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Science News for July 21, 2023


Long-term changes in waves and storm surges have not impacted global coastlines

A new study published in Scientific Reports has investigated the impact of long-term changes in ocean wave and storm surge conditions on sandy coastlines over the past 30 years. The research found no clear linkages between these changes and shoreline recession, with sediment supply, human management, and other factors likely playing a ...

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalScientific Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 21, 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.

Trends in the prevalence of hepatitis C infection during pregnancy and maternal-infant outcomeTrends in the prevalence of hepatitis C infection during pregnancy and maternal-infant outcomes

The study found a significant increase in maternal HCV infection rates during pregnancy from 16-fold higher in 1998 compared to 2018. This is associated with adverse maternal-infant outcomes such as preterm labor, poor fetal growth, or fetal distress.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 21, 2023

On the hunt for strangeness

Peter Hurck, the 2023 JSA Postdoctoral Prize winner, is conducting data analyses to identify strange particles and learn about their properties. He hopes to improve data analysis methods for these particles using high-quality data from GlueX experiments.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJul 21, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Harnessing machine learning for early cancer detection in primary care

A new editorial explores the potential of machine learning to enhance early cancer detection in primary care, leveraging extensive patient data and improving risk stratification accuracy. The authors emphasize the need for responsible implementation, collaboration, and validation across diverse populations.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 21, 2023

Treating bladder infections with viruses

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a rapid test that detects bladder infections using bacteriophages, which can identify the pathogenic bacteria in under four hours. The test also allows for tailored phage therapy, predicting patient response and increasing treatment effectiveness.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2023

NIH awards will fund post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome research

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded five projects to better understand Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), which affects 10-20% of Lyme disease patients. The research will explore possible causes of persistent symptoms, including a misguided immune response and ongoing infection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJul 21, 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.

LSU Health’s Lazartigues honored by American Heart Association

Dr. Eric Lazartigues has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on salt-sensitive hypertension and the role of the brain renin-angiotensin system in regulating blood pressure. His work has led to a deeper understanding of hypertension's impact on cardiovascular diseases and mortality.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateJul 21, 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.

Subseasonal transition of sea-ice anomalies in the Barents–Kara Sea in winter modulated by the “warm Arctic–cold Eurasia” pattern

The 'warm Arctic–cold Eurasia' pattern influences winter sea-ice anomalies in the Barents–Kara Sea, with a subseasonal transition from negative to positive ice coverage. This phenomenon is linked to atmospheric and oceanic changes driven by global warming.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJul 21, 2023

HKUMed finds metformin could promote healthy ageing based on genetics

A study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity found that metformin may promote healthy ageing by reducing biomarkers of ageing and increasing telomere length. The research team used genetic analysis to identify variants associated with metformin use, suggesting a potential role for the drug in promoting healthy longevity.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2023

BESSY II: Surface analysis of catalyst particles in aqueous solutions

Researchers investigate how water molecules react with or on nanoparticle surfaces in aqueous solutions. They found that acidic conditions cause water molecules to split on hematite nanoparticles, while basic pH is required for anatase nanoparticles.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2023

New sensor mimics cell membrane functions

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel sensor that can detect immune molecule CXCL12, which plays a crucial role in several human diseases including cancer. The device uses receptor proteins found in cell membranes, making it a potential tool for early screening of hard-to-diagnose cancers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 21, 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.

Tourists help scientists reveal microplastic pollution on remote Arctic beaches

Researchers recruited tourists to collect sediment samples on remote Arctic beaches, finding a higher-than-expected level of microplastic pollution. The study identified two specific sources of plastic pollution: polypropylene fibers from fishing nets and polyester-epoxide particles from ship color coatings.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2023

Two types of ultrafast mode-locking operations generation from an Er-doped fiber laser based on germanene nanosheets

Using Germanene, researchers have developed two new methods for generating ultrafast mode-locking operations in fiber lasers. These methods utilize the material's fast carrier relaxation time and large nonlinear absorption coefficient to produce femtosecond pulses and higher energy noise-like pulses.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 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.

