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Science News for July 14, 2023


New study demonstrates the potential of diseased coral parents in restoring stony coral tissue loss disease-affected species

A new study reveals that even colonies affected by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) can contribute to the restoration of susceptible species through assisted sexual reproduction. The study found high fertilization and settlement success rates, with survivorship rates reaching up to 44% after being outplanted on a degraded reef.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 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.

Improving urban planning with virtual reality

Researchers use virtual reality to simulate urban scenarios, allowing them to measure the implicit effects of urban planning measures on human stress levels. The method has shown that higher traffic volumes can upset test subjects, paving the way for more climate-friendly and inclusive urban planning.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023

Exercise during dialysis has positive health impact

A large-scale study found that exercise programs for dialysis patients lead to significant improvements in physical fitness, quality of life, and reduced hospital stays. Personalized exercise plans showed low costs per training unit, making them a viable option for standard healthcare coverage.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNEJM Evidence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2023

Biology behind new drug used to treat triple-negative breast cancer uncovered

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center discovered the biological mechanism of TTP488, an experimental drug that impairs aggressive triple-negative breast cancer from metastasizing. The finding enables clinical trials to explore the drug's effectiveness in preventing TNBCs from spreading, offering new hope for patients with...

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalBreast Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists map single-cell spatial distribution atlas of macaque cortex

A team of scientists mapped the cell-type taxonomy in the macaque cortex using Stereo-seq and snRNA-seq technology. They found distinct cortical and regional specificity in glutamatergic neurons, GABAergic neurons, and non-neuronal cells, with significant correlations between cell composition and brain region structure.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell·DateJul 14, 2023

Stellar cradles and graves seen in farthest galaxy ever

Researchers used ALMA to study a distant galaxy, detecting structures of star formation and possible death sites within the surrounding nebulae. The findings suggest a complex environment where many stars may form together as massive clusters.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2023

DBST: a lightweight block cipher based on dynamic S-box

The DBST algorithm proposes a novel generalized Feistel variant structure and key-dependent dynamic S-box model to improve diffusion effects. It has demonstrated high security, high throughput rate, and low hardware resources in experiments.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023

Understanding metabolites underlying eye development

A new Northwestern Medicine study has furthered the understanding of metabolic pathways underlying organ development, specifically eye development. The research found that aerobic glycolysis and production of lactate regulate critical genes required for early eye development.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 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.

Liquid crystals that mimic beetle shell coloration units used to create more secure type of QR code

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a method to process cholesteric liquid crystals into micrometer-sized spherical particles, creating a unique anti-counterfeiting QR code that can only be displayed under a specific circular polarizer. The use of chirality in these particles enables the creation of more secure codes with potent...

SourceNagoya University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJul 14, 2023

Approved drug could help overcome resistance to primary treatment against metastatic breast cancer

Researchers have discovered a mechanism leading to resistance in luminal breast cancer and propose using the approved osteoporosis drug denosumab to block RANK protein, promoting effectiveness of CDK4/6 inhibitors. This could lead to new treatment options for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023

Baby opera: Study finds babies get a kick out of live music

A study found that babies watching live music had higher heart rates and were more engaged than those watching recordings, even with identical audio. The researchers tracked the babies' responses using heart monitors and tablets, and noted that the live performance captured their attention for 72% of the show.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPsychology of Aesthetics Creativity and the Arts·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 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.

Linewidth narrowing in self-injection-locked on-chip lasers

Researchers optimize linewidth narrowing in self-injection-locked on-chip lasers by integrating III-V QW or QD distributed feedback lasers with SiN microring resonators. The study achieves drastic reductions in lasing linewidth to the Hz-level using Rayleigh backscattering.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJul 14, 2023

Discover the science behind plants at this Savannah event

Plant Science Saturday is a free event hosted by the American Society of Plant Biologists, offering interactive discovery stations on plant biology, ecology, and conservation. The event aims to inspire excitement and curiosity about plants among families in the Savannah area.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·DateJul 14, 2023

Neighborhood racial segregation linked to shorter life spans by four years

A new study found that black residents living in highly segregated neighborhoods have significantly shortened life expectancies compared to those in less segregated areas. The study analyzed 63,694 census tracts and found that life expectancy was four years shorter on average in highly segregated areas.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJul 14, 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.

