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Science News for January 20, 2023


Exotic water ice contributes to understanding of magnetic anomalies on Neptune and Uranus

Researchers used density functional theory to investigate the mechanical properties of superionic ice XVIII, which is thought to make up a large part of Neptune and Uranus. The study found that dislocations in the crystal lattice produce shear, leading to macroscopic deformations and potentially influencing the planets' magnetic fields.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2023

Researchers find that traded species have distinctive life histories with extended reproductive lifecycles

A new study reveals that vertebrate species involved in the live wildlife trade exhibit distinctive life history traits, including large numbers of offspring across long reproductive lifespans. This profile is likely financially advantageous for trades involving captive breeding, but also increases the risk of species becoming problema...

SourceDurham University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Beans IN toast could revolutionise British diet

Researchers at the University of Reading are working on a £2 million project to increase UK-grown faba beans in bread, improving nutritional quality and sustainability. The 'Raising the Pulse' project aims to encourage farmers to switch wheat-producing land to faba bean for human consumption.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNutrition Bulletin·DateJan 20, 2023

Suicide risk among individuals diagnosed with cancer

Researchers identified geographic, racial and ethnic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics as key contributors to the elevated suicide risk among cancer patients. Timely symptom management and targeted psychosocial interventions are crucial for preventing suicide in individuals diagnosed with cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 20, 2023

Family tree secrets: Island tree populations older, more diverse than expected

A study by the University of Tsukuba found that Siebold's beech populations on Okushiri Island have high genetic diversity, suggesting they may have persisted there since before the last glacial maximum. This challenges the assumption that island populations are less genetically diverse due to geographical isolation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateJan 20, 2023

Physicists observe global spin alignment in heavy-ion collisions

Researchers from the STAR Collaboration have observed a global spin alignment signal in heavy-ion collisions, showing a preference for one state over two in phi mesons. The surprising pattern cannot be explained by conventional mechanisms and is linked to local fluctuations in the strong force within the quark-gluon plasma.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 2023

Female and male hearts respond differently to stress hormone in mouse study

Researchers discovered that female and male mouse hearts react uniformly at first to noradrenaline but exhibit differences in recovery time, affecting electrical activity. These findings may contribute to arrhythmia susceptibility between men and women, offering new insights into sex-based responses to stress hormones.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 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.

A 4-drug chemotherapy regimen improves survival in stage 4 pancreas cancer

A Phase 3 clinical trial has shown that a four-drug chemotherapy regimen significantly increases overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with stage 4 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The study's results suggest that this more aggressive treatment approach may be considered for eligible patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 20, 2023

New hope for treatment of rare metabolic disease

A controlled clinical trial has shown that the new drug leriglitazone can prevent neurodegeneration and brain inflammation in patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. The study found improvements in neurological conditions such as balance disorders, which had a positive impact on quality of life.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 20, 2023

Aston University creates world first computational reconstruction of a virus in its biological entirety

Researchers at Aston University have created the world's first computer reconstruction of a virus, including its complete native genome. This breakthrough could lead to the development of targeted treatments to kill bacteria that are dangerous to humans, reducing the threat of antibiotic resistance.

SourceAston University·JournalFaraday Discussions·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 20, 2023

Post-Obamacare, more adults with schizophrenia have health insurance

The implementation of the Affordable Care Act led to a significant reduction in uninsured adults under 65 with schizophrenia, from 8.4% to 4%. Medicaid coverage increased by 70%, while Medicare and private insurance coverage also rose.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 20, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Vulnerability of red sea urchins to climate change depends on location

A new study found that red sea urchin populations in Northern and Southern California have different levels of vulnerability to climate change. The researchers grew juvenile sea urchins in outdoor tanks and exposed them to changing conditions, showing that the Southern California population is more sensitive to environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 20, 2023

CityU neuroscientists identify a small molecule that restores visual function after optic nerve injury

A research team led by Dr. Eddie Ma Chi-him identified a therapeutic small molecule M1 that increases mitochondrial dynamics and sustains long-distance axon regeneration, restoring visual functions in mice. Regenerated axons elicited neural activities and survived for four weeks after optic nerve injury.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 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.

