of winning the World Cup on GDP growth.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalSocial Science Research·DateNov 21, 2022

New study provides a unique resource for understanding how environmental exposures in early life affect our health

Researchers have developed a unique resource for understanding the impact of early life environmental exposures on health. The study, which analyzed data from 1,301 mother-child pairs, identified associations between 92 in pregnancy and 116 in childhood with molecular profiles at different levels.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

NIH awards $12 million for antiviral therapeutic development

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded over $12 million to three institutions for the development of antiviral therapies against pandemic viruses. The funding will support the optimization, development, and clinical testing of promising antiviral candidates.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateNov 21, 2022

Internal medicine physicians call for improved access and quality in health care for incarcerated patients

The American College of Physicians recommends policies to improve healthcare access and quality for incarcerated patients, including adequate funding and timely access to necessary services. The organization also supports treating substance use disorders as an alternative to incarceration.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Steroid use associated serious side effects among adolescents and young adults

A large-scale study found anabolic-androgenic steroid use is relatively common among Canadian adolescents and young adults, associated with dependence and serious side effects. Nearly 1 in 4 steroid users experienced moderate or severe dependence and adverse health issues.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPerformance Enhancement & Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Few Shot Learning AI accurately ‘senses’ home appliances

Researchers from the University of Johannesburg deployed Few Shot Learning (FSL) for NIALM, a non-intrusive appliance load monitoring system. FSL requires only 7 test images to recognize appliances with 97.83% accuracy, making it faster and more cost-effective than traditional Machine Learning.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalComputational Intelligence and Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 21, 2022

Neutralize stronger COVID-19 variants

A research team at Pohang University of Science & Technology has developed a tailored neutralizer that can adapt to all kinds of mutations in the virus. The hybrid agent mimics the principle of hotspot interaction between the virus and the hACE2 receptor, inhibiting its penetration into cells.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 21, 2022

Local alcohol availability related to child maltreatment

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that neighborhoods with more stores selling alcohol have higher rates of child abuse and neglect. The study suggests that reducing alcohol availability is crucial in preventing child maltreatment, as it perpetuates a cycle of substance use among young adults.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2022

Intestinal microorganisms influence white blood cell levels in blood

A team of researchers discovered that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in driving granulopoiesis, a process formation of granulocytes, in mice models. The study found that alterations in the gut microbiome composition induced by neutropenia stimulate reactive granulopoiesis via interleukin 17A secreted by T cells, promoting neu...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 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.

Poor diet damages our blood vessels

Researchers found that metabolic disease affects blood vessels in different organs, leading to vascular dysfunction and increased risk of diseases. A healthy diet can partially reverse this damage, but some blood vessels may retain the disease signature, making it difficult to fully reverse.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Mapping Lyme disease out west

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered that the ecology of small mammals upon which ticks feed can explain rates of human Lyme disease in California. The study found a clear link between infected ticks and their frequent hosts, such as dusky-footed woodrats, with diverse species playing a role in transmission.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 21, 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.

A possible game changer for next generation microelectronics

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered tiny magnetic vortices called skyrmions that could store data in computers, promising 100-1000 times better energy efficiency than current memory. The team used AI and a high-power electron microscope to visualize and study the behavior of these micro-scale magnetic structures.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 21, 2022

Blood pressure highly likely to cause neurotic personality trait

Research published in General Psychiatry finds a significant causal relationship between diastolic blood pressure and neuroticism, while systolic blood pressure has no association. Controlling high diastolic blood pressure may help reduce neurotic behaviors, anxiety, and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGeneral Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Genes and languages not always together

A global analysis of matches and mismatches between human genetic and linguistic histories found that populations often shift to neighboring languages despite genetic differences. This suggests that giving up one's language isn't difficult, but preserving original linguistic identity is rare despite genetic assimilation.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2022

International team observes innermost structure of quasar jet

An international team of scientists observed the narrowing of a quasar jet for the first time using a network of radio telescopes. The results suggest that the jet's narrowing is independent of the host galaxy's activity level, providing an important clue to understanding jet formation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 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.

