Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 6, 2023


USC study suggests one solution to America’s opioid epidemic: Tell doctors their patients fatally overdosed

A USC study found that notifying clinicians about fatal opioid overdoses through letters from medical examiners reduces opioid prescribing over the next three months. The study shows these notifications have a lasting impact, with a 7% reduction in prescriptions after one year.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 6, 2023

DNA repair scheme gets closer look for cancer therapy

Researchers at Rice University and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital discovered the structural basis of DNA polymerase theta-mediated microhomology-mediated end joining, a process complementary to homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining. This mechanism could be a promising target for precision cancer therapy.

SourceRice University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 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.

New discovery of sunscreen-like chemicals in fossil plants reveals UV radiation played a part in mass extinction events

Scientists detected compounds in 250 million-year-old pollen grains that function like sunscreen, suggesting UV-B radiation played a key role in the end-Permian mass extinction event. The discovery supports the theory of palaeoclimate emergency triggered by volcanic eruptions and global warming.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023

nTIDE December 2022 Jobs Report: Hot job market continues for people with disabilities despite efforts to cool the economy

The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities increased from 36.5% in November to 37.0% in December, up 1.4%, while it remained unchanged at 74.4% for those without disabilities. This surge continues the gains of the last four months and highlights the ongoing strength of people with disabilities in the job market.

SourceKessler Foundation·DateJan 6, 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.

Older knee replacements as good as newer models, study shows

A new study published in BMJ Open found no significant difference between older and newer knee replacement implants six months after surgery. This is a breakthrough for patients, as it suggests that older designs with proven track records can provide similar patient-reported outcomes to more modern designs.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBMJ Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 6, 2023

Nearly 1/3 of people with chronic pain turn to cannabis

A new study found that nearly a third of patients with chronic pain use cannabis to manage their symptoms, leading to decreased use of pain medications. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand the benefits and risks of using cannabis for chronic pain management.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 6, 2023

Most former SpAds become “shadow lobbyists” when they leave Whitehall, major new analysis shows

A major new analysis of former British special advisers' career paths shows that most transition to corporate lobbying and policy advocacy roles. However, few register with official lobbying registers, and public service careers have declined significantly over the past three decades.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe British Journal of Politics and International Relations·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2023

Indigenous territories and protected areas are key to forest conservation in the Brazilian Amazon, study shows

A recent study published in Nature Sustainability reveals that Indigenous territories and protected areas play a vital role in forest conservation in the Brazilian Amazon. The study found that these areas accounted for approximately 52% of forests in the region, leading to only 5% of net forest loss and 12% of gross forest loss.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 6, 2023

Lithium-sulfur batteries are one step closer to powering the future

A new study by Argonne National Laboratory has developed a redox-active interlayer that enhances the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. The technology suppresses polysulfide shuttling, improves capacity and increases cycle life. Researchers are now focused on scaling up the design to achieve commercial viability.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 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.

Study shows gardening may help reduce cancer risk, boost mental health

A randomized controlled trial found that community gardening increases fiber intake by 7% and physical activity levels, leading to lower stress and anxiety. The study also confirms the benefits of novice gardeners and highlights the social connections formed through community gardening.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 6, 2023

Toward standardized tests for assessing lidars in autonomous vehicles

The three-year effort aims to establish a widely accepted protocol for comparing lidar performance. The first year's tests evaluated range, accuracy, and precision of eight automotive-grade lidars using a survey-grade reference. Results showed the distribution of measured values was not Gaussian, with significant errors in some cases.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalOptical Engineering·DateJan 6, 2023

Bayesian inference massively cuts time of X-ray fluorescence analysis!

Researchers developed a new method using Bayesian estimation to reduce X-ray fluorescence analysis time from 7 seconds to 3 seconds per measurement point, saving up to 11 hours for large-scale elemental distributions.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalSpectrochimica Acta Part B Atomic Spectroscopy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 6, 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.

