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Science News for April 21, 2023


Biological age is increased by stress and restored upon recovery

A study found that biological age in humans and mice increases rapidly in response to diverse forms of stress, only to reverse after recovery. The researchers used DNA methylation clocks to measure changes in biological age, revealing transient changes in response to stressful stimuli.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2023

How alcohol consumption contributes to chronic pain

A Scripps Research team found that both alcohol intake and withdrawal can lead to increased pain sensitivity in adult mice. The study suggests potential new drug targets for treating alcohol-associated chronic pain and hypersensitivity.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateApr 21, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study reveals pivotal RNA modification in mouse embryos

Scientists have successfully mapped the landscape of m6A modification in mouse embryos, revealing intriguing patterns of gene activity and distribution in transposable elements. This study fills a gap in the transcriptome field, providing new insights into the function of m6A during development.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 21, 2023

Social media data provides first glimpse at increased popularity of air conditioning worldwide

New research using social media advertising data provides insights into the adoption of air conditioning units worldwide, particularly in heat-vulnerable regions. The study found that middle-aged, highly educated, married males, and parents with small children are more likely to express online interest in AC units.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalOne Earth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2023

World’s largest grammar database reveals accelerating loss of language diversity

The study highlights the importance of language documentation and revitalization to preserve human communication, culture, and cognition. Grambank reveals that language loss is occurring unevenly across major linguistic regions, with indigenous languages in northeast South America, Alaska, and northern Australia at highest risk.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2023

Rideshares outperform taxis in an emergency

A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that ridesharing platforms significantly outperformed traditional taxi systems during urban emergencies. The platforms' use of technology and elastic supply of vehicles and drivers enabled them to cope with uncertainties more effectively.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateApr 21, 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.

The Mathematics of Cell Boundary 'Ruggedness'

The study, led by Professor Takashi Miura of Kyushu University, has discovered that interdigitated cell boundaries have a mathematically scaling pattern with self-similarity. The team used the Edwards-Wilkinson model to simulate and understand the molecular mechanism responsible for these dynamics.

SourceKyushu University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2023

Long distance voyaging among the Pacific Islands

A team of researchers analyzed stone artefacts from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Caroline Islands to understand relationship between western Pacific Polynesian societies. Geochemical analysis revealed six adzes sourced from a single fortified quarry complex in American Samoa, indicating long-distance mobility.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2023

Heart injury biomarker may help COVID-19 patients avoid hospitalization, new study shows

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that a heart injury biomarker, cardiac troponin, can identify low-risk COVID-19 patients who have normal troponin levels, potentially helping doctors send them home safely. The study suggests that elevated troponin levels may not accurately predict individual patient risk of death.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2023

New tool facilitates clinical interpretation of genetic information

Researchers developed DeMAG, an open-source web server facilitating accurate interpretation of genetic mutations in disease genes. The tool reduces false positives by integrating structural and evolutionary features, enabling medical professionals to make informed clinical decisions.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 21, 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 study uncovers Colorado’s spicy ancient history of chili peppers

Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder identified a fossil chili pepper that may rewrite the geography and evolutionary timeline of the tomato plant family. The team's findings suggest that chili peppers were present in North America at least 50 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNew Phytologist·DateApr 21, 2023

Neuroptera: Greater insect diversity in the Cretaceous period

A study of neuroptera larvae over 100 million years reveals a complex pattern of loss of morphological diversity, with some lines diversifying and gaining importance. The findings suggest that actual diversity was likely substantially greater in the past.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 21, 2023

Researchers identify unique biomarker patterns identifying MIS-C and severe COVID in children

Researchers have identified specific biomarker patterns in blood samples that are unique to severe COVID-19 infection and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in children. These findings may lead to the development of diagnostic tests to predict severe disease and distinguish MIS-C from other conditions.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateApr 21, 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.

Green living environment in early childhood does not protect against eczema

A new Finnish study found that a green living environment in early childhood does not prevent eczema, despite previous expectations. The study associated coniferous forests and agricultural areas with an elevated risk of eczema, particularly for children born in the spring.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 21, 2023

New paper advances understanding of geographic health disparities

A recent study published in Demography found that analyzing birthplace instead of residence reveals significant geographic disparities in mortality. The research suggests that interstate migration reduces regional inequalities, making them less visible in previous studies.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2023

Obstetricians more emotionally stable than most

A study from Lund University found Swedish obstetricians and gynecologists have a significantly higher emotional stability and conscientiousness compared to the general population. This difference affects their decision-making styles in acute childbirth situations.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 21, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Firearms injure or kill up to a quarter of juvenile justice youth after detention

A new study by Northwestern University found that up to a quarter of juvenile justice youth are later injured or killed by firearms within 16 years. The study highlights the need for policy and intervention strategies to address the epidemic of firearm injury and death among high-risk youth, particularly those in the juvenile justice s...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2023

Most people feel “psychologically close” to climate change

Researchers found that most people perceive climate change as an important and timely issue, contrary to the assumption that it is a distant problem. The study suggests that focusing on leveraging this perception can help drive climate action.

