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Science News for September 2, 2022


Dragons and brain evolution

A team of scientists generated a molecular atlas of the Australian bearded dragon's brain, comparing it to mouse data. The findings suggest that both reptilian and mammalian brains evolved clade-specific neuron types from a common ancestral set, challenging popular views on brain evolution.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 2, 2022

Crime-scene technique identifies asteroid sites

Researchers analyzed organic remnants from four small asteroid impact craters in Estonia and Poland to identify a unique charcoal signature. This signature can help scientists predict the size and type of evacuation zone necessary before an asteroid impact, potentially leading to the discovery of new impact craters.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalGeology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 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.

Belimumab is efficacious for lupus nephritis in East Asian adults

A prespecified subgroup analysis of East Asian adults with lupus nephritis found that belimumab added to standard therapy improved kidney outcomes significantly. The study also showed no new safety concerns were raised in the subgroup.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateSep 2, 2022

Dual-polarization two-dimensional valley photonic crystals

Scientists create new type of photonic crystal that combines polarization and valley degrees of freedom, enabling multiple applications in integrated photonics. The resulting vallec-valley Hall effect can be used to multiplex and control light with unprecedented precision.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Physics Mechanics and Astronomy·DateSep 2, 2022

Study raises red flags about corporatization of health care, OHSU investigator says

A recent study found that private equity firms acquiring physician-owned medical practices increase patient volume and billing for visits, raising concerns about the corporatization of healthcare. The study examined 578 physician practices acquired by private equity firms between 2016 and 2020.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 2, 2022

SPIE journal Neurophotonics publishes comprehensive status report on optical imaging methods for brain science

The report explores diffuse optical imaging methods applicable to noninvasive human studies, including near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). It introduces state-of-the-art technologies and software, exploring their impact on neuroscience and clinical applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateSep 2, 2022

How artificial intelligence can explain its decisions

A team from Ruhr-Universität Bochum developed a novel neural network that can classify tissue samples as containing tumors or not. The AI also generates an activation map showing where the tumor is detected, based on falsifiable hypotheses.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMedical Image Analysis·DateSep 2, 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.

Gaining insights into spastic paraplegia

Hereditary spastic paraplegia is a rare disease affecting approximately 77,000 Europeans, causing leg spasms and weakness. Researchers have discovered that the disease is linked to reduced calcium regulation, disrupting transport processes in brain cells.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalBrain·DateSep 2, 2022

From wound healing to regeneration

Researchers discovered that wound healing signals from injuries trigger regeneration through specific signals of pattern formation and cell differentiation. The Wnt signalling pathway plays a crucial role in this process, activating genetic processes also involved in embryonic development.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2022

COVID rekindled an appreciation of nature for many

Researchers found that people's perception of natural spaces changed during the pandemic, with increased use of rural trails and a newfound appreciation for nature. The study suggests that parks and greenspaces serve as essential amenities for overall well-being, particularly for marginalized communities.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 2, 2022

Development of a new end-functionalization technique in polymer synthesis

Researchers developed a new initiating system for diazoacetate polymerization, introducing a functional group at the α-chain end of poly(alkoxycarbonylmethylene)s. The technique enables broadening the generality and utility of diazoacetate polymerization, a method for preparing sp3-carbon-based main-chain polymers.

SourceEhime University·JournalMacromolecules·DateSep 2, 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.

Climate anxiety an important driver for climate action – new study

A new study suggests that climate anxiety is a significant driver of climate action, particularly among younger people and those with higher generalized anxiety. Media exposure, rather than direct experiences, predicts climate anxiety, which can motivate individuals to make environmentally friendly lifestyle changes.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 2, 2022

North Atlantic Ocean currents are closest to a tipping point in a thousand years

Researchers confirm that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is approaching a tipping point, where its strength will inevitably weaken in the coming decades and centuries. This transition could have dramatic consequences on societies and ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 2, 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.

Making stable molecules reactive with light

Researchers at Linköping University used computer simulations to show that stable aromatic molecules can become reactive after absorbing light. This could enable new ways to control photochemical reactions using the aromaticity of molecules.

SourceLinköping University·JournalThe Journal of Organic Chemistry·DateSep 2, 2022

City-based soda pop taxes don’t effectively reduce sugar consumption

A new study from the University of Georgia found that soda taxes in Philadelphia had little effect on reducing sugar intake, as consumers replaced sugary drinks with other sweets. Additionally, shopping for sodas outside the tax area offset most of the decrease in sugar consumption

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalHealth Economics·DateSep 2, 2022

Biochemists reveal how a complex molecule moves iron through the body

Biochemists have discovered that glutathione, an antioxidant, plays a crucial role in moving iron-sulfur cofactors across cell membranes. This finding could lead to better understanding and treatment of diseases caused by impaired iron metabolism, such as Friedreich's ataxia.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 2, 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.

