Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2023 - Page 18


Page 18 of 38

Alarm as FDA fast-tracks first antipsychotic drug for agitation in dementia

The FDA approved brexpiprazole, an antipsychotic drug, for treating agitation in elderly patients with dementia, despite trials showing it failed to provide a clinically meaningful benefit and increased the risk of death. The decision may reverse efforts to reduce off-label use of antipsychotics in care homes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 17, 2023

Cutting-edge imaging technique shines light on how DNA strands stack up

Researchers used DNA-PAINT to study base-stacking interactions in DNA strands, finding that adding one more interaction increases stability by up to 250 times. This information allowed them to design a highly efficient three-armed DNA nanostructure with potential biomedical applications.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 17, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Collecting clean water from fog

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method that collects and purifies water from fog simultaneously, rendering it safe for use in densely populated urban centers. The technology uses a close-mesh lattice coated with polymers and titanium dioxide to break down organic pollutants.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Sustainability·DateAug 17, 2023

Study observes sudden acceleration of flow, generates new boundary layer

Aerodynamic researchers at University of Illinois create wind tunnel experiment to study internal boundary layers and their impact on flow behavior. They identify a new internal boundary layer that changes the flow's behavior, providing insights into aerodynamics physics and improving turbulence models for complex designs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateAug 17, 2023

Powerful imaging technology used to investigate renal disease

Imaging mass cytometry showcases odd numbers of proteins in kidneys of lupus patients, identifying novel markers for disease. The study found decreased and increased disease markers pointing to renal disease, with potential enlargement of glomeruli in some patients.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalClinical Immunology·DateAug 17, 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.

Old brains, new tricks: Surprising plasticity in adult vision

Researchers found that rodents exposed to light for the first time in adulthood showed significant plasticity in their brains, challenging previous beliefs about adult brain rigidity. After a month, their brains looked similar to those of healthy controls, with organized visual responses and smaller receptive fields.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2023

RESEARCH ALERT: City of Hope scientists unravel how TET2 gene deficiency fuels development of acute myeloid leukemia

Researchers identified how low TET2 levels fuel rapid growth of acute myeloid leukemia in animal models. The study found that TET2 deficiency sets off biochemical changes enhancing the cancer's ability to spread. This discovery highlights potential therapeutic targets for treating aggressive bone marrow cancer.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2023

Pollutants are important to biodiversity’s role in spread of wildlife diseases

Research found that increased biodiversity can either help or hinder disease outbreaks in wildlife, depending on environmental conditions. Environmental pollutants like road salt changed the susceptibility of amphibian species to parasites, with higher biodiversity communities experiencing a dilution effect when exposed to pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateAug 17, 2023

New breast cancer susceptibility genes

A large-scale international collaborative study has identified new genes associated with breast cancer, which could lead to better risk prediction and improved clinical management. The study found evidence for at least four new breast cancer risk genes, with many others showing suggestive evidence.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 17, 2023

AI model developed by Brigham researchers could help screen for heart defect

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed an AI model that screens electrocardiograms (ECG) for signs of atrial septal defects (ASD), a common adult congenital heart disease. The model correctly detected ASD in 93.7% of cases, outperforming traditional methods.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 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.

Application of base editors in organoids opens new doors for cancer research

Researchers used base editors to introduce specific combinations of activating and inactivating mutations into healthy organoids, creating realistic models for various types of cancer. This allows for further investigation into the development and treatment of cancer, with potential applications including testing new drugs.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2023

Heredity and environment account for people’s love of nature

Research from the University of Gothenburg reveals that both innate factors and environmental influences contribute to an individual's attitude towards nature. The study suggests that a wide range of factors shape how people express their love for nature, and emphasizes the importance of considering these variations in urban planning.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 17, 2023

Policy to expand Medicaid coverage linked to higher participation in cancer clinical trials among people insured by Medicaid

Researchers found a 19% annual increase in Medicaid-insured cancer patients participating in publicly funded clinical trials after the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion. The study shows that targeted policies can increase access to health care and cancer clinical trials for those with Medicaid insurance.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 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.

Cost to protect globally important forests falls disproportionately on those living closest

A decade-long study in Tanzania's Eastern Arc Mountains reveals that biodiversity conservation benefits vary widely among groups, with local rural communities bearing substantial costs. International funding could help smallholder farmers boost yields on their existing land to incentivize long-term forest protection.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEnvironmental and Resource Economics·DateAug 17, 2023

Wellcome Sanger Institute: Multiple organ functions of yolk sac revealed by early human development map

Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute mapped the multiple organ functions of the human yolk sac, revealing its role in producing key hormones and blood cells. The study provides novel insights into the earliest stages of immune cell development and has implications for understanding childhood diseases.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2023

NIH establishes Maternal Health Research Centers of Excellence

The NIH has established 10 research centers to develop innovative approaches to reducing pregnancy-related complications and deaths. These efforts aim to address disparities in maternal health outcomes by racial and ethnic group, age, education, socioeconomic status, and geographic region.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateAug 17, 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.