SourceCell Press·JournalOne Earth·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 21, 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.

Putting hydrogen on solid ground: Simulations with a machine learning model predict a new phase of solid hydrogen

Researchers used a machine learning model to simulate the behavior of hydrogen atoms at high pressures, discovering a new phase that was missed by previous theories and experiments. The discovery has sparked further investigation into the properties of solid hydrogen under extreme conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 21, 2023

Study shows how machine learning can identify social grooming behavior from acceleration signals in wild baboons

Researchers tracked social grooming behavior in wild baboons using collars-mounted accelerometers, identifying and quantifying giving and receiving grooming with high accuracy. The study's findings have important implications for the study of social behavior in animals, particularly non-human primates.

SourceSwansea University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2023

The climate and biodiversity crises are not two separate things

The study emphasizes the connection between climate crisis and biodiversity loss, highlighting the need to protect and restore at least 30% of land, freshwater, and marine zones. The authors propose a combination of emissions reduction, restoration, and protection measures to address both crises.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalScience·DateApr 21, 2023

Developing cells likely can ‘change their mind’ about their destiny

New research suggests neural crest cells retain adaptability even after differentiation, enabling them to 'change their mind' and differentiate anew. This hyper-flexibility has significant implications for regenerative medicine, as these cells have immense potential as treatments to replace and repair damaged body tissue.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 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.

Study points to new approach to treat chronic transplant rejection

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh have discovered a type of immune cell that drives chronic organ transplant failure and uncovered pathways to improve patient outcomes. Blocking IL-15 signaling has been shown to prolong graft survival in mouse kidney recipients, offering a promising therapeutic target.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2023

On-demand preparation of organosilicon reagents

Scientists at the National University of Singapore have developed a new method for synthesizing organosilanes using eosin Y, a low-cost and readily available dye molecule. This enables stepwise customised functionalisation of multihydrosilanes to access fully substituted silicon compounds.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2023

Newly sequenced hornet genomes could help explain invasion success

Researchers have sequenced the genomes of two hornet species, revealing clues to their invasive success. The study found rapid genome evolution and genes related to communication and smell, which may help explain why hornets are successful as invasive species across the globe.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 21, 2023

Study finds alcohol-related liver disease soared in nearly all states during the pandemic, with one race particularly affected

Alcohol consumption increased substantially across US during COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among American Indian and Alaska Native populations, leading to a six-fold increase in deaths from alcohol-associated liver disease compared to white people. The study highlights the need for urgent action by public policy leaders to address th...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateApr 21, 2023
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.

A backpack full of multiple sclerosis therapy

A cell therapy using myeloid cells bound to drug delivery microparticles reduces disease burden in a preclinical multiple sclerosis model. The therapy partially reverses hind limb paralysis and improves motor functions.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2023
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.

Gut bacteria use super-polymers to dodge antibiotics

Researchers discovered that gut bacteria's F-pili are stronger in harsh conditions, enabling efficient gene transfer and biofilm formation. The findings highlight the challenge of combating antibiotic resistance and suggest exploiting similar molecular properties for precise drug delivery.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 21, 2023

A K-/Ka-band planar shared-aperture beam-scanning array with a high-isolation for the emerging mm-wave shared-aperture terminals

A K-/Ka-band planar shared-aperture beam-scanning array with high isolation is presented, featuring a compact footprint and wideband operation. The proposed antenna achieves improved channel isolation using a fully differential feed network and filtering response of the substrate-integrated waveguide.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Information Sciences·DateApr 21, 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.

