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Science News for August 25, 2023


Paper cups are just as toxic as plastic cups

A study by the University of Gothenburg found that paper cups, made from bioplastics like PLA, leach toxic chemicals into water and sediment, affecting aquatic life. Researchers call for transparency in plastics industry reporting to minimize plastic production.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Food recognition and logging: New research focuses on local Singaporean food

Researchers at Singapore Management University aim to create a robust machine learning system capable of correctly identifying Singapore's multiracial food. The project focuses on addressing biases in current systems and developing an algorithm that can recognize a wide range of dishes, including those beyond popular online trends.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateAug 25, 2023

The recovery of European freshwater biodiversity stops, urgent action needed

A comprehensive study reveals a stagnation in European freshwater biodiversity recovery, highlighting the need for intensified mitigation strategies. The analysis of 1,816 time series of freshwater invertebrate communities between 1968 and 2020 shows promising increases until the 2010s, but a significant slowdown since then.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2023

Augusta University researcher calls for modernizing the UN's traditional approach to population replacement measurement

Augusta University researcher Arni S.R. Srinivasa Rao calls for updating the UN's traditional approach to measuring population replacement levels. He proposes a new formula that allows for more timely and accurate measurement, which is essential for understanding emerging global demographics.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalMathematical Biosciences·DateAug 25, 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.

How origami might inform disease diagnoses

Researchers created stretchable strain sensors that can measure large and complex deformations accurately. The new sensors respond quickly, detecting deformations in under 22 milliseconds, and can be used to monitor organs for diseases like bladder abnormalities.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2023

How fast does the charge migrate in molecules?

Scientists have successfully measured the speed of molecular charge migration in a carbon-chain molecule, revealing a movement of several angstroms per femtosecond. The study used a two-color high harmonic spectroscopy scheme with machine learning reconstruction to achieve a temporal resolution of 50 as.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateAug 25, 2023

Starch discovery reaps benefits for brewing, baking and milling industries

Research has clarified how starch granules form in wheat seeds, unlocking diverse potential benefits for various industries. The discovery of the enzyme PHS1 crucial for B-type granule initiation offers opportunities to create variations in starch for different food and industrial applications.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalThe Plant Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 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.

Designing robust computer vision systems for autonomous vehicles

A team from Nanyang Technological University and the National University of Singapore aims to develop innovative solutions to enhance the accuracy of computer vision systems for autonomous vehicles. They will focus on designing CV systems that can recover to at least 80% of their original accuracy following physical threats or attacks.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateAug 25, 2023

Women with undiagnosed endometriosis visit the doctor more frequently

Women with undiagnosed endometriosis exhibit increased healthcare utilization, including GP visits and hospital interactions, prior to diagnosis. Researchers hope their study sheds light on the serious consequences of delayed diagnosis and aims to help healthcare professionals identify women with endometriosis-like symptoms.

SourceAarhus University·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 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.

Families with a team mindset strengthened their bonds during COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found that families with a cohesive, family-oriented mindset were more likely to improve their well-being during the pandemic. Individuals in these families reported higher levels of personal fulfillment and lower stress and loneliness compared to those with weaker family dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·TypeSurvey·DateAug 25, 2023

‘Pregaming’ linked to risky substance use among college students

A study by Texas A&M University found that pregaming is linked to unsafe alcohol use and other risky behaviors among college students. Pregaming was associated with a two-day increase in alcohol use frequency and was found to be around 2.5 times more likely to lead to cannabis or other drug use.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·DateAug 25, 2023

Two new projects bring health care to vulnerable groups

Researchers have been awarded $600K each to lead projects improving healthcare access for underserved populations, including Black women and rural/minority communities. These projects will use innovative strategies such as at-home blood pressure monitoring and telemedicine-assisted testing to address health disparities.

SourceArnold School of Public Health·DateAug 25, 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.

‘You just emotionally break’: understanding COVID-19 narratives through public health humanities

A new essay highlights how news stories about healthcare workers during COVID-19 often left out crucial socioeconomic and environmental contexts, which can impact consumer thoughts and responses. By introducing a public health framework, experts aim to broaden storytelling and reframed scientific information dissemination.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMedical Humanities·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 25, 2023

First international guidelines on heart muscle diseases published today

The European Society of Cardiology has published its first international guidelines on cardiomyopathies, covering all subtypes and specific recommendations for other than hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The guidelines aim to improve diagnosis, treatment and management of heart muscle diseases, emphasizing patient-centered care.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 25, 2023

Adrenocortical carcinoma: No mitotane for low risk of recurrence

A new clinical study found that adjuvant treatment with Mitotane is not necessary for patients with low risk of recurrence if they have a complete R0 resection, low tumour stage and Ki-67 levels below 10%. This approach has shown no significant improvement in relapse rate but is associated with side effects.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 25, 2023

First ESC Guidelines covering all acute coronary syndromes published today

The new guidelines provide comprehensive advice on managing unstable angina and all types of acute myocardial infarction. Key findings include the importance of timely intervention to minimize heart muscle damage and the need for personalized care considering patient perspectives, needs, and beliefs.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 25, 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.