Singapore scientists find cold spells in the tropics increase heart attack risk

A study by Duke-NUS Medical School and collaborators found that cooler ambient temperatures increased the risk of a specific type of myocardial infarction (heart attack) in Singapore. People aged 65 and above were particularly vulnerable to this risk, with a 20% higher risk compared to younger individuals.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 2, 2022

September issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover combining molecular and neuroimaging measures, the promise of digital mental health and more

The September issues of American Psychiatric Association journals focus on combining molecular and neuroimaging measures to understand psychopathology and inform new treatment development. Featured research includes studies on early childhood psychotic experiences and schizophrenia imaging signatures.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 2, 2022

New treatment could result in more donor lungs

A new treatment may enable the use of a larger part of donated lungs, leading to improved outcomes and reduced complications. Researchers are conducting a clinical pilot study to investigate the effects of reducing cytokine levels in donor lungs.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 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.

Covid-19: U.S. life expectancy continued to decrease in 2021, study finds

A new study found that US life expectancy decreased by 2.2 years from 2019 to 2021, with significant racial disparities persisting throughout the pandemic. The study highlights the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on public health, particularly among vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 2, 2022

Neighborhood characteristics affect how often a child visits emergency dept.

A new study published in Pediatrics has found that children living in neighborhoods with greater hardships are more likely to use emergency departments. The study used the Pediatric Health Information Systems database and found a positive association between neighborhood Child Opportunity Index (COI) scores and ED visits, indicating th...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 2, 2022

‘Plug-and-play’ plasmonic metafibers for ultrafast fibre lasers

Researchers developed a method to integrate plasmonic metasurfaces on optical fibre tips, enabling advanced applications like planar waveshaping and super-resolution imaging. The new metafibers provide 'all-in-fibers' optical systems for sensing, imaging, communications, and more.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateSep 2, 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.

Low testosterone may increase risk of COVID-19 hospitalization for men

A study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that low testosterone levels are an independent risk factor for COVID-19 hospitalization in men. Men with chronically low testosterone who developed COVID-19 were 2.4 times more likely to require hospitalization than those with normal testosterone levels.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 2, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research unlocks secrets of native rodents' rat race to new lands

Native Australian rodents have been mapped using DNA analysis, providing a clearer picture of their evolutionary history and spread across the Pacific. The study reveals that mountain formation in New Guinea five million years ago triggered the spread of native rodents across the region.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 2, 2022

The scent that could save California’s avocado

UC Riverside scientists are working with Jocelyn Millar to find the avocados weevil pheromone, which could be used to monitor pests and prevent them from mating in orchards. The goal is to reduce damage to fruit and enable growers to use less insecticides.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateSep 2, 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.

Making nanodiamonds out of bottle plastic

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have successfully created nanodiamonds out of PET plastic using powerful laser flashes. This breakthrough method opens up new possibilities for producing these minuscule diamonds, which are needed for highly-sensitive quantum sensors and medical contrast agents.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2022

Transgender parents bring child-centered perspective to parenthood

A new study found that transgender parents may hesitate to label their child's gender identity before the child can communicate it themselves. The study of nonbinary and binary transgender parents suggests that older children are more likely to engage in gender-expansive play, with a strong link between child age and labeling behavior.

SourcePenn State·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 2, 2022

Cannabis legalization decreases the stock market value of major pharmaceutical firms

A recent study published in PLOS One found that cannabis legalization decreases the stock market value of major pharmaceutical firms, with annual sales reductions estimated at almost $11 billion. This effect is more pronounced with recreational legalization, suggesting a larger impact on the broader population.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 2, 2022

New method to systematically find optimal quantum operation sequences for quantum computers developed

Researchers at NICT have developed a new systematic method to identify the optimal quantum operation sequence, enabling efficient task execution and contributing to improving quantum computer performance and reducing environmental impact. The method uses GRAPE algorithm to analyze all possible sequences of elementary quantum operations.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalPhysical Review A·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 2, 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.

Those suffering from autoimmune diseases require a third coronavirus vaccination

A study published in The Lancet Rheumatology found that booster vaccinations significantly increase immune protection for individuals with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatism and inflammatory bowel disease. Most patients experienced no significant side effects after receiving a third vaccination, and their antibodies effectively pro...

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateSep 2, 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.

Did primitive cetaceans feed like marine reptiles?

A recent study published in Paleobiology found that early cetaceans and mosasaurs shared similar morphology and behavior, suggesting convergent evolution. This research provides insights into the physical characteristics necessary for large marine predators to evolve optimally.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalPaleobiology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 2, 2022

Motion of DNA linked to its damage response, ability to repair itself

A team of researchers found that chromatin motion on damaged DNA sites moves faster than those away from damage, with the group moving as a unit over short distances. This coherent movement is crucial for effective DNA repair, preventing damaged DNA from harmful contact and improving accuracy.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2022

Investigating magnetic excitation-induced spin current in chromium trihalides

Scientists have developed a general formula to calculate the photogalvanic spin current induced by transverse oscillating magnetic excitations in bilayer chromium trihalide compounds. The study found that processes involving one magnon band and two magnon bands contribute to the spin current.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2022