Fathoming the hidden heatwaves that threaten coral reefs

An international research team investigated a surprising coral bleaching episode in Moorea, finding that anti-cyclonic eddies elevated sea levels and concentrated hot water, leading to an underwater marine heatwave. Long-term data revealed the importance of considering environmental dynamics across ocean depths to predict coral bleaching.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 6, 2023

Rice University scientists get fungi to spill their secrets

Researchers at Rice University have developed a multiplex base-editing platform that significantly improves the pace of new drug discovery by inducing fungi to produce more bioactive compounds. The technique has been deployed as a tool for mining fungal genomes for medically useful compounds, reducing research timeline by over 80%.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023

New USC study challenges previous ideas regarding Alzheimer’s disease

A new USC study found that the buildup of amyloid beta protein in the brain is not directly linked to Alzheimer's disease, but rather a general change associated with aging. Researchers discovered higher levels of soluble Aβ protein in healthy brains, while insoluble fibrillary amyloid was more closely tied to poor brain health.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2023

Researchers uncover key codon repeats regulating chilling tolerance in rice

A recent study has revealed a novel cold domesticated repair mechanism for DNA damage in rice, providing elite modules for improving chilling tolerance. The discovery of GCG codon repeats in the first exon of COLD11, a DNA repair protein, has opened the way for fine regulation of rice chilling tolerance with a single site.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 6, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scars mended using transplanted hair follicles in Imperial College London study

A study involving three volunteers found that skin scars treated with hair follicle transplants exhibited profound architectural and genetic shifts towards healthy, uninjured skin. The findings suggest the potential for new therapies to rejuvenate mature scars and restore organ function.

SourceImperial College London·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023

UVA research team detects additive manufacturing defects in real-time

A UVA research team developed a real-time detection method for keyhole pore generation in laser powder bed fusion, achieving a 100% prediction rate. This approach expands additive manufacturing capabilities for aerospace and other industries relying on strong metal parts.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023

New super I-mode obtained on EAST

Scientists at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, have discovered a new plasma operation scenario called Super I Mode on EAST, which demonstrates high-confinement and self-organizing mechanism. The new mode offers insights into how to maintain plasma operations stably and for long duration.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 6, 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.

Loss of glaciers faster than expected

A new study found that glaciers are losing mass at a rate higher than previously estimated, with small glaciers being the most impacted. By 2100, 49% of the world's glaciers could disappear due to global warming, leading to a 9-cm sea level rise under 1.5°C conditions.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateJan 6, 2023

Novel platform helps researchers reveal mechanism of fatigue damage by high thermal loads of tungsten composites

A study investigates the relationship between microstructure evolution and property degradation of two tungsten composites after electron beam thermal loading. The results show that full recrystallization and grain growth occur in one composite, leading to decreased ultimate tensile strength and total elongation.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Material Science and Technology·DateJan 6, 2023

Lab lights way to simple chemical synthesis

Researchers at Rice University have developed a photochemical process that simplifies the manufacture of essential precursors for drugs and agricultural chemicals. By illuminating reagents with visible light, they can form diazides in conditions far gentler than current industrial processes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023

From grave to cradle: Collagen-induced gut cell reprogramming

Collagen deposition at injured sites in the gut stimulates cellular reprogramming, converting mature cells into fetal-like cells to generate new tissue. This process has implications for understanding intestinal inflammation and potentially colorectal carcinogenesis.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalInflammation and Regeneration·DateJan 6, 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.

Inflammatory trigger a new clue in Alzheimer’s

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio identified a new inflammatory trigger in Alzheimer's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy, involving 'jumping genes' that form double-stranded RNA mimicking viral infections. This discovery opens new doors for understanding astrocyte biology and their role in transposable element control.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023

Marine plankton tell the long story of ocean health, and maybe human too

UC San Diego researchers analyzed plankton samples from the Continuous Plankton Recorder Survey to reconstruct historical marine pollution trends. They found rising levels of manmade chemicals in oceans, which may be used to monitor ecosystem health and study connections between ocean pollution and human chronic illnesses.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJan 6, 2023

University of Cincinnati research shows people with latent tuberculosis infection are more prone to inflammation

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found a link between latent tuberculosis infection and increased inflammation in monocytes, a type of white blood cell. This connection may contribute to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with LTBI.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 6, 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.

Riddle solved: Why was Roman concrete so durable?

