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Science News for October 4, 2022


Climate simulation more realistic with artificial intelligence

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to optimize climate models, increasing their accuracy and detail. By applying Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to climate simulations, the team was able to improve the models' ability to represent extreme precipitation events.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 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.

Breaking the glass ceiling in science by looking at citations

Researchers at USC's Information Sciences Institute used AI to analyze citation patterns in scientific papers and found significant differences between male and female scientists. Women's networks were more tightly clustered, indicating a stronger support network, while men's networks were more diverse and widely connected.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

Novel, non-invasive method to predict and reduce the relapse of childhood cancers

A team of scientists has discovered a novel non-invasive method to predict and reduce the relapse of childhood cancers, particularly neuroblastoma. The new approach analyzes genes in blood samples to determine the likelihood of cancer spread, allowing for early interventions to prevent relapse.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2022

Using robotic exoskeletons to restore function in persons with multiple sclerosis

Robotic exoskeletons have been shown to provide intensive high-quality rehabilitation and potentially improve functional outcomes in individuals with MS. However, experts agree that wide acceptance depends on further clinical studies aimed at determining optimal selection criteria and long-term outcomes.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 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.

Grandparents who stopped caring for grandchildren during the pandemic had worse mental health

A UCL-led study found that grandparents who stopped looking after their grandchildren during the Covid-19 pandemic were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. The study also found that reduced grandparental childcare provision was linked to lower life satisfaction and quality of life among grandparents.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Gerontology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

New algorithms help four-legged robots run in the wild

A team from the University of California San Diego has developed a new system of algorithms that enables four-legged robots to walk and run on challenging terrain while avoiding obstacles. The system combines vision with proprioception, allowing the robot to move efficiently and smoothly in various environments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 4, 2022

Scientists chart how exercise affects the body

A new study in mice has mapped the cells, genes, and pathways that respond to exercise and diet, offering potential targets for drugs that mimic exercise's benefits. Exercise was found to push these systems in the opposite direction of high-fat diets.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 4, 2022

Your genes determine whether you get ADHD or autism

Researchers from Aarhus University identified seven genetic variants common to both autism and ADHD, as well as five specific to only one diagnosis. The study suggests a significant overlap in underlying genetic causes and may lead to more precise diagnoses and earlier interventions.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 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.

“Kipferl”: Guiding the defense against jumping genes

Researchers at IMBA found that Kipferl helps distribute Rhino to piRNA clusters, avoiding sequestration to Satellite arrays. This control mechanism ensures the effective silencing of jumping genes and maintains genome stability.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022

Time-restricted eating reduces cardiovascular health risks associated with shift work for firefighters

A randomized clinical trial found that time-restricted eating (TRE) is safe and feasible for 24-hour shift workers, improving glucose levels and blood pressure in those with cardiometabolic risk factors. Participants who followed a TRE pattern experienced improved quality of life and reduced bad cholesterol.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 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.

Method for detecting waves of COVID-19 infections can shape critical public health decisions during a pandemic

A method combining local health department data and hospital records identifies new COVID-19 outbreak waves, helping inform public health strategies. Researchers detected two large waves in Harris County, with the second taking longer to spread, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring and community collaboration.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2022

Four of five pinyon-juniper tree species declining in their ranges in the West

Four of five pinyon-juniper tree species are declining in their ranges in the West, with up to 50% of populations in driest, warmest locations. The study found that Utah juniper is resilient and may become more dominant in future compositional shifts.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2022

Harpoon heads, sweeping tails: How predatory mosquito larvae capture prey

Predatory mosquito larvae employ two distinct methods to capture prey: one involves a harpoon-like head-propulsion action, while the other uses a sweeping tail to snare insects. This new research provides insight into the behavior of these tiny predators and their ability to feed on other aquatic insects.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

Orthopedic surgery patients do fine without opioid painkillers

A McMaster University study found that switching to non-opioid painkillers after surgery can significantly reduce opioid consumption and improve patient outcomes. The six-week study enrolled 193 patients who received either standard opioid-based painkillers or a combination therapy of naproxen, acetaminophen, and pantoprazole.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 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.

