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Science News Archive February 2023 - Page 35


Page 35 of 36

Antidepressants use for chronic pain on the rise, but are they effective?

A comprehensive review of antidepressant use in chronic pain found that some classes were effective in treating certain conditions, while others showed unclear or unknown benefits. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine demonstrated efficacy for various pain conditions.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe BMJ·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 1, 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.

Brain injuries drop 20% for babies with heart defects

A 20-year study reveals that recent advances in surgical and clinical care have significantly reduced brain injuries in babies with congenital heart disease. Infants who received higher postoperative blood pressure had a 20% lower risk of brain injury compared to those in earlier stages.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 1, 2023

Passive radiative cooling can now be controlled electrically

Electrical tuning of passive radiative cooling enables temperature regulation at ambient conditions, reducing energy consumption and pollution. The technology has potential applications in building insulation, clothing, and wallpaper.

SourceLinköping University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateFeb 1, 2023

Antidepressants used for chronic pain on the rise, but are they effective?

Researchers found that some antidepressant classes were effective in treating specific pain conditions, while others showed no benefits or unknown effects. The review of 26 systematic reviews involving over 25,000 participants suggests a more nuanced approach to prescribing antidepressants for chronic pain management is needed.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBMJ·DateFeb 1, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shining a light on the biological origins of PTSD

A Tufts-led team discovered a brain region marker that indicates vulnerability to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study found heightened amygdala activation in response to neutral facial expressions, suggesting an acquired characteristic of PTSD. This finding may inform early intervention strategies for individual...

SourceTufts University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Study unveils molecular pathways followed by metastatic cancer cells

A new study published in Cell Reports Medicine identifies four pan-cancer molecular subtypes of metastasis, each with distinct transcriptional programs and potential therapeutic targets. The research provides valuable insights for personalized treatments of metastatic cancer.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2023

Soft robotic wearable restores arm function for people with ALS

A team of researchers from Harvard and MGH developed a soft robotic wearable capable of significantly assisting upper arm and shoulder movement in people with ALS. The device improved range of motion, reduced muscle fatigue, and increased performance of tasks like holding or reaching for objects.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2023

Princeton researchers reveal microscopic quantum correlations of ultracold molecules

Princeton researchers have achieved a major breakthrough by microscopically studying molecular gases at a level never before achieved. The team cooled molecules to ultracold temperatures, observed individual molecules with high spatial resolution, and detected subtle quantum correlations, opening up new avenues for many-body physics re...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 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.

How we navigate through crowds

Scientists from the University of Vienna found that grid cells in the brain play a crucial role in detecting movements of people around us. This mechanism may help explain disorientation in dementia patients. The study suggests that grid cells create a mental map of our surroundings, including the movements of others.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 2023

First solid scientific evidence that Vikings brought animals to Britain

Researchers found solid scientific evidence that Vikings transported animals, including a horse and dog, across the North Sea to Britain. The analysis of human and animal remains from the Heath Wood cremation cemetery revealed that these animals originated from Scandinavia.

SourceDurham University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

War tourists fighting on a virtual front, since Ukraine-Russia war

A new study from the University of Portsmouth reveals that 'war tourism' has evolved into online activities such as countering misinformation and raising awareness for Ukrainian refugees. Researchers analyzed data from the Subreddit forum 'volunteers for Ukraine', which had over 44,500 members just two weeks after Russia's invasion.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalJournal of Travel Research·DateFeb 1, 2023

Discovery of a circovirus involved in human hepatitis

Researchers identified HCirV-1 in a patient with unexplained chronic hepatitis, demonstrating its role in liver damage. After treatment, the patient's liver enzymes returned to normal levels, indicating the end of hepatic cytolysis.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeCase study·DateFeb 1, 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.

Moderate alcohol intoxication does not impair recall of sexual assault

A study at the University of Birmingham found that women can recall details of sexual assault with accuracy, regardless of moderate alcohol intake. The research challenged courtroom perceptions of intoxicated women as unreliable witnesses.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

‘Liquid windows’ inspired by squid skin could help buildings react to changing environments, save on energy costs

A multilayered fluidic system inspired by squid skin can optimize the wavelength, intensity, and dispersion of light reaching building interiors. This could lead to significant savings on heating, cooling, and lighting energy costs, with annual reductions of up to 50%.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2023

Geriatric fracture program reduces length of hospital stay

The Geriatric Fracture Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been shown to reduce hospital stays by 2.12 days and lower hospital-related costs by $5,316 for patients aged 65 and older. The program's comprehensive care approach, including bone strength assessments and fall prevention strategies, is effective in improving outcomes.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalHealth Services Research·DateFeb 1, 2023

Smart contact lens that diagnoses and treats glaucoma

A new smart contact lens has been developed to diagnose and treat glaucoma by monitoring intraocular pressure in real-time and releasing the appropriate amount of medication. The lens, created by a POSTECH research team, uses a flexible drug delivery system and wireless power and communication system.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 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.

