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Science News for November 4, 2022


Searching for the unique genes of a unique hare

Researchers have published seven draft genomes for Nordic hare species, including three heath hares with distinct grey/blue winter pelage. The findings suggest the heath hare colonized Scandinavia from the south after the last ice age, diverging from the mountain hare population.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Data·DateNov 4, 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.

Long-term exposure to air pollution may increase kidney disease risk

Research analyzed 350,994 participants and found that higher air pollution concentrations increased the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Individuals with high air pollution exposure and low genetic risk faced a significantly higher risk of developing CKD compared to those with high genetic risk.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 4, 2022

Mothers' recall of early childhood feeding guidance from health care providers is inconsistent

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that mothers are least likely to recall being told to limit meals in front of electronic devices. The study analyzed data from the National Survey of Family Growth and found that more than half of mothers recalled only two or three feeding topics, with offer...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateNov 4, 2022

Trinity team unearths potential secret to viral resistance

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have identified an enhanced type I interferon response in women who resisted infection after exposure to hepatitis C. This finding has significant implications for understanding viral resistance and designing therapies to treat infected individuals.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateNov 4, 2022

HUSHing repetitive-like elements contributes to normal brain development and function

The HUSH complex is involved in normal brain development, neuronal individuality, and connectivity. The complex also regulates repetitive-like gene clusters, including protocadherin gene clusters, which are essential for neuron-to-neuron interactions.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 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.

First glimpse of what gravity looks like on cosmological scales

A team of cosmologists has reconstructed gravity to find a more robust way of understanding the cosmos, using new observational data from space and ground-based telescopes. The study explores whether modifying General Relativity could help resolve open problems in cosmology, with promising results that could pave the way for resolving ...

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 4, 2022

Linearly assembled Ag-Cu nanoclusters: Spin transfer and distance-dependent spin coupling

Scientists have successfully assembled linear metal nanoclusters using a novel strategy. The Ag-Cu alloy clusters exhibit spin transfer and distance-dependent spin coupling due to the interaction with sulfur ions. These findings open up new avenues for understanding nanocluster magnetism and developing functional materials.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2022

A new weapon against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

A new treatment option for multi-resistant bacteria has been identified by a UNIGE team, which uses the drug edoxudine to weaken the defence mechanisms of Klebsiella pneumoniae, making it easier to eliminate. This approach could be a game-changer in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeNews article·DateNov 4, 2022

Could “Choosing Wisely” help fight health worker burnout?

A team of experts recommends adopting the Choosing Wisely campaign's principles to optimize administrative management practices, improving workforce satisfaction and retention. By applying these same principles, healthcare professionals can enhance their well-being and improve the value of clinical care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 4, 2022

CABBI team adds powerful new dimension to phenotyping next-gen bioenergy crop

Researchers at CABBI used unmanned aerial vehicles with machine learning methods to select the best candidate genotypes in miscanthus breeding programs. The new method leverages high-resolution aerial imagery and three-dimensional neural networks to estimate crop traits such as flowering time, height, and biomass production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalRemote Sensing·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 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.

New grant supports study of protein that builds muscle

A Kennesaw State University professor has received a $400,000 grant to investigate the role of Akirin protein in building muscle, which could lead to treatments for damaged heart and skeletal muscles. The study may also shed light on personalized medicine and inform a cure for human diseases.

SourceKennesaw State University·DateNov 4, 2022

Fluoride use was consequence of flawed nutritional guidelines, researcher says

A University of Washington researcher claims that organizations like the World Health Organization and American Heart Association promoted high-carbohydrate diets over low-carb diets due to flawed nutritional guidelines. This shift led to increased use of fluoride to combat tooth decay, making it largely unnecessary.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNutrients·DateNov 4, 2022

Using AI to operate critical infrastructure autonomously

A new research group aims to develop an interdisciplinary approach for secure operation of critical infrastructure systems using artificial intelligence. The goal is to create a 'hybrid architecture' that combines AI-based strategic development with rule-based systems, ensuring safe and reliable behavior.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·DateNov 4, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in care homes for the elderly and disabled in Germany

A comparative epidemiological analysis found a significant decrease in SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks and cases in German care homes following the introduction of COVID-19 vaccination. The median number of cases/outbreaks fell from 21 to 8, while the case-fatality rate decreased from 15.7% to 10.0%.

