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Science News Archive August 2023 - Page 12


Page 12 of 38

Rare kidney disease is genetically decoded

Researchers have identified genetic variants and structural patterns that contribute to the development of Bartter syndrome type 3, a rare kidney disease. The study's findings may lead to better diagnostic and treatment options for affected individuals.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalGenome Medicine·DateAug 23, 2023

Longevity gene from naked mole rats extends lifespan of mice

Scientists successfully transfer a longevity gene from naked mole rats to mice, resulting in improved health and a 4.4% increase in median lifespan. The gene enhances cellular repair and protection, reducing inflammation and cancer risk, paving the way for potential human longevity benefits.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2023

Scientists release the first complete sequence of a human Y chromosome

The team successfully completed the sequencing of the Y chromosome using long-read sequencing technology and innovative computational assembly methods. This achievement adds 41 additional protein-coding genes and provides crucial insight into reproduction, evolution, and population change.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 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.

Case study: overcoming barriers to venom immunotherapy for fire ant allergy patients

A recent case study highlights the challenges faced by families seeking venom immunotherapy for fire ant allergies, particularly in low-income communities. Despite proven safety and effectiveness of treatment, access remains a significant issue due to transportation barriers, lack of childcare, and work constraints.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 23, 2023

Looking out for kids: a case for better pediatric trauma interventions

Researchers found a significant increase in pediatric trauma admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic, with younger patients and falls from moderate heights being more common. Blood alcohol levels were also higher in patients aged 14-18 years old, suggesting targeted interventions to curb alcohol use may be needed

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 23, 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.

Newly discovered “primitive cousins of T rex” shed light on the end of the age of dinosaurs in Africa

Two new species of primitive carnivorous dinosaurs, belonging to the Abelisauridae family, have been discovered in Morocco. The findings suggest that dinosaurs thrived in North Africa until their mass extinction by an asteroid 66 million years ago, providing a diverse picture of African dinosaurs from the end of the age of dinosaurs.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCretaceous Research·DateAug 23, 2023

Does deafness alter brain circuits supporting social skills?

New research published in Human Brain Mapping indicates that deafness does not affect the mechanisms and brain circuits supporting social skills. Deaf individuals show greater activation in regions involved in processing visual inputs like signs and lip reading.

SourceWiley·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateAug 23, 2023

Education levels and child age shaped caregivers’ concerns amid Covid-19 pandemic, NIH study suggests

A recent NIH study found that caregivers' education levels and child ages played significant roles in determining their primary sources of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregivers with lower education levels reported more financial concerns, while those with higher education levels were more worried about social distancing.

SourceDuke Clinical Research Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 23, 2023

Better or different? How brand differentiation affects pay and profits

Brands leveraging quality reputation to pay employees less erode profits due to negative effects on productivity and retention. Unique brands, which tend to pay more, have a positive impact on profits. Managers should consider brand differentiation in pay benchmarking.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gene therapy study identifies potential new treatment for liver cancer

A new gene therapy study has identified microRNA-22 as a potential treatment for liver cancer, achieving better survival outcomes and reducing inflammation compared to the current FDA-approved drug lenvatinib. The treatment was administered via a single intravenous injection and showed no observable toxicity.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2023

Do measurements produce the reality they show us?

Researchers from Hiroshima University found that measurements shape observable reality, suggesting a context-dependent understanding of quantum superpositions. This approach resolves the paradox of conflicting results in quantum experiments and provides evidence against reducing reality to material building blocks.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateAug 23, 2023

Graphene: More magic starts when flatness ends

Researchers have solved the long-standing puzzle of graphene's proton permeability using ultra-high spatial resolution measurements. Protons are strongly accelerated around nanoscale wrinkles, proving that perfect graphene crystals are permeable.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 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.

Small study suggests long COVID may affect more people than previously thought

A new study suggests that millions of Americans with post-viral syndrome similar to long COVID may have detectable immune responses to support a COVID diagnosis. The research found that 41% of participants had evidence of SARS-CoV-2 exposure, raising questions about the eligibility criteria for long COVID clinics.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 23, 2023

Adding immunity to human kidney-on-a-chip advances cancer drug testing

A new immune-infiltrated human kidney organoid-on-chip model enables the assessment of on-target, off-tumor effects of immunotherapeutic T cell bispecific antibody drugs. The study's findings provide important insights into which cells are targeted by a given TCB and what, if any, off-target damage arises.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2023

Fungus gnats as pollinators not pests

A new study reveals that fungus gnats are crucial pollinators of certain Euonymus plant species with red-petaled flowers. The unique traits of these flowers, such as their yogurt-like scent and short stamens, have evolved to attract the fungus gnats, highlighting the importance of Diptera in plant diversity and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalAnnals of Botany·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 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.

