Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 3, 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.

Insulin-like hormones critical for brain plasticity

Research reveals a local mechanism in neurons that enables insulin-like growth factors to facilitate brain plasticity. IGF release is necessary for activating the IGF1-Receptor during synaptic plasticity, leading to neuron growth and strengthening.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

Researchers discuss the ethical challenges of studying DNA from a 18th–19th century African American community

A population genetics team identified genetic relationship between 23andMe users and enslaved Africans in Catoctin Furnace, Maryland. The researchers consider ethics of sharing results with descendants and other relatives, highlighting importance of proper consent and minimizing harm.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 3, 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.

IU-led intervention leveraging technology reduces depression in Indianapolis-area patients

A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that an e-health and telehealth-based collaborative care intervention had a significant impact on patients with depression. The intervention resulted in a 43% reduction in depressive symptoms among participants, compared to only 17% in the usual primary care group.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 3, 2023

NUS study: A patchwork of Wnt signalling ligands and receptors pattern the colours on the wings of butterflies

A NUS study reveals how Wnt signalling regulates colour patterns in butterfly wings, with different ligands and receptors controlling specific areas. The researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to test the function of pathway members, showing that they interact and regulate each other.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

It’s 2023, and coming out is, well, complicated

A new study by Dr. Amin Ghaziani and Andy Holmes found that people are deeply ambivalent about coming out, with awareness of generational differences playing a key role. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 52 adult Vancouverites about their experiences coming out over the last five years.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalTheory and Society·DateAug 3, 2023

Unveiling a new mechanism that accelerates aging of adipose tissues

Researchers unveil a novel signaling pathway that fosters chronic metabolic disorders through aged adipocyte dysfunction. Impaired BCAA catabolism in adipose tissues accelerates aging, while selective inhibition of CRTC2 or PPAR gamma activation may hold potential to inhibit aging and extend health span.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Aging·DateAug 3, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How sensory neurons impact the gut

A new study reveals that the receptor PIEZO2 in sensory neurons plays a crucial role in controlling gut motility and transit time. This finding has significant implications for understanding gastrointestinal disorders and developing therapeutic applications.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell·DateAug 3, 2023

Diagnosing pediatric Crohn disease with radiomic and clinical data

A radiomic-based model using T2-weighted MRI data achieved high accuracy in diagnosing pediatric Crohn disease, outperforming expert radiologists. The model was ensembled with clinical data to further improve performance.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 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.

More girls started puberty early during the COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found an increase in precocious puberty diagnoses among girls during the COVID-19 pandemic due to poor lifestyle changes. Girls with higher body mass index scores were more likely to be diagnosed with early puberty, suggesting a link between rapid weight gain and advanced pubertal development.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateAug 3, 2023

Winter storms over Labrador Sea influence Gulf Stream system

A recent study by GEOMAR researchers found that fluctuations in the Labrador Sea can significantly influence the strength of sinking processes east of Greenland. This phenomenon affects the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a crucial climate system that brings warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to Europe.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2023

Current takes a surprising path in quantum material

Researchers discovered that electrons flow through the bulk of a special type of insulator, rather than at the edges, using magnetic imaging. This finding provides new insights into electron behavior in quantum Hall insulators and informs the development of topological materials for next-generation quantum devices.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 3, 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.

Past climate warming driven by hydrothermal vents

Researchers found that hydrothermal vents were active at shallow depths, releasing larger quantities of methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This discovery has significant implications for understanding past climate warming events.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

The Access to Advanced Health Institute receives $18 million award to develop a temperature stable, single-dose chikungunya RNA vaccine through a phase 1 clinical trial

The Access to Advanced Health Institute has received an $18 million award from the NIH to develop a temperature-stable, single-dose chikungunya RNA vaccine candidate. The vaccine uses innovative RNA platform technology to protect against the virus, which causes debilitating joint and muscle pain in endemic areas.

SourceAccess to Advanced Health Institute·DateAug 3, 2023

Changes in gut microbiome alters rewarding effects of cocaine and cravings

A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that changes in the gut microbiome significantly impact cocaine use and cravings after withdrawal. The researchers discovered that a depleted microbiome led to increased cocaine-seeking behavior and altered neurobiological markers in reward-related brain structures.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateAug 3, 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.

Editorial: Turning the tide on obesity?

