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Science News for November 24, 2022


Researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology develop an intelligent observer for Esports

A new intelligent observer for Esports has been developed using a Mask R-CNN algorithm to learn from human spectating data. This approach overcomes limitations of existing automatic observers, which require extensive domain knowledge and cannot capture undefined events or changes in event significance.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalExpert Systems with Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2022

Multivalent mRNA vaccine candidate another step closer to universal flu vaccine

A new multivalent mRNA vaccine candidate has shown promising results in mice and ferrets, producing high levels of cross-reactive antibodies and offering protection against various influenza strains. The approach differs from previous universal flu vaccines by including antigens specific to each subtype.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 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.

The non-repudiation quantum Internet leap out of the lab

Scientists have developed a practical quantum digital signature framework that enables secure communication with confidentiality, authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation. The framework uses asymmetric quantum cryptography and one-time pad encryption to increase the signature rate by hundreds of millions of times.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 24, 2022

AI tailors artificial DNA for future drug development

Using an AI, researchers successfully designed synthetic DNA that controls protein production in cells. The technology can speed up the development of vaccines, drugs for severe diseases, and alternative food proteins.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 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.

How COVID-19 school closures will affect inequalities in adult skills

A new study projects that COVID-19 school closures will exacerbate existing inequalities in adult skills between countries in the Global North and South. The loss of learning due to school closures is expected to further widen skill gaps, compromising global development goals.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 24, 2022

525-million-year-old fossil defies textbook explanation for brain evolution

A new study on a 525-million-year-old fossil has shed light on the origin and composition of arthropod heads, resolving a century-old debate. The discovery of a delicately preserved nervous system in the fossil of Cardiodictyon catenulum, a tiny sea creature, suggests that the brain and trunk nervous system evolved separately.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 24, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

1 in 8 older adults experienced depression for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic

A large-scale study of 20,000 older adults found that nearly half who had experienced depression before reported being depressed again, highlighting the pandemic's devastating impact on mental health. Factors associated with depression included low income, chronic pain, and family conflict.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 24, 2022

Rice lab’s catalyst could be key for hydrogen economy

The new catalyst uses energy from light to convert ammonia into clean-burning hydrogen fuel, breaking the need for heat and potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The discovery paves the way for sustainable, low-cost hydrogen production locally rather than in massive centralized plants.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

ERC Starting Grant for Uri Vool

Uri Vool receives ERC Starting Grant to fabricate hybrid superconducting circuits for novel material exploration and studying the gap structure of atomically thin materials. This project aims to unravel the superconducting phase in these materials, crucial for understanding interacting many-body quantum systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·DateNov 24, 2022

Simple hardware to defend microgrid attacks

Scientists at KAUST created a novel approach to secure microgrids by embedding hardware performance counters in solar inverters. This innovative solution can detect malware with over 97% accuracy using time series classifiers, providing an effective defense countermeasure for low-cost and low-complexity.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalEnergy Reports·DateNov 24, 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.

Study sheds new light on the link between oral bacteria and diseases

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified the most common bacteria found in severe oral infections, shedding new light on the association between oral health and systemic diseases. The study found that certain bacterial infections can spread to other parts of the body, highlighting the importance of understanding the role of...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2022

Single-cell-driven tri-channel encryption meta-displays

A POSTECH research team developed single-cell-driven tri-channel encryption meta-displays, which project different images depending on where you look at them. These displays overcome the limitations of conventional metasurfaces by combining amplitude modulation and geometric phase manipulation.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateNov 24, 2022

Mice show METTL in DNA blood repair

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered METTL16's role in DNA repair and erythropoiesis, a process generating 200 billion new red blood cells daily. Tiny methyl groups on specific mRNAs play a pivotal role in this process, involving mechanisms mediated by RNA-binding proteins.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 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.