Weight loss medication benefits patients with heart failure and obesity

A new study presented at ESC Congress 2023 found that semaglutide improved heart failure-related symptoms, physical function, and exercise function in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and obesity. The treatment also resulted in greater weight loss compared to placebo.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 25, 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.

Changes in patient experiences of hospital care during the pandemic

Higher-staffed and performing hospitals were more resilient during the pandemic, but patient experiences declined in all hospitals by late 2021. The study highlights the importance of hospital preparedness and performance in mitigating the effects of the pandemic on patient care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 25, 2023

UC economist finds strong link between park funding, home values

A UC economist found a strong correlation between park funding and home values in Ohio communities. House prices were 13% higher three years after voting to renew tax levies for recreational areas, but not immediately after the vote. The study suggests that underfunded parks may be a contributing factor to lower housing values.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Regional Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2023

Move over pythons: These snakes are the real champion eaters

The Dasypeltis gansi, a harmless African snake, consumes eggs whole and can eat prey three to four times bigger than black rat snakes. This unique adaptation allows it to outeat Burmese pythons relative to its size.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Zoology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2023

Insights from past warming: Enhanced temperature seasonality in China during the mid-Holocene

A study found an enhanced temperature seasonality in China during the mid-Holocene, with a nationally averaged enhancement of 2.44°C or 9% for the multimodel mean. The change was closely related to seasonal contrast variation of surface energy fluxes, mainly due to net shortwave radiation.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateAug 25, 2023
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.

Mindfulness can enhance responses to witnessing injustice

The study found that mindfulness increases moral outrage and punishment for others in injustice, challenging the idea that it can numb people to such events. No bystanding behavior was observed across all studies, indicating that more people will help a person in distress when witnessing injustice.

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateAug 25, 2023

NIH study examines connections between drinking water quality and increased lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis

A new NIH study found that high levels of certain minerals and metals in environmental water supplies may increase the risk of nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary infections in people with cystic fibrosis. The presence of sulfate, vanadium, and molybdenum was positively associated with increased incidence of lung infections.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalEnvironmental Epidemiology·DateAug 25, 2023

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more deadly

Research reveals that heatwaves like the 2003 European heatwave could become the new norm, with increased mortality risks, especially for the elderly and poor. Ideal temperature ranges vary by location, and climate models predict a significant increase in heat-related deaths in coming years.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 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.

Patients urged to be vigilant about cardiac infections

Patients with valvular heart disease, congenital abnormalities, or pacemakers should prioritize prevention measures like twice-daily tooth cleaning and strict skin hygiene. The Guidelines emphasize the importance of patient education, antibiotic prophylaxis, and early diagnosis to combat infective endocarditis.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 25, 2023

Deciphering influence of Tibetan plateau on spring cloud cover and radiation budget

Researchers find Tibetan Plateau's shape orchestrates airflows and radiation energy transfers, dictating sky temperatures and cloud cover over East Asia. The plateau enhances airflows that generate more clouds over South China, while its thermal influence creates areas of low pressure and surface warming.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Climate·DateAug 25, 2023

How being in space impairs astronauts’ immune system

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that weightlessness affects T cells in astronauts' immune systems, making them less effective at fighting infections. The study's results could lead to new treatments for reversing these changes.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2023
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.

Is hip replacement safe for people in their 90s? Risks depend on patients' health as well as age

A recent study found that patients over 90 have higher complication and mortality rates after total hip arthroplasty (THA), but the risks can be minimized through careful patient selection and adequate preparation. Comorbidity has a major impact on THA risks, with certain conditions increasing the risk of complications and mortality.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateAug 25, 2023

How local communities depend on the ivory palm tree in coastal Ecuador

The study found that local communities in coastal Ecuador depend less on tagua trees today than their grandparents did, but still use them for cultural and supporting services. The research highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgricultural and Resource Economics Review·TypeSurvey·DateAug 25, 2023

Scientists invent new way to sort cells by type using light

Researchers have developed a new way to sort cells by type using light-based stimulated Raman spectroscopy, offering a label-free and nondestructive approach for various biomedical applications. The technique enables the separation of cells based on their intracellular chemical composition in high-throughput manner.

SourceOptica·DateAug 25, 2023

PolyU scholar’s transformative work on the Leidenfrost effect wins the Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2023

Prof. Zuankai WANG's innovative structured thermal armour (STA) resolves the Leidenfrost effect above 1,000°C, enabling efficient liquid cooling in extreme temperatures. This breakthrough applies to aero-engines, space-engines, nuclear reactors, and electronics devices, with far-reaching implications for chemistry and beyond.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalNature·TypeCase study·DateAug 25, 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.

Myocardial infarction, the number one cause of sudden death, may be treated by modulating the immune response.