Recent advances in medical treatments for obesity offer hope for a turning point in the disease. However, these new weight-loss drugs face challenges, including high costs and potential health disparities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2023

UT extension to help Tennessee farmers navigate labor management

The University of Tennessee Extension will host a series of workshops across the state to help agricultural producers navigate labor management. The workshop series aims to improve the economic sustainability of labor-intensive farming operations in Tennessee by reducing risks associated with attracting and retaining agricultural labor.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateAug 3, 2023

Displaying the design of DNA

Researchers at Arizona State University successfully demonstrated the use of MicroED to analyze a DNA crystal, overcoming limitations of X-ray crystallography. The technique, combined with cryo-FIB milling, enables work with smaller crystals, opening opportunities for understanding RNA structure and developing novel nanotechnologies.

SourceArizona State University·JournalStructure·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 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.

Robots cause company profits to fall – at least at first

Researchers found a U-shaped effect on profit margins due to the relationship between reducing costs, developing new processes, and innovating products. Initially, firms focus on cost reduction, but as robot adoption increases, they shift to product innovation, leading to higher profits.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalIEEE Transactions on Engineering Management·DateAug 3, 2023

A path to defeating crop-killing gray mold without toxic chemicals

Gray mold is a fungus that causes billions of dollars in crop losses each year, but researchers have discovered a way to control it without using toxic chemicals. The discovery reveals that gray mold uses lipid 'bubbles' to deliver RNA molecules that silence plant immune systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 3, 2023

CAR-T immune therapy attacks ovarian cancer in mice with a single dose

Researchers successfully deployed CAR-T therapy in a mouse model of ovarian cancer, demonstrating strong anti-tumor effects even at late stages. The treatment was highly effective, shrinking or eliminating tumors after just one dose and continuing to work for months without major side effects.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

University of Minnesota-led study links long-term artificial sweetener intake to increased body fat adipose tissue volume

A University of Minnesota-led study found that long-term consumption of aspartame and saccharin is associated with increased volumes of visceral, intermuscular, and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The researchers recommend considering alternative approaches to artificial sweeteners due to potential health consequences.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 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.

MSU scientists help discover the highest-energy light coming from the sun

A team of researchers, led by MSU's Mehr Un Nisa, used the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov Observatory to detect gamma rays emitted by the sun with unprecedented brightness. These high-energy particles, known as gamma rays, were found to be surprisingly abundant and have a energy level of 1 trillion electron volts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 3, 2023

GABA receptors in brain could be targets to treat depression and its cognitive symptoms

Researchers propose GABA-modulating treatments as potential therapeutic targets for depression's cognitive and affective symptoms. The study highlights the importance of GABA-A receptors in regulating balance and signals between neurons, and suggests compounds that promote or inhibit these receptors may alleviate depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTrends in Pharmacological Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 3, 2023

Study finds hallmarks of T cell exhaustion within hours of tumor exposure

Researchers found all hallmarks of T cell exhaustion within six to 12 hours of tumor exposure, including dramatic changes in gene expression and chromatin accessibility. The study challenges existing ideas about how T cells become exhausted and has implications for cancer immunotherapies.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

Tropical trees use social distancing to maintain biodiversity

Researchers discovered that adult trees in a Panamanian forest are much more far apart than expected, likely due to species-specific enemies and repulsion between trees. This finding helps bridge the gap between contrasting theories on how forests are shaped.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 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.

Social media algorithms exploit how humans learn from their peers

Researchers found that social media algorithms prioritize 'Prestigious, Ingroup, Moral, and Emotional' (PRIME) information, which can lead to extreme political content being amplified. To address this, the study proposes increasing user awareness of algorithmic biases and introducing more diverse content in feeds.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 3, 2023

Better coaching to promote a person’s growth

A study by Case Western Reserve University researchers found that traditional coaching approaches can hinder growth by focusing on immediate problems. Instead, they recommend helping individuals develop a clear vision of their ideal self, leading to increased positive emotion, openness to new ideas, and sustained intrinsic motivation.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalFrontiers·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2023

Researchers strengthen defenses against common cyberattack

Scientists at PNNL developed a new technique to detect denial-of-service attacks, which improved detection accuracy by 90% compared to current methods. The technique focuses on the evolution of entropy, a measure of disorder in a system, and is automated, requiring minimal computing power or network resources.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 2023

Nanorings: New building blocks for chemistry

Researchers have successfully created nano-sized rings using sandwich complexes, which consist of two aromatic organic rings filled with a central metal atom. The new compound, called cyclocene, exhibits unique properties and is expected to expand the toolbox of organometallic chemistry.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

Sustainable mobility planning supported by doughnut thinking

Researchers from Finland and international partners applied the doughnut model to transport, finding that it can help balance social and environmental needs. The study highlights the need for metrics that consider both travel time and wider effects on the environment.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalTransport Reviews·DateAug 3, 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.