Study: Decreased proteins, not amyloid plaques, tied to Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati found that low levels of soluble amyloid-beta protein in the brain, rather than its buildup into plaques, are associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Patients with high levels of soluble amyloid-beta showed improved cognitive outcomes, contradicting previous theories.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Research brief: Identifying patients with sarcoidosis at risk for bad cardiac outcomes

Researchers have identified specific magnetic resonance imaging features that indicate cardiac sarcoidosis patients are at higher risk for adverse cardiac outcomes, including ventricular arrhythmias. These findings suggest that patients with certain cardiac MRI features may benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Driving high? Chemists make strides toward a marijuana breath analyzer

A UCLA team has made strides toward developing a handheld tool similar to an alcohol Breathalyzer that can detect THC on a person's breath after they've smoked marijuana. The device uses oxidation to create an electric current, with the strength of the current indicating how much psychoactive compound is present.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalOrganic Letters·DateOct 4, 2022

Bad roads reduce trade volumes by 18%

A study published in Journal of Urban Economics found that bad roads in border regions increase travel time and cost, reducing international trade volumes by 18%. Underinvestment in transport infrastructure also leads to a 'border effect', where trade between regions in different countries is lower than within the same country.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Urban Economics·DateOct 4, 2022

Finding an RNA target and tool to fight premature aging

Scientists have identified long interspersed nuclear element-1 (L1) RNA as a promising new target for treating progeroid syndromes. Increased L1 RNA expression in cells from patients with these disorders led to deactivation of an enzyme, causing cell aging.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 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.

Ancient ice age valleys offer clues to future ice sheet change

A new study found that ancient ice age valleys in the North Sea formed rapidly, within hundreds of years, and transported vast amounts of meltwater away from under the ice. This process has implications for how glaciers may respond to climate warming today.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2022

Parenting practices in teen years set the stage for closeness, warmth later on

High-quality parenting practices during adolescence lay foundation for close relationships with young adult children, according to new research. Parents who maintain positive involvement and warmth with teens in early years are more likely to have closer relationships when children become adults.

SourcePenn State·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateOct 4, 2022

Becoming sober – A ‘voice’ for mothers navigating the child welfare system

Researchers captured mothers' experiences using documentary photography, revealing disempowerment, incongruent systems, and the need for relational support to aid recovery. Positive relationships with others in the recovery community were noted sources of support.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Prenatal acetaminophen use linked to sleep, attention problems in preschoolers

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that prenatal acetaminophen use is associated with sleep and behavior problems consistent with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschoolers. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,400 women, showed that children of mothers who used acetaminophen during pregnancy were...

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 4, 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.

Gut in a capsule - the microbiome as medicine

Tagbo Niepa's research aims to capture and store a person's healthy gut microbiome, then restore balance when ill. The technology has the potential to revolutionize illness treatment, especially for diseases like C. diff infection.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateOct 4, 2022

Random defense: Cells play ‘molecular roulette’ to determine how body fights disease

Researchers discovered that B cells randomly allocate antibody classes to fight infections and diseases, leading to varying probabilities of developing conditions like asthma. This 'molecular roulette' process can be predicted using a formula, paving the way for understanding individual susceptibility.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalImmunity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2022

NIH-supported clinical trial of phage therapy for cystic fibrosis begins

A clinical trial is underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bacteriophage therapy in adults with cystic fibrosis who carry Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The trial aims to reduce bacterial load in the lungs using a phage cocktail that targets specific bacteria, providing a potential new treatment for difficult-to-treat infections.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateOct 4, 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’ flow platform advances water harvesting technology

Researchers have advanced a novel platform to accelerate the harvesting process, solving a key problem in water collection by removing thermal barriers. The design features mushroom-like channels that direct water droplets into collectible containers, allowing for continuous water harvesting anywhere.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022

Eliminating sexual violence could reduce teenage mental ill health

The study found that rates of severe psychological distress and self-harm were higher among victims of sexual assault or harassment than those who did not experience such violence. If sexual violence were eradicated, researchers estimated a 16.8% drop in self-harming girls and an 8.4% decrease in boys.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateOct 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.

Helping our heroes: Time-restricted eating improves health of firefighters

A clinical trial conducted by Salk Institute and UC San Diego Health found that time-restricted eating improved measures of health and wellbeing in firefighters. The study showed that a 10-hour eating window reduced VLDL cholesterol, improved mental health, and decreased alcohol intake.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2022

Coral select algae partnerships to ease environmental stress

Researchers found that coral symbiont community structure responds to environmental conditions in Kaneohe Bay, which can help predict how corals will respond to future heat stress. Corals in areas with less light and temperature variability hosted less of the stress resilient symbiont.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Scientists chase down what motor proteins deliver to healthy cells to find what’s altered in neurological diseases

Researchers investigate how motor proteins transport vital proteins and RNAs to the right location within cells, where they can cause or prevent genetic neurological diseases. By understanding these highly regulated transport systems, scientists hope to develop new treatments for conditions like spinal muscular atrophy and Charcot-Mari...

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateOct 4, 2022

Children with food allergy-related anxiety can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy

A new study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found that targeted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly lessens food allergy-related anxiety for both children and parents. The treatment included proximity exposure sessions with the patient, resulting in improved symptoms and quality of life.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 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.

Putting the brakes on heroin relapse

Astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating the response to drug cues, acting as brakes on neuronal communication. By slowing down overactive communication, astrocytes can reduce the drive to seek drugs and prevent relapse.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 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.