SourceDeutsches Aerzteblatt International·JournalDeutsches Ärzteblatt international·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 4, 2022

Extreme temperatures take deadly toll on people in Texas prisons, study finds

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that extreme temperatures in Texas prisons without climate controls lead to a 30-fold increase in heat-related mortality compared to the general US population. The researchers analyzed data from 2001-2019, finding that even small temperature increases elevate daily risk of death.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 4, 2022

Quantum materials enable next-generation photonics and mobile networks in the terahertz regime

Researchers discovered that topological insulators outperform graphene in generating terahertz electromagnetic waves, enabling efficient nonlinear terahertz photonics technology. The study achieved orders of magnitude improvement in output power approaching the milliwatt regime.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateNov 4, 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.

Scientists define independent subtype of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease

Idiopathic plasmacytic lymphadenopathy (IPL) has been confirmed as a distinct clinicopathologically uniform disease, which can be reclassified into an independent subtype of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD). IPL showed greater plasmacytosis and hyperplastic germinal centers compared to non-IPL groups.

SourceOkayama University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2022

Endangered Devils Hole pupfish is one of the most inbred animals known

The Devils Hole pupfish has the lowest genetic diversity among known vertebrates, with 58% of its genomes identical. This lack of diversity may doom the species to extinction as climate change and human impacts increase.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2022

Having more babies lowers the risk of endometrial cancer

Researchers from the University of Queensland found that having more babies reduces a woman's risk of endometrial cancer by 50% compared to none. The study used genetic analysis and examined how many years women ovulated, with strong links pointing to childbirth.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 4, 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.

‘Click’ chemistry may help treat dogs with bone cancer, MU study finds

Researchers at the University of Missouri have successfully used click chemistry to deliver radiopharmaceuticals specifically to tumors in large dogs with bone cancer, increasing effectiveness and minimizing circulation. This breakthrough could pave the way for click chemistry-based treatments for humans with cancer in the future.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2022

Skin changes in monkeypox in the genital area

A case study presents a 30-year-old man with painful itchy skin lesions primarily in the genital region, which evolved into centrally indented papules and hemorrhagic crusts. PCR analysis confirmed the diagnosis of West African variant monkeypox, highlighting the importance of considering clinical courses during outbreaks.

SourceDeutsches Aerzteblatt International·JournalDeutsches Ärzteblatt international·TypeCase study·DateNov 4, 2022

Mars's crust more complex, evolved than previously thought

Researchers found nine locations on Mars with greater concentrations of silicon, indicating a more complex crustal history. The discovery challenges the previous assumption that Mars' crust was formed through simple volcanic processes.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 2022

Magnetized dead star likely has solid surface

A new study published in Science found that a highly magnetised dead star, known as a magnetar, is likely to have a solid surface with no atmosphere. The research team used data from the NASA satellite IXPE to observe the polarisation of X-ray light emitted by the star, which revealed a signature consistent with a solid crust.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 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.

Mixing up metabolism

A three-year experiment found that mixotrophs evolved to be less photosynthetic at higher temperatures, potentially increasing CO2 production and contributing to climate change. The study also suggests natural selection has a stronger effect on organisms with less flexible characteristics.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 4, 2022

Researchers find treatment options for patients whose blood cancer relapses after CAR-T

Researchers have found therapies that can help patients with relapsed multiple myeloma who tried CAR-T therapy, including bispecific antibodies and other types of CAR-T cell therapy. The study analyzed 79 patients and found that stem cell transplants and other drug combinations showed some efficacy in these patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBlood·DateNov 4, 2022

Water cutoff countermeasures using disaster emergency wells

A survey by Osaka Metropolitan University found that disaster emergency wells complemented the Kumamoto city government's emergency water supply, speeding up water delivery and improving access. However, some welfare facilities did not use emergency wells despite being nearby, highlighting the importance of publicizing their locations.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalHydrogeology Journal·TypeCase study·DateNov 4, 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.

