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Science News for October 21, 2022


Tentacle robot can gently grasp fragile objects

Researchers designed a soft, jellyfish-like gripper that uses entangled tentacles to grasp and hold heavy, oddly shaped objects. The gripper's strength comes from its ability to entangle itself with the object, increasing the hold with each contact.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2022

Maternal, paternal exercise in mice affects metabolic health in offspring

A recent mouse study published in Diabetes found that maternal and paternal exercise significantly improved metabolic health in offspring. The study used metabolomics profiling to examine the effects of parental exercise on tissue metabolites, revealing extensive changes in glucose and fatty acid metabolism.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalDiabetes·DateOct 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.

Both types of THC get you high–so why is only one illegal?

Researchers from the University of Connecticut found that both delta-8 and delta-9 THC produce similar effects in mice, including lethargy and catalepsy. The study suggests that delta-8 THC interacts with the same receptors as delta-9 THC and can lead to desensitization and withdrawal-like symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2022

Central Asia identified as a key region for human ancestors

Researchers uncovered favorable environments for hominins in Central Asia's steppe and semi-arid zones during the Pleistocene era. The study suggests that these regions were crucial for early human dispersals out of Africa and through Asia.

SourceCleveland Museum of Natural History·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2022

US food insufficiency spiked by 25% after monthly Child Tax Credits expired

A new study found that the expiration of monthly Child Tax Credit payments led to a 25% increase in food insufficiency among US households with children. The loss of cash relief benefits disproportionately impacted Black, Latino, Indigenous, and immigrant families, exacerbating racial and economic inequities.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2022

Robotic insect toys build undergraduate research skills in physics

Researchers from Pomona College developed an online undergraduate physics lab course using Hexbug Nanos to engage students in scientific research. Students designed experiments to investigate concepts in statistical mechanics and electrical conduction, with promising results.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAmerican Journal of Physics·DateOct 21, 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.

More integrations and applications need to be involved with micro-supercapacitors

Researchers discuss micro-supercapacitors' applications in micro-wearable electronics, including integrated circuits. The study highlights the advantages of micro-supercapacitors, such as ultrahigh power density and small footprint, making them suitable for portable devices.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2022

TBX20 enhances reprogramming of heart fibroblasts into heart muscle cells

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified TBX20 as a vital regulator of direct human cardiac reprogramming. Adding TBX20 to existing cocktails improves contractility and mitochondrial function in reprogrammed heart muscle cells, suggesting a therapeutic potential for TBX20.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2022

Promoting patient behavioral change through food choice and self-monitoring

A study by Rutgers pharmacy students and Eating for Your Health found that teaching patients to observe and document their food choices leads to positive behavioral change. Participants who used the How You Feel is Data method experienced improved mindful eating habits and lifestyle changes after a 10-day healthy eating challenge.

SourceRutgers University·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 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.

Study finds earlier mammograms for women with family history of breast cancer may not be needed

A new study found that women with a first-degree family relative diagnosed with breast cancer may benefit from screening 5-8 years earlier than their relative's diagnosis age. This is equivalent to the recommended age for average-risk women of 50. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 women and found that increasing the age for ini...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCancer·DateOct 21, 2022

These cellulose nanofibers might be an alternative to petroleum-based plastics

Scientists at Osaka University have created a new material that could replace traditional plastics with a sustainable, biodegradable alternative. The cellulose nanofibers were engineered to exhibit direction-dependent properties, allowing for facile molding into complex structures such as microneedles and bio/nanotechnology architectures.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2022

Cervical cancer discovery offers major new clue to better understand the disease

Researchers have identified two distinct molecular subgroups of cervical cancer, C1 and C2, which differ in their clinical aggressiveness and response to treatment. The study suggests that determining the subgroup of a patient's cervical cancer could provide additional prognostic information for planning treatment.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2022

UB receives $1.3 million to train next generation of public health workforce

The University at Buffalo's School of Public Health and Health Professions has been awarded a $1.3 million grant to provide scholarship opportunities to graduate students from disadvantaged or underrepresented groups. The program aims to train future public health practitioners to address health disparities and prevent pandemics.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateOct 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.

