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Science News for September 16, 2022


New wearable device measures the changing size of tumors below the skin

A new wearable device called FAST can measure tumor size changes to the hundredth of a millimeter, providing a fast, accurate, and inexpensive way to test cancer drugs. This technology represents a significant advance in cancer treatment, offering continuous monitoring, flexibility, and non-invasiveness.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 16, 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.

Cognitive health may benefit from balanced meal timing

A recent study published in Life Metabolism found that maintaining balanced energy intake throughout the day may improve cognitive function. The study analyzed data from over 3,300 participants and discovered that those with unbalanced eating patterns, such as skipping breakfast, were at higher risk of cognitive decline.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeSurvey·DateSep 16, 2022

Towards a better understanding of depression

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz are studying the effects of natural substances used in traditional Asian medicine on depressive states in Drosophila flies. They found that certain substances can prevent the development of a depression-like state and even boost resilience to chronic stress.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 16, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Diet could play a role in cognitive function across diverse races and ethnicities

Researchers found that blood metabolites related to sugars were linked to older adults' global cognitive health, while a Mediterranean diet was associated with higher levels of beta-cryptoxanthin. This study expands on previous work and highlights the importance of diet in safeguarding cognitive function across different populations.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateSep 16, 2022

Highlights from the journal CHEST®, September 2022

The September issue of CHEST journal features 40 articles on clinically relevant topics, including disparities in rural populations with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The journal also offers complementary web and multimedia activities to expand its reach.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·JournalCHEST Journal·DateSep 16, 2022

Seismic device made for extraterrestrial research can help tackle climate change on earth

Researchers developed an ultra-compact seismic source to continuously monitor carbon reservoirs, detecting CO2 leaks and changes that require attention. The Portable Active Seismic Source (PASS) technology can be deployed affordably and has potential applications in monitoring for disasters and imaging subsurface structures.

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateSep 16, 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.

Pythons are true choke artists

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that Burmese pythons have evolved super-stretchy skin between their lower jaws, enabling them to consume prey much larger than expected. This adaptation allows pythons to eat deer and other large animals whole, providing a significant energy advantage in their ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2022

UBC Okanagan team examines the roots of great wine tourism

Research from UBC Okanagan suggests that wineries can revive lagging tourism by focusing on multi-sensory experiences, such as participation in agricultural activities and workshops. This approach helps create memorable and authentic experiences for visitors, setting wine destinations apart from one another.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2022

Mexican mangroves have been capturing carbon for 5,000 years

Researchers have discovered that Mexican mangrove forests have been absorbing and storing carbon for an impressive 5,000 years. The study found that these unique ecosystems are capable of retaining large amounts of carbon due to the presence of certain microorganisms.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 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.

Single-cell transcriptomics of immune cells in lymph nodes reveals their composition and alterations in functional dynamics during the early stages of bubonic plague

This study analyzed immune cell changes in lymph nodes after Yersinia pestis infection, finding up-regulated inflammation-related pathways and M1/M2 coupling activation in monocytes/macrophages. The researchers also identified critical cell types involved in the early interactions between Y. pestis and the host.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateSep 16, 2022

Stanford engineers develop new wearable device to monitor tumor size

Researchers create a new, non-invasive wearable device that can measure tumor size changes in real-time. The 'Flexible Autonomous Sensor measuring Tumors' (FAST) device provides continuous monitoring and accurate results, offering a promising approach to cancer treatment.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 16, 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.

COVID-19 took serious toll on Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander mental and physical health

Two UC Riverside-led studies found 30% of Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders diagnosed with COVID-19 and nearly 1 in 5 reported a close family member's death due to the virus. The research also highlighted high levels of substance use, depression, anxiety, and unmet treatment need among NH/PIs during COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPublic Health Reports·TypeSurvey·DateSep 16, 2022

Is it really healthy to restrict protein intake for kidney transplant recipients?

A recent study published in Clinical Nutrition found that sufficient protein intake is necessary to prevent sarcopenia after kidney transplantation. The research showed a positive correlation between changes in skeletal muscle mass and protein intake, with insufficient protein intake resulting in decreased muscle mass.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2022

Improved mineralized material can restore tooth enamel

Researchers have created a biomimetic mineralized layer that replicates the structure of natural tooth enamel, exhibiting increased nanohardness and surpassing the natural tissue in terms of strength. The new material can be used to restore or repair damaged enamel due to abrasion, erosion, or improper diet.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalResults in Engineering·DateSep 16, 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.

Out-of-state telemedicine visits among Medicare patients during pandemic

A study published in JAMA Health Forum found that out-of-state telemedicine visits among Medicare patients surged during the pandemic, with 422,000 out-of-state visits recorded in 2021. These visits were most common among patients living near state borders and those seeking primary care and mental health treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateSep 16, 2022

Feeling out of equilibrium in a dual geometric world

Scientists at The University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science have developed a novel theory for describing nonlinear dissipative phenomena in a dual geometric space. This work enables the extension of thermodynamics to complex chemical reaction networks, including those involved in living organisms' metabolism and growth.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateSep 16, 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.

