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Science News for January 3, 2023


New articles for Geosphere posted online first

Researchers used zircon U-Pb geochronology to analyze Cenozoic strata in California, developing a new age model for the Amargosa Valley Formation. In Mexico, they investigated mantellic degassing of helium in an extensional active tectonic setting.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateJan 3, 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.

USTC synthesizes monometallic endohedral azafullerene

Researchers at USTC synthesize pristine MEAF La@C81N, revealing unique electronic properties and demonstrating skeletal modification's potential to regulate metallic endohedral fullerenes' behavior. This breakthrough tackles a long-standing challenge in synthesizing MEAF.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 3, 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.

Examining stroke treatment for people with disabilities

A University of Cincinnati researcher is leading a study to examine the effectiveness of a stroke treatment for patients with a pre-stroke disability, which are often overlooked in clinical trials. The study, funded by PCORI, will enroll over 1,100 patients across the US and collect data on outcomes such as disability, function, and qu...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJan 3, 2023

Is it safe? Why some animals fear using wildlife crossings

Researchers studied deer and elk behavior around a wildlife tunnel, finding they were less likely to use the crossing after displaying a 'vigilant' response to passing vehicles. The study suggests designers should focus on animals' perceptions of their environment when building wildlife crossings.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 3, 2023

Researchers demonstrate new sensors by creating novel health monitoring, machine interface devices

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a highly sensitive and stretchable strain sensor that can detect minor changes in strain with great range of motion. The sensor's innovative design features a patterned cut network that enables it to withstand significant deformation without sacrificing sensitivity.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 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.

COVID-19 vaccine for children after MIS-C appears safe

A multicenter study found that COVID-19 vaccination following multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) is safe, with mild reactions and no serious complications. The study included 385 patients aged 5 years or older, all of whom received at least one vaccine dose without any reports of myocarditis or MIS-C reoccurrence.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 3, 2023

New role of small RNAs in Salmonella infections uncovered

Researchers discovered that small RNAs regulate Salmonella's virulence genes by stabilizing mRNA stability through the hilD 3' untranslated region. The study found that Spot 42 and SdsR sRNAs are crucial for controlling SPI-1 expression, leading to improved understanding of Salmonella's pathogenicity.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2023

An overlooked phenomenon

Phosphate ions in water alternate between a hydrated state and a mysterious 'dark' state, evading direct detection. The discovery has implications for understanding biocatalysis, cellular energy balance, and biomaterials formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 3, 2023

Researchers succeeded in developing a light source that produced two entangled light beams

Scientists successfully created a light source that produced two entangled light beams using rubidium atoms. The entanglement was achieved by adding new detection steps to measure the quantum correlations in the amplitudes and phases of the fields generated, enabling applications in quantum computing, encryption, and metrology.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 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.

Researchers discover new process to create freestanding membranes of 'smart' materials

A University of Minnesota-led team has discovered a new method for making thin films of perovskite oxide semiconductors, enabling the creation of freestanding membranes with unique properties. The breakthrough technology could lead to the development of faster, more efficient electronic devices and components.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2023

A brain game may predict your risk of infection

Researchers found that subtle variations in daily cognitive performance can signal changes in brain states increasing the risk of illness. The study used a digital self-test to measure cognitive function and found a strong association between cognitive variability and immune performance.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2023

Time-restricted eating reshapes gene expression throughout the body

Researchers found that time-restricted eating synchronizes circadian rhythms across multiple systems in mice, activating genes involved in specific diseases like cancer. Nearly 40% of genes in the adrenal gland and pancreas were affected by time-restricted eating, offering guidance for managing diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 3, 2023

Tipping points complicate the evaluation of complex climate models

Researchers warn that commonly used methods for estimating equilibrium climate sensitivity in complex climate models may be underestimating temperature rise. The study highlights the need for longer simulations to account for potential late tipping points, which could significantly influence global warming.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·DateJan 3, 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.

Fewer moths, more flies

Research reveals dramatic shifts in pollinators across the last century, with hoverflies and moths becoming less frequent visitors to flowers, replaced by flies of the genus Thricops. The findings suggest that plants may be able to compensate for these losses, but changes in insect communities could lead to reduced pollination services.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2023

January issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover childhood and neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders, suicide screening and technological advances in CBT

The American Psychiatric Association's January journal issues focus on childhood- and neurodevelopment-related psychiatric disorders. A study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry explores how brain scans predict treatment response to psychotherapy for OCD.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 3, 2023

A stem cell's sense of touch

Embryonic cells use mechanical cues, known as the cell's sense of touch, to make collective decisions during tissue formation. The study reveals that cells perceive the stiffness and confinement of a 'living foam' structure, which changes its properties at the moment of differentiation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 3, 2023

To identify a voice, brains rely on sight

A new study suggests that the brain's ability to identify a voice is linked to its ability to recognize faces, with a common brain center processing both visual and auditory information. This finding has important implications for understanding disorders where voice or face recognition is compromised.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateJan 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.

