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Science News for December 8, 2023


Peptide power is ON

Scientists at IPC PAS create peptide-based sensors to detect inflammation and chronic diseases, offering a promising alternative to traditional methods. The study uses phage-display method to identify CRP-binding peptides, achieving higher affinity and detection efficiency than antibodies.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateDec 8, 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.

When is an aurora not an aurora?

Researchers propose that parallel electric fields in the upper atmosphere could produce the colorful emissions of Steve and the picket fence. This unusual process has implications for understanding energy flow between Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 8, 2023

Research enables high-resolution imaging of moving objects using fourier ptychographic imaging

A research team developed an efficient method to capture high-resolution images of moving objects using Fourier ptychographic imaging technology. By leveraging image registration techniques and advanced algorithms, they successfully reconstructed high-resolution images equivalent to those obtained with large-aperture detection, overcom...

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalOptics Express·DateDec 8, 2023

A micro-ring resonator with big potential

Researchers at EPFL's Photonic Systems Laboratory develop a hybrid device that significantly improves existing laser technology by enhancing coherence and emitting visible light. This innovation has implications for telecommunications, metrology, and precision applications.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023

Study reveals Zika’s shape-shifting machinery—and a possible vulnerability

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have discovered Zika's shape-shifting machinery and identified a potential vulnerability. The virus's NS2B-NS3 enzyme complex performs multiple tasks, including breaking up proteins and dividing RNA into single strands, but a drug that blocks its conformational changes could be effective.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 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.

Unlocking sustainable solutions: Using machine learning to optimize VFA production in riboflavin-mediated sludge fermentation

Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict and optimize VFA production from riboflavin-mediated sludge fermentation. The study found that XGBoost presented the best prediction performance, with high testing coefficient of determination (R2 of 0.93) and low root mean square error (RMSE of 0.070).

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023

New: Fatigue in inflammatory RMD

The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has developed new recommendations for managing fatigue in people with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. The guidelines emphasize the importance of monitoring fatigue and offering management options based on a shared decision between patients and healthcar...

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateDec 8, 2023

International collaboration uses faculty member’s research on ancient Roman migration, seeks to understand Balkan genomic history

A multidisciplinary team reconstructed the genomic history of the Balkan Peninsula during the first millennium CE, finding an influx of genetically similar individuals who spoke Slavic languages. This study sheds light on the cosmopolitanism of the Roman frontier and the long-term consequences of migrations that accompanied the breakdo...

SourceMississippi State University·JournalCell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2023

AI-driven breakthroughs in cells study: SFU-UBC collaboration introduces "MCS-detect" for advancements in super-resolution microscopy

Researchers from SFU and UBC introduce MCS-DETECT, an AI-driven algorithm that detects membrane contact sites in large microscopy volumes without segmentation. This innovation enhances super-resolution microscopy capabilities, contributing to a better understanding of cellular interactions and complex diseases.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 8, 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.

Researchers predict protein placement on AFM substrates

A new method predicts biomolecular structure placement on AFM substrates based on electrostatic interactions, improving understanding of biological processes at the nanoscale. The method provides remarkable agreement with previous experimental results and can be applied for post-experimental analysis.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Biosciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 8, 2023

How health system hesitancies contributed to COVID risks

A study by Cincinnati Children's explores how systemic hesitances contributed to COVID-19 risks, including inadequate disease surveillance and top-down command and control. The authors emphasize the need for integrated systems, flexible approaches, and rapid learning to overcome these challenges and prevent future public health crises.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs Forefront·DateDec 8, 2023

New approach developed for electrocatalytic H2O2 production and biomass upgrading

Researchers have synthesized an oxygen-coordinated Fe single atoms and atom clusters catalyst, demonstrating superior electrocatalytic performance toward H2O2 production and biomass upgrading. The catalyst successfully coupled with the electro-Fenton process, leading to high-rate ethylene glycol conversion and formic acid selectivity.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 8, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Structure of a central component of the human immune system revealed

Researchers visualized the 3D structure of ASC speck inside cells using advanced fluorescence microscopy methods. The study reveals an amorphous structure with a dense core and filaments extending into the periphery. This breakthrough provides crucial insights for understanding inflammation and immune-related diseases.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournaliScience·DateDec 8, 2023

Coral reefs in peril from record-breaking ocean heat

A recent study by University of Queensland scientist Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg warns that record-breaking marine heatwaves will cause catastrophic mass coral bleaching worldwide. The research suggests that current marine heatwaves will likely lead to a global mass coral bleaching event over the next 12-24 months.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 8, 2023

Metamorphic evolution of the East Tethys tectonic domain and its tectonic implications

The study reconstructs the thermal and tectonic evolution of regional metamorphism at convergent continental margins, focusing on the East Tethys tectonic domain. The research reveals three types of regional metamorphism and associated geothermal gradients, shedding light on the tectonic transition from cold subduction to hot rifting.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateDec 8, 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.