Researchers developed a novel treatment for severe myocardial infarction by reducing inflammation and improving heart function. The treatment uses anti-inflammatory nanovesicles derived from fibroblasts with induced apoptosis, delivered specifically to macrophages at the site of myocardial infarction.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 25, 2023

Recommendations to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes published today

Patients with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and the new guidelines recommend systematic screening, lifestyle changes, and medication to reduce this risk. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of managing heart failure, kidney damage, and atrial fibrillation in these patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 25, 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.

U.S. ninth graders’ math course placement at the intersection of learning disability status, race, and socioeconomic status

Researchers found that students with disabilities are disproportionately placed in lower-level math courses due to cumulative disadvantage. The study's intersectional framework highlights the complex relationships between learning disability status, race, and socioeconomic status.

SourcePortland State University·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateAug 25, 2023

α-Al2O3 protective layer that sticks to metal surface with functions of an anchor and peg

Researchers have developed a compact α-Al2O3 protective layer that can stick to metal surfaces, providing outstanding protection in high-temperature liquid metal environments. The layer's unique structure and properties promote adhesion strength and resist peeling, making it an innovative solution for extending the service life of liqu...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalSurface and Coatings Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2023

Mitochondria pore emerges as potential key to managing muscular dystrophies

Researchers isolated the primary disease-causing component of muscular dystrophy to the mitochondrial permeability pore and found that preventing its function stops disease progression. A potential treatment strategy involves targeting the mitochondrial pore with a nontoxic inhibitor, which could provide benefits independently or in co...

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 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.

Cancer drug development yesterday, today and tomorrow

Researchers Elzbieta Izbicka and Robert T. Streeper discuss the evolution of cancer drug development, highlighting recent progress and emerging challenges due to environmental factors. They also examine how artificial intelligence may impact future drug development.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 25, 2023

Kessler Foundation team examines influence of processing speed on treatment benefits of cognitive rehabilitation for individuals with traumatic brain injury

Research by Kessler Foundation team found that processing speed plays a role in benefit from the modified Story Memory Technique on verbal list learning but not on prose memory tasks. This suggests that treating deficits in processing speed may lead to optimal outcomes for individuals with traumatic brain injury.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalBrain Injury·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 25, 2023

Patient experiences with hospitals worsened during first two years of pandemic

A RAND Corporation study found that patient experiences with hospitals declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with deficits largest at lower-performing and understaffed facilities. Hospitals with higher staffing levels were more resilient but eventually reported worse experiences as well.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2023

A new analytical framework assesses the risk of invasive golden mussels in water diversion projects

Researchers develop innovative framework to evaluate establishment risks linked to invasive golden mussels in water diversion projects. Key environmental variables identified, including total nitrogen levels and optimal water temperature, which impact mussel reproduction and biofouling risk.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateAug 25, 2023

European Society of Cardiology calls for competency-based cardiac imaging

The European Society of Cardiology calls for competency-based cardiac imaging delivery to enhance effective and efficient patient care. This approach enables cardiologists to deliver high-quality imaging services, select the most appropriate modality for each clinical scenario, and provide informed decision-making.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 25, 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.

Grant to help students continue research in nematodes

Brandon Carpenter, a Kennesaw State University professor, received a $432,000 NIH grant to continue his research on epigenetic states and their inheritance in nematodes. Students will use the microscopic Caenorhabditis elegans worm to study neurological disorders.

SourceKennesaw State University·DateAug 25, 2023

New guideline details dental pain management strategies for pediatric patients

The American Dental Association has released a new clinical practice guideline recommending the use of acetaminophen and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as first-line treatments for managing short-term dental pain in children under 12. The guideline has been endorsed by the American Dental Association.

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateAug 25, 2023

Spending on mental health services has risen by more than 50% since beginning of pandemic

A new study found that mental health spending rose by 53% from March 2020 to August 2022 among privately insured Americans, with in-person care experiencing a significant increase. Despite plateaued telehealth use, overall mental health service use grew nearly 39%. The trend's sustainability remains uncertain.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2023

New human cell-based 3D model reveals insights into how immune cells contribute to Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a novel 3D human cellular model that mimics the intricate interactions between brain cells and immune invaders, providing insights into how immune cells contribute to Alzheimer's disease progression. The study identified specific types of immune cells called CT8+ T Cells surg...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 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.

Focused update of ESC Heart Failure Guidelines published today

A focused update of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Heart Failure Guidelines incorporates latest evidence-based treatments for improved patient outcomes. New recommendations include SGLT2 inhibitors and intensive treatment strategies to reduce hospitalization and mortality.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 25, 2023

Unlocking the secrets of cell antennas

The NSL complex controls intraciliary transport genes essential for cilia formation and function. Loss of the complex leads to impaired assembly and activation of these genes, resulting in ciliopathies characterized by hearing loss, visual impairment, and kidney disease.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2023