New UBC Okanagan research aims to break the ice

The UBC Okanagan team has created a novel, passive-de-icing coating that integrates an ice-detecting microwave sensor. This technology enables automatic melting of ice without external energy input, reducing wear-and-tear and energy waste.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

Study provides further evidence that immune cell dysregulation is a driver of COVID-19 severity

Researchers at Mount Sinai found that COVID-19 severity is associated with a shift in macrophage populations, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Restoring reparative lung resident macrophages may be a viable therapeutic strategy for treating SARS-CoV-2 and other inflammatory lung diseases.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 4, 2022

New articles for Geosphere posted online in September

New articles in the Geosphere journal explore rhyolitic melt production, chronostratigraphic correlation of the Upper Silurian Salina Group, and other topics related to volcanic complexes and regional magmatic systems. The studies provide insights into multiscale processes that build long-lived continental silicic magma systems.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateOct 4, 2022

Federal surveys missing as many as 43 percent of individuals with disabilities, KU study finds

New research from the University of Kansas found that two common federal survey question sets are missing significant numbers of individuals with psychiatric disabilities and chronic health conditions. The study suggests that these gaps indicate undercounting of disability funds, services, and healthcare resources.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 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.

Scientists identify potential source of 'shock-darkened' meteorites, with implications for hazardous asteroid deflection

Researchers have identified a potential source of shock-darkened meteorites, which could explain discrepancies in how near-Earth asteroids are classified. The asteroid, 1998 OR2, is about 1.5 miles wide and shows characteristics that suggest it has undergone shock darkening.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

New study reveals possible brain mechanisms behind COVID-19 delirium

Researchers found that blood from COVID-19 patients with delirium causes an increase in cell death and a decrease in new brain cells, indicating a key role for inflammatory proteins. This understanding could help inform treatments to reduce symptoms of confusion and disorientation.

SourceKing's College London·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022

Will silicon nitride and common chemistry help revolutionize genomic sequencing?

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a method to enhance DNA detection in nanopores, slowing down transit and increasing signal intensity. The use of glycerol instead of water enables the detection of single DNA molecules, paving the way for faster and more affordable genomic sequencing.

SourceOsaka University·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 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.

Microscopic octopuses from a 3D printer

Researchers at Heidelberg University developed 3D printed microscopic octopuses with 'life-like' properties using smart polymers. These structures can be tuned on demand and have dynamic chemical bonds that allow them to grow and harden in a few hours, enabling complex micrometric structures.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 4, 2022

Why women may be more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease

Women are more susceptible to Alzheimer's disease due to higher expression of the enzyme ubiquitin-specific peptidase 11 (USP11), which drives increased accumulation of tau protein in brain nerve cells. Researchers hope to develop new neuroprotective medicines based on this finding.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCell·DateOct 4, 2022

Mechanism used by metastatic cancer cells to infiltrate the liver found

Researchers discovered that cancer cells induce the formation of intracellular gaps in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), allowing them to infiltrate the liver and form new tumors. MMP9 expression in LSECs is key to this process, and a MMP9 inhibitor can prevent tumor formation.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 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.

Transgender women’s heart-lung capacity and strength exceed those of cisgender peers even after years of hormone therapy

A study of 15 transgender women found they exceeded the cardiopulmonary capacity and muscle strength of their cisgender peers even after years of hormone therapy. However, their performance was lower than that of cisgender men. The findings could inform policy on transgender women's sports participation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Online fandom communities can facilitate state censorship, according to new Concordia research

Researchers found that online fans in China engage in participatory censorship, self-censoring and policing others to strengthen the authoritarian regime's control over the internet. The study suggests that users create a social imaginary of censorship, speculating about the government's parameters and acting upon it.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNew Media & Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

Neurodegenerative disease risk more than doubled among former Scottish international rugby union players

Research has found that former Scottish international rugby union players are at a significantly increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and motor neurone disease. The study's findings suggest that strategies to reduce head impact and traumatic brain injury in all sports are necessary.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Warmer stream temperatures in burned-over Oregon watershed didn’t result in fewer trout

A study by Oregon State University found that warmer stream temperatures in a burned-over watershed did not result in fewer trout. The researchers discovered that steelhead, cutthroat, and rainbow trout were resilient to the increased temperatures, which rose above 22 degrees Celsius during summer 2021. However, more research is needed...

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcosphere·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Study gauges positive impacts of Medicare on low-income adults

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that Medicare eligibility at age 65 is associated with significant improvements in health care access and financial strain for low-income adults. The study also found modest effects on higher-income adults, suggesting that lowering the age of Medicare eligibility could advance health equity ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 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.