Detection of bacteria and viruses with fluorescent nanotubes

Researchers developed modular optical sensors capable of detecting viruses and bacteria using fluorescent carbon nanotubes with DNA anchors. The sensors showed high reliability and selectivity in detecting SARS-CoV-2 protein, offering advantages for complex environments and future diagnostic applications.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 21, 2023

Child car seat installation errors common even with top-rated seats

Despite high ratings, child car seat installation errors are common, with most frequent errors found in seat belt installations and top tether usage. Certified technicians can provide guidance on correct installation and usage, ensuring optimal safety for young passengers.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalTraffic Injury Prevention·DateJul 21, 2023

NIH grant to facilitate high-speed bioprinting of bones, tracheas, organs

Researchers at Penn State have received a $2 million NIH grant to develop high-throughput spheroid (HTS) bioprinting technology, which can quickly fabricate scalable, native tissues. The technology has the potential to repair bone in sensitive places like the skull and could be used for implantation, research, or disease modeling.

SourcePenn State·DateJul 21, 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.

Bodybuilding supplement may help stave off Alzheimer’s

A muscle-building supplement called beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) has been shown to reduce plaques and increase factors for neuronal growth in mice with Alzheimer's-like pathology. The study found that HMB stimulates a nuclear hormone receptor to improve memory and learning in mice with Alzheimer's disease.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 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.

Research reveals the scale of disorder underpinning Motor Neurone Disease

A study published in Neuron reveals that hundreds of proteins and mRNA molecules are found in the wrong place in nerve cells affected by Motor Neurone Disease, a condition that causes paralysis. The researchers found that mislocalisation affects many more proteins than first thought, especially those involved in RNA binding.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2023

Fly toolkit created for investigating COVID-19 infection mechanisms

A new 'fly-to-bedside' resource has been developed to sort through the complexities of SARS-CoV-2 virus-host interactions. Researchers found that nine out of 10 non-structural proteins resulted in wing defects, providing a basis for understanding how viral proteins affect host proteins.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2023

Mayo Clinic researchers pave the way for individualized obesity therapy, tailoring interventions to a person’s needs

Researchers developed a tailored approach to weight loss and cardiometabolic risk factors, showing significant improvement in targeted areas like abnormal fullness and emotional eating. The study suggests the need for an actionable, phenotype-based classification of patients in obesity treatment, moving beyond reliance on scales or bod...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateJul 21, 2023

Revealing HIV drug-resistance mechanisms through protein structures

Researchers at Salk Institute discovered molecular mechanisms of HIV drug-resistance to Dolutegravir, a breakthrough that could lead to the development of new HIV therapeutics. The study revealed how changes in integrase protein structure can lead to resistance and how another compound, 4d, may overcome this resistance.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 21, 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.

Novel targets identified for treatment of schistosomiasis

Researchers discovered that long non-coding RNAs are essential for the survival of the parasitic worm causing schistosomiasis. Silencing these RNAs prevents reproduction and egg release, leading to parasite death. This finding offers a promising new approach to treating this neglected disease.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 21, 2023

New brain cells can replace diseased and aged cells. That may help people with severe brain diseases

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a way to replace diseased and aged brain cells with new ones, which could lead to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's disease and multiple sclerosis. The study used humanized mice models to test the effectiveness of glial cell transplantation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 21, 2023

New study uncovers potential risk of arsenic release from sediment under organic matter influence

Researchers found that organic matter can regulate groundwater arsenic mobilization and release, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate environmental risks. The study's findings have important implications for managing and mitigating groundwater pollution caused by the infiltration of organic matter.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 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.