Polyethylene waste could be a thing of the past

A team of experts has developed a way to convert polyethylene waste into ethylene and propionic acid through atomically dispersed metal catalysts. This method uses renewable solar energy to produce valuable chemicals with high selectivity, alleviating the need for complex separation processes.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023

MIT engineers design a robotic replica of the heart’s right chamber

The new robotic replica, called RRV, can mimic healthy and diseased states, allowing scientists to test cardiac devices and therapies. The model can also be used to study the effects of mechanical ventilation on the right ventricle and develop strategies to prevent right heart failure.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateDec 8, 2023

How immune cells recognize their enemies

Researchers discovered how Vγ9Vδ2 T cells recognize pathogens and cancer cells by their altered cell metabolism. The study found that phosphoantigens bind to special molecules inside the cell, triggering a signal to kill. This finding can improve the clinical use of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in tumor treatment.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023

Researchers safely integrate fragile 2D materials into devices

Researchers from MIT have developed a new method to integrate fragile 2D materials into devices, opening the path to next-generation devices with unique optical and electronic properties. The technique relies on engineering surface forces available at the nanoscale, allowing for pristine interfaces.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·DateDec 8, 2023

T cells tackle new 'Pirola' SARS-CoV-2 variant

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that most T cells can still target epitopes on the new Pirola variant, suggesting people may be able to mount a response against it. The study's findings provide positive news in the fight against SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing the importance of vaccination with updated vaccines.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 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.

New source of stem cells in injury-affected brains of patients

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have identified a new source of stem cells in the brains of patients with brain injuries, which could lead to improved treatments for neurological disorders. The discovery involves specific astrocyte cells that exhibit properties of neural stem cells and can be regulated by a protein called Galectin 3.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023

Biases in large image-text AI model favor wealthier, Western perspectives

A study by University of Michigan researchers found that CLIP performs poorly on images from low-income and non-Western households, potentially exacerbating digital technology inequality. The model's bias can propagate into downstream applications and tools, excluding diverse representations and perpetuating socioeconomic disparities.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateDec 8, 2023

CAMH develops potential new drug treatment for multiple sclerosis

A small molecule drug compound has shown promise in treating multiple sclerosis by targeting the glutamate system, reducing MS-like symptoms and repairing damaged myelin. The results come from a CAMH-led pre-clinical study published in Science Advances.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 8, 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.

Time-tested magnesium oxide: Unveiling CO2 absorption dynamics

Scientists studied magnesium oxide crystal samples exposed to the atmosphere for decades and days to months, revealing that a reacted layer forms on its surface. This layer limits carbon dioxide molecules from reacting with fresh magnesium oxide, making the technology less efficient.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023

New genes can arise from nothing

Researchers discovered a mechanism that creates DNA palindromes and new microRNA genes from noncoding sequences, explaining the origin of small regulatory genes. The study found that this process can create novel genes, potentially affecting human health.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 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.

USF Health Heart Institute doctors are upbeat about cardiac regeneration

A study by USF Health doctors reveals that reducing mitochondrial protein translation can promote cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart regeneration. This finding holds promise for developing new treatments for heart disease and regrowing damaged hearts.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023

Adapting to hypoxia: Zooplankton influence the efficiency of the biological carbon pump in the Humboldt Current off Peru

A new study reveals that zooplankton species in the Humboldt Current off Peru can attenuate the export of carbon to the deep sea by consuming sinking particles. This challenge the previously prevailing assumption of a uniformly efficient biological carbon pump in oxygen minimum zones.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateDec 8, 2023

County–level variation in preterm birth rates

Substantial geographic disparities in US preterm birth rates were observed, with nearly 1 in 6 counties experiencing increases between 2007 and 2019. These disparities are linked to place-based social disadvantage, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 8, 2023

Major breakthrough for severe asthma treatment

A landmark study found that 92% of patients with severe asthma can safely reduce inhaled steroid dose and more than 60% can stop all use, minimizing side effects like osteoporosis, diabetes, and cataracts. The SHAMAL study used biologic therapy benralizumab to control severe asthma without steroids.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 8, 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.

Skipping adjuvant radiotherapy may not impact risk of recurrence or progression in patients with low-risk DCIS

A clinical trial found that using MRI and a DCIS gene profile can guide treatment decisions for patients with low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Patients who received a score lower than 39 were considered low-risk and could safely forego adjuvant radiotherapy, with similar rates of disease recurrence compared to those with high-...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 8, 2023

Digital multi-sided platforms transform traditional value chains in business-to-business service sales

A study at the University of Eastern Finland reveals how digital multi-sided platforms are changing the way businesses approach B2B service sales. The research finds that platform owners play a crucial role in orchestrating value networks, enabling them to manage larger networks with fewer staff and use various interaction methods.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalIndustrial Marketing Management·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2023

Updated: SLE management

The updated EULAR recommendations for managing SLE emphasize individualized, multidisciplinary care and consider patient education and societal costs. Non-pharmacological interventions and careful drug selection based on disease type and severity are also key to improving long-term outcomes.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateDec 8, 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.