Cryptic drug-binding sites discovered in the dance

Scientists at KAUST have identified dynamic regions, called cryptic binding sites, that can be targeted by drugs to treat cancer. The study reveals how molecular motion influences ligand binding to BTB domains, a critical part of many proteins involved in disease.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2022

Non-noble catalyst for hydrogen production

Scientists have created a novel, noble-metal-free catalyst for producing hydrogen from water, which could lower costs and increase sustainability. The high-entropy alloy's remarkable performance and corrosion resistance were demonstrated in practical experiments.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 21, 2022

Study challenges “good” cholesterol’s role in universally predicting heart disease risk

A study found that lower levels of HDL cholesterol increased the risk of heart attacks in white but not Black adults. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol did not provide protective benefits for either group. The research tested long-held assumptions about the role of HDL in cardiovascular health.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 21, 2022

Jefferson Lab welcomes a ‘New’ Hall Group Leader

Mark Jones has been appointed as the new group leader of Jefferson Lab's Experimental Halls A and C. He aims to advance nuclear physics research by supporting vetted experiments and exploring new ideas. Jones brings deep experience in nuclear physics, equipment, and analysis, having worked at the lab since 1992.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateNov 21, 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.

Deep learning empowers cell image analysis

Deep learning empowers cell image analysis by automating tasks such as segmentation and tracking, improving research efficiency. However, there are challenges in data quantity, quality, and confidence that remain to be addressed.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateNov 21, 2022

Brain cancer research draws support

Kevin McHugh, a Rice bioengineer, has received the Distinguished Scientist Award from The Sontag Foundation for his work on gene editing to defeat glioblastoma multiforme. His approach involves delivering gene therapy agents directly to tumor cells, aiming to improve survival and reduce side effects.

SourceRice University·DateNov 21, 2022

Quick-closing valve allows fish to rapidly regulate the water in their cells

A study at the University of Gothenburg discovered a unique quick-closing valve in the aquaporins of climbing perch fish, allowing them to rapidly regulate water in their cells. This finding could lead to the development of new drugs for cancer and Alzheimer's disease by understanding how brain cell aquaporins function.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalLife Science Alliance·DateNov 21, 2022

Patient and family perspectives on terms for obesity

A new study from the UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health found that certain weight-related words lead to emotional distress in adolescents. Preferred terms included 'healthy weight' and 'normal weight', while words like 'obese,' 'fat,' and 'extremely obese' elicited negative emotions.

SourceUConn Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeSurvey·DateNov 21, 2022

What shapes the composition of microbes in a warbler’s gut?

A team of researchers from Penn State found that the microbiomes of warblers are influenced more by evolution than diet, contrary to a recently proposed hypothesis. The study's results suggest that evolutionary history plays a larger role in determining the diversity of bacteria within birds' gut microbiomes.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateNov 21, 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.

Tell UK government to raise legal at-home drinking age from 5 for kids, doctors urged

Doctors in the UK are urging the government to raise the legal drinking age for kids from 5 to lower their risk of future alcohol-related problems. Preliminary research suggests that introducing children to alcohol may sensitize their brain's addiction centers, and delaying first exposure may reduce problem drinking later on.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeNews article·DateNov 21, 2022

Discovery may advance treatment of cardiovascular disease

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a protocol to reprogram human heart cells into specialized cells that conduct electricity, enabling rhythmic heartbeat and repair diseased hearts. The discovery could lead to improved cardiac function and new pharmacological therapies for heart diseases.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournaliScience·DateNov 21, 2022

A closer look at the dynamics of the p-Laplacian Allen–Cahn equation

A team of researchers from Korea investigated the dynamics of the p-Laplacian AC equation, finding that solutions maintain three criteria: phase separation, boundedness, and energy decay properties. They also identified an advantage of p-AC equation over classical Laplacian in adjusting interface sharpness.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalApplied Mathematics and Computation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 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.

BU study: Neuroimmune proteins may serve as biomarkers for diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers found that specific immune-related proteins, such as CCL21, FLT3L, and IL-13, can differentiate between neurodegenerative diseases like CTE, AD, PSP, CBD, and AGD. The study's results highlight the importance of the immune system in neurodegenerative diseases and provide novel potential biomarkers for diagnosis.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Charged porphyrins: The key to investigating the properties of stacked ion pairs

Charged porphyrins enable researchers to study π-electronic ion pairs and their interactions, leading to the creation of electronic materials with unique properties. The study reveals fascinating new properties of stacked ion pairs and their potential applications in fields like nanomagnetism and ferroelectrics.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 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.