High risk/high reward federal grant funds effort to develop a smart drug delivery system to treat multiple Alzheimer’s pathologies all at once

Researchers have designed a smart cell-based delivery system to treat Alzheimer's disease by targeting multiple pathologies, reducing the risk of side effects. The system uses bio-synthesizable drugs and immune cells to deliver combination therapy that addresses all pathologies in a targeted manner.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·DateOct 4, 2022

Microbiologists improve taste of beer

Researchers have identified a single mutation in the MDS3 gene that improves yeast's tolerance to carbon dioxide pressure, resulting in full-flavored beer. This breakthrough could lead to improved quality beer production worldwide.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 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.

Learning on the edge

Researchers developed a new technique that enables on-device training using less than a quarter of a megabyte of memory, reducing the need for powerful computers and central servers. This approach preserves privacy by keeping data on the device, making deep learning more accessible for low-power edge devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 4, 2022

$30M USAID grant sees soybean innovation through the last mile in Africa

The University of Illinois has received a $30 million investment from USAID to develop soybean value chains across Sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to remove last-mile obstacles to technology adoption, including seed, productivity-improvement, and credit issues.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateOct 4, 2022

No quick fix for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among UK South Asian communities

New research highlights the need for comprehensive approaches to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in UK South Asian communities, citing factors such as trust in authorities and media. The study's findings emphasize the complexity of the issue, beyond simplistic 'pro' or 'anti' Vaccine views.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateOct 4, 2022

Laughing gas in space could mean life

Researchers propose nitrous oxide as a potential biosignature for exoplanets, detectable by the James Webb Space Telescope. They modeled N2O production on Earth-like planets and found it could be comparable to CO2 or methane in star systems like TRAPPIST-1.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 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.

Study: Black prosecutors are more punitive toward Black and Latinx defendants than toward similarly situated white defendants

A recent study by Florida International University researchers found that Black prosecutors' decisions are more punitive towards Black and Latinx defendants, while being less punitive towards White and Asian defendants. The study aimed to understand the extent of racial disparities in prosecutorial decision-making.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateOct 4, 2022

New genetic variation from old and exotic varieties for environmentally friendly wheat cultivation

Researchers discovered a new genetic variation in old wheat varieties that enhances yield potential and resistance to yellow rust, potentially replacing current elite varieties. The findings also reveal possible new gene variants for resistance to yellow rust infestation, paving the way for more sustainable farming practices.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 4, 2022

Paris will host the 9th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Microbiota dedicated to microbiota and microbiotal medicine: Where we are now and what’s next?

The event will cover various topics including microbiota dysbiosis, oral and vaginal microbiota, and their impact on diseases like depression, cancer, and respiratory infections. The meeting aims to accelerate Microbiota medicine applications through strategic discussions.

SourceMitochondria-Microbiota Task Force·DateOct 4, 2022

Optimal breeding group sizes differ by sex in cooperative animals

Research on ostriches found that optimal breeding group sizes vary depending on the balance of males and females within it. The study showed that males have a single optimal group size, while females have multiple optimal sizes due to cooperative care. Intermediate-sized groups were not optimal for reproductive success in either sex.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateOct 4, 2022

The cell sentinel that neutralizes hepatitis B

A UNIGE team identified a three-step mechanism that allows our body to defend itself against hepatitis B. The complex detects the viral DNA, traps it, and inhibits the virus' chromosome.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeNews article·DateOct 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 insights into tumor biology

A recent study reveals that cancer cells adopt a softer state to facilitate metastasis, forming a new mechanical state with rigid islands in a fluid environment. This state allows tumors to grow while providing room for soft, motile cells to break out and form metastases.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022

Children and young adults with Down Syndrome four times more likely to have diabetes

A new study by Queen Mary University of London reveals that children and young adults with Down Syndrome are four times more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The research, which examined over 9,000 individuals with Down Syndrome, found a 10-fold increased risk of developing the condition in those aged five-14.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalDiabetes Care·DateOct 4, 2022

Mouse study explores Alzheimer’s link to the X chromosome

A mouse study found that female brains express higher levels of an X-linked enzyme called USP11, leading to greater accumulation of tau protein and increased vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest that excessive activity of USP11 drives this increased susceptibility in females.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 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.

Spin flips show how galaxies grow from the cosmic web

The study finds that galaxies with bigger bulges tend to spin perpendicular to filaments, while smaller-bulged galaxies spin parallel. Galaxy mergers cause spin flips as galaxies move along filaments.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Retiring increases amount of sleep and decreases physical activity

A Finnish study found that retiring individuals experience an increase in sleep time and a corresponding decrease in physical activity. This shift is attributed to the absence of work-related activities and commute time, which are replaced by sedentary behavior.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

On the fence: New research taps rancher expertise on living with carnivores

Researchers collaborated with livestock producers, natural resource managers, and university-based researchers to develop effective fencing designs that reduce wildlife conflicts and prioritize human safety. The study highlights the importance of integrating diverse knowledge and experience to inform fencing projects.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeCase study·DateOct 4, 2022