Fintetuning for antibodies

Researchers discover the key to modulating immune reactions by fine-tuning antibodies. The backbone of Y-shaped immunoglobulins plays a crucial role, with posttranslational modifications controlling the strength of the reaction.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 14, 2023

New high-power thermoelectric device may provide cooling in next-gen electronics

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new thermoelectric cooler that greatly improves cooling power and efficiency compared to current commercial units. The device uses half-Heusler alloys and demonstrates a 210% enhancement in cooling power density while maintaining a similar coefficient of performance.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023

Pets do not significantly benefit the emotional health of owners with severe mental illness, study shows

A new study published in Human-Animal Interactions suggests that owning pets does not significantly improve the wellbeing, depression, anxiety, or loneliness scores of individuals with severe mental illnesses. Researchers found a strong human-animal bond among pet owners, but no significant benefits to their mental health.

SourceCABI·JournalHuman-Animal Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 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.

m6A mRNA modification potentiates Th17 functions to inflame autoimmunity

Researchers found that m6A mRNA modification sustains Th17 cell function, which plays a pivotal role in host defense and autoimmunity. The loss of METTL3 in T cells impaired Th17 cell differentiation, leading to reduced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) development.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateJul 14, 2023

New study demonstrates how music therapy can be integrated across a large health system

A new study from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center describes the scope and integration of their music therapy program within10 UH medical centers. The study examined 14,261 music therapy sessions provided to 7,378 unique patients who had been referred by 1,169 healthcare professionals.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2023

UVA engineer innovates a liquid safety cushioning technology

Researchers developed a liquid nanofoam cushion that can absorb and dissipate high-force blows in collisions, reducing the risk of injury. The material is more flexible, comfortable to wear, and can be designed as lighter and smaller protective devices.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 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.

NIH spent $8.1B for phased clinical trials of drugs approved 2010-19, ~10% of reported industry spending

A new study by Bentley University reveals the NIH's significant investment in pharmaceutical innovation, with $8.1 billion spent on phased clinical trials between 2010-19. The funding represents only ~10% of reported industry costs for these trials, highlighting the public sector's limited contribution to drug development.

SourceBentley University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2023

Owning a pet does not reduce symptoms of severe mental illness, study shows

A survey conducted by the University of York found that living with an animal did not improve wellbeing or reduce depression and anxiety in people with serious mental illness. Despite strong human-animal bonds, the study suggests that pet ownership may exacerbate stressors such as financial uncertainty and housing insecurity.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalHuman-Animal Interactions·DateJul 14, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Genes for learning and memory are 650 million years old, study shows

Scientists have discovered that genes required for complex behaviors like learning, memory, and aggression originated around 650 million years ago. This finding has significant implications for understanding the evolutionary origin of these behaviors and their neural circuits.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateJul 14, 2023

A new way to look at data privacy

Researchers create a new privacy metric, Probably Approximately Correct (PAC) Privacy, that enables the addition of minimal noise to protect sensitive data. The algorithm automatically determines the optimal amount of noise needed without requiring knowledge of the inner workings of the model or training process.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 14, 2023

Conditional cash transfer programs have prevented 739,919 child deaths in Latin America

A study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that conditional cash transfer programmes in Brazil, Mexico, and Ecuador reduced child mortality by 24%, equivalent to 700,000 deaths averted. Expanding these programmes could save up to 150,000 lives by 2030 during economic crises.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 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.