Monitoring “frothy” magma gases could help evade disaster

A team at the University of Tokyo has discovered that analyzing the ratio of argon-40 to helium-3 in magma gases can indicate the risk of different types of eruption. By monitoring these gas ratios, scientists hope to develop a portable equipment for real-time, on-site measurements, enabling early warning systems and potentially saving...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Short gamma-ray bursts traced farther into distant universe

Researchers create most extensive inventory to date of SGRB host galaxies, finding 85% come from young, actively star-forming galaxies. The study also reveals more SGRBs occurred earlier in the universe's history and were spotted far outside their host galaxies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Adaptive language-learning software helps stroke survivors regain critical communication skills

A new Baycrest study found that using adaptive language-learning software is extremely beneficial in helping stroke survivors regain their language skills. The researchers used an online program to practice identifying images, and participants showed significant improvement after just two weeks.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalNeuropsychological Rehabilitation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 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.

D-Amino acids: Signaling severity in viral infection

Researchers found reduced levels of D-amino acids in patients with severe COVID-19 and IAV infection, suggesting they could be used as biomarkers. Supplementation with D-alanine improved survival rates and clinical outcomes in mouse models of both infections.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Keep your cats inside for the sake of their health and the surrounding environment

A University of Maryland study found that domestic cats in Washington D.C. have a high probability of overlapping with native wildlife, including raccoons and opossums, increasing the risk of disease transmission and harming native populations. Keeping cats indoors can significantly reduce these risks.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 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.

Genetic ‘hitchhikers’ can be directed using CRISPR

Researchers develop CRISPR-Cas systems associated with transposons to rewrite large chunks of DNA in organisms like E. coli. This expands the CRISPR toolbox for flexible genome editing and has significant implications for therapeutics, biotechnology, and agriculture.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

MRI reveals significant brain abnormalities post-COVID

Researchers used MRI to analyze brain changes in patients up to six months after COVID-19 recovery. Significant abnormalities were found in the frontal lobe and brain stem, including differences in white matter and regions linked to fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, headaches, and cognitive problems.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 21, 2022

Satellites cast critical eye on coastal dead zones

Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a way to use satellite views to understand and predict the formation of dead zones in coastal areas. The study found that satellites can provide near-real-time information on where, when, and how long hypoxic zones persist, enabling better management of these critical problems.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateNov 21, 2022

Measuring organ development

Researchers from MPI-CBG and IMP define metrics for organ development, providing a framework to transform the field of organoids into an engineering discipline. They discover that tissue connectivity emerges from two processes: fusion of separate epithelia or self-fusion of a single epithelium.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 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.

NSAIDs may worsen arthritis inflammation

A new study found that taking NSAIDs for osteoarthritis pain and inflammation may worsen joint inflammation and cartilage quality over time. Researchers used MRI-based structural biomarkers to analyze the association between NSAID use and synovitis in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 21, 2022

Generating electricity from tacky tape

A team of researchers created a simple and inexpensive triboelectric nanogenerator using store-bought double-sided tape, plastic film, and aluminum metal. The device was able to produce higher power densities than previous versions, making it suitable for powering everyday devices such as LEDs and laser diodes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateNov 21, 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.

Recreating the adrenal gland in a petri dish

A team from the University of Pennsylvania led by Kotaro Sasaki coaxed stem cells to take on the characteristics and functions of a human adrenal gland. The researchers developed an organoid culture system to direct iPSCs to transition into adrenocortical progenitor-like cells, resulting in cells producing steroid hormones.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

New quantum tool developed in groundbreaking experimental achievement

Scientists at the University of Waterloo have developed a device that generates twisted neutrons with well-defined orbital angular momentum, enabling researchers to study next-generation quantum materials. The discovery provides an additional quantized degree of freedom for characterizing complicated materials.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 21, 2022

Intelligent drones to make wind turbines far more efficient

A new research project at Aarhus University aims to develop intelligent drones that can detect ice on turbine blades, optimizing energy production and expanding market opportunities. The project has the potential to reduce energy losses by up to 80% and enable wind farms to operate in colder climates.

