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Science News for February 17, 2023


So, when’s the best time to claim Social Security?

A new study by Cornell University analyzes personal preference and interventions in determining the best time to claim Social Security. Key findings include the importance of considering future regret and life expectancy, while societal norms are less influential.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateFeb 17, 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.

Kleptomaniacs can even take a hint

Researchers at Kyoto University found distinct patterns of gazing and brain activity in patients with kleptomania when shown relevant environmental cues. These results suggest a similar mechanism to drug addiction, potentially leading to the development of therapeutic treatments.

SourceKyoto University·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023

Scientists warn of many dangerous climate feedback loops

Researchers identified 27 amplifying feedbacks, 7 dampening feedbacks, and 7 uncertain feedbacks, including permafrost thawing, peatland drying, and forest dieback. The study calls for more ambitious emissions drawdown plans and nature-based solutions to address the climate crisis.

SourceConservation Biology Institute·JournalOne Earth·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 17, 2023

Evolution: Miniproteins appeared “from nowhere”

Researchers have discovered thousands of new miniproteins in human organs, which challenge the assumption that they are insignificant and functionless. The proteins were found to interact with older proteins, suggesting a key role in cellular functions.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 17, 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.

ETRI develops the world's first fluorosulfate-based flame retardant additive

The ETRI team developed a fluorosulfate-based flame retardant additive that improves battery performance by 160% and flame retardant properties by 2.3 times compared to conventional phosphorous additives. The additive minimizes interfacial resistance, reducing chemical reactions between the electrode and electrolyte.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·DateFeb 17, 2023

Spraying compound probiotics improves growth performance and immunity and modulates gut microbiota and blood metabolites of suckling piglets

This study demonstrates that spraying a compound probiotic fermented liquid into the living environment of piglets can improve their growth performance and immunity. The treatment also modulates the piglets' gut microbiota structure and diversity, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria and decreasing Escherichia coli.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2023

Feedback loops make climate action even more urgent, scientists say

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified 27 amplifying feedback loops that significantly increase warming due to greenhouse gas emissions. The study calls for transformative changes in energy, transportation, food production, and international economy to meet climate challenges.

SourceOregon State University·JournalOne Earth·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 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.

The unnecessary burden of war

A study finds that governments could help millions of people and save a lot of money with targeted energy subsidies. The research quantifies the impacts of the energy crisis on households worldwide, revealing that indirect energy costs impose the biggest burden on both high- and low-income countries.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2023

Department of Defense grant to fund dementia treatment study at UTHSC

Researchers at UTHSC are working on a project to find the first therapeutic intervention to prevent frontotemporal dementia or slow its progression in a mouse model linked with the condition. They aim to use DNAzymes to target pathological tau aggregates, which cause cognitive impairment and progressive neuropathological symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center·DateFeb 17, 2023

Toxic protein linked to muscular dystrophy and arhinia

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered a possible cause for rare genetic disorders, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and arhinia. The toxic protein DUX4, overproduced in FSHD patients, not only kills muscle cells but also prevents the development of the human nose.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 17, 2023

Astrophysics: Scientists observe high-speed star formation

A team of scientists observed the dynamic formation process of interstellar gas clouds, revealing speeds of up to 20 km/s that compress gas into denser regions where massive stars form. The findings challenge previous assumptions of slow and quasi-static star formation processes in this region.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2023

Food quality matters for southern resident killer whales, UBC study states

A recent UBC study has found that southern resident killer whales require high-energy prey to survive, with spring-run Chinook salmon being the most suitable. The study's findings have significant implications for managing both species and mitigating the decline of this critically endangered population.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 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.

Electronic metadevices break barriers to ultra-fast communications

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new approach to electronics that can overcome limitations and enable ultra-fast devices for exchanging massive amounts of data. The Electronic metadevices can operate at electromagnetic frequencies in the terahertz range, yielding extraordinary properties that do not occur in nature.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023

Tablet-based screening doubles detection of psychosis symptoms in youth

A study found that a 21-question pre-visit survey on a tablet significantly increased the detection of psychosis symptoms in young people. However, it did not reduce the time between first psychotic symptoms and treatment. The technology-based screening improved clinical decision-making but highlighted challenges in scaling up programs.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 17, 2023

Digital transformation of UTA’s parking lots

The project will create a digital map of parking spaces using accumulated UTA data, enhancing sustainability practices and reducing emissions. It will also establish an AI-based system to predict future demand and improve users' experiences through a mobile app.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateFeb 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.