Spot the cancer: New advances in melanoma detection

Researchers at the University of South Australia are developing new biomarkers to improve melanoma detection and avoid delayed treatment. The current markers used in clinical practice are not always sensitive or specific, leading to fatal consequences if cancerous cells are missed.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalMolecular Diagnosis & Therapy·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 1, 2023

Plastic is moving quickly from our shops to our bins

A new report by the University of Portsmouth found that UK coastal city residents face infrastructure challenges and accessibility barriers when trying to reduce their single-use plastic waste. Despite being concerned about plastic use, consumer behavior often contradicts these beliefs.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalSustainability Science·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 1, 2023

Protein with anti-aging action combats inflammation and avoids death of neurons

Researchers found that klotho has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects on cultured glial cells, reversing increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The study supports klotho's therapeutic potential in pathological processes with a neuroinflammatory component.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 1, 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.

Study underscores lack of diversity in stock photography sites

A study found that stock photography sites have limited representation of diverse populations, particularly people with darker skin tones and lower socioeconomic status. This limitation makes it challenging for organizations to develop effective communication tools to reach these groups.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalHealth Promotion Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2023

Social isolation, loneliness increase risk for heart failure

A large study published in JACC: Heart Failure found that social isolation and loneliness are associated with higher rates of heart failure. However, feelings of loneliness were found to be a stronger predictor of heart failure risk than objective social isolation. The study suggests that effective tools for screening social isolation ...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJACC Heart Failure·DateFeb 1, 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.

New approach to “punishment and reward” method of training artificial intelligence offers potential key to unlock new treatments for aggressive cancers

A new approach to deep reinforcement learning demonstrates ability to stabilize large datasets used in AI models, which may lead to uncovering ways to arrest cancer development. The method has been successful in designing and refining existing therapies, with the next step being to use live cells.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalIEEE Transactions on Control of Network Systems·DateFeb 1, 2023

Using CRISPR to detect cancer biomarkers

Researchers developed a novel CRISPR system to detect small amounts of cancer-related molecules in exosomes in plasma, effectively distinguishing between malignant and benign samples. The method has the potential to make cancer diagnosis and monitoring quicker and easier by analyzing blood samples.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateFeb 1, 2023

A new tool for studying processes in the cerebellum

A new optogenetic tool, OPN4-mGluR1, allows researchers to modulate mGluR1 signalling in the cerebellum using light. This enables the study of synaptic plasticity and its role in motor learning, offering new possibilities for understanding cerebellar-associated diseases.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 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.

A new analysis of the literature on NETosis from Dompé farmaceutici puts a spotlight on neutrophils in carcinogenesis and highlights the importance of targeting IL-8 and EVs in drug-resistant tumors

A new analysis of NETosis from Dompé farmaceutici puts a spotlight on neutrophils in carcinogenesis. Neutrophils' behavior is modulated by extracellular vesicles and interleukin-8, leading to tumor progression and drug resistance. Targeting IL-8 and EVs may lead to novel drugs to regulate neutrophil biology.

SourceDompe farmaceutici SpA·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·DateFeb 1, 2023

Better eyewitness lineup improves accuracy, detecting innocence

Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a new procedure to improve eyewitness lineup accuracy and detect suspect guilt or innocence. The 'rule out' procedure adds confidence questions to standard lineups, allowing witnesses to provide more valuable information about their decision.

SourceIowa State University·JournalPsychology Public Policy and Law·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Western wildfires destroying more homes per square mile burned

A new analysis found that human ignitions started 76% of the wildfires that destroyed structures in Western states, leading to increased structure losses. The study suggests that policymakers can lessen the risks of wildfire damage by addressing human-related ignitions and promoting fire-resistant building materials.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 1, 2023

Water pores in leaves proven to be part of plant's defence system against pathogens

A team of biologists from the University of Amsterdam found that water pores in leaves are part of a plant's defence system against pathogenic micro-organisms. The discovery provides insight into how plants defend themselves against bacterial diseases, and may help make agricultural crops more resilient.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

First Kilonova Progenitor System identified

Astronomers have uncovered a rare binary star system that has the right conditions to trigger a kilonova, an ultra-powerful explosion created by colliding neutron stars. The system, CPD-29 2176, is one of only about 10 such systems thought to exist in the Milky Way Galaxy.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2023

Amplified search for new forces

A team of researchers has developed an amplification technique to study a parity-violating interaction between spins mediated by a hypothetical Z' boson. The setup, called SAPPHIRE, uses polarized rubidium and xenon atoms to increase sensitivity five orders of magnitude, setting new constraints on the strength of this interaction.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Study offers neurological explanation for how brains bias partisans against new information

A recent study published in Science Advances found that individuals with similar ideologies have more similar neural fingerprints of political words and process new information in a polarized way. The researchers used a range of methods, including fMRI and representation similarity analysis, to explore how the brains of people who iden...