Mixture of crops provide ecological benefits for agricultural landscapes

A study by researchers at the University of Göttingen investigated the effect of mixing wheat and faba beans on pollinating insects. They found that areas with mixed crops were visited equally often by foraging bees as those with single crops. The findings suggest that this mixture may counteract pollinator decline.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

KRAS mutation promotes tumor evasion of innate immune surveillance in lung cancer

A novel KRAS mutation promotes tumor evasion from innate immune surveillance by activating CD47, leading to decreased phagocytosis of cancer cells. Disruption of the KRAS-CD47 signaling axis with siRNA or inhibitors restores innate immune surveillance and enhances macrophage phagocytic capacity.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

New ‘whipping jet’ sprayer controls how aerosols move

A new 'whipping jet' aerosol sprayer can precisely control how aerosols move, a crucial aspect of various industries. The technology has potential applications in pharmaceutical sciences, climate research, automotive, food processing, and carbon capture.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJan 20, 2023

UCalgary and WHO researchers find hybrid immunity is the best protection against COVID-19

Researchers from UCalgary and the World Health Organization found that people with hybrid immunity have the highest level of protection against severe illness and reinfection, offering a key finding for public policy makers. The study suggests vaccination should be prioritized even among those who have had COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 20, 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.

Unprecedented levels of high-severity fire burn in Sierra Nevada

A recent study reveals that high-severity wildfires are increasing in Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascade forests, with the average annual area burned at high severity nearly quintupled since before Euro-American settlement. This trend is concerning as most affected forest types are adapted to low-to-moderate severity burning.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEcosphere·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 20, 2023

Magnetic matchmaking under the microscope

A team of researchers observed magnetically mediated hole pairing in a synthetic crystal, confirming theories that magnetic fluctuations give rise to pairing. The experiments suggest significant mobility of bound hole pairs, which could be efficient carriers of currents.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

Scientists create computer simulation based on digital microbes

Researchers at University of Galway have created a digital microbe database, AGORA2, which enables computer simulations of how drug treatments work and how patients respond. The resource offers personalized predictions of differences in metabolism between individuals for diseases such as Parkinson’s and colorectal cancer.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 20, 2023

We need to learn to live with less steel

A new study suggests that producing the same amount of steel with zero emissions is unlikely, and that reducing demand through material efficiency and upcycling could be key. The research highlights the need for a more strategic approach to decarbonization, rather than relying on technological innovations alone.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeNews article·DateJan 20, 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.

Discovery of cancer-associated fibroblast origin gives new direction for pancreatic cancer

Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center discovered the cellular origin of normal pancreatic fibroblasts and cancer-associated fibroblasts, which play a key role in tumor progression. The findings suggest that targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts holds exciting potential for therapeutic benefits.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

Critical impacts of interfacial water on C–H activation in photocatalytic methane conversion

Researchers discovered that interfacial water promotes non-thermal C-H activation by abstracting hydrogen from methane, improving conversion rates dramatically. This work provides a fundamental basis for designing non-thermal catalytic systems for sustainable methane utilization under ambient conditions.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

Citizen Science: From the cosmos to the classroom

Citizen science project EEE enables students to collect and analyze data on cosmic rays, producing secondary particles that can be detected on Earth. The network of 60 detectors across Italy allows for correlations between events hundreds of kilometers apart.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateJan 20, 2023

Getting under your skin for better health

Biomedical engineers at the University of Cincinnati are investigating the potential of interstitial fluid for early disease diagnosis and long-term health monitoring. The study proposes sampling interstitial fluid just under the skin using tiny microneedles, offering a more accessible and less painful alternative to blood testing.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 20, 2023

Getting kids back to school sooner after a concussion can mean a faster recovery – new study