Addressing the gender gap challenge using innovative research designs

Researchers are developing new tools to address the persistent gender gap in the workplace, which hinders economic progress and talent access. A large-scale crowdsourcing project is underway to shed light on this issue, combining field experiments across 44 years to test competing theories.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateNov 24, 2022

Planet’s most unique birds at higher risk of extinction

A new study by Imperial College London found that the most unique birds on the planet are also the most threatened. The researchers analyzed the extinction risk and physical attributes of 99% of all living bird species, revealing a significant link between uniqueness and threat status.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2022

New function of the CRISPR gene scissors discovered

Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn have discovered a new function of CRISPR/Cas9 gene scissors, which produce small signal molecules that bind to proteins, activating an emergency response. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating diseases using CRISPR technology.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature·DateNov 24, 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.

Fireworks have long-lasting effects on wild birds

Wild geese in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands experience significant changes in their behavior after fireworks, including flying further and foraging more, even after the disturbances end. The effects persist for up to two weeks, with birds leaving their sleeping sites and flying hundreds of kilometers non-stop.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalConservation Letters·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2022

Risk of heart disease can be predicted with simple eye test through artificial intelligence algorithm, research involving London's Kingston University finds

A new study using artificial intelligence has found that a simple eye test can accurately predict the risk of heart disease. The researchers developed an algorithm that can analyze retinal images to assess cardiovascular health, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional risk scores.

SourceKingston University·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2022

Wireless smart bandage provides new insights on healing chronic wounds

Researchers developed a wireless smart bandage that speeds up tissue repair, increases new blood flow, and enhances skin recovery by reducing scar formation. The device promotes faster closure of wounds and reduces infection risk through real-time biosensor data and electrical stimulation.

SourceStanford Wearable Electronics Initiative·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 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.

Microscopic chains that mimic DNA

Researchers discover circular polycatenanes with properties similar to DNA rings, showcasing a connection between local and global properties. These structures have unique elastic properties and can be used in designing new materials and micro-sensors.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2022

ERC Starting Grant for Uri Vool

Researchers at Max Planck Institute will fabricate hybrid superconducting circuits to explore novel superconductors and study the gap structure of atomically thin materials. The project aims to unravel the structure of the superconducting phase, crucial for understanding interacting many-body quantum systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·DateNov 24, 2022

How you help a child go to sleep is related to their behavioral development, finds new study

A new study published in Frontiers found that parental methods to help toddlers sleep are related to their behavioral development. The researchers discovered that passive sleep-supporting techniques were associated with lower fussy temperaments and higher sociability scores, while active techniques were linked to more challenging tempe...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateNov 24, 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.

Novel nanoparticles deliver innovative cancer chemoimmunotherapy

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh have designed novel nanoparticles that co-deliver a chemotherapy drug and a novel immunotherapy, shrinking tumors in mouse models of colon and pancreatic cancer. The therapy silences a gene involved in immunosuppression by blocking Xkr8 protein distribution on the cell membrane.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

New CRISPR-based tool inserts large DNA sequences at desired sites in cells

The new PASTE tool combines precise targeting of CRISPR-Cas9 with integrases to insert large chunks of DNA into the genome without inducing double-stranded breaks. This approach holds promise for treating diseases with multiple mutations, such as cystic fibrosis, with high efficiency and minimal unwanted effects.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 24, 2022

How Much Water Do We Need a Day?

A new study published in Science found that the recommended eight 8-oz glasses of water per day is too high for human needs. Water turnover, measured objectively using a stable isotope technique, showed higher values in hot and humid environments, athletes, pregnant women, and individuals with high physical activity. The researchers de...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 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.

A single step water treatment for arsenic decontamination

Researchers have identified a new material, TiO2/Fe2O3 nanomaterial, that can clean and improve water quality with a single step treatment. This technology has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people exposed to carcinogenic arsenic through contaminated groundwater.

SourceDiamond Light Source·JournalResults in Surfaces and Interfaces·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 24, 2022

Ocean warming and acidification impact marine food web

A study found that ocean warming and acidification decrease the nutritional quality of coccolithophores, a crucial food source for zooplankton species. The study's experiment showed an increase in lipid availability under ocean warming but reduced nutritional content under acidification.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

Increased grazing pressure threatens the most arid rangelands

A global study found that grazing can have positive effects on ecosystem services in species-rich rangelands but negative impacts under a warmer climate. The study highlights the importance of managing grazing locally to cope with climate change.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 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.