Researchers devise cascaded microfluidic circuits for pulsatile filtration of extracellular vesicles directly from whole blood samples

Cascaded microfluidic circuits successfully isolate and purify EVs directly from blood samples within 30 minutes, surpassing ultracentrifugation and dead-end filtration methods. The technology has high clinical potential for early cancer diagnosis and real-time monitoring of tumor development.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2023

New approach to developing efficient, high-precision 3D light shapers

Scientists create a simple approach to fabricating highly precise 3D aperiodic photonic volume elements (APVEs) for various applications. The method uses direct laser writing to arrange voxels of specific refractive indices in glass, enabling the precise control of light flow and achieving record-high diffraction efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateApr 21, 2023

Arctic ice algae heavily contaminated with microplastics

Research reveals that Arctic ice algae, Melosira arctica, contain ten times more microplastic particles than surrounding seawater. The clumps of dead algae transport plastic pollutants quickly into the deep sea, posing a threat to creatures that feed on them.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2023
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.

Tiny plastic particles also find their way into the brain

A study discovered that tiny polystyrene particles can breach the blood-brain barrier two hours after ingestion, increasing the risk of inflammation and neurological disorders. The newly found mechanism relies on a biomolecular corona, highlighting the need to restrict nanoplastic use and exposure.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalNanomaterials·DateApr 21, 2023

Researchers develop safety monitoring system for construction sites

A new system called ViPER+ uses ultra-wideband technology to track workers' locations on job sites, enhancing safety by detecting violations of location-based policies. The system was tested in two construction zones with students playing the roles of workers and vehicles, demonstrating its accuracy in non-line of sight situations.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalApplied Sciences·DateApr 21, 2023

Greener batteries

Researchers have developed a new type of organic battery that uses redox-organic electrode materials (OEMs) synthesized from natural materials. The battery features high capacity, scalability, and recyclability, making it a promising sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 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.

International team of physicists explore microscopic filament behavior

An international team of physicists creates a material with ultra-low density by controlling the three-dimensional shape of rigid microscopic filaments. The study shows that shape can be used to create materials with novel properties, such as glass-like behavior even in high water content suspensions.

SourceGeorgetown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 21, 2023

Bank of England media coverage is an "effective” additional channel for accountability, study shows

A recent study by University of Exeter researchers found that the Bank of England's media coverage plays a significant role in reinforcing accountability. The study analyzed 13,986 articles from major news outlets and discovered that media coverage levels are strongly linked to parliamentary hearings and speeches by central bankers. Th...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGovernance·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 21, 2023

Want to make better materials? Read between the lines. Or the “grain boundaries,” as they’re known in materials science.

A team of scientists created a mathematical model that accurately describes microstructures by integrating data from highly magnified images taken during experiments. The findings provide insight into how microstructures change at high temperatures and have implications for the development of new materials.

SourceLehigh University·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 21, 2023
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.

New stellar danger to planets identified by NASA'S Chandra program

A new study from NASA's Chandra program reveals that exploded stars can pose a significant risk to nearby planets due to intense X-ray radiation, potentially altering atmospheric chemistry and causing mass extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2023

FSU researchers develop new test for detecting cancer biomarkers

A team of FSU chemists has developed a new test for detecting biological markers related to several types of cancer. The sensing platform uses gold nanoparticles and peptides labeled with a dye, emitting light when the enzyme MMP-14 is present, allowing researchers to generate data on cancer marker levels

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 21, 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.

Too much insulin can be as dangerous as too little

A new study has identified a metabolic enzyme called FBP1 that acts as a safety valve to prevent insulin shock. Researchers found that FBP1 inhibits protein kinase AKT, which is the primary conduit of insulin activity, and developed a peptide derived from FBP1 that can reverse insulin resistance and restore normal glycemic control.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 21, 2023

Neighborhood disadvantage and breast cancer–specific survival

A study of 5,000 patients with breast cancer found that women from disadvantaged neighborhoods had shorter breast cancer-specific survival rates compared to those from advantaged areas. The findings suggest potential unaccounted mechanisms, including social determinants of health and access to care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 21, 2023

What makes someone likely to be a first-gen college grad? Money

A new study reveals that first-generation college graduates often originate from more affluent families with greater resources. This challenges the notion of a meritocracy, where success is solely based on individual effort. The research highlights the significant advantage these students have due to their family's socioeconomic status.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSociological Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2023

The right sports bra may increase your running performance by 7%

A new study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living found that greater breast support during running is associated with increased knee joint stiffness, altering the lower body biomechanics of female runners. High support sports bras can improve running performance by up to 7% for women.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 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.

Nanowire networks learn and remember like a human brain

Researchers at University of Sydney demonstrated nanowire networks can exhibit short- and long-term memory, mirroring human brain function. The network outperformed in tasks requiring recognition and recall, showcasing its potential to enhance robotics and sensor devices.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2023