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Science News for February 3, 2023


Living in a violent setting can result in a shorter, but also a more unpredictable lifespan, according to new research from NYU Abu Dhabi social scientists

A study published in Science Advances found a direct link between violence and lifetime uncertainty, which is measured as the spread in age at death. The researchers analyzed mortality data for 162 countries and found that the most violent countries have the lowest life expectancy and highest lifetime uncertainty.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 3, 2023

Rabi oscillations in a stretching molecule

Scientists discovered strong-field-induced dissociation dynamics beyond the well-accepted resonant one-photon dissociation scenario in H2+ molecules. Rabi oscillations lead to different kinetic energy releases through rolling and looping pathways.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateFeb 3, 2023

Neighborhood walkability linked to risk of gestational diabetes

A study published in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology found that pregnant individuals living in more walkable neighborhoods have a lower risk of gestational diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 109,000 births in New York City and found a significant association between neighborhood walkability and reduced risk of GD.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPaediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 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.

Ice cores show even dormant volcanoes leak abundant sulfur into the atmosphere

A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters reveals that even dormant volcanoes release a surprisingly high amount of sulfur into the Arctic atmosphere. This finding has significant implications for understanding Earth's atmosphere and its relationship with climate and air quality.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2023

BrainHealth research demonstrates positive impact of online SMART training

New research from Center for BrainHealth demonstrates the positive impact of online Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics (SMART) training on mental health symptoms. The study found improvements in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in healthy adults, with lasting effects six months post-training.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalBrain and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

Harnessing an innate protection against Ebola

School of Veterinary Medicine researchers have identified a cellular pathway that hampers the Ebola virus' ability to exit human cells. By targeting the protein VP40, host cells activate autophagy, a process that digests and recycles proteins, reducing viral particle release into the bloodstream.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023

Study reveals new clues about how 'Earth's thermostat' controls climate

A new study led by Penn State scientists sheds light on the temperature sensitivity of silicate rock weathering, a process that helps control Earth's climate. The research combines laboratory measurements and soil analysis to create a global estimate for how weathering responds to temperature changes.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 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.

Antibody candidate for treating serious liver disease

A study identified an antibody candidate that blocks the protein VEGF-B, presenting a possible therapeutic option for fatty liver disease. The treatment method involves keeping fatty acids in adipose tissue to prevent liver accumulation.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023

Black South Africans report higher life satisfaction and are at less risk for depression post-migration, MU study finds

A new study found Black South Africans who migrated to find work reported better emotional well-being and were at lower risk for depression after the move. The research may help policymakers tailor mental health resources to underprivileged migrants and those seeking economic mobility.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalSSM - Mental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 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.

Single test can now identify all strains of deadly fish virus ISKNV

A single test can now identify all three genotypes of the Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV), a deadly virus that primarily affects fish. The development of this test has significant implications for fisheries and aquaculture, as ISKNV poses a substantial threat to these industries.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 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.

Dramatic improvement in the prevalence of disabilities among older Americans since 2008

The prevalence of disabilities among American adults aged 65 and older declined substantially between 2008 and 2017. In 2008, 12.1% reported limitations in daily living, while in 2017, this percentage dropped to 9.6%, saving an additional 1.27 million Americans from ADL limitations. Furthermore, the percentage of functional limitations...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

Life in a violent country can be years shorter and much less predictable – even for those not involved in conflict

A new study reveals that violent countries have significantly shorter life expectancies and more unpredictable lives, affecting both young people and women. The study finds a direct link between violence and lifetime uncertainty, highlighting the need to consider indirect effects of violence on mortality patterns.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

42 finalists named for the 2023 Hertz Fellowships

The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation has announced 42 finalists for the 2023 Hertz Fellowships, selected from over 750 applicants. The finalists will advance to a culminating round of interviews for one of the most competitive Ph.D. fellowships in the nation.

SourceFannie and John Hertz Foundation·DateFeb 3, 2023

Sharing COVID-19 experiences can increase vaccination rates

A Rutgers study found that people who know someone who became ill with COVID-19 or died from the disease are twice as likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The study also found that essential workers and those with better health status were more likely to get vaccinated.

SourceRutgers University·JournalVaccine·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 3, 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.