LRT, REM, mass transit projects and their fuzzy reality

New research from the University of Ottawa's Telfer School of Management suggests that managing public transit projects requires a comprehensive approach considering rational, psychosocial, and political dimensions. This involves engaging stakeholders, including non-users, to ensure societal impact and cost-effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalIEEE Transactions on Engineering Management·TypeCase study·DateAug 17, 2023

America’s wealthiest 10% responsible for 40% of US greenhouse gas emissions

A new study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that the wealthiest 10% of Americans are responsible for 40% of the nation's total greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that policymakers adopt taxes focused on shareholders and the carbon intensity of investment incomes to equitably meet climate goals.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS Climate·DateAug 17, 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.

Measurement techniques for aspheric surface parameters

The article discusses measurement techniques for aspheric surface parameters, including general fitting and center-of-curvature-based methods. These methods assess the quality of aspheric surfaces and provide direction for processing and suitable targets for processing.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateAug 17, 2023

International study shows that taste, independent of smell, is also significantly diminished in patients with COVID-19

A large and diverse group of over 10,000 participants showed a significant reduction in taste intensity, with a 21% decrease compared to those without symptoms. The team used a simple, non-invasive test to track chemical senses, demonstrating that COVID-19 affects taste perception independent of smell.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalChemical Senses·TypeSurvey·DateAug 17, 2023

Anxious people use less suitable section of brain to control emotions

Researchers found that anxious individuals rely on a less efficient section of the forebrain for emotional control, making it difficult for them to choose alternative behavior. This leads to avoidance of social situations and prevents them from learning that they are not as negative as they think.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2023

La Brea megafaunal extinctions driven by fires 13,000 years ago

A new study found that large-scale fires in an ecosystem made increasingly vulnerable by climate change and human impacts led to the extinction of two-thirds of Earth's large mammals in Southern California. The findings, based on radiocarbon chronology of fossils from the La Brea tar pits, suggest that fire was the primary cause of reg...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 17, 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.

Race-based variations in gut bacteria emerge by 3 months of age

A study reveals that racial differences in gut microbiome composition arise after 3 months of age and persist through childhood. Early social and environmental exposures play a significant role in shaping the gut microbiome, with research suggesting that environmental and social factors contribute to health disparities.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 17, 2023

Researchers find walkable communities are healthier for both mom and baby

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that pregnant women living in walkable areas engage in more physical activity and have fewer issues with pregnancy complications. The study also suggests that walking can have health benefits beyond exercise, such as social interactions and community engagement.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalEconomics & Human Biology·DateAug 17, 2023

Child Development Journal Q&A: How do youth view gang violence is shaping their communities?

A new study examines how youth from Honduras and Nicaragua evaluate moral judgments on acts of physical violence. The findings show that both groups prioritize the well-being of others, but differ in their reasoning, with some forms of violence judged as having protective factors in insecure conditions.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 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.

Is data justice the key to climate justice?

Biased AI can limit climate predictions and misguide governments due to missing information from under-represented communities. Human-in-the-loop design can fill these 'data holes' by offering a sense check on used data and context.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalClimate Action·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 17, 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.

Natural-product inspired small molecule drug targets ‘undruggable’ target

Researchers developed a natural product-inspired small molecule that binds to the cellular chaperone cyclophilin A, disrupting oncogenic signaling and tumor growth in several human cancer models. The approach could be used to target additional KRAS mutants and other cancer drivers.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 17, 2023

UArizona College of Nursing receives $2.6M HRSA grant to support Doctor of Nursing Practice students' clinical placements

The University of Arizona College of Nursing will deploy immersive managed practice adaptable clinical training starting in the spring semester of 2024, supporting 19 students per year with $25,000 each. The grant also helps establish a longitudinal clinical placement model and provides financial support for community partners.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·DateAug 17, 2023

With advances in in vitro models, group proposes refined legal definition of an embryo

A group of biologists and ethicists suggest adding clarity to ongoing research using embryo models to refine the legal definition of human embryos. They propose a new definition that focuses on what an embryo can become rather than how it came to be, allowing for improved evaluation of models and potential future recognition as embryos.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 17, 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.