Researchers design educational course for Illinois practitioners to address lack of knowledge on tick-borne diseases

A recent study found that medical professionals in Illinois were relatively knowledgeable about diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease, but lacked information on other tick-borne diseases. The researchers are now designing a continuing education course to educate practitioners on current ranges of ticks and risk of disease.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalOne Health·TypeSurvey·DateJan 3, 2023

HKUMed discovers a diagnostic potential of the amniotic fluid cells RNA-sequencing in deciphering rare diseases

Researchers at HKUMed have established a baseline for gene expression profiles of amniotic fluid cells using RNA-sequencing, providing potential clinical utility for prenatal diagnosis. The study identified outliers in genes associated with structural congenital anomalies, offering new evidence for diagnosis.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalGenomic Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2023

When doctors know each other

Research from Harvard Medical School finds that specialists who trained with patients' primary care physicians report treating patients with a more concerned manner and clearer explanations. Patients also experience greater engagement in shared decision-making and improved medication-prescribing behavior.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 3, 2023

Generous parental leave is protective against poorer mental health

A systematic review of 45 studies found that generous parental leave is protective against poorer mental health, including depressive symptoms and burnout, particularly among mothers. The benefits are associated with longer duration of leave and paid/unpaid leave schemes, continuing into later life for mothers.

SourceStockholm University·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateJan 3, 2023

Nuclear medicine bone scan study identifies prevalence and outcomes of cardiac amyloidosis

A new study found that approximately three percent of all bone scan patients have markers of cardiac amyloidosis, which can lead to heart failure and increased mortality. The research highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, as well as potential automated detection methods using machine-learning algorithms.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 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.

Researchers develop, validate tool to visualize 3D architectural properties of atherosclerosis plaques

Researchers developed an advanced MRI tool that reveals structural insights into atherothrombosis by detecting regions at risk of rupture or atherothrombosis. The tool provides new information on fatty material formation in arteries, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes for individuals with atherosclerotic disease.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2023

Diabetes mellitus: Women are at higher risk of venous thromboembolism than men

A study published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice found that women with diabetes mellitus are at a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) than men, particularly during perimenopause. The risk is 1.52 times higher for women with DM compared to those without DM.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalDiabetes Research and Clinical Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 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.

Microprotein increases appetite in mice

Researchers at Salk Institute discover thousands of previously unknown microproteins in brown and white fat tissue, finding that one, Gm8773, increases feeding activity in mice. This discovery could lead to the development of a therapeutic to promote weight gain in certain disease situations.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 3, 2023

Pandemic put more parenting stress on mothers

A new study reveals that mothers working from home during the pandemic took on significantly more supervisory parenting responsibilities than fathers, often spending an extra two hours managing childcare duties. The researchers also found that women were more likely to adapt their work schedules to accommodate changing family needs.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJan 3, 2023

Berkeley Lab scientists develop a cool new method of refrigeration

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a new method of heating and cooling called ionocaloric cooling, which could provide efficient and safe cooling for homes. The technique uses ions to drive solid-to-liquid phase changes, making it potentially more efficient than current refrigerants.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 3, 2023

Taming Overactive mTOR in Renal Cell Cancer

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a novel mechanism of tumor formation in kidney cancers, highlighting the role of overactive mTORC1 signaling pathway and loss of the TSC tumor suppressor gene. Activation of microphthalmia transcription factors (MITF) family by unopposed mTOR signaling may lead to abnormal cell gr...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 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.

Fasten your seatbelt - we’re experiencing simulated turbulence

The proposed project relies on Tensor Network Theory (TNT) to calculate multidimensional problems, offering a less expensive and intensive method than standard computing. Researchers aim to successfully simulate turbulence in compressible fluids and combustion chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJan 3, 2023

Updated guidelines on cognitive rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury

The INCOG 2.0 guidelines provide critical updates to address issues in cognitive rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury, including the use of telerehabilitation tools to promote clinical implementation. The guidelines aim to close the evidence-practice gap and improve outcomes for individuals with TBI.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateJan 3, 2023

Age-related macular degeneration a risk factor for COVID-19 infection, severe disease

Recent research suggests that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a clinical risk factor for severe complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including respiratory failure and death. AMD shares common genetic risk factors with COVID-19, and lowering PDGFB gene activity may reduce the severity of COVID-19 in older individuals.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 3, 2023

Grb10 offers a potential new approach for treating obesity

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that Grb10 promotes leptin activity in the brain, which may help overcome leptin resistance. This finding suggests that increasing Grb10 activity could lead to weight loss by decreasing food intake and increasing energy expenditure.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 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.

A promising drug delivery method could replace injections with pills

Researchers have developed a novel oral drug delivery platform using probiotic bacteria to treat rheumatoid arthritis, reducing the need for lifelong injections. The bioengineered probiotic, LrS235, secretes peptide ShK-235, which dramatically reduces clinical signs of disease in animal models.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2023

New pediatric investigation article reviews the potential of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement for congenital heart disorders

The procedure requires thorough pre-procedural evaluation and assessment of anatomical and hemodynamic data. Long-term results indicate that TPVR can effectively restore RVOT function, while improving survival rates and reducing the need for reintervention across age groups. Vigilant testing is recommended to avoid rare but serious com...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 3, 2023

Couples don’t have the same experience when both work from home

A study of dual-earner couples in China and South Korea found that working from home can create conflicting demands on both spouses. While wives completed more family-related tasks when working from home, husbands did not complete as many, suggesting a need for flexibility in work arrangements to support working parents.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPersonnel Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 3, 2023