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Science News for April 10, 2023


Tai Chi Chuan may be effective against cognitive decline, study suggests

Researchers found Tai Chi Chuan improved global cognition and physical markers in individuals with Type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment. After 36 weeks, the Tai Chi Chuan group showed a significant average improvement of 3.29 points on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score compared to the baseline.

SourceFujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 10, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain-inspired intelligent robotics: Theoretical analysis and systematic application

A brain-inspired intelligent robotic system is constructed to deal with current limitations, introducing core neural mechanisms and corresponding algorithms. The simulation platform integrates brain-inspired algorithms in vision, decision-making, and movement control, providing efficient tools for researchers.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalMachine Intelligence Research·DateApr 10, 2023

Those who avoided COVID-19 precautions early in the pandemic are more likely to buy firearms

A Rutgers study finds that individuals who avoid COVID-19 precautions are more likely to buy firearms, especially those with liberal or moderate political views. These groups also tend to trust less scientific information and have concerns about physical attacks, leading them to prioritize firearm ownership as a means of self-protection.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Social and Clinical Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 10, 2023

Changes in children’s screen time during pandemic

During the pandemic, children's recreational screen time significantly increased on weekdays compared to weekends. Once schools reopened, weekday screen time decreased but remained higher than pre-pandemic estimates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 10, 2023
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.

New therapy harnesses patients’ blood cells to fight tumors

Researchers have discovered a non-invasive way to isolate tumor-reactive lymphocytes from blood, opening up new treatment options for cancer patients. This breakthrough could potentially bypass radiation therapies and harsh chemotherapy drugs, making it a more viable option for hospitals.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 10, 2023

Identifying cancer genes’ multiple personalities

Scientists have created a new method to model liver cancer tumor subtypes using CRISPR-Cas9, discovering that specific gene isoforms can lead to different cancer subtypes. This platform could help researchers develop new therapeutic interventions for treating cancer and other diseases.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·DateApr 10, 2023

Early crop plants were more easily ‘tamed’

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis suggest that ancient humans may have chosen certain wild plants for domestication based on their ability to be easily 'tamed'. Plants with high plasticity, or the capacity to respond to environmental changes, can produce more yields and easier-to-sprout seeds.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Light pollution may extend mosquitoes’ biting season

A study suggests that artificial light at night disrupts the winter dormancy period of mosquitoes, causing them to bite humans and animals longer into the fall. This delay in diapause may increase the risk of West Nile virus transmission.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInsects·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023
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.

Seismic data detects Alaskan landslides that could trigger tsunamis

Researchers have developed a way to quickly detect and assess glacial valley landslides in coastal Alaska, which can trigger dangerous local tsunamis. They use seismic data to pinpoint landslide events and estimate their volume, aiming to develop an operational detection tool for tsunami centers.

SourceSeismological Society of America·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2023

Scientists map gusty winds in a far-off neutron star system

Scientists have created the first 2D map of wind patterns around a neutron star, revealing clues to galaxy formation. The map shows the wind's vertical structure and velocity, which is about 1 million miles per hour, and offers new insights into the influence of disk winds on galaxy evolution.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 10, 2023

A new primary care model proves effective for patients with severe mental illness

A new 'enhanced primary care' model has been found to be effective in reducing blood pressure and hemoglobin A1c levels among patients with severe mental illness. The study, conducted at UNC WakeBrook, showed significant improvements in screening for people with severe mental illness compared to usual primary care.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateApr 10, 2023

This elephant’s self-taught banana peeling offers glimpse of elephants’ broader abilities

Researchers discovered an Asian elephant named Pang Pha's exceptional banana-peeling ability, which suggests that elephants have impressive cognitive and manipulative skills. The study found that Pha learned to peel bananas through observational learning from humans, challenging the idea that such complex behaviors are unique to humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2023
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.

New Study Suggests Cold Imagery Creates Perception of Newness in Advertisements

Researchers from Japan found that cold imagery can positively influence consumer behavior and perception about a product, increasing perceived ambiguity and newness. This study suggests using background images related to coldness in advertisements may be an effective way for marketers to communicate product newness without altering the...

SourceSophia University·JournalJournal of Business Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Scientists advocate for integration of biogeography and behavioral ecology to rapidly respond to biodiversity loss

An interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Oklahoma advocates for integrating biogeography and behavioral ecology to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how to leverage existing biodiversity knowledge into predictive frameworks for addressing biodiversity loss. The authors argue that combining these two fie...