New technology to reduce potholes

Researchers developed an intelligent compaction technology that integrates into a road roller, assessing real-time the quality of road base compaction. This improves road construction, reducing potholes and maintenance costs, leading to safer and more resilient roads.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEngineering Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 4, 2022

Fire in the Amazon is associated more with agricultural burning and deforestation than with drought

A recent study analyzing Amazon Rainforest fires from 2003-2020 reveals that most fires are caused by uncontrolled human use of fire for agriculture and deforestation. The study found that Brazil accounted for an average of 73% of detected fires, with pasturelands and natural grasslands being the main burned areas.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateNov 4, 2022

Words matter in food freshness, safety messaging

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that changing the wording on expiration dates could help reduce food waste. The study suggests that certain labels, such as "use by" or "best if used by," may lead to more food being discarded than others.

SourceCornell University·JournalEuropean Review of Agricultural Economics·DateNov 4, 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.

UCLA researchers offer roadmap for identifying new neuroprotective treatments by leveraging sex differences

Researchers from UCLA have developed a strategy to identify novel treatments for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases by exploiting sex differences in the brain. The study provides a roadmap for disentangling the contribution of sex-specific factors, which can yield treatments optimized for each sex.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 4, 2022

The early bird may just get the worm

A new study from the University of Ottawa reveals that morning types tend to have superior verbal ability, contrary to previous research suggesting that evening types have an advantage. The study found that accounting for factors like bedtime and age, morning individuals outperformed their evening counterparts in verbal intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCurrent Research in Behavioral Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 4, 2022

Shorter course of radiation therapy yields comparable results for patients with non-metastatic soft tissue sarcoma

Patients with non-metastatic soft tissue sarcoma can safely receive hypofractionated treatment over three weeks instead of five, achieving similar tumor control and no increased risk of wound complications. The study found comparable rates of major wound complications between the two treatment courses.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateNov 4, 2022

Uncovering the link between epoxy resins and thermal conductivity

A University of Illinois team discovered liquid crystalline epoxy resins with high thermal conductivity, outperforming common polymers by up to 5 times. The breakthrough was achieved by precisely controlling the lengths of ethylene repeat units in the polymer structure.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2022

Cleveland Clinic study identifies blood pressure drug as potential treatment for Black patients with Alzheimer’s disease

A new study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that telmisartan, a blood pressure medication, is associated with lower risk of Alzheimer's specifically in Black patients over 60. The study analyzed data from over 5 million patients and suggests that future clinical trials should prioritize minority populations to find or reinfor...

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateNov 4, 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.

NJIT experts in augmented reality help train caretakers for the elderly

NJIT Assistant Professor Salam Daher is using augmented reality technology to train caretakers for the elderly. The project aims to improve communication and empathy skills through a digital model of an older person that responds to emotions and environment. The system will be tested to investigate its impact on patient outcomes.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateNov 4, 2022

Remote support program helps decrease blood pressure, Geisinger study finds

People with elevated blood pressure showed improvement after 12 weeks of a telehealth support program, with significant reductions in systolic blood pressure and increased self-reported physical activity. A dietitian-led intervention also showed greater reductions in systolic blood pressure while asleep and more weight loss.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateNov 4, 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.

Higher antibody concentration in persons with vaccine reactions

Researchers found significantly higher antibody levels in people who experienced mild to moderate vaccine reactions, with younger individuals having greater concentrations. Vaccine reactions were mostly rated as mild to moderate and were well-tolerated overall.