Researchers uncover ancient manufacturing strategy that incorporates self-healing functionalities into Roman concrete. Hot mixing process allows for faster construction and enhanced durability through spontaneous cracking and recrystallization.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 6, 2023

New strategy suggested for ultra-long cycle Li-ion battery

Researchers developed a high-performance cathode material for lithium rich manganese based lithium ion batteries with excellent cycling performance. The material combines sulfur doping, in-situ growth of coherent spinel phase, and oxygen vacancy optimization strategies to avoid microcracks and improve battery life.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateJan 6, 2023

First-in-kind amputated human limb model to study imaging probes for human tissues

Researchers have developed an innovative amputated human limb model to evaluate molecularly targeted fluorescent probes for human tissues. The model allows for controlled testing of imaging agents with zero risk to patients, improving the accuracy and safety of surgical procedures.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJan 6, 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.

Organelles grow in random bursts

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis demonstrated that eukaryotic cells can control organelle size by exhibiting random bursts of growth, maintaining a narrow window of precision within this noise., The study suggests a biophysical mechanism for the robustness and universality of organelle size control.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023

More than two billion are infected with this disease; Vitamin D can help

Researchers found that vitamin D strengthens immune cells' ability to fight tuberculosis by producing cathelicidin toxin. Vitamin D treatment can prevent and treat the disease, particularly in populations exposed to high risk of infection. However, supplements do not protect against infection with tuberculosis.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeCase study·DateJan 6, 2023

Artificial intelligence could aid in evaluating parole decisions

Researchers used machine learning to analyze parole data from New York and found that the New York State Parole Board could safely grant parole to more inmates, potentially doubling the release rate. The study suggests eliminating racial disparities in release rates while maintaining public safety.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Quantitative Criminology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2023

Texas A&M research aims to improve Lyme disease diagnostics

Researchers at Texas A&M University are testing Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool for Lyme disease, which shows promise in accurately identifying infected individuals. The new test could improve Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment outcomes for both humans and animals.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateJan 6, 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.

University of Colorado researchers identify new pathway for preventing cardiac fibrosis

Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have discovered a new mechanism for slowing scarring of heart tissue, a process known as cardiac fibrosis. The study's findings suggest that inhibiting the degradation of eicosanoids may be a promising approach to preventing or reversing cardiac fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCirculation Research·DateJan 6, 2023

PSMA PET/MRI accurately predicts risk of prostate cancer recurrence

PSMA PET/MRI successfully determines prostate cancer likelihood of return within two years after prostatectomy, aiding treatment decisions. High uptake in primary lesion and metastasis are associated with rapid recurrence.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 6, 2023

Nanoplastics unexpectedly produce reactive oxidizing species when exposed to light

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that nanoplastics from polystyrene can produce reactive oxygen species when exposed to light, which can harm wildlife and the aquatic ecosystem. The study suggests that smaller particle sizes of nanoplastics may be more reactive and decompose faster under light.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 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.

How old is your brain, really? Artificial intelligence knows

A new AI model developed at USC accurately captures cognitive decline linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's much earlier than previous methods. The model analyzes MRI brain scans and detects subtle brain anatomy markers that correlate with cognitive decline, offering an unprecedented glimpse into human cognition.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 6, 2023

After 40 years of decline, stroke death rates are rising again

A recent analysis found a dramatic decline in stroke mortality between 1975 and 2019, but the trend is reversing due to an aging population. Despite this, researchers warn that total stroke fatalities will rise as millennials age, highlighting the need for novel strategies to combat the trend.

SourceRutgers University·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2023

Cooling 100 million degree plasma with a hydrogen-neon mixture ice pellet

A team of Japanese researchers discovered that adding neon to a hydrogen ice pellet can cool the plasma more effectively, reducing pressure and preventing ejection. This breakthrough contributes to establishing plasma control technologies for future fusion reactors.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 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.

Genes & Cancer | Pathogenesis to management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Researchers from prominent institutions discuss hepatocellular carcinoma's pathogenesis, genomic heterogeneity, and targeted therapy options. The review aims to characterize HCC's complexities and develop clinically relevant biomarkers for better management.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalGenes & Cancer·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 6, 2023

Use of cannabis, other pain treatments among adults with chronic pain in states with medical cannabis programs

A survey study found that 3 in 10 adults with chronic pain in states with medical cannabis laws used cannabis to manage their pain, often substituting it for other pain medications. The study highlights the importance of researching the effectiveness and potential adverse consequences of cannabis for chronic pain management.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 6, 2023