Unravelling the water dynamics and structure of water-coordinated metal complexes

A team of researchers from Chiba University elucidated the structure and dynamics of Ho-(DBM)3·H2O complex using molecular dynamics simulations. The study revealed unique properties of water in seven-coordinate lanthanide complexes, including characteristic vibrational modes and hydrogen bond dynamics.

SourceChiba University·JournalInorganic Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2023

A 21st century mining boom across the tropics is degrading rivers

A Dartmouth-led study reveals the devastating impact of gold and mineral mining on tropical rivers worldwide. Mining operations have doubled suspended sediment concentrations at 80% of affected rivers, altering river ecosystems and threatening human health.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2023

Shift work may impair memory and cognition, per data on nearly 50,000 Canadian adults

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that exposure to night shift work and rotating shift work is associated with higher rates of cognitive impairment among middle-aged and older adults. Cognitive function tests revealed impairment in memory and executive function, suggesting a potential link between shift work and neurodegeneration.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2023

Buffalo slaughter left lasting impact on Indigenous peoples

The mass slaughter of bison by European settlers led to devastating economic shock for Indigenous peoples, with adult height dropping by over an inch within a generation. The study also found that child-mortality rates were higher and occupation reporting lower among bison-reliant nations compared to non-bison reliant nations.

SourceEmory University·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 23, 2023

Insights from fully sequencing 43 human Y chromosomes

Researchers have assembled the complete sequences of 43 human Y chromosomes from around the globe, revealing extensive complexity and variation. The study provides an unprecedented understanding of the Y chromosome's structure and function, shedding light on its role in human health and disease.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 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.

Which is better—casts or surgery—for older adults with arm fractures?

A recent study found that cast immobilization is as effective as surgery in treating older adults with arm fractures. After one year, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of disability or range of motion. The study included 276 patients aged 70–89 years who suffered a distal radius fracture.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateAug 23, 2023

For children with fever, the proportion taken for treatment across Africa, Asia and Latin America has increased significantly in the last 30 years from 61% to 71%, but "significant gaps" in access to healthcare remain

The proportion of children with fever treated across Africa, Asia, and Latin America has risen significantly from 61% to 71% over the past 30 years. Despite this increase, significant gaps in access to healthcare persist.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateAug 23, 2023

How a cup of water can unlock the secrets of our Universe

A recent study by Queen Mary University of London reveals a range of fundamental physical constants that can vary, allowing for the viscosity needed for life processes to occur within and between living cells. This discovery sheds light on the origin of these constants and their impact on life as we know it.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 23, 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.

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.

National parks support wildlife inside and outside their borders

Research from the University of Montana found that national parks enhance bird diversity within their borders and support higher diversity of birds and mammals in nearby protected and unprotected areas. The study's findings suggest that massive expansions of global protected area coverage can help achieve the UN's 30 by 30 goal.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2023

A new targeted treatment shows promise for select patients with stomach cancer

A new targeted treatment called zolbetuximab has been shown to extend survival for patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer that overexpresses a specific biomarker. The treatment significantly increased progression-free and overall survival, with improved results compared to standard chemotherapy.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 23, 2023

Mayo researchers find vaccine may reduce severity of long-haul COVID symptoms

Mayo Clinic researchers found that vaccinated patients with long-haul COVID were less likely to experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, chest pain, and shortness of breath. The study involved 477 patients who sought treatment for long-haul COVID at Mayo Clinic between May 27, 2021 and July 26, 2022.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateAug 23, 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.

Researchers assemble the first complete sequence of a human Y chromosome

A team of researchers has generated the first complete sequence of a human Y chromosome, uncovering important genomic features with implications for fertility. The new sequence reveals factors in sperm production and provides insights into medically relevant regions, such as the azoospermia factor region.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 23, 2023

Could microplastics in soil introduce drug-resistant superbugs to the food supply?