PRESS RELEASE: Elevated plasma methylmalonic acid is related to increased cardiovascular events

A recent study from the University of Bergen found that elevated plasma methylmalonic acid is associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction and mortality in patients with suspected or verified coronary heart disease. Higher plasma MMA levels were linked to reduced renal function and low vitamin B12 status, but also p...

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

The nutrient that cancer cells crave

Researchers found that arginine levels are limited in human cancers, prompting cancer cells to manipulate proteins to take up the amino acid. Starving cancer cells of arginine may lead to mutations that make them more recognizable to the immune system.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 3, 2023

"Time is not what it used to be": Children and adults experience time differently

Researchers found that children perceive time differently than adults, with a shift in bias around age 7. Children tend to overestimate the duration of an eventful video and underestimate that of an uneventful one, while adults exhibit the opposite bias. This switch is unexpected based on biological models of time perception.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 3, 2023

How the body’s defenses keep their weapons in check

A team of scientists led by Thomas Blankenstein presents a mechanism that prevents the immune response from overshooting its mark. The KRKR motif, a short sequence of four amino acids, is crucial in binding to connective tissue and preventing interferon-gamma from spreading throughout the body.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breakthrough COVID-19 cases occur in 7.5% of vaccinated Texas participants, according to UTHealth Houston survey; subgroups at higher odds identified

According to a UTHealth Houston survey, breakthrough COVID-19 infections occurred in 7.5% of vaccinated Texans, with higher odds associated with Hispanic ethnicity, larger household size, and multiple comorbidities. The study also found that healthcare workers had higher reports of breakthrough infections.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 3, 2023

Autonomous driving: New algorithm distributes risk fairly

Researchers developed an ethical algorithm to distribute risk fairly in autonomous vehicles, considering multiple factors such as responsibility and traffic regulations. The new approach enables more nuanced decision-making in critical situations, weighing risks and avoiding aggressive maneuvers.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2023

Mnemo Therapeutics and Institut Curie announce two key publications in Science Immunology highlighting novel approach to identify unknown, therapeutically relevant cancer-specific targets

Two studies published in Science Immunology reveal that TE-exon splicing junctions can differentiate tumors from healthy tissue, offering a potential solution to the field of immuno-oncology. The research identifies novel recurrent, cancer-specific targets and validates Mnemo's antigen discovery platform.

SourceInstitut Curie·JournalScience Immunology·DateFeb 3, 2023

Low-grade inflammation may cause arterial stiffness and preclinical atherosclerosis in otherwise healthy adolescents

Researchers found that low-grade inflammation in adolescents can lead to higher blood pressure, insulin resistance, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study also suggests that dietary factors, such as consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fibre-rich foods, can help prevent premature vascular damage.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateFeb 3, 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.

New study finds that age-related fat may lead to less effective muscle function

A new study finds that age-related abdominal fat is associated with lower muscle density, leading to less effective muscle function. This accumulation of visceral adipose tissue may represent a modifiable risk factor for poor musculoskeletal outcomes with aging.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateFeb 3, 2023

How age and sex influence our body clocks

A new study has shed light on the complex interplay between our body clock, sex, and age, revealing sex-dimorphic gene expression rhythms and reduced rhythmic programs with age across various biological functions. These findings may lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating pathologies such as sleep disorders and metabolic diseases.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateFeb 3, 2023

First assessment of livestock predation risk from brown bears in Romania

A recent study found that brown bears in Romania's Carpathians have a higher predation risk for cows near villages and forest edges, while sheep are more prone to predation in remote areas. The researchers believe that differences in grazing regimes and bear abundance contribute to these findings.

SourceOhio University·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

Sussex researchers use Artificial Intelligence to personalise cancer patient treatments

A new method of analyzing cancer cells using Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been developed, enabling oncologists to tailor treatments to individual patients. By identifying key genes essential for a cancer cell's survival, researchers can target specific proteins to kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells intact.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalBioinformatics Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 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.

Award-winning: ”Teaching Public Service in the Digital Age”

A new open-access syllabus is training professors in public administration to develop the digital skills needed for post-pandemic governance. The project, initiated by Ines Mergel and David Eaves, provides teaching materials and resources to support instructors in adapting to the digital age.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·DateFeb 3, 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.