NKF/TOS urge collaboration, clinical strategies to improve understanding of managing co-existing relationship between obesity, chronic kidney disease

Experts recognize obesity as a prime inducer of CKD and related adverse outcomes, emphasizing the need for bridging common ground between nephrology and obesity medicine. Strategies include recognizing obesity as a chronic disease with targeted treatments and trained clinical extenders to promote effective care.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateOct 21, 2022

A broader definition of learning could help stimulate interdisciplinary research

Researchers propose a broader definition of learning that includes behavioral adaptation to environmental features, enabling collaboration across fields and promoting new research. This 'mechanism-free' approach highlights the importance of system-level responses to environment in various domains.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 21, 2022

How scientist designed the trajectory of microsatellite swarm from the macro-micro perspective?

A new method combines Centroidal Voronoi tessellation (CVT) and Model Predictive Control (MPC) to optimize microsatellite swarm trajectories, ensuring collision avoidance while minimizing fuel consumption. Numerical simulations validate the effectiveness of this macro-micro trajectory planning approach.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·DateOct 21, 2022

Review article regarding development of assay methods and blood levels of a hormone indicating gonadal functions in domestic animals

A review article by Osaka Metropolitan University researcher Professor Noritoshi Kawate explores the use of INSL3 as a hormone indicating gonadal functions in domestic animals. The study reveals that INSL3 secretions in bulls and male goats are stimulated by luteinizing hormone, making it a reliable fertility indicator.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalReproductive Medicine and Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 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.

Researchers examine what happens when patients can choose concurrent dialysis and hospice care

A retrospective cross-sectional study found that VA-financed hospice services were associated with higher rates of concurrent dialysis among veterans with end-stage kidney disease. Patients who received VA-financed hospice services lived approximately 43 days after stopping dialysis, compared to just four days for those who stopped dia...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2022

Head and neck cancer researchers demonstrate the capability of a deep learning algorithm in the post-surgery setting to assess the stage of disease more accurately using standard CT scans

Researchers have developed a deep learning algorithm that can accurately assess the stage of head and neck cancer using standard CT scans, outperforming expert radiologists. The algorithm demonstrated superior accuracy in measuring the extent of cancer spread, especially for patients with high-risk disease.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·DateOct 21, 2022

Butterfly wing patterns emerge from ancient “junk” DNA

New research reveals how non-coding DNA accommodates a basic plan for butterfly wing patterns while allowing evolution of diverse patterns. Regulatory elements work like switches to turn up or down patterns, supporting an ancient color pattern ground plan.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2022

Speeding up DNA computation with liquid droplets

Researchers at Seoul National University have created synthetic DNA condensates with programmable compositions and functionalities. The condensates enable drastic speedup of DNA computation, including logic gate operations, by over tenfold.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 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.

Fully mature hair follicles grown in cultures

Researchers from Yokohama National University successfully generated hair follicles in cultures using organoid cultures. The study demonstrates the potential of hair follicle organoids for understanding hair follicle development and regeneration, as well as evaluating drugs for treating hair loss disorders.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 21, 2022

Reef halos may enable coral telehealth checkup worldwide

Researchers have discovered that reef halos, visible from satellite imagery, can provide insights into coral reef health globally. These bands of bare seafloor surrounding coral patch reefs are more common and dynamic than expected, with the potential to serve as a window into reef health.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalThe American Naturalist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2022

Avoiding extinction: Some Asian animals found thriving near humans

Researchers found four species – tigers, elephants, wild boars, and clouded leopards – showing increased populations in areas with human infrastructure. However, deforestation still impacted some species, particularly clouded leopards.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 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.

Variation in HPV vaccination effectiveness by age at vaccination

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination effectiveness differs significantly depending on the age at which it is administered. The researchers analyzed self-reported data from female participants and discovered that HPV vaccination is most effective when administered earlier in life.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 21, 2022

Advance brings quantum computing one step closer to implementation

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have identified possible solutions to limitations of qubits for quantum computing. They successfully controlled temperature and movement of trapped electrons in a vacuum using hybrid quantum systems, paving the way for potential applications in quantum technology.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateOct 21, 2022

The research group led by Prof. Seung Hwan Ko, in Dept. of Mechanical Engineering in Seoul National University, developed the paper-based biodegradable and eco-friendly sensor for sensing the food status.

Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a biodegradable and eco-friendly sensor that can detect food temperature and freshness. The sensor, made from laser-induced graphene on commercial paper, enables real-time monitoring of food spoilage and can be used in various industrial fields.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateOct 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.

After 30 years -- new guidelines for weight-loss surgery

The new guidelines, issued by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), recommend metabolic and bariatric surgery for individuals with a BMI of 35 or more, regardless of obesity-related conditions. The guidelines also endo...