Researchers warn that microplastics and nanoplastics in agricultural soils could contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria entering the food chain. This phenomenon is not well known, but studies suggest that plastics can act as vectors for transmitting pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPathogens·DateAug 23, 2023

‘Climate distress’ is linked to poor mental health, but may also inspire action

A new study finds that climate distress in young adults is associated with negative emotions like anger and frustration, yet also motivates them to take positive actions for the environment. The study suggests that targeting climate-aware psychosocial support can help sustain young people's climate engagement and mental health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateAug 23, 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.

Blink and you'll miss these plants shooting their seeds

Researchers found that witch hazel species with heavier seeds can fling them just as fast as lighter ones due to their spring-loaded fruits. The plants' unique mechanism involves the seed capsule drying out and deforming, releasing elastic energy to propel the seed forward.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2023

Artificial intelligence can now estimate rice yields, according to new study

Researchers from Okayama University used CNNs to estimate rice yield from pre-harvest photographs, achieving accuracy of 68-69%. The model highlighted the importance of panicles in yield estimation and showed promise for monitoring rice productivity at regional scales.

SourceOkayama University·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2023

Malaysian rock art found to depict elite–Indigenous conflict

Researchers uncover charcoal drawings at Gua Sireh Cave, dating back to the 1600s and 1800s AD, depicting Indigenous resistance to frontier violence. The site's unique artwork sheds light on the region's complex history of colonization and territorial violence.

SourceGriffith University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 23, 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.

Biodiversity protects against invasions of non-native tree species

A global study reveals that proximity to human activity and native biodiversity are crucial factors in determining the likelihood and severity of non-native tree invasions. Native species help buffer the intensity of these invasions by filling available niches, making it harder for non-native trees to spread.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2023

MSU research suggests natural selection can slow evolution, maintain similarities across generations

A new study from Michigan State University finds that natural selection can slow down evolution and keep similar traits across generations. Researchers used the wild radish plant as a model organism and selectively bred individuals with varying stamen lengths to test the influence of selection and constraint on this trait.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNew Phytologist·DateAug 23, 2023

Graphene discovery could help generate hydrogen cheaply and sustainably

Researchers from The University of Warwick and The University of Manchester have solved the long-standing puzzle of why graphene is permeable to protons. Protons are strongly accelerated around nanoscale wrinkles in perfect graphene crystals, which could lead to more sustainable hydrogen production.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 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.

2024 Hertz Fellowship application now open

The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation is accepting applications for the 2024 Hertz Fellowship awards. The five-year fellowship program provides funding, flexibility, and independence to pursue research and advance national security and economic vitality. Past recipients include Nobel laureates and leaders in various scientific disciplines.

SourceFannie and John Hertz Foundation·DateAug 23, 2023

New dual-arm robot achieves bimanual tasks by learning from simulation

Researchers at the University of Bristol developed a novel Bi-Touch system enabling robots to perform manual tasks with human-like dexterity. The system uses simulation-based training for AI agents, which are then applied to real-world scenarios, achieving precise sensing, gentle interaction, and effective object manipulation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2023

AI recommendation vs. user subscription: analyzing in-feed digital advertising performance on platforms like Twitter, Google News, and TikTok

Researchers found that subscription channels have greater source credibility and content control, leading to higher conversion rates despite perceived ad intrusiveness. In contrast, AI-recommended channels elicit more clicks but with smaller proportions of genuine interest and purchases.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 23, 2023

How artificial intelligence gave a paralyzed woman her voice back

Researchers at UCSF and UC Berkeley have developed a brain-computer interface (BCI) that allows a woman with severe paralysis from a brainstem stroke to speak through a digital avatar. The system can decode brain signals into text at nearly 80 words per minute, making it a vast improvement over commercially available technology.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 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.

Human activities appear to drive insect declines in Europe

A review of 82 studies found human activities influencing insect habitats, leading to declines in Central and Western Europe. Agricultural activities, urbanization, and climate change are identified as primary drivers of observed changes in insect populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 23, 2023

New modeling method helps to understand extreme heat waves

A new climate modeling method called ensemble boosting can simulate a large set of extreme but plausible heat waves, providing a worst-case scenario for planning and preparation. This method helps prepare for the potential loss of tens of thousands of lives in extreme heat waves.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2023