Going the distance for better wireless charging

A better way to wirelessly charge over long distances has been developed, utilizing the phenomenon of radiation suppression. The research shows high transfer efficiency, over 80 percent, can be achieved at distances approximately five times the size of the antenna.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 21, 2023

Study: How mother and infant sleep patterns interact during the first two years of life

The study found two distinct groups: low maternal sleep (5-6 hours/night) and average maternal sleep (7-8 hours/night). Children in the low maternal sleep group slept less. Establishing early bedtime routines and consistent sleep patterns improved sleep duration and reduced sleep problems.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2023

Animal testing under REACH: bringing numbers into the debate

A study from Konstanz and Baltimore reveals that around 4.2 million animals have been used for hazard assessment under REACH, with many more expected due to a 2022 revision. Animal-free alternative methods are advocated by researchers, who argue that they provide more meaningful results than animal testing.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalALTEX·DateJul 21, 2023

Researchers illuminate resilience of U.S. food supply chains

Researchers identified structural chokepoints in US agri-food supply chains to enhance resilience and security, critical for global food systems. The study's findings may inform policies aimed at bolstering the nation's ability to respond to threats.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Food·DateJul 21, 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.

Father’s psychiatric diagnosis increases risk of preterm birth, study reports

A recent study has found that babies born to fathers with psychiatric diagnoses are more likely to be born prematurely. The study analyzed data from over 1.5 million births in Sweden and found a significant increase in preterm births among infants whose father had a psychiatric diagnosis.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 21, 2023

Researchers decipher the secrets of Benjamin Franklin’s paper money

A team of researchers at the University of Notre Dame analyzed nearly 600 colonial notes to understand Franklin's innovative techniques for making paper money. They found distinctive security features, including pigments and materials like muscovite that made his bills harder to counterfeit.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2023

Dark SRF experiment at Fermilab demonstrates ultra-sensitivity for dark photon searches

Scientists trapped ordinary photons in superconducting radio frequency cavities to search for dark photon transitions, demonstrating unprecedented sensitivity and the world's best constraint on dark photon existence. The experiment used SRF cavities with high efficiency and covered new parameter regions for dark photon mass.

SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 21, 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.

To stick or to bounce: Size determines the stickiness of cosmic dust aggregates

Research suggests that larger cosmic dust aggregates are less likely to stick together after collisions. This limits the growth of planetary building blocks, complicating the process of planet formation. Simulations reveal that size is a critical factor in determining sticking probability, with larger aggregates more prone to bouncing.

SourceTohoku University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 21, 2023

Probiotic combo stops bacteria that cause toxic shock syndrome

A combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains successfully inhibited the production of superantigens causing toxic shock syndrome. Probiotics may also prevent growth of Staphylococcus aureus, a virulent strain that produces proteins triggering the disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·DateJul 21, 2023

Renewable solar energy can help purify water, the environment

Researchers have demonstrated a method to power water remediation using renewable energy sources, including solar power. Through electrochemical separation and redox reactions, they successfully removed arsenate from wastewater.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalSmall·DateJul 21, 2023

Male crickets court females in unison – unless rivals get too close

In a study published in Animal Behaviour, researchers found that male field crickets adjust their song patterns based on the proximity of rivals. When another cricket is within one meter, males are less likely to sing, suggesting they prioritize territorial defense over courtship displays.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2023

KIPA potentially predicts chemotherapy response in triple negative breast cancer

Researchers developed a strategy to predict chemotherapy response in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) using the Kinase Inhibitor Pulldown Assay (KIPA). The study identified a seven-purine-binding protein signature that predicted chemotherapy sensitivity and favorable clinical outcomes.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCancer Research Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 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.

Miocene period fossil forest of Wataria found in Japan

A research team from Hokkaido University has found an exceptionally preserved fossil forest of Wataria parvipora, which was predominantly accompanied by Byttneriophyllum leaves. The discovery helps reconstruct a whole Eurasian plant from the late Miocene epoch and sheds light on the taxonomic identity of plants.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2023

The Pacific slope of Peru is greening, and this is not good news

A recent study reveals a massive section of the Andes experiencing significant greening, defying climate zone expectations. The researchers found that this area, stretching from northern Peru to northern Chile, has seen its vegetation growing significantly over the past 20 years.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalRemote Sensing·DateJul 21, 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.

Association between cervical cancer screening guidelines and preterm delivery

A study finds that additional recommended cervical cancer screenings before birth are associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery. The findings suggest that cervical cancer screening guidelines should consider the downstream implications for preterm delivery risk when weighing population-level costs against benefits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJul 21, 2023