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Physicists observe rare resonance in molecules for the first time

Researchers at MIT have observed a rare resonance in colliding ultracold molecules for the first time, shedding light on the forces that drive molecules to chemically react. The discovery could lead to new ways to steer and control certain chemical reactions using magnetic fields.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 1, 2023

China’s stricter clean heating policies may have saved thousands of lives – study

A recent study found that China's cleaner heating policies in northern cities, including Beijing and Tianjin, reduced premature deaths from air pollution by 23,000 in 2021 compared to 2015. The stricter policies led to a significant decrease in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 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.

Mapping Mexico’s dengue fever hotspots

A Rutgers researcher has analyzed data from Mexico's Ministry of Health to identify dengue fever hotspots, highlighting areas where severe outbreaks occur. The study found that lower socioeconomic status increases risk of dengue fever and that DENV-2 is the deadliest serotype.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEcological Informatics·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 1, 2023

Kessler Foundation team to study impact of strategy-based cognitive training on new learning and memory in individuals with multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Kessler Foundation are conducting a double-blind randomized clinical trial to evaluate the impact of their strategy-based cognitive training program on new learning and memory in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study aims to assess the efficacy of this protocol, which is based on the KF-STEM protocol.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalContemporary Clinical Trials Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 1, 2023

Vitamin D supplementation is associated with a reduced risk of suicide attempts in a large cohort of U.S. veterans, especially in Black veterans and those with pre-existing low vitamin D

A large cohort study found that vitamin D supplementation is associated with a reduced risk of suicide attempts among US veterans. The study highlights the importance of vitamin D levels and supplementation in preventing suicidal behaviors, particularly among Black veterans and those with pre-existing low vitamin D.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 1, 2023

Photo-induced bipolarity of a faradaic layer on semiconductor surface

Researchers discover intrinsic faradaic layer on semiconductor surface exhibits bipolarity under illumination, serving as electron and hole transfer mediators in photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis. A new descriptor for solid surface structure is introduced, simplifying the understanding of complex interactions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 1, 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.

Changes in pregnancy-associated deaths during pandemic

Researchers found increased rates of pregnancy-associated deaths in the US from 2018 to 2020, with no significant decline. The pandemic contributed to these changes, with rates rising due to various causes including drugs, homicide, and suicide.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 1, 2023

Contributing to the utilization of big data! Developing new data learning methods for artificial intelligence

A team of researchers has proposed a novel method for multi-label classification that enables continual learning from big data. The approach combines clustering and Bayesian methods to achieve high classification performance and adaptability in the face of new data.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2023

Joy at the café: Tweets reveal where in cities people express different emotions

A study of nearly 2 million Tweets in London and San Francisco identified specific events and locations associated with different emotions. The analysis showed that certain locations, such as hotels and restaurants, were linked to higher levels of joy, while train stations and transportation sites were linked to disgust.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Most antidepressants ineffective for common pain conditions

Researchers found that while some antidepressants are effective for certain pain conditions, most are either ineffective or the evidence is inconclusive. A more nuanced approach is needed when prescribing antidepressants for pain, say experts.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 1, 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.

Voice-activated system for hands-free, safer DNA handling

Scientists have created a small, portable device that can extract and pretreat bacterial DNA using voice commands, making it easier and safer for researchers to handle potentially infectious samples. The device has shown promise in extracting DNA from Salmonella Typhimurium with an efficiency of 70% in under a minute.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateFeb 1, 2023

Seeing the same midwives improves birthing experience for high-risk mothers

A study published in Women and Birth found that seeing the same midwives throughout the perinatal period makes a substantial difference to a woman's experience of care. The continuity of care model improves trust, advocacy, access, and consistency of care for high-risk mothers, reducing anxiety and stress.

SourceKing's College London·JournalWomen and Birth·DateFeb 1, 2023

UBC Okanagan engineers examine drinking water management strategies

The study examines the impact of climate change and economic sustainability on drinking water management strategies. The integrated assessment framework assesses factors such as water quality, environmental changes, and potential costs to determine performance data and benchmarking.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 1, 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.

Method extracts antioxidant nutrients from corn processing waste

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a process to unlock soluble ferulic acid-rich dietary fibers from corn bran, a low-value sidestream. The extracted antioxidants can prevent cell oxidation and improve gut health by delivering hydrogels that counteract oxidative stress.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Development of 100% biodegradable paper straws that do not become soggy

Researchers at Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) have developed biodegradable paper straws that outperform conventional straws, maintaining their integrity in cold and hot drinks. The new straws lose weight but decompose completely within 120 days, unlike regular plastic straws and corn plastic straws.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·DateFeb 1, 2023

MRI surveillance for postsurgical musculoskeletal soft-tissue sarcomas: AJR systematic review and meta-analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that MRI-based surveillance after surgical treatment can detect clinically occult local recurrences, potentially improving patient outcomes. The study included 19 studies and showed a significant association between high-intensity surveillance and the detection of local recurrences.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 1, 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.