Can children recognize sick faces?

A new study found that children as young as 4-5 years old can avoid and recognize sick faces, while adults are more accurate. The study's findings add to the growing body of knowledge on humans' sensitivity to illness in faces, suggesting a behavioral immune system that improves with age.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2023

The efficacy of gene therapy demonstrated in patients suffering from Crigler-Najjar Syndrome, a rare liver disease

A European gene therapy clinical trial has demonstrated the possibility of restoring expression of the UGT1A1 enzyme in patients with severe Crigler-Najjar syndrome. The treatment resulted in significant reduction in bilirubin levels and sustained efficacy in patients, offering a new hope for treating this rare metabolic disease.

SourceAFM-Téléthon·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 17, 2023

Largest genetic study of brain structure identifies how the brain is organised

A new study published in Nature Genetics has identified over 4,000 genetic variants linked to brain structure, revealing how the brain's organization is shaped by genetics. The research found that different sets of genes contribute to folding and size of the cortex, with some genes linked to larger or smaller head sizes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Genetics·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 17, 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.

Policies favoring high-volume hospitals may disadvantage rural cancer patients

Patients with cancer who live in rural Pennsylvania counties are more likely to receive complex surgeries at high-volume hospitals due to their perceived better outcomes. However, for less complex surgeries, rural patients are less likely to opt for high-volume hospitals despite potential benefits from centralization.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJCO Oncology Practice·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2023

The scale of emissions inequality in U.S. society

A new study links US household income to greenhouse gas emissions, revealing that the top 1% of households generate 40% of total emissions. This income-based carbon tax could incentivize decarbonization and provide revenue for climate finance, addressing emissions inequality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2023

Quantum physicists simulate super diffusion on a quantum computer

Researchers successfully simulated super diffusion in a system of interacting quantum particles on a quantum computer, resolving a complex challenge. The breakthrough, achieved using IBM's quantum computer, verifies the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang equation and sheds light on condensed matter physics and materials science.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateAug 17, 2023

New type of star gives clues to mysterious origin of magnetars

Researchers have uncovered a living star, HD 45166, that is likely to become a magnetar, marking the discovery of a new type of astronomical object - massive magnetic helium stars. The star has an incredibly strong magnetic field, 43,000 gauss, and will end its life as a compact core with a magnetic field of around 100 trillion gauss.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateAug 17, 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.

Diagnosis of voice condition from call audio

Researchers developed a new method to estimate vocal cord vibrations pitch from call audio, leading to more accurate dysarthria diagnoses in telemedicine. The method integrates feature quantities extracted from amplitude and phase spectra, demonstrating robustness against background noise.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalIEEE/ACM Transactions on Audio Speech and Language Processing·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2023

Scientists find ‘concerning’ flaw in malaria diagnostics

A study by Cornell University researchers found that current methods for measuring malaria parasite multiplication rates vastly overestimate the actual rates, which has significant implications for vaccine efficacy and understanding of drug resistance.

SourceCornell University·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateAug 17, 2023

Anti-obesity drug improves associative learning in people with obesity

Researchers found that liraglutide improves associative learning in people with obesity by restoring brain activity to normal-weight levels. The study showed that participants with obesity had reduced ability to associate sensory stimuli and decreased brain activity compared to those with normal weight.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2023

Positive metabolic effects of gastric bypass disappear quickly

A new study from Lund University in Sweden found that the biggest metabolic changes following gastric bypass surgery occurred immediately after the procedure. However, one year later, the concentration of metabolites and fats had returned to nearly pre-surgery levels.

SourceLund University·JournalObesity·DateAug 17, 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.

Stabilizing precipitate growth at grain boundaries in alloys

Researchers have identified a novel pathway to stabilize nanoscale precipitates in alloys by utilizing nonequilibrium processes, stopping coarsening and resulting in stable nanostructures. This approach has potential applications in materials used for nuclear applications, batteries, and other industries.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 17, 2023

To improve solar and other clean energy tech, look beyond hardware

A new MIT study reveals that soft technology features, such as permitting practices and supply chain management, contribute less than 15% to total cost declines in solar energy systems. Improving these processes could accelerate cost savings in the clean energy transition.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Energy·DateAug 17, 2023

Promising anti-inflammatory properties of black soldier fly larvae oil – implications on conditions such as ulcerative colitis

The study found that black soldier fly larvae oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, suppressing proinflammatory cytokines and improving colon health. BSFL oil's unique compound profile may offer a new approach to managing inflammatory diseases.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 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.