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2023
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 technology for dramatic reduction of daily odors

KIST developed an annealing activated carbon that improves the removal of nitrogen-containing odorous compounds by up to 38 times. The new material uses a multidentate adsorption mechanism to enhance adsorption efficiency.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateApr 10, 2023

Teachers who struggle to cope with stress report far lower job satisfaction, MU study finds

A new study found that teachers who struggle to cope with stress report far lower job satisfaction compared to those who manage their pressure effectively. The research highlights the importance of identifying and adopting healthy coping mechanisms to prevent teacher burnout, which contributes to many teachers leaving the profession.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPsychology in the Schools·TypeSurvey·DateApr 10, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

View interpolation networks for reproducing the material appearance of specular objects

Researchers developed view interpolation networks to reproduce material appearances of specular objects using images from intermediate viewpoints of four cameras on a sphere. The networks outperformed traditional methods, but future studies are needed to address complex materials and increased degrees of freedom.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateApr 10, 2023

New guidelines on catatonia aim to create a step-change in management

The new guidelines, developed by 22 experts across three continents, provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating catatonia. The recommendations include the use of benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy, with attention to special requirements for certain groups.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateApr 10, 2023

Do all fungi matter? Yes, new study argues

A recent study found large groups of fungi that don't form fruiting bodies and can't be grown in labs, highlighting their ecological importance. The authors suggest modifying nomenclature rules to describe these 'dark fungi', which could prove to be the dominant lifestyle in the fungal kingdom.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalMycoKeys·DateApr 10, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Mild COVID during pregnancy does not slow brain development in babies, study finds

Researchers studied 407 infants born to mothers with mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 at any point during pregnancy and found they developed similarly to those without COVID. The study used a novel method to observe babies remotely, adapting a developmental assessment tool for COVID-safe evaluation.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2023

Study: Shutting down nuclear power could increase air pollution

A recent MIT study finds that shutting down nuclear power could significantly increase air pollution, with up to 5,200 premature deaths estimated. The study reveals that fossil fuel sources would fill the gap, leading to increased health risks, especially for Black or African American communities.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 10, 2023

Scientists create model to predict depression and anxiety using artificial intelligence and social media

Researchers at the University of São Paulo used artificial intelligence and Twitter to develop a database and models that can detect depression and anxiety before clinical diagnosis. The study found that BERT performed best in predicting depression and anxiety, with a statistically significant difference from LogReg.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateApr 10, 2023

Scientists show how we can anticipate rather than react to extinction in mammals

Researchers developed a model that predicts which species are at risk of becoming threatened or extinct based on climate change, human population growth, and land use patterns. The study aims to shift conservation efforts from reactive to proactive, enabling the protection of species before they reach threatened status.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2023
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.

Stow­aways in the genome

Researchers found over 30,000 unknown viruses integrated into the DNA of single-celled eukaryotic organisms, including algae and human parasites. These 'virophages' may protect their hosts from giant virus infections by reprogramming them to build virophages.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2023

Vaccine hesitancy has become a nationwide issue: What can science do about it?

A national survey found that South Carolina residents were more hesitant to receive COVID-19 vaccines due to low confidence in public health scientists and collective responsibility. Researchers hope that targeted education efforts will address these factors and reduce vaccine hesitancy.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·TypeSurvey·DateApr 10, 2023
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.

Can alcohol-associated burn injuries impair cognitive function?

Burn-injured patients who use alcohol experience more severe complications, delayed recovery, and increased morbidity and mortality. Researchers found a correlation between inflammation markers and delirium during hospitalization, suggesting impaired cognitive function as a potential issue.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAlcohol·DateApr 10, 2023

Roundtable on community engagement in data decision-making

Expert panelists emphasize need to redefine measures and represent historically excluded populations in data collection. They highlight efforts to build data capacity in under-resourced communities and enhance community involvement.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBig Data·TypeCase study·DateApr 10, 2023

Study shows families making choices that perpetuate segregation in city with school choice policy

Research from the University of Kansas shows that families in Washington D.C.'s school choice policy are making choices that perpetuate segregation. Despite having more opportunities for integration, white families are returning to city centers and using tactics such as gaming the lottery system to secure spots in desirable schools.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalUrban Education·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 10, 2023

Study shows involuntary displacement of people experiencing homelessness may cause significant spikes in mortality, overdoses and hospitalizations

A new model shows that encampment sweeps, bans and move-along-orders contribute to 15-25% increase in deaths among people experiencing homelessness over a 10-year period. Involuntary displacement is linked to increased overdose deaths, hospitalizations, injection-related infections and hindered access to medications.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2023
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.

Crosstalk between triple negative breast cancer and microenvironment

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of tumor microenvironment in developing and controlling triple negative breast cancer progression. Researchers suggest that technological advancements like genomics and epigenomics hold promise for overcoming TNBC's current limitations.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 10, 2023

Kids judge Alexa smarter than Roomba, but say both deserve kindness

Four to eleven-year-olds deemed Alexa more human-like, but neither robot deserved to be harmed or yelled at. As kids advanced towards adolescence, the feeling dwindled, and older children reported it was slightly more acceptable to attack technology.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 10, 2023
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.

Swimming pools of the rich make cities thirsty

Research reveals that social inequalities are driving urban water crises in cities worldwide, with affluent individuals consuming a disproportionate share of water for leisure activities. The study suggests that addressing unsustainable water consumption among the wealthy is crucial to reducing these crises.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2023

Breaking inert bonds: Multicomponent catalysts pave the way for green chemistry and green carbon science

Researchers explored multicomponent electrocatalysts for activating and converting inert bonds in CO2 and N2. Three models were developed: Type I, II, and III, offering advantages in stability, activity, and reaction processes. Future directions involve scaling up and integrating these processes into industrial applications.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 10, 2023

How cancer evades immune system detection and spreads

Research discovers how cancer cells evade immune system detection and metastasize in the body. Pre-metastatic cells and exhausted CD8+ cells are identified as key players in this process. The study explores ways to target these pathways and activate immune responses to block metastasis.

