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Science News for June 2, 2023


Synthetic DNA could help scientists modify genes and create new biofuels

Researchers from the University of Surrey investigate how protons move in Hachimoji DNA, a synthetic form of DNA not yet found in nature. They find that proton transfer happens more easily in Hachimoji DNA compared to regular DNA, suggesting potential implications for mutation rates and genetic systems.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalRSC Advances·DateJun 2, 2023

Bench-to-field study identifies pesticides that could influence Parkinson's disease

A recent study has identified 53 pesticides linked to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, with exposure to multiple chemicals combined being more toxic than any single pesticide. The researchers also found that specific pesticides can directly harm dopamine neurons, a key finding for the development of new therapeutic strategies.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 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.

Underwater forest's recovery offers hope for marine restoration across the globe

Scientists have found that 10 years of underwater seaweed forest restoration has helped a damaged ecosystem regrow to richness and strength comparable to undisturbed forests. The restored locality showed greater structural complexity, species with longer lifespans, and increased biodiversity, indicating long-term recovery.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023

Buckle up! A new class of materials is here

Researchers from the University of Amsterdam have created a new class of materials that combine stiffness with vibration-absorbing properties. These 'buckled' materials have a wide range of potential applications across various scales, from aerospace to microscale designs.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 2, 2023

AI software can provide ‘roadmap’ for biological discoveries

Researchers updated their protein localization prediction model, MULocDeep, to provide more targeted predictions for biological discoveries. The tool helps researchers design more effective experiments and advance scientific discoveries related to drug development and treating diseases like epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 2, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Immune system discovery could benefit spinal cord injuries

The study found that the immune response to spinal-cord injuries is impaired in older individuals, leading to weaker cell responses and reduced recovery. The researchers identified an essential role for the meninges surrounding the spinal cord in mounting the immune response, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateJun 2, 2023

Immunotherapy for brain cancer metastases shows clinical benefit

A phase 2 trial found that immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab had a durable antitumor effect in 24 of 57 patients with metastatic brain cancer. The study achieved its primary endpoint, with median overall survival of 8 months and seven patients surviving longer than two years.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 2, 2023

Subtle signs of fluctuations in critical point search

Researchers at RHIC's STAR Collaboration searched for evidence of a critical point in the way nuclear matter transforms from one phase to another. The study found fluctuation patterns in triton production that might help locate the critical point, a key to understanding the makeup of our universe.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 2, 2023

Results of SWOG S1929 trial show patients with small-cell lung cancer with SLFN11 expression can benefit from PARP inhibitor added to immune checkpoint blockade

A phase II trial showed that patients with extensive stage SCLC expressing the Schlafen-11 gene had significantly longer progression-free survival when treated with atezolizumab and talazoparib. The study demonstrates improved outcomes for patients with SLFN11-positive SCLC, paving the way for personalized therapy approaches.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 2, 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.

Can movie reviews predict box office success?

Researchers analyzed pre-release reviews and opening weekend box office revenue, revealing a surprising 'harbinger of failure' effect in the movie industry. The study found that positive reviews, not negative ones, signal a film's likely flop, while strong negative reviews predict success.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalMarketing Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 2, 2023

USTC realizes cryogenic integrated quantum entangled light source

Researchers at USTC successfully generated cryogenic integrated quantum entangled light sources using spontaneous four-wave mixing effect, enabling scalable quantum information applications. The study also explored noise mitigation and frequency-multiplexed energy-time entangled states.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalOptica·DateJun 2, 2023

UVA-led discovery challenges 30-year-old dogma in associative polymers research

A University of Virginia-led study challenges traditional understanding of associative polymers' behavior, revealing that reversible bonds slow down polymer movement without creating a rubbery network. This discovery has implications for materials used in sustainability, health, and engineering applications.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023

Mysterious dashes revealed in Milky Way’s center

A new population of shorter, horizontally-oriented filaments has been discovered near Sagittarius A*, the galaxy's central supermassive black hole. These filaments are thought to be tied to the outflow of hot material from the black hole, providing insights into its spin and accretion disk orientation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJun 2, 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.

Unveiling the nanoscale frontier: innovating with nanoporous model electrodes

Researchers introduced a next-generation model membrane electrode with ordered array of hollow giant carbon nanotubes, unlocking new possibilities for energy storage and electrochemical studies. The conformally carbon-coated layer exhibits vertically aligned gCNTs with nanopores ranging from 10 to 200 nm in diameter.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 2, 2023

ASCO: Targeted therapy induces responses in HER2-amplified biliary tract cancer

A Phase II trial led by MD Anderson Cancer Center showed that zanidatamab achieved a 41% confirmed objective response rate and durable responses in HER2-positive biliary tract cancer. This represents the largest study of a HER2-targeted drug in BTC, providing evidence for its potential as a new treatment option.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJun 2, 2023

Sensory adapted dental rooms significantly reduce autistic children’s physiological and behavioral stress during teeth cleanings

A new study by USC researchers shows that sensory adapted dental clinics significantly reduce autistic children's distress during teeth cleanings. The adapted environment features visual, auditory, and tactile adaptations, which lead to a decrease in behavioral and physiological stress.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 2, 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.

Spintronics at BESSY II: Domain walls in magnetic nanowires

Researchers from Spain, France, and Germany generate a single domain wall on a half metal nanowire and measure significant resistance changes. The study reveals large magnetoresistance effects in La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 nanowires, holding promise for spintronic applications.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023

Intelligent brains take longer to solve difficult problems

Researchers found that higher intelligence scores are only associated with quicker performance on simple tasks, while more difficult problems require more time and lead to better results. The brain models also showed that slower brains make fewer errors due to reduced synchrony between brain areas.