Compensation for damages can and should address social and cultural impacts

A mixed-method approach can help overcome challenges in determining compensation awards for Indigenous communities affected by resource developments, expropriation, and environmental accidents. The methodological approaches focus on quantifying social and cultural losses, addressing the neglect of these impacts in formal assessments.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2023

Enhanced tumor modeling using Laponite bioinks for 3D bioprinting

Researchers create accurate tumor models using 3D bioprinting and a bioink made from Laponite, improving bonding and cross-linking capabilities. The study shows that Laponite enhances biological signaling in the tumor microenvironment, increasing cell viability and promoting anti-tumor drug development.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalBiofabrication·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 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.

Geomagnetic field protects Earth from electron showers

Researchers at Tohoku University found that the geomagnetic field plays a crucial role in protecting the Earth's lower atmosphere from harmful effects of electron precipitation. The study reveals that the mirror force caused by the magnetic field deflects relativistic electrons upwards, reducing their impact on the ionosphere.

SourceTohoku University·JournalEarth Planets and Space·DateAug 3, 2023

On-off switch for enzymes

A protein found in bacteria activates its enzymatic activity by up to 10,000 times when exposed to blue light, acting like an on-off switch. This discovery could lead to enhanced and optimized optogenetic tools and medical treatments.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 3, 2023

Three out of every ten meals ordered from the main food delivery app in Brazil come from dark kitchens

A study in Brazil found that 35.4% of restaurants on a popular food delivery app are 'dark kitchens' with no direct contact with consumers, serving mainly Brazilian food at lower costs. The research highlights health and safety issues, consumer perceptions, and the need for legal viability to ensure sanitary inspection.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFood Research International·DateAug 3, 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.

How the gut signals to the brain

Scientists have identified five distinct subtypes of sensory neurons in the colon that carry signals to the brain, with different subtypes responding to gentle and intense forces. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of gastrointestinal conditions and inform the development of more effective therapies.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateAug 3, 2023

Outdoor air pollution may increase non-lung cancer risk in older adults

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that chronic exposure to fine particulate air pollutants (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) may increase non-lung cancer risk in older adults, with significant associations with colorectal and prostate cancers.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2023

Rural environment supports children’s immune systems

A new study has found that children raised in rural areas with plenty of outdoor time and animal exposure develop better-regulated immune systems than urban counterparts. Early life immune development is highly dependent on living environment and lifestyle factors, and researchers say this can have long-term consequences for disease risk.

SourceUniversity College Cork·JournalAllergy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 3, 2023

Adult tropical trees of the same species grow farther apart than factors like seed dispersal limits can explain

New study reveals pervasive within-species spatial repulsion in adult tropical trees, challenging conventional understanding of species coexistence. The results suggest that competition among conspecifics drives this phenomenon, enabling the exceptionally high diversity of tropical forests.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 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.

Sharing on Facebook reveals 2 very different news environments

A study examining 2.2 million news stories shared on Facebook found that low-credibility publishers focused on politics, while high-credibility ones covered a wider range of topics. The researchers discovered two distinct ecosystems: one for each type of publisher.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNew Media & Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 2023

Turns out lowly thymus may be saving your life

A new Harvard-led research suggests that the thymus, often considered expendable in adults, actually plays a crucial role in maintaining adult immune health and preventing cancer. The study found that patients who had their thymus removed had a nearly threefold higher risk of death from various causes, including cancer.

SourceHarvard University Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2023

Ferroelectric material is now elastic

Researchers developed a precise crosslinking method to impart elastic recovery to ferroelectric materials. The new material combines elasticity with high crystallinity, offering broad application prospects in wearable electronics and smart healthcare.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 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.