Parkinson's disease, intense exercise helps to keep the disease at bay

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effects of physical activity on Parkinson's disease. Intensive exercise has been shown to slow disease progression by restoring striatal synaptic plasticity and improving dopamine release, leading to better motor control and visuospatial learning.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023

Perovskite light-emitting diodes toward commercial full-color displays

Researchers outline key challenges and development prospects for perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) in commercial display applications. Large-area PeLEDs, patterning strategies, and flexible devices are crucial for achieving scalable manufacturing lines and high-resolution displays.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJul 14, 2023

Why trees outcompete shrubs to shift upward?

Research found trees and shrubs respond differently to warming, with trees advancing and shrubs delaying their growth due to increased sensitivity to chilling accumulation. This phenological mismatch confers a competitive advantage to trees, potentially driving upward treeline shifts.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 14, 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.

China's extreme poverty rate increased under capitalist reforms

A study challenges the notion that China's socialist economy reduced extreme poverty, finding it increased during capitalist reforms. China's extreme poverty rate remained high at around 68% in 1995 and has since recovered somewhat.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNew Political Economy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2023

Bringing COVID-19 data into focus

Researchers developed a deconvolution method for epidemiology using neural networks, inferring daily infection rates from mortality data. The approach can assess the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions like lockdowns and mask mandates in reducing infection transmission.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2023

Remote plant worlds

A research team led by the University of Göttingen investigated the flora of Tenerife and found that island plant-life exhibits a remarkable diversity of forms. However, the plants differ little from mainland plants in functional terms, with slow-growing, woody shrubs dominating the island's flora.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·DateJul 14, 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.

Multiple uses of tropical mosaic landscapes

A study highlights the importance of wild plants in fallow land and other ecosystems in Madagascar, revealing a wide range of plant species used for various purposes. Fallow land is found to be a valuable contributor to rural households' health, food and energy supply.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAMBIO·DateJul 14, 2023

Link between oropharyngeal cancer and sexual behavior

A recent study from Leipzig University found no significant link between oropharyngeal cancer and high-risk sexual behavior. The research, which analyzed data from over 300 patients with head and neck cancer, suggests that HPV infection is a key risk factor for the disease.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalCancers·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 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.

Researchers solve structure of immune-evading HIV protein complex

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology researchers determined the atomic structure of the APOBEC3G-Vif complex using cryo-electron microscopy. This discovery may help develop antiviral therapies by targeting the interaction between HIV-1's Vif protein and the human innate immune system.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023

Men who previously used antidepressants significantly more likely to need them after having a child

A new study by UCL researchers found that men who previously used antidepressants are over 30 times more likely to take antidepressants in the first year after having a child. Social deprivation was also a key factor in this risk. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 primary care electronic health records and suggests that mental ...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 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.

AI brings hope for patients with lyosomal storage disease

Researchers at the University of Zurich have used AI to uncover the underlying cellular mechanism behind kidney disease in cystinosis. They identified a causal association between mTORC1 protein regulation and the disease, highlighting a promising therapeutic target.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 14, 2023

Scientists knit futuristic eco-building designs using fungal networks

Researchers create a composite called 'mycocrete' that combines the root network of fungi with a knitted textile framework to produce lightweight, eco-friendly construction materials. The mycocrete samples proved to be stronger than conventional mycelium composites and outperformed them in terms of shape and form.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023

This eight-armed octopus-like pore detects taste

Researchers have captured never-before-seen images of the CALHM1 pore, which assembles into a circular channel with flexible arms resembling octopus tentacles. The discovery reveals how fatty molecules stabilize and regulate the channel, offering potential insights into its role in taste perception and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 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.

Gender, race and socioeconomic status are associated with comorbidity in people with HIV who smoke

A study in The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (JANAC) found that people with HIV who smoke have higher rates of comorbid health problems, particularly cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders. These comorbidities are associated with demographic factors such as age, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care·DateJul 14, 2023

Risk assessment for fluoride in groundwater of Mihe-Weihe River Basin——a region with a high fluorine content in the groundwater of Shandong Peninsula in China

The study found high TDS and weak alkalinity, with fluoride concentration generally on the high side. High-fluorine water is mainly in the northeast region, primarily controlled by rock weathering and the dissolution of fluorine-containing minerals.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023