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Science News for December 26, 2023


The impact of nurse practitioner placement in Japanese nursing homes

Researchers found that nurse practitioner placement in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, resulted in reduced emergency visits and optimized care for residents with higher care needs. The study suggests a paradigm shift in elder care, highlighting the pivotal role of NPs in delivering quality healthcare.

SourceOkayama University·JournalThe Journal for Nurse Practitioners·TypeObservational study·DateDec 26, 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.

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.

In situ characterization reveals different dehydrogenation pathways in MgH2

Researchers have optimized thermodynamics and kinetics of Mg-In-Ti hydrogen storage system, improving de/hydrogenation properties. The study aims to combine advantages of MXenes and In alloying for simultaneous alteration of Mg-based hydrogen storage materials.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 26, 2023

Quality of care declines after private equity takes over hospitals

A recent study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that hospitals acquired by private equity firms experience a decline in clinical quality of care. Patient falls and new infections were among the measures of safety that worsened after buyouts. The findings suggest that financial pressures from private equity may overshadow pat...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateDec 26, 2023

In quest to prevent debilitating TBIs, new foam material rises to the top

Researchers developed a new lightweight foam material that can dissipate an enormous amount of rotational kinetic energy from an impact, potentially preventing traumatic brain injuries. The material is 30 times better at absorbing shear strain than current foams used in military combat helmet liners.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalExperimental Mechanics·TypeObservational study·DateDec 26, 2023

Battling persistence in TB bacteria

Researchers found a single gene involved in iron-sulphur clusters crucial for TB bacterium's persistence. The IscS gene helps regulate the SUF operon, preventing hypervirulence and allowing the bacteria to survive harsh lung conditions.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 26, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Off-label use of a common antibiotic to treat muscular dystrophy

Researchers from Osaka University have identified erythromycin as a potential treatment for myotonic dystrophy type 1, a genetic disease characterized by progressive muscular weakness. The antibiotic showed acceptable safety and tolerability profiles in a phase 2 clinical trial, with some patients experiencing significant improvements ...

SourceOsaka University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 26, 2023

Common heart medication digoxin shows promise in enhancing survival after surgery for infants with certain heart defects

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that digoxin treatment significantly reduced mortality and the need for a transplant among infants undergoing a hybrid procedure for single-ventricle physiology. The researchers analyzed data from 259 infants who received digoxin during their interstage per...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 26, 2023

A protective antibody targeting a conserved site of fusion glycoprotein of respiratory syncytial virus

A new antibody targeting a highly conserved epitope on RSV's fusion glycoprotein demonstrates promising results, outperforming existing Palivizumab in neutralization and protective efficacy. The study also explores synergistic effects with other inhibitors, expanding the understanding of RSV's neutralizing and protective epitopes.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalhLife·DateDec 26, 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.

Mass General Brigham study finds daily learning test can detect Alzheimer’s disease-related changes in memory among cognitively normal older adults

A study by Mass General Brigham found that daily learning tests can detect Alzheimer's disease-related changes in memory among cognitively normal older adults. The test, called BRANCH, was completed over seven days on a smartphone, revealing diminished learning curves associated with elevated amyloid levels.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 26, 2023

Safety of aquatic animals as human protein sources amid SARS-CoV-2 concerns

Researchers developed a pipeline to evaluate the risk of infections by aquatic animals. The study found no evidence of human-associated viruses in aquatic animal transcriptomes, confirming their safety as protein sources. However, proper handling and storage are crucial to controlling SARS-CoV-2 spread through cold-chain food.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalReproduction and Breeding·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 26, 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.