An unstable, flake-like network in the making

A team of researchers from MPI-CBG discovered that thousands of short-lived droplet-like condensates made up of actin filaments generate a first cortex in C. elegans after fertilization. This finding provides new insights into the formation and control of subcellular structures, crucial for cellular and developmental processes.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2022

The magneto-optic modulator

UC Santa Barbara researchers develop a device to convert data from electrical current to pulses of light, allowing for faster transmission between cryogenic and room-temperature systems. The magneto-optic modulator enables the integration of superconducting microprocessors and quantum computers, promising revolutionized computation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Electronics·DateSep 16, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Algorithm sheds new light on ICU patients’ consciousness

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed an algorithm that can accurately track patients' level of consciousness using simple physiological markers. The algorithm proved as accurate as a trained clinical examiner, only slightly less accurate than expensive imaging equipment like fMRI machines.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalNeurocritical Care·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 16, 2022

From analog to digital

A University of Missouri researcher and his team are using artificial intelligence to study anatomical research, creating detailed 3D computer models of muscles. This technology is advancing the field by enabling researchers to analyze muscle fiber orientation and develop a better understanding of motor control in animals.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Anatomical Record·DateSep 16, 2022

Gut microbes and humans on a joint evolutionary journey

Researchers found that over 60% of investigated microbial species matched their human host's evolutionary history, indicating a co-evolutionary relationship spanning ~100,000 years. This discovery fundamentally changes how the human gut microbiome is viewed and opens up new possibilities for population-specific therapies.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 16, 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.

Caller ID: Hyena ‘whoops’ feature individual signatures

Researchers used a random forest model to analyze hyena whoops and found that individual signatures are distinct enough for identification. Repeating calls can improve identification accuracy, peaking at seven repetitions.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateSep 16, 2022

Tailoring the particle sizes of Pt5Ce alloy nanoparticles for the oxygen reduction reaction

Researchers have synthesized Pt5Ce alloy nanoparticles with ideal particle sizes of 6–9 nm, achieving high activity and stability toward the oxygen reduction reaction. The study's findings suggest that optimizing particle size is crucial for balancing catalytic performance and industrial applicability.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Sensor and Energy Materials·DateSep 16, 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.

New findings on dietary phosphorus intake

A two-part study by the International Food Additives Council found that Americans' daily natural phosphorus intake increased by 12% between 1988-1994 and 2015-2016. High phosphorus intake was associated with increased bone mineral content, reduced high blood pressure risk, and lower HDL cholesterol levels.

SourceKellen Company·JournalNutrients·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 16, 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.

York University study: Even smartest AI models don’t match human visual processing

A York University study found that deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) fail to capture the configural nature of human shape perception, which could be dangerous in traffic video safety systems. The researchers discovered that while humans use configural shape perception, DCNNs take 'shortcuts' and are insensitive to this aspect.

SourceYork University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2022

Disease spillover risk poorly communicated, oversimplified during COVID-19 pandemic

A literature review found that only 53% of primary research supported the association between land change and zoonotic disease risk. Webpage content often overstated the evidence, neglecting uncertainty. The authors recommend more accurate and nuanced science communication to improve understanding.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 16, 2022

Incarceration associated with higher cancer mortality, Yale study shows

A Yale study published in PLOS ONE reveals a significant association between incarceration and higher cancer mortality among adults. Those diagnosed with invasive cancer while incarcerated and within one year after release were more likely to experience worse outcomes due to limited access to quality care, social determinants of health...

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 16, 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.

Support for art and other cultural objects can be strengthened by highlighting their collective value, finds new Rotman School research

New Rotman School research shows that emphasizing the historical and spiritual significance of artistic works can increase public support. By highlighting the collective value of art, people are more willing to protect it.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2022

New test can ID patients at risk of severe COVID-19, study finds

A new genomic test can predict a patient's risk of developing severe COVID-19, according to research from the University of Virginia Health System. The test, called CovGENE, analyzes genes expressed in a person's blood to determine if they may experience a severe disease course with increased risk of death.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateSep 16, 2022

When macrophage digestion goes wrong

A study reveals that alveolar macrophages, responsible for filtering bacteria and viruses from the lungs, fail to function properly when lacking a crucial transcription factor called C/EBPb. This leads to an accumulation of surfactant in the lungs, causing pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), a hitherto incurable disease.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalScience Immunology·DateSep 16, 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.

Palm oil’s implications on the Sustainable Development Goals

A systematic review of 82 scientific publications found that palm oil boosts local economies and poverty reduction while exacerbating social inequalities. Sustainable palm oil production practices facilitate achievement of SDGs like quality education and access to clean water.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 16, 2022

Gamechanger: new way to improve outcomes in kids with eosinophilic esophagitis

A groundbreaking study has determined the threshold for a new measure of early scarring in children with eosinophilic esophagitis, enabling immediate intervention during endoscopy. This allows targeting and reducing treatment time, leading to improvements in symptoms.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateSep 16, 2022

Overexpressed Cyclin D1 and CDK4 proteins are responsible for the resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitor in breast cancer that can be reversed by PI3K/mTOR Inhibitors

Researchers found that palbociclib-resistant breast cancer cells rely on Cyclin D1-CDK4 for Rb protein phosphorylation. Targeting the PI3K/mTOR pathway with inhibitors restores sensitivity to CDK4/6 inhibitors. This study highlights the necessity of re-biopsy and immunohistochemistry to determine resistance mechanism.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateSep 16, 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.

Novel analysis shows the experience of reward increases connectivity between the default mode network and other brain regions

Researchers found that experiencing reward enhances connectivity between the default mode network (DMN) and the ventral striatum. This effect was specific to the DMN and correlated with personality characteristics related to openness. The study used data from the Human Connectome Project, a database of healthy participants.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalNeuroImage·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 16, 2022

The physics of the premature lung: Why mechanical ventilation can harm preterm lungs

A recent study found that mechanical ventilation can cause irreversible tissue damage in premature lungs, leading to impaired lung cell function. The study showed that even low pressure can result in structural changes on the cell surface, disrupting molecule transport and water balance.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2022