Researchers: Energy-efficient construction materials work better in colder climates

The study reveals that phase change materials (PCMs) can store and release large amounts of energy, providing a cooling effect in winter and a warming effect in summer. In colder climates, the energy payback period of using PCMs is the shortest, with annual energy savings ranging from 0.24 to 29.84 kWh/m2a.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2023

Accepting anxiety for peace of mind

A mindfulness-based intervention program significantly decreased subjective anxiety and improved emotional regulation in AN patients. The study found changes in brain regions involved in anxiety, emotion arousal, and self-referential processing.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBJPsych Open·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023

Commonly used police diversity training unlikely to change officers’ behavior, study finds

A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that day-long implicit bias-oriented training programs for US police departments are unlikely to reduce racial inequity in policing. Despite increased knowledge and motivation among officers, actual policing behaviors showed little change just one month after the training session.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023

Voiceless frog discovered in Tanzania

Researchers found a unique, silent frog species in Tanzania's Ukaguru Mountains, highlighting the importance of conservation and understanding diverse ecosystems. The discovery provides critical information for protecting this critically endangered species and its habitat.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2023

Stereotactic body radiotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with lung neuroendocrine tumors

A new study published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics found that stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective treatment for early stage lung neuroendocrine tumors. The three-, six- and nine-year local control rates with SBRT were 97%, 91% and 91%, respectively.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 3, 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.

How species partnerships evolve

Biologists from the University of Pennsylvania explored how symbiotic relationships between species evolve to become specific or general, cooperative or antagonistic. They found that cooperative partnering strategies could persist in populations with one specialized host and a corresponding specialized symbiont.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalEvolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2023

Spanish scientists identify a new therapeutic target in macrophages for the treatment of obesity-related diseases

Macrophages adapt their metabolism according to the organ they reside in, reveals Spanish scientists. This discovery highlights a vulnerability of macrophages that contributes to chronic inflammatory diseases and could be exploited therapeutically for conditions like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023

Solving the structure of a functional amyloid protein provides new clues to the origin of a rare disease

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona solved the structure of a functional amyloid protein, hnRNPDL-2, which forms stable and non-toxic fibres in humans. The discovery changes the concept of disease origin and treatment, suggesting that molecules stabilising or facilitating fibre formation could be the key to therapy.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023

Study reveals salps play outsize role in damping global warming

A new study finds that salp blooms can offset as much CO2 as emitted by millions of cars, with some estimates suggesting up to 28,000 vehicles. Salps' unique features and rapid reproduction lead to large amounts of carbon being exported to the deep sea.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2023

A new understanding of reptile coloration

Researchers at McGill University have identified a crucial gene (tfec) controlling reptile pigmentation and specifically the classic piebald trait. By combining whole-genome sequencing, gene-editing, and electron microscopy, they found that this mutation affects color-producing cells in reptiles.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 3, 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.

Drop race adjustment for AFP prenatal testing, study urges

A retrospective review of 27,710 medical records found no clinical measurable difference in AFP levels between non-Black and Black patients. The study urges an end to race-based adjustments for AFP prenatal testing, citing a lack of scientific basis for the practice.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

Researchers find a link between traffic noise and tinnitus

Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have found a correlation between traffic noise and the risk of developing tinnitus. The study, which analyzed data from 3.5 million Danes, suggests that exposure to high levels of traffic noise increases the risk of tinnitus by up to six percent.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 3, 2023

Signal transmission in the immune and nervous system through NEMO

The study reveals that NEMO forms biomolecular condensates with ubiquitin chains to activate NF-κB signaling, facilitating rapid regulation of cellular responses. A pathogenic mutation in the NEMO gene inhibits this process, leading to a disease characterized by skin abnormalities and neurological symptoms.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

A study analyzes the relationship between olive roots and Verticillium wilt

Researchers developed an effective method to analyze the effect of olive root exudates on Verticillium wilt, a disease causing olive tree death. The study found that exudates from resistant varieties suppress the fungus's germination, while susceptible varieties stimulate its growth.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalPlant and Soil·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023

Researchers at Purdue University uncover a new method for generating spinning thermal radiation

Researchers at Purdue University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of thermal radiation, uncovering a new method for generating spinning thermal radiation in a controlled and efficient manner. The team's findings, published in Science Advances, demonstrate the ability to generate predominantly left-handed circularly pol...

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 3, 2023