SourceSingHealth·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2023

Non-biological factors and social determinants of health important in women’s CVD risk assessment

The new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of including non-biological factors and social determinants in CVD risk assessment for women. These factors include economic stability, neighborhood safety, education level, and access to quality healthcare, which disproportionately affect women from dive...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateApr 10, 2023
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.

Giant, swimming mouths: Oral dimensions of extant sharks do not accurately predict body size in Dunkleosteus terrelli (Placodermi: Arthrodira)

A new study challenges previous estimates of Dunkleosteus' size, finding that mouth dimensions of extant sharks do not reliably estimate body size. The research suggests arthrodires have larger mouths relative to their body length than sharks, leading to biologically illogical body shapes and likely suffocation due to small gills.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 10, 2023

Rooting out how plants control nitrogen use

Scientists at Tohoku University identified regulatory mechanisms in plants that utilize nitrogenous fertilizers, suggesting potential ways to generate crops with reduced fertilizer needs. The study focused on thale cress and aims to apply its findings to major crop plants like rice and cereals.

SourceTohoku University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateApr 10, 2023

Prior treatments influence immunotherapy response in advanced melanoma

A study published in Cancer Cell found that prior treatments, such as CTLA-4 blockade, modify the response to anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade therapy. The research analyzed data from over 500 patients and identified key factors associated with treatment response. This finding may help scientists create more precise future treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Bariatric surgery may reverse diabetes complications for people with obesity

A study published in Diabetologia found that bariatric surgery can regenerate damaged nerves and improve metabolic risk factors related to diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy, a condition affecting over 30 million Americans, showed improvements two years after the procedure.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDiabetologia·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2023
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.

Temperature is stronger than light and flow as driver of oxygen in US rivers

Researchers found temperature to be the predominant driver of dissolved oxygen dynamics in US rivers, outperforming light and flow as factors. The study used a deep learning model to analyze data from hundreds of rivers across the United States, revealing the importance of temperature in maintaining water quality.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Water·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2023

New textile unravels warmth-trapping secrets of polar bear fur

Engineers at UMass Amherst invent bilayered fabric that traps warmth like polar bear fur, keeping wearer comfortable in cold temperatures. The fabric is also lightweight and efficient, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional insulation.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 10, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Combination therapy overcomes BET inhibitor resistance

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital developed a novel combination therapy approach that uses both BET and GSK3 inhibitors against KMT2A mutated leukemia, overcoming drug resistance without increasing toxicity. The approach was confirmed in cell lines and xenograft mouse models, and holds promise for further development.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Study unravels pathophysiological role of Dectin-1 in promoting colorectal cancer

A study led by Tokyo University of Science researchers identified Dectin-1's role in promoting colorectal cancer by enhancing PGE2 production and suppressing IL-22BP expression. The study used mouse models and clinical samples to validate the findings, which have immediate clinical implications for CRC patients.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023
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.

Tailings dams degrade the upstream variety and abundance of fish species

Research finds that tailings storage dams disrupt life cycles, cause intolerance to lentic conditions, and introduce non-native species in affected streams. This study reveals a decline in catfish species, including armored catfish, in Brazilian streams impacted by TSDs.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2023
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.

Purdue receives $1 million USDA grants for sustainable agriculture projects

Purdue University has received two grants of $1 million each from the US Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop more resilient food systems. The grants will support research, education, and extension efforts aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural systems in Eastern U.S. forests and Midwes...

SourcePurdue University·DateApr 10, 2023

Texas A&M researchers discover new circuit element

Researchers at Texas A&M University have identified a new circuit element called the meminductor, which exhibits memory-like properties. The discovery was made using a two-terminal passive system and proved the existence of meminductance in an inductor circuit element.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 10, 2023

Mint flavor makes vape juice more toxic, damaging to lungs

Researchers developed a biologically inspired 'vaping robot' to mimic human breathing patterns and tested commercially available e-liquids containing menthol. The study found that menthol vapers took shallower breaths and had poorer lung function compared to non-menthol smokers, regardless of age or smoking history.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalRespiratory Research·DateApr 10, 2023

Solar cells charging forward

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully created silicon-based photovoltaics at room temperature using a hybrid PEDOT:PSS/silicon heterojunction. This breakthrough technology offers improved production speed and cost, with power generation efficiency above 10%. The new process has the potential to facilitate large-scale diffus...

SourceKyoto University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Penn Medicine study reveals new insights on brain development sequence through adolescence

A Penn Medicine study identified a developmental sequence in brain maturation during adolescence, revealing regions supporting cognitive and social functions remain malleable until late adolescence. The study found that socioeconomic environments have a significant impact on brain development in these regions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 10, 2023
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.