Electrocatalysis – Iron and Cobalt Oxyhydroxides examined at BESSY II

Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin examined the chemistry of Cobalt-Iron Oxyhydroxides using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. They discovered that iron is present in higher oxidation states than previously thought, which could lead to improved electrocatalysts for water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023

This ‘Harry Potter’ light sensor achieves magically high efficiency of 200 per cent

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed a photodiode with sensitivity exceeding 200%, using green light and a double-layered cell design. This breakthrough enables the device to detect weak light signals, making it ideal for medical purposes, wearable monitoring, and machine vision applications.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023

An iron-dependent form of non-canonical ferroptosis induced by labile iron

Researchers have identified a novel form of ferroptosis triggered by labile iron, distinct from canonical ferroptosis. Mitochondria play a central role in this process, which involves unique gene expression profiles and can be observed in liver tissue subjected to acute iron overload.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateFeb 17, 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.

Two out of three corporate frauds go undetected, research finds

A study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that under typical surveillance, about 3% of US companies exhibit financial misrepresentation. However, during a period of heightened scrutiny following the Enron scandal, this rate tripled to 9%, indicating that at least 10% of companies may be involved in fraud.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalReview of Accounting Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2023

Tame heat with pressure

A Chinese research team has developed a barocaloric thermal battery concept that extracts thermal energy from low-temperature waste heat sources by controlling pressure. The system, materialized in ammonium thiocyanate, releases up to 11 times more heat than the mechanical energy input.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023

In vivo synaptic dynamics in various memory states

The study reveals that engram neurons form new synapses during fear memory formation, while memory extinction leads to the disappearance of these connections. The researchers observed this process using a novel dual-eGRASP system, enabling longitudinal observations of identical synapses at multiple time points.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 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.

How the Mongolian gerbil may help speed recovery of a rare inner ear problem

Researchers developed a testing model to understand cognitive challenges of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD), a rare condition causing sound-induced dizziness and hearing abnormalities. The Mongolian gerbil model shows promise for accelerating recovery with reversible diagnostic findings characteristic of patients with SSCD.

SourceRutgers University·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023

Achieving a better understanding of how the blood-brain barrier works

Researchers developed an open-microfluidic 3D blood-brain barrier model to study the complex structure and function of the barrier. The model allows for simultaneous measurement of permeability and morphological changes, providing new insights into how the barrier responds to injuries and diseases.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 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.

New pumping strategy could slash energy costs of fluid transport by 22%

A new pumping strategy has been developed to slash energy costs of fluid transport by up to 22%. By switching pumps on and off, turbulent flows can be reduced, resulting in more efficient fluid transport. This approach could bring significant economic and environmental benefits, particularly for the transition to green energy.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 17, 2023

Opportunistic pathogens are less likely to be present in the nose and throat of people vaccinated against COVID-19, who are also less likely to get severe disease compared to non-vaccinated individuals

A study found that vaccinated people are less likely to have opportunistic pathogens in their nose and throat, and also experience milder symptoms of COVID-19. This is attributed to the presence of transcriptionally active nasopharyngeal commensals, which play a key role in defining mild symptoms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 17, 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.

NIH researchers discover new gene involved in a toxic competition among yeast

Researchers at NIH's National Human Genome Research Institute identified a gene, KTD1, that provides resistance to the K28 toxin in yeast. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying toxin resistance and has implications for understanding human toxin resistance.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023

New antioxidants found in beef, chicken, and pork!

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have identified new antioxidants in meat, including beef, chicken, and pork, which show high antioxidant activity. These discoveries were made using a highly sensitive detection method, enabling the quantification of these compounds in living organisms.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAntioxidants·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023

Daily rhythm detected for cerebral blood flow in stroke patients

A new study found that stroke patients experience a daily rhythm in cerebral blood flow regulation, with greater regulation during afternoon hours compared to morning and night times. This discovery may improve health outcomes by guiding daily activity and personal care during stroke recovery.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 17, 2023

Review: No proof that indwelling catheters cause more UTIs than intermittent catheterization

A systematic review published in Topics in SCI Rehabilitation suggests that indwelling catheters do not increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) compared to intermittent catheterization. The review found that only three studies reported significantly higher UTI rates with indwelling catheters, but all three had critical flaws.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalTopics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation·DateFeb 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.

Humans don't hibernate, but we still need more winter sleep

Researchers found that patients undergoing polysomnographies experienced longer REM sleep in winter than summer, but less deep sleep in autumn. The study suggests that humans may need more winter sleep to adapt to seasonal changes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2023

Space travel influences the way the brain works

A study by the University of Antwerp and University of Liège found that prolonged microgravity affects human cerebral connectivity, with some changes persisting even after returning to Earth. The research used MRI data from 14 astronaut brains before and after their space missions.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 17, 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.