New research casts doubt on role of fungus in driving pancreatic cancer

A study published in Nature found no link between the pancreatic microbiome and the development of pancreatic cancer, contradicting earlier findings that suggested a potential method for preventing the disease. The researchers reanalyzed data from an original study and used pancreatic cancer tissue samples to confirm their results.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 2023

Study highlights importance of mineral iron in ocean ecosystems

A new study published in Nature highlights the importance of mineral iron in regulating the cycling of this bio-essential nutrient in the ocean. The findings show that iron levels are largely controlled by the clustering of iron oxide colloids, rather than organic molecules called ligands.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2023

Losing a founding member of your new venture doesn’t have to be a bad thing

The study found that team composition changes significantly affect a new venture's ability to innovate. After adjusting for lost and gained experiences, the findings suggest that turnover has a net positive effect on innovation. Reflective episodes during membership transitions can stimulate creativity and spur innovation.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 2023

Research reveals Hawai‘i’s undersea volcano, Kama‘ehu, erupted five times in past 150 years

Research reveals Kama'ehu volcano in Hawaii has erupted five times in the past 150 years. The new study uses mass spectrometry to measure radium-226 in lava samples, revealing a frequency of eruptions around 30 years. This slower rate is linked to sluggish mantle upwelling on the margin of the Hawaiian plume.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalGeology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 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.

Unleashing a new era of color tunable nano-devices - smallest ever light source with switchable colors formed

Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem developed an innovative system of 'artificial molecules' made from two coupled semiconductor nanocrystals, achieving fast and instantaneous color switching. This breakthrough enables new possibilities in displays, lighting, and nanoscale optoelectronic devices with adjustable colors.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

Parasites of viruses drive superbug evolution

Researchers at NUS and Imperial College London have discovered a new way bacteria share genes, enabling rapid evolution. Lateral cotransduction enables SaPIs to transfer themselves intact with bacterial DNA, making them potent transducing agents.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalCell·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 3, 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.

Fastest neuromorphic, electric double layer transistor

Developed by NIMS and Tokyo University of Science, the new electric double layer transistor operates 8.5 times faster than existing transistors, enabling faster AI processing and potential applications in event prediction, image recognition, and more. The innovation sets a new world record for neuromorphic computing performance.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalMaterials Today Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

Study finds hallmarks of T cell exhaustion within hours of tumor exposure

Researchers found that immune system T cells become dysfunctional or 'exhausted' within six to 12 hours of encountering a tumor, challenging existing ideas about the process. This discovery has implications for cancer immunotherapies and may lead to new targets for preventing or reversing T cell exhaustion.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 3, 2023

FSU researcher finds potential new tool for early identification of dementia risk

Researchers at Florida State University have identified a low-cost method to predict dementia risk by analyzing data from nearly 13,000 subjects. Interviewer ratings of a person's memory performance were found to be strongly associated with the likelihood of developing dementia over a 15-year period.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateAug 3, 2023

Fatal heart disease has plummeted since 1990, but progress has stalled

Between 1990 and 2019, US coronary heart disease mortality rates declined, but slowed significantly since 2011. The study found that eliminating smoking, drinking, and obesity could have prevented half of the deaths observed during this period.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 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.

New research shows potential to reduce pain in women suffering from endometriosis

Researchers have identified a novel therapeutic target for pelvic pain in endometriosis by focusing on the IL-1β pathway and its regulation via the JNK signaling pathway. This study suggests that JNK inhibitors may be effective in reducing neuroinflammation and alleviating symptoms of endometriosis-associated pain.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

Novel proton-conductive membranes for automobile fuel cells

Scientists have synthesized proton-conductive membranes based on partially fluorinated aromatic ionomers, which exhibit high durability and ion conductivity. These membranes outperform existing ones in fuel-cell operation, chemical stability, and mechanical properties, paving the way for more powerful and affordable electric vehicles.

SourceWaseda University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 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.