SourceAmerican Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery·JournalSurgery for Obesity and Related Diseases·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 21, 2022

In pre-clinical trials, drug shows potential to combat exaggerated inflammation associated with COVID-19

A new study suggests that niclosamide, an anthelmintic drug, shows promise in combating exaggerated inflammation associated with severe COVID-19. The drug's anti-inflammatory effects are attributed to its inhibition of the inflammasome mechanism, a protein complex present in defense cells.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 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.

UBC Okanagan researchers determine tire particles can impact fresh water

A study by UBC Okanagan researchers suggests that tire particles can contaminate freshwater sources, including lakes like Okanagan and Kalamalka. The researchers estimated that over 50 tonnes of tire and road wear particles are released into waterways annually.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 21, 2022

What happens if your circadian rhythms are out of whack?

Researchers discovered a molecular link between disrupted circadian rhythms and lung tumor growth, implicating a cancer-signature gene known as HSF1. Disrupted clocks may trigger lung tumors in individuals with irregular sleep patterns or night shifts.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2022

Large numbers of European chimpanzees suffer from a lack of vitamin D, says new study

A new study found that many European chimpanzees have inadequate vitamin D levels, which could contribute to heart disease and other disorders. The research, published in Scientific Reports, reveals the importance of vitamin D for these animals' health and informs improvements in care and nutrition practices.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2022

Researchers target TANGO2 to study iron-rich blood molecule

A new protein called TANGO2 helps mobilize heme from sites of synthesis and storage for use in cells. Understanding its role may lead to therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with heme dysregulation.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateOct 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.

SARS-CoV-2 placentitis, and how maternal COVID-19 vaccination could prevent stillbirth

A recent literature review found that vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 can effectively prevent adverse conditions such as stillbirth and infant death. Pregnant women with COVID-19 have an increased risk for stillbirth compared to uninfected women, and those who vaccinate can more effectively prevent these events.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAJOG Global Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 21, 2022

Chang’E-5 samples reveal how young volcanism occurred on the Moon

Researchers found that mantle melting-point depression due to fusible components could generate young lunar volcanism. The Chang'E-5 samples, returned in 2020, revealed surprisingly young volcanic activity only 2 billion years old, contradicting the long-held assumption that the Moon has been geologically dead since then.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 21, 2022

New analysis led by UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center finds timing androgen-deprivation therapy with radiation therapy improves outcomes in localized prostate cancer

A new analysis by UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that men with prostate cancer benefit from adding androgen deprivation therapy to radiation treatment. The study showed improved metastasis-free survival for patients receiving short-term ADT before or after radiation, especially in those receiving prostate-only RT.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 21, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic decreased child routine vaccination coverage and increased vaccine delays in India.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a marked decrease in routine childhood immunization rates in India, with significant implications for the country's immunization program and COVID-19 recovery policies. The study highlights the urgent need for catch-up vaccination campaigns and investments in health systems.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia·DateOct 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.

Discovery could dramatically narrow search for space creatures

Astronomers found that a planet like GJ 1252b, orbiting an M dwarf star, would likely lose its atmosphere due to intense heat and radiation. The discovery narrows the search for habitable planets around these stars, but leaves room for possibilities further away from the star.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 21, 2022

Double trouble when 2 disasters strike electrical transmission infrastructure

Researchers developed a machine learning model to analyze how susceptible overhead transmission lines are to damage from back-to-back natural hazards. The study found that previous damage can have a significant impact on the fragility and reliability of power grids, especially when followed by a hurricane.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEarthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 21, 2022

Antibiotic resistance testing no longer impeded by time

Researchers have developed a novel method for antibiotic resistance testing that can analyze bacterial cells in real-time, allowing for faster identification of susceptible and resistant bacteria. This breakthrough technology has the potential to transform microbial screening in clinical and research labs.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Sensors·DateOct 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.

FAST discovers largest atomic gas structure around a galaxy group

A team of researchers using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) has discovered a massive atomic gas structure, approximately 2 million light years in length, surrounding the compact group of galaxies Stephan's Quintet. This finding challenges current theories on galaxy-group formation and evolution.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 2022

New strategy enables targeted treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

A new strategy for treating rheumatoid arthritis has been proposed, integrating small interfering RNAs and Prussian blue nanoparticles to silence proinflammatory cytokines and scavenge reactive oxygen species. The approach was tested in a mouse model, showing improved therapeutic efficacy and real-time monitoring capabilities.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 21, 2022