Guess Who? Chimpanzee faces reveal family relationships

Researchers discovered that wild chimpanzees exhibit facial similarities with their family members, especially as they age. The study found that adult chimpanzees were the easiest to match, while younger infants and males were more challenging, suggesting different pressures on biological family resemblance in these species.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalJournal of Comparative Psychology·DateNov 24, 2022

VHIO establishes a large collection of cholangiocarcinoma models for preclinical drug evaluation and biomarker discovery

Researchers at VHIO have established a unique collection of metastatic cholangiocarcinoma patient-derived xenografts to help prioritize potential clinical trials and deliver precision patient care. The models have identified mutations in genes such as BRCA2, which could serve as a biomarker for response to PARP inhibitors.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 24, 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.

Risk of severe asthma attacks doubled after Covid-19 restrictions lifted

Research from Queen Mary University of London found that relaxed Covid-19 restrictions in the UK led to a significant increase in severe asthma attacks among adults with asthma. The study analyzed data from over 2,300 participants and found that episodes of progressive worsening of asthma symptoms doubled after restrictions were lifted.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThorax·DateNov 24, 2022

Chemicals could undercut global plastics treaty

A new peer-reviewed article highlights the diversity and complexity of chemicals in plastics, which could severely undermine the global plastics treaty's effectiveness. The study identifies over 10,000 chemical substances used in plastic production, leading to varied chemical compositions among different manufacturers.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 24, 2022

Vegetation-free patches encourage ground-nesting wild bees

Researchers at Göttingen University found that removing vegetation in small areas led to a significant increase in ground nests, especially with nearby flowering plants. The removal of vegetation proved to be a simple measure to promote ground-nesting wild bees on calcareous grasslands.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

A study offers new insights into the record 2021 Western North America heat wave

A new study confirms the link between climate change and the extreme 2021 heat wave, which set records in Canada and sparked devastating wildfires. The research reveals that human-induced warming has made such events increasingly feasible, with potential for repeats every 10 years by 2050.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 24, 2022

SARS-CoV-2 detection in 30 minutes using gene scissors

A new microfluidic multiplexed chip uses CRISPR technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 and monitor antibiotic levels, offering a rapid and sensitive solution for managing COVID-19 patients. The test omits nucleic acid amplification and can be easily adapted to new virus mutations.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalMaterials Today·DateNov 24, 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.

Researchers create green fuel with the flip of a light switch

Researchers at Princeton and Rice universities developed a low-cost technique to split hydrogen from liquid ammonia using LED light and nanotechnology, paving the way for sustainable and locally produced hydrogen. The technique overcomes a critical hurdle in realizing hydrogen's potential as a clean fuel.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

New study examines success of Monterey Bay Aquarium sea otter rehabilitation program; demonstrates role zoos and aquariums perform in wildlife conservation

A new study published in the Journal of Zoological and Biological Gardens highlights the successful sea otter rehabilitation program at Monterey Bay Aquarium. The program uses surrogacy as a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, with 71% of surrogate-reared pups surviving post-release compared to 27% that underwent human-led rehabi...

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium·JournalJournal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens·TypeCase study·DateNov 24, 2022

A warmer Arctic Ocean leads to more snowfall further south

A new model reveals that warmer Arctic Ocean evaporation transports moisture south, leading to increased snowfall in northern Eurasia. The study sheds light on the mechanism of this phenomenon and its impact on severe weather events.

SourceHokkaido University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2022

What determines water turnover in people around the world?

A global study of human water requirements found that water turnover varies with factors like age, climate, and body composition. The research developed an equation to predict individual water usage, with higher rates in younger adults and those with lower human development indices.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 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.

NIST finds a sweet new way to print microchip patterns on curvy surfaces

Researchers have found a way to transfer precise micro Patterns onto unconventional surfaces, including curved surfaces and fibers. This technique, called REFLEX, could open up new possibilities for the development of new materials and microstructures in fields such as electronics and biomedical engineering.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022