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 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.

Couples’ social networks took long-lasting hit during COVID

The study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to significant declines in face-to-face and virtual interactions among couples, particularly among lower-income and Latino/Black couples. These declines persisted even after vaccines became available and restrictions were lifted. The researchers highlight the need for public health measures t...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 2, 2023

HKUST researchers unveil long-sought noncanonical cleavage mechanism in miRNA biogenesis

The discovery of the noncanonical cleavage mechanism solves a two-decade-long mystery in molecular biology regarding the cleavage of numerous pri-miRNAs in animals. The study reveals previously unrecognized DROSHA recognition sites, which are critical for noncanonical cleavage and can also function in the canonical mechanism.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 2, 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.

AI method "DragGAN" promises to revolutionize digital image processing

DragGAN enables non-professionals to perform complex image edits with AI support, adjusting pose, gaze direction, and viewing angle. The method uses Generative Adversarial Networks to generate new images, promising simplified post-processing for AI-generated content.

SourceSaarland University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 2, 2023

Coronavirus: School closings affected parents’ work schedules

A new study by the University of Cologne and IAB found that school closures during the pandemic reduced working hours for parents due to childcare obligations. Reopening schools led to a rebound in working hours, with parents who had access to care or schooling attending work about 1.5-2 hours more per week than those without.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of European Social Policy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 2, 2023

Taming a frenzied immune system

UofL researchers, led by Jun Yan, will investigate the causes of immune system overresponse in COVID-19 patients, leading to severe lung disease and death. They aim to develop methods to predict, prevent or control this response with potential treatments for other conditions.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateJun 2, 2023

Developing technologies to reduce the cost of green hydrogen production

Researchers developed a technology to reduce platinum and iridium used in water electrolysis devices, maintaining high performance. The new design replaces precious metals with inexpensive iron nitride and reduces iridium catalyst usage to one-tenth of current levels.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateJun 2, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Hispanic women still at higher risk for births with neural tube defects after voluntary folic acid fortification of corn masa flour

A new study finds that voluntary folic acid fortification of corn masa flour products has not significantly reduced the rate of births with neural tube defects in Hispanic women. The research suggests that mandatory fortification of cereal grains is more effective in preventing these congenital defects.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalChild s Nervous System·DateJun 2, 2023

Memory killer cells can improve survival for melanoma patients

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified how memory killer cells are formed and found a correlation between their presence in cancer tissue and improved survival rates in people with melanoma. The study suggests that harnessing the potential of these cells could lead to more effective immunotherapy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023

Weigh a quasar’s galaxy with precision

A team of researchers has developed a new method to measure the mass of quasar host galaxies with unprecedented precision using strong gravitational lensing. This technique allows scientists to better understand galaxy formation and black hole development in the distant universe.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateJun 2, 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.

Protecting existing parks is as crucial for biodiversity conservation as creating new protected areas

A study by Princeton University finds that strengthening protection for existing parks is vital for safeguarding biodiversity. Enhancing existing park networks can protect essential habitats of 1191 animal species, highlighting the importance of preserving already protected areas.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 2, 2023

UTHSC researchers’ work on human pangenome aids understanding of common chromosomal abnormality

Researchers from UTHSC have made a foundational discovery about chromosome biology through their work on the first-ever human pangenome reference. The draft pangenome uses complete genome assemblies to provide a diverse look at the genetic makeup of humans, shedding light on variation in parts of the genome that could not be seen before.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center·JournalNature·DateJun 2, 2023

Genomes of 233 primate species sequenced

The study reveals new insights into primate evolution, genetic diversity, and the uniqueness of humans. It also highlights the importance of preserving primate species due to high genetic diversity, which enables adaptation to changing environments.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalScience·DateJun 2, 2023

Multiple sclerosis more prevalent in Black Americans than previously thought

A new study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that multiple sclerosis is more prevalent in Black Americans than once thought, with the disease also affecting Northern regions of the US. The study's findings have significant implications for public policy and resource allocation towards historically under-represented populations.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 2, 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.

BRAIN LOGISTICS: Missing link explains mRNA delivery in brain cells

Researchers discovered a protein complex called FERRY that plays a crucial role in transporting messenger RNA in neurons. The study provided evidence of the transport of mRNA using Early Endosomes (EEs) and a novel mode of binding RNA via coiled-coil domains.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023

Children with drug-resistant epilepsy live longer after cranial surgery

A large retrospective study found that children with drug-resistant epilepsy who underwent cranial surgery lived significantly longer than those treated only with antiseizure medications. The study also highlighted disparities in access to epilepsy surgery, with white, privately insured children more likely to receive surgical treatment.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateJun 2, 2023

Reentry services may help stabilize substance use risks after mass prison release

A Rutgers study found that reentry services helped reduce the risk of overdose and death related to substance use disorder after a large-scale prison release in New Jersey. Researchers attribute this finding to the state's robust reentry supports for incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 2, 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.

Eventually everything will evaporate, not only black holes

Researchers confirm Stephen Hawking's theory that black holes will eventually evaporate through Hawking radiation. New findings suggest gravity and spacetime curvature cause this radiation, affecting all large objects in the universe.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalPhysical Review·DateJun 2, 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.