SourceAarhus University·DateNov 21, 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.

IPK researchers identify last remaining steps in the biosynthesis of tropane alkaloids from Coca

Researchers elucidated the coca-derived tropane pathway, identifying a specific enzyme responsible for the carbomethoxy group, a key contributor to cocaine's euphoric properties. The study also reveals that tropane biosynthesis has independently evolved at least twice in flowering plants.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2022

Corals saving corals

A study found that mixing genetic makeup of corals increases resistance to disease, allowing some vulnerable corals to thrive. This 'rescue' effect helps reduce disease transmission among corals.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Transgender youth, teens more likely to have sleep disorders

A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that transgender youth are 5.4 times more likely to experience insomnia and three times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea compared to cisgender youth. Gender-affirming therapies may offer a protective effect against worsening sleep health, according to the researchers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 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.

Decoding six basic emotions from brain functional connectivity patterns

This study analyzed neural mechanisms of emotional information represented by brain network patterns using a data-driven approach. The results showed that whole-brain FC patterns successfully classified the six basic emotions from neutral expressions and identified important regions contributing to face and emotion processing.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateNov 21, 2022

Study: Automation drives income inequality

A new study finds that automation has contributed significantly to the growth in income inequality in the US, with 50-70% of the increase attributed to technological changes. The study analyzed data from 49 industries and 500 demographic subgroups, finding that automation has disproportionately affected low-skill service workers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEconometrica·DateNov 21, 2022

CPR mannikins used in instructive social media posts lack diversity, influencing patient outcomes and disparities in training and care

A study found that CPR mannikins depicted in public social media accounts are predominantly white, lean men, lacking representation of diverse groups. The lack of diversity in these models may influence disparities in training and care for patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 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.

“SharkGuard” reduces bycatch of endangered sharks, sea trials show

A new study reports that SharkGuard, a shark deterrent device, significantly reduces the number of blue sharks and pelagic stingrays caught in tuna fisheries. The technology emits a localized electric field around a baited hook, discouraging sharks from biting without getting hooked on other fish.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Study shows promising safety, patient outcomes data for MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy to treat pancreatic cancer

A recent study found that MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy, also known as SMART, has shown promising safety and patient outcomes data for treating locally advanced and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. The study, led by Henry Ford Health, reported no incidence of acute grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal toxicity, with preli...

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateNov 21, 2022

Shining a new light on the importance of a critical photosynthesis pathway in plants

Scientists have discovered that the ferredoxin/thioredoxin pathway is essential for light-dependent activation reactions in chloroplasts, crucial for normal plant growth and efficient photosynthesis. The study used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create a mutated plant specimen with a defective Fd/Trx pathway.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

1,700-year-old spider monkey remains discovered in Teotihuacán, Mexico

Researchers found the skeletal remains of a 5-8 year old spider monkey in Teotihuacán, Mexico, which provides the earliest evidence of primate captivity and translocation. The discovery also reveals gift diplomacy between Teotihuacán and Mayan elite, challenging previous beliefs about Maya presence in the region.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 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.

Nanotechnology may better identify, treat ectopic pregnancy

Researchers developed a nanoparticle-based approach that uses photoacoustic imaging and infrared light to detect and potentially treat ectopic pregnancies. The technology shows promise in mice studies and may offer a non-invasive and effective way to improve diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 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.

A quantum of an angle

Researchers at TU Wien have directly measured the fine structure constant using a thin film that rotates light polarisation, revealing an astonishing quantum jump related to this fundamental constant. This measurement provides new insights into the strength of electromagnetic interactions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

UCF researchers are developing a health monitoring tool for firefighters

UCF researchers are developing a wearable, wireless health monitor to track physiological response to heat stress in firefighters. The device aims to identify correlations between heat stress and skin thermal activity for the first time, providing insight into the link between heat stress and serious medical issues.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateNov 21, 2022