SourceDeutsches Aerzteblatt International·JournalDeutsches Ärzteblatt international·TypeCase study·DateNov 4, 2022

Light-driven molecular motors light up

Scientists have successfully created two types of light-driven molecular motors that can both rotate and fluoresce in the same molecule. This achievement demonstrates that these motors can be designed to control various functions using light energy, paving the way for potential applications in biomedical imaging and cellular processes.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2022

Optically-generated focused ultrasound for noninvasive brain stimulation with ultrahigh precision

A team of scientists has developed optically-generated focused ultrasound (OFUS) for non-invasive brain stimulation with ultrahigh precision, surpassing the reach of traditional transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS). OFUS uses a soft optoacoustic pad to generate an ultrasound pulse with a spatial resolution of 0.1 mm.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateNov 4, 2022

Study finds Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine safe and effective for young children

The study, led by C. Buddy Creech, MD, MPH, shows the vaccine is safe and generates robust immune responses in young children, providing protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. The findings echo previous results, which found the vaccine to be effective in older children.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 4, 2022

New study of comets provides insight into chemical composition of early solar system

A new study of 25 comets has found strong evidence that comet outgassing could be the source of the chemical composition of the early solar system. The research, led by Olga Harrington Pinto, measured the ratio of water, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide gases from comets to test predictions of solar system formation and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 4, 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.

NSF awards $800,000 to support development of Edge AI applications NSF awards $800,000 to support development of Edge AI applications

The National Science Foundation has awarded $800,000 to support the development of Edge AI applications in a proposed wearable diabetes management device. The project aims to create a smart, wearable device that monitors blood sugar levels without the need for frequent blood draws, reducing delays and increasing privacy and security.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·DateNov 4, 2022

Collaborative research between Oxford and Diamond reveals the structure of influenza replication, unveiling new discoveries and potential drug targets

Structural insights from collaborative Oxford-Diamond research reveal new potential drug targets for novel antiviral drugs. The study elucidated how the viral polymerase interacts with cellular proteins, including ANP32A, and appropriates it to shelter viral RNA from detection by the immune system.

SourceDiamond Light Source·JournalTrends in Microbiology·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 4, 2022

New study introduces the best graphite films

Researchers at UNIST have developed a method to synthesize single-crystalline graphite films of up to inch scale, overcoming the critical issue of small size due to weak interaction between layers. The resulting films exhibit exceptional thermal conductivity and uniform quality.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 4, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Fecal microbial transplants show lack of predictability when no prior antibiotic treatment is given to recipient

Researchers found that fecal microbial transplants can't reliably change the gut microbial community when no prior antibiotic treatment is given to the recipient. This challenges the use of these transplants to alter metabolism or host immunity without reducing the recipient's existing microbe community.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 4, 2022

Surface melting of glass

Researchers observe a surprising phenomenon where particles near the surface of colloidal glass move faster than in the solid below, forming a liquid layer up to 30 particle diameters thick. This discovery sheds new light on the properties of thin disordered films and their potential applications in technology.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2022

Death and end-of-life care in emergency departments

Research highlights the significant role emergency departments play in end-of-life care, with nearly one-third of decedents visiting the ED just before death. The study's findings emphasize the need for emergency medicine practitioners to identify patients in need of end-of-life care and provide necessary resources.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 4, 2022

Astronomers discover closest black hole to earth

Astronomers have discovered the closest-known black hole to Earth, a dormant stellar-mass black hole located about 1600 light-years away in the constellation Ophiuchus. This discovery was made possible by precise observations of the motion of the black hole's companion star using the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph instrument.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 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.

Plant fibers for sustainable devices

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered that plant-derived cellulose nanofibers exhibit high thermal conductivity, potentially replacing environmentally damaging synthetic polymers. The discovery was made using a novel method to align the fibers, allowing for efficient heat transfer.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2022