Evidence that ancient Tethys Ocean influenced Earth’s past environments

The study connects Tethyan plate tectonic movements to changes in Earth's surface environment, influencing global temperature and mineral resource distribution. Subduction-driven plate tectonics altered ocean-sea land distribution, affecting solar energy absorption and subsequent environmental shifts.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateDec 8, 2023

Veins of bacteria could form a self-healing system for concrete infrastructure

Drexel University's 'BioFiber' technology uses living tissue systems to stabilize and heal damaged concrete. The system incorporates biomineralizing bacteria that can create a stone-like material to repair cracks in concrete, improving durability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceDrexel University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023

Biopesticide is harmless to mammals but can wipe out colonies of wasps that benefit plants

A fungus-based biopesticide is less lethal to mammals than synthetic insecticides but can wipe out colonies of wasps that benefit plants by feeding on pests and performing pollination. The study found that infected wasps are not detected by nestmates, potentially threatening the survival of these species.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateDec 8, 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.

BNL: Advisory panel issues field-defining recommendations for U.S. government investments in particle physics research

The Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel (P5) report recommends budget-conscious investments in high-energy physics research. The US government will support the Large Hadron Collider, Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, CMB-S4, and IceCube-Gen2 facilities for transformative discoveries related to fundamental physics.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateDec 8, 2023

Conjoined "racetracks" make new optical device possible

Researchers have developed a new optical device that overcomes dispersion limitations in ultra-low-loss silicon nitride by creating conjoined microcombs. This breakthrough enables the production of short-pulse microcombs with low power consumption, paving the way for integration into handheld devices and photonic circuit arrays.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 8, 2023

Battle of the AIs in medical research: ChatGPT vs Elicit

Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University investigated the credibility and efficiency of generative AI tools in collecting medical literature. The study found that Elicit outperformed ChatGPT, suggesting multiple references with high accuracy within minutes.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalHepatology Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 8, 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.

A dynamic picture of how we respond to high or low oxygen levels

A new study from Gladstone Institutes has greatly expanded the scientific body of knowledge about how the body responds to too much oxygen. The research highlights a particular protein, MYBBP1A, that may play a central role in regulating cells' response to hyperoxia.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 8, 2023

Study on battery recycling shows China is in 1st place

A study by researchers from the University of Münster found that China will be able to meet its demand for primary lithium for electric vehicles through recycling as early as 2059, while Europe and the US will not achieve this until after 2070. Recycling is also expected to ensure China's need for cobalt by 2045 and nickel by 2046.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 8, 2023

Engaging heterosexual men more effectively could slash HIV infections in Uganda

A new study published in Nature Microbiology suggests that providing easy access to HIV treatment and care for heterosexual men could rapidly cut transmission to their female partners. Closing the viral suppression gap in men is estimated to halve rates of new infections among women and eliminate gender disparities.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Microbiology·DateDec 8, 2023

University of Toronto researchers discover new lipid nanoparticle that shows muscle-specific mRNA delivery, reduces off-target effects.

Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a novel ionizable lipid nanoparticle that enables efficient muscle-focused mRNA delivery while minimizing off-target effects. The study demonstrates potent cellular immune responses and potential as a viable candidate for cancer vaccine development.

SourceUniversity of Toronto - Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 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.

Immersive VR goggles for mice unlock new potential for brain science

Researchers at Northwestern University developed virtual reality goggles for mice, allowing them to study responses to overhead threats for the first time. The new system enabled more accurate and precise neural circuitry analysis by simulating natural environments, reducing training times compared to traditional VR systems.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023

What happens when the brain loses a hub?

A recent study reveals the importance of brain hubs in neural networks and their rapid compensation when lost. The researchers obtained direct recordings of human brain activity before and after surgically disconnecting a critical language hub.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023

Study award for a new building block in the drug toolbox

Researchers have identified a new enzyme, KtzT, that can form a rare nitrogen-nitrogen bond in molecules. The discovery enables the efficient production of tailored compounds with specific effects on organisms and their metabolic processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMolecular Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 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.

A fork in the rhod: Janelia researchers unveil comprehensive collection of rhodamine-based fluorescent dyes

The Janelia Fluor dyes have become a staple in biology labs worldwide, and the team has now expanded their spectrum with a new set of far-red shifted dyes that can penetrate deeper into tissue. The researchers developed a novel chemistry to synthesize these dyes, enabling them to create dozens of functional versions relatively quickly.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 8, 2023

Milestones in Europe: First results in using new tools to tackle respiratory syncytial virus

The European Union has approved vaccines for pregnant women and monoclonal antibodies to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among young children. New sequencing tools have also been developed to track the genetic diversity of RSV and inform vaccine effectiveness and treatment strategies.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 8, 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.