A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that an early return to school is associated with better outcomes for children who have suffered a concussion. The study found that children who returned to school within two days of their injury had lower symptom burdens and faster recoveries compared to those who stayed home longer.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 20, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Soil organisms are essential for the maintenance of city parks and gardens

A recent study by CSIC reveals that soil biodiversity is essential for the maintenance of urban greenspaces, supporting various ecosystem functions such as carbon sequestration and water regulation. The study highlights the importance of invertebrates and microbes in these ecosystems, emphasizing their role in maintaining soil health.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 20, 2023

Incorporation of water molecules into layered materials impacts ion storage capability

Researchers have used a technique called QCM-D to observe the interplay between hydration structures and ion configurations in layered materials. The study found that the hydration structure plays a crucial role in determining the material's ion-storage capacity, with flexible layers helping to stabilize the structure.

SourceShinshu University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

Across the US, white neighborhoods have more greenery, fewer dilapidated buildings, fewer multi-family homes

A nationwide study using Google Street View images found that predominantly White neighborhoods had better neighborhood conditions associated with good health, such as fewer neglected buildings and more greenery. In contrast, neighborhoods with residents who were primarily Black or of other minority races had fewer green spaces and mor...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 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.

Finding a new way: Orienteering can train the brain, may help fight cognitive decline

Researchers found that orienteering can improve spatial navigation and memory in healthy adults, suggesting it could be a useful intervention to prevent cognitive decline. The sport's unique combination of physical exercise and navigational skills may stimulate parts of the brain that are no longer needed due to modern conveniences.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJan 20, 2023

Antiviral compound could be broadly efficient in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers discover piperlongumine (PL), extracted from long pepper, as a potent antiviral treatment for SARS-CoV-2. PL delays disease progression and reduces lung inflammation in mice infected with alpha, delta, and omicron variants, offering a potential solution to combat upcoming outbreaks.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalACS Central Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

Mount Sinai researchers discover novel mechanism for MRSA virulence

The study reveals that repeated mutations in the sarZ gene lead to increased severity of MRSA blood stream infections, and that surface protein ClfB plays a critical role in pathogenesis. The findings provide insights into the factors contributing to MRSA virulence and may help uncover new treatment approaches.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

Forests face fierce threats from multiple industries, not just agricultural expansion

The article highlights that forests are not just threatened by agricultural expansion, but also by the consumption of non-agricultural products and international trade. Intact forests play a crucial role in regulating climate and biodiversity, and their loss can have significant indirect impacts on carbon emissions and biodiversity loss.

SourceCell Press·JournalOne Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 20, 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.

New measurements show high air pollution in the Copenhagen metro

Measurements taken by University of Copenhagen researchers show high air pollution levels in the Copenhagen metro, with ultra-small particles 10-20 times higher than on heavily trafficked streets. The pollution comes mainly from trains' brakes and rails, posing a health risk to frequent users.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalEnvironment International·DateJan 20, 2023

Just one degree can change a species

Researchers used museum collections to measure ecological response to climate change in central Norway, finding clear regional connections and impacts on species life cycles. Small temperature changes can have significant effects on species distribution and biodiversity.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 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.

Physical effect also valid in the quantum world

Physicists at the University of Bonn have experimentally proven the applicability of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem to Bose-Einstein condensates made of photons. The study reveals a direct relationship between fluctuation and sensitivity, enabling precise temperature determination in complex photonic systems.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

How Huntington’s disease affects different neurons

Researchers identify vulnerable cell populations in the striatum, which contributes to loss of motor control and early mood disorders. Damage to striosomes may be responsible for mood disorders, while degeneration of matrix neurons likely contributes to motor decline.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 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.

Nab-paclitaxel does not extend biliary tract cancer survival, but may benefit some

A phase 3 trial found that adding nab-paclitaxel to a standard gemcitabine plus cisplatin regimen did not significantly extend median overall survival for patients with advanced biliary tract cancers, but provided benefits for subsets of patients. The treatment also showed improved response rates and progression-free survival times.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 20, 2023