Newly identified lipid in breast milk might reduce cerebral palsy in infants

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a fatty molecule in breast milk that triggers a process in which stem cells produce new white matter, reversing neurological damage. This finding holds promise for developing therapies to treat preterm babies with cerebral palsy.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 3, 2023

Dopamine controls movement, not just rewards

Researchers have identified a diverse range of dopamine neurons that control movement, contradicting the long-held assumption that they only respond to rewards. The study sheds new light on Parkinson's disease, which affects motor skills despite the loss of dopamine neurons.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

Single drop of ethanol to revolutionise nanosensor manufacture

Macquarie University engineers have developed a new technique to make nanosensors using a single drop of ethanol, bypassing the need for high temperatures. The method improves efficiency and responsiveness, opening up new possibilities for the trillion-dollar global industry.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

A mother’s diet can protect her grandchildren’s brains: genetic model study

A Monash University study using roundworms found that certain foods, such as apples and herbs, can help protect against brain function deterioration. The researchers discovered that a molecule present in these foods, ursolic acid, causes a gene to turn on, making a specific type of fat that prevents axon fragility.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 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.

University of Ottawa research team finds window into mechanisms of rare disease

A University of Ottawa-led research team has made significant progress in understanding XLP-2, a genetic disorder that affects the immune system. The study reveals two underlying mechanisms: poor expression of Interleukin-6 and compromised T cell survival, which lead to immunodeficiency in patients.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 3, 2023

Childhood trauma may heighten subsequent risk of pregnancy complications

A pooled data analysis of 32 studies found that women who experienced childhood trauma were 37% more likely to have pregnancy complications than those who didn't. The risk of pregnancy-related diabetes, antenatal depression, underweight or premature babies, and preterm delivery was also significantly higher.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 3, 2023

DNA tilts and stretches underlie differences in mutation rates across genomes

Research reveals that DNA shape features, such as stretches, twists, and tilts, underlie variations in mutation rates across the human genome. The study suggests that these structural properties are conserved across species and play a crucial role in regulating gene expression.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 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.

Deep learning for new protein design

Deep learning methods significantly improved protein design success rates by 10-fold using AI-augmented pipelines and machine learning software tools AlphaFold 2 and RoseTTA fold. The study successfully generated accurate models of protein structures, paving the way for new discoveries in fields like cancer and COVID-19 research.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2023

Scientists warn about decoupling warming trend when detecting marine heat waves

A new study reveals that analyzing surface temperature anomalies without correcting for long-term warming trends can lead to biased detection and characterization of marine heat waves. By removing the trend from data, researchers can distinguish between transient changes and actual shifts in heat wave properties.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 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.

New study shows drug manufacturers actually increased opioid marketing after Kentucky’s Purdue pharma lawsuit

A new study found that drug manufacturers, particularly competitors of Purdue Pharma, increased their opioid marketing efforts after the company's 2007 lawsuit. The study analyzed data from over 670,000 physicians and found a 160% increase in promotional spending on competing opioids.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 2023

Ovarian cancer: New biological markers found that may predict which patients won't respond to chemotherapy

Researchers have discovered a 64-protein signature that can predict which ovarian cancer patients are unlikely to respond to chemotherapy, paving the way for personalized treatment options. The study also identifies five new subtypes of high-grade serous ovarian cancer, suggesting different treatment strategies may be needed.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 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.

Study reveals significant difference in cardiomyopathy genes between Black and White patients

Researchers found that African ancestry patients with dilated cardiomyopathy have fewer clinically actionable variants in DCM genes compared to European ancestry patients. The study enrolled 1,198 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, revealing a racial imbalance in genetic trials for heart failure.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2023

New exoplanet discovery builds better understanding of planet formation

Researchers have discovered an unusual Jupiter-sized exoplanet, TOI-4860 b, orbiting a low-mass star in the Corvus constellation. The planet is enriched with heavy elements and takes about 1.52 days to complete its orbit, making it a 'Warm Jupiter'.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 3, 2023

New photocatalytic system converts carbon dioxide to valuable fuel more efficiently than natural photosynthesis

A joint research team from City University of Hong Kong and collaborators developed a stable artificial photocatalytic system that mimics natural chloroplasts to convert carbon dioxide into methane, a valuable fuel, very efficiently using light. The new system achieved a highly efficient solar-to-fuel efficiency rate of 15%, surpassing...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

A spinout’s biggest competitor may be the parent company, not other entrepreneurs

A new study published in Strategic Management Journal finds that when parent firms identify and implement ideas internally, they outperform spinouts. The probability of survival for spinouts is about 64% at age three, compared to 59% for new establishments of parent firms, which